Gassman: Forget Politics; Let's Play Ball!

So that's why he didn't file for re-election: District 8 Representative Dave Gassman (D-Canova) is making a run at pro baseball!

O.K., so KELO is just messing with us. Gassman did sign a contract with the Sioux Falls Canaries today, but he's slated to be one of the Birds for just one night. The Canaries travel to Mitchell's Caldwell Park to face DWU in an exhibition game. SD Amateur Hall of Famer Gassman is scheduled to face just one batter.

Gassman says he's doing it just for love of the game and the Canaries:

"It means an opportunity I never had for one thing. And I've always enjoyed the Canaries and coming down here and watching ballgames. And to be a part of that for a day is a great thrill for me" [reported by Tony Burns, "Gassman Signs with Canaries," KELOLand.com, 2008.04.25].

Asked to predict his performance, Gassman plays the primary expectiations game: he sees he'll be lucky if his fastball clocks in higher than the game-time temperature. Current weather forecast: 52 degrees; Dave's fastball forecast: "I'll be lucky to get her to 60 or 65."

But hey, a spring evening, baseball,... the snow might even be gone by then. What could be better? Give 'em heck, Dave, right up the middle!