Dave Sigfrids has been coaching for almost 45 years, starting with his first son playing little league baseball. Sigfrids has coached baseball, football, basketball, softball he has experiences as a goalie for Duluth Cathedral back in the late 70’s.
Sigfrids started playing baseball very young starting by playing catch with his dad. He played a year with the Superior Blues. Sigfrids’ knowledge has stemmed from his dad, who taught him to respect the game, coaches, and teammates.
Sigfrids did not play high school baseball due to his family not having a lot of money. At the age of 16, he had to work to have money for himself. He worked at Al’s IGA on Belknap after school stocking shelves and cleaning floors. He got that job through the DECA program at Superior Senior High School. He also received high school credit for his job at Al’s.
At 16, his friend’s dad had a slow pitch softball team that was short on players in the Duluth league. He asked Sigfrids to play with them on evenings that he was available, and now at 67 years old, he is still playing games.
This spring, he played 60+ softball games in Fort Myers, FL in March, and plans to go back next spring to play more.
“I have been lucky to play the game I love and have played in 20 or so national tournaments all over the nation and also played in Canada. My best time was playing in Shanghai, China with my son and his team in a tournament. I have played with some of the best players in the world on 10 different state championship teams in both Minnesota and Wisconsin,” Sigfrids recounted.
No doubt in his mind, his happiest moment in coaching was watching the high school girls beat Stevens Point Area High School in Marshfield, Wisc. to win the sectional and to make it to the 2022 state tournament.
“It gave me more happiness in my heart that I can’t explain. The main thing I try to bring to the game is fun and explaining to the kids is this is a game and games should be fun. I call all of them ‘my kids’ because in my heart they are”, Sigfrids shared.
He sees success in the girls when they learn that they can do anything in life even if softball is the springboard to success.
“The thing I enjoy about coaching is getting to know the kids and watching them grow,” Sigfrids said.
Sigfrids never just watches a game, he watches the game to analyze it. He sees what he can take away from watching others and what he already knows about the game.
“I believe that a team is players, coaches and managers make a team and if you are a part of one you never lose,” Sigfrids said.
Sigfrids sees himself still coaching softball and doing a lot more umpiring, because he can coach the kids while they play.
“My hope is to pass on the joy and happiness that the game has given me”, Sigfrids said.
Sigfrids thrives off of coaching and sharing his knowledge with the younger generation. He has found his way to stay in the game by being a volunteer coach and traveling to ump games. He leaves an impact on anyone he coaches or is behind the plate with.
