Article: Patriotic baseball a hit in South Dakota: VFW'S Department of South Dakota will hold its 44th annual baseball tournament for players age 13 through 16 this summer. Passion for America's pastime and deep respect for the nation's ideals will be on full display.(Veterans of Foreign Wars)

Patriotic fans at South Dakota's annual VFW Baseball Tournament this year won't be disappointed. As is customary at most sporting events, the national anthem is played before each game. But in South Dakota, VFW goes one step further: It may be the only baseball tournament in America where the Pledge of Allegiance--led by a VFW member at home plate--is recited before each game.

"If they play in our tournament, then they have to play under our rules," said Rick W. Barg, adjutant/quartermaster for the Department of South Dakota. "We don't mess around with disrespect for the flag."

Barg noted that three years ago a team was disqualified for not adhering to ...

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