Players of the Selz fast picch softball team pictured beginning from left to right, Walter Krenzel, Merline Gjoke, Edward Schneider, Pius Rickhter, Adam Richter, back row: Leo Thomas, Victor Bartch, Walter Kraft, Carroll Bjokre, Joe Liebhon, Ernest Kunnaz not present. The photo was taken by Father Othmar Stienhart of Selz St. Anthony Church. He was a staunch supporter of the team and at times would adjust the service of Church mass so that his parishioners service of Church mass so that his parishioners could attend and support their team or ÒBoys.Ó Others who were on the roster at various times were Victor Zerr, Adam Leintz, John Richter, Leonard Volk, Pius Krenzel, Adam Keller, Ray Martel, Donald Johnson, Adam Kline, Walter Bachmeier, John Bachmeier, Sparky Thompson, Duane Berenger, Donald Keller, and others.
The team began while a Peavey Elevator repair crew spent time in Selz. Among the crew were some young experienced ball players from the Fargo- Moorhead and Lake Pak, Minn. Areas. They along with some other young men full of spit and vinegar were asked to play in a fast pitch tournament being played in Harvey by promoters Marvin Theige, Sparky Thompson, and Bushy Hirshkorn. Carroll Bjorke served a temporary manager. The team responded and enjoyed the competition of fast pitch.
A completely local fast pitch team was encouraged to organize the following year by men who had played during the 30's representing Selz- Wellsburg. These men were Anton Ziegler, Frank Kunnanz, Pete Richter, Joe A. Kller, and Joe Richter and others. Frank Kunnanz and Joe A Keller often served as plate and base umpires for the games along with Anton Richter of Selz. Aton Ziegler was instrumental in developing a fast pitch pitcher within the team. Mr.Ziegler had been a fast pitcher who threw a wicked Ò side armÓ ball which befuddled would be batters. Among some, his delivery was illegal because he released the ball away and above the waist at times. Many boys tried but John and Pius Richter proved better at controlling and delivery of a respectable pitch. Finally Pius Richter was chosen as the main pitcher and as the team and pitcher gained experience and confidence they were a team with which others respected. They played in the local fast pitch league at Harvey and scheduled games with Rugby, Devils Lake, Minot, Riverdale, Wellsburg, Heimdal, Maddock, and others. They regularly participated in fast pitch tournaments at Minot and Bismarck.
Carroll Bjorke was chosen to serve as manager of the team and served until 1956 when college studies required his time. It was capably managed then by Pius Krenzel. Carroll Bjorke was elected Presiden of the North Dakota Class B. Softball Association in 1955, a position he held for two years. The team was honored by his election. Pius Richter went on to pitch for several other area teams after the disbanding of the Selz team and was well respected on the pitcher's mound.
Team support from the community was excellent. A playing diamond was prepared on an area that had served as a site for government grain bins and backstops were built with volunteer help and materials. A stand was erected and the Pierce County South End Homemakers Club provided lunch, coffee and pop for the spectators, teams, and fans. A four- team tournament grew to an eight team tournament which was held annually. These events were well attended and team entries were quickly placed.
There were a number of special occasions but one even had the Minot Air Force Base fast pitch softball team scheduled for a Sunday afternoon. The team didn't appear at the scheduled time as Base personnel thought Selz was a Harvey team and they didn't know where ÒSelzÓ was. The finally corrected their geography and arrived about one half hour late with two large bus loads of players, families and fans. They had brought two entire teams down. This was the first time that many of the local people had ever seen Black and Asian players in Selz and they were impressed with the skill, equipment, and discipline of the base teams. The teams were classy but Selz gave them good games much to the local spectator's enjoyment.
After the games, the officers in charge thanked the manager and team for their efforts and welcomed the Selz team to play a return match anytime we could at Minot Air Force Base. They were greatly impressed by the warmth and hospitality the Selz people and players had given their teams. They found it equally impressive that you could see the whole village from the ball diamond and yet receive such support as the Base team had. The lunch stand sold out that day and some of the Minot families enjoyed picnic lunches on the school grounds which had been neatly trimmed. It was tremendous public relations for both the Base and the Selz community.
