Longtime Tea resident Larry Bendt inducted into Lennox Legion Baseball Hall of Fame

Longtime Tea resident Larry Bendt was honored Saturday, June 27, as a member of the inaugural Lennox American Legion Brethost Burma Post 174 Baseball Hall of Fame class, recognizing his decades of dedication to American Legion Baseball.

Bendt, who now resides in Sioux Falls, was among six honorees recognized during a ceremony held between games of a Legion Baseball doubleheader. The Hall of Fame was established to recognize the individuals and teams whose dedication, leadership and commitment helped build and sustain the Lennox American Legion Baseball program for generations of local athletes.

A longtime coach and mentor, Bendt’s induction celebrates the lasting impact he made on countless players throughout his years with the program.

Bendt noted that without his wife’s Joyce help, he wouldn’t have been able to do it — noting she did all the books and helped in so many other ways. 

Joining Bendt in the inaugural Hall of Fame class were longtime coach John Kirchner; longtime American Legion leaders Earl Van Ningen and Arlin Rops; standout player Marvin “Mike” Poppens; and the legendary 1953 Lennox Legion Baseball team.

Bendt and Kirchner were present to accept their Hall of Fame plaques, while family members accepted the honors on behalf of the late Earl Van Ningen, Arlin Rops and Marvin “Mike” Poppens.

Three members of the celebrated 1953 championship team—Cortland Carnes, Robert Jibben and Lloyd Stack—also attended the ceremony to accept the team’s recognition. The 1953 squad captured the State B Legion Baseball Championship before defeating Class A champion Aberdeen to claim the overall South Dakota Legion Baseball State Championship, cementing its place as one of the greatest teams in Lennox baseball history.

The Hall of Fame ceremony recognized the countless hours of service given by coaches, volunteers, players and Legion members whose dedication established a tradition that continues today. Hall of Fame plaques will be permanently displayed at the Lennox American Legion.

Bendt is pictured above with family members.