Taite Klumb makes history in 14-and-under Class B state tournament

Branden Hull, The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
·2 min read

Jul. 30—FREEMAN — Mount Vernon-Plankinton finished fifth in the South Dakota VFW 14-and-under Class B state tournament, but the story behind the entire tournament was Taite Klumb's unreal performance.

Klumb, an Ethan native, batted 1.000, hit one home-run in each tournament game and was intentionally walked three times, all a record amongst the tournament at the 14-and-under level.

Head coach Zach Harter said Klumb has confidence radiating throughout his body right now.

"He's always been one of those guys that's a game changer and when a guy plays like that in a state tournament, you have to play him all the time now," Harter said. "He's a really good kid and a great leader and he's going to the plate with a lot of confidence right now."

Klumb was walked five times in 14 plate appearances in the tournament.

"I'm not used to it yet," Klumb said about being walked at the plate.

Harter said they made adjustments mid-season that has helped Klumb's time at the plate.

"We stood him up tall and kind of helped get his hands through and bat head through the zone a lot quicker," Harter said. "He just has an incredible way of getting bat speed generated at a very short amount of time."

Throughout the season, Klumb has played either shortstop or center field in the 14-and-under and 16-and-under division.

"I don't care which position I play, I like both," Klumb said.

Klumb played for Ethan in the 8-and-under and 12-and-under divisions, but is now with the MVP due to Ethan not having a 14 or 16-and-under team.

With the competition playing Klumb differently when it counts, Harter said it's just a matter of getting him more reps in practice and that will help him develop going forward.