Steve ‘Rabbit’ Rabine, Player, San Antonio, TX
Steve Rabine, who grew up in the Strandburg/Revillo area, started his playing career in Watertown, SD in 1963, playing with the Hi-way Sign Company team. In 1969 Steve moved to Aberdeen and played with the Aberdeen Merchants through 1977 when they changed sponsors to Dahme Construction and played until 1985. Steve’s teams were the league champions in Aberdeen every year he played, from 1969 through 1985.
Steve’s teams won over 550 games and the Rabbit had over 350 wins on the mound. He hit well over .300 for his career while pitching and playing outfield, 1st, and 3rd base. Steve threw 12 no-hitters in his career. At the plate, he had an amazing 62 games where he hit 2 more home runs in fastpitch softball. Steve was named the 1973 State Tournament MVP.
In 1980 Steve led Dahme’s to a state AA (Major) title win over Sioux Falls power Nite City Disco in the championship game. Steve pitched 2 wins in the tournament, hit in the 3 spot, and ran down balls in the outfield.
2019 Hall of Famer Pitcher John Burchill “Although we were always on opposite teams, Steve, or ‘Rabbit” as he was known for his speed, was very athletic. He could beat you on the mound, playing defense, beating out a bunt in the infield, or park a couple over the fence.”
1992 Hall of Fame Umpire Ace Boschee “When asked to name a premier player in my years of umpiring, the ‘Rabbit’ Steve Rabine name always comes up. He was the most complete player we had in the area. He played infield or outfield and was a very effective pitcher. Hit with both power and average. He had great speed running the bases or playing defense. In the years of umpiring Steve, I do not remember him ever arguing a call.”
Ace continues “My fondest memory was in the 1973 State Tournament. Steve came up with 2 outs, two men on and down by one run late in the game. They decided to walk Steve as he was having a great tournament. The pitcher screwed up and got one a little too close to the plate, Steve reached out and hit connected for a 3-run shot, which ended up being the game-winning run.”
Nominator Steve Stein "As a teammate of Steve Rabine, in my mind I can definitely say there is nobody who played softball in the '60s, '70s, and early '80s that was a more complete player than Steve. Not only am I proud to have been a team of Steve's, but I am equally proud to be able to nominate the "Rabbit" for the Hall of Fame.
Steve Rabine, congratulations on becoming a member of the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame Class of 2023, now and forever.
To buy tickets to the induction ceremony
The 2023 USA Softball of SD Hall of Fame Banquet and Award Ceremony are scheduled for Saturday, October 14th at the Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Please contact the hotel for rooms at 605-339-2000, ask for "In-House Reservations" and then the Softball Hall of Fame block of rooms for room reservations. The block will be held until September 5th, after that date the rooms will be released.
We are cordially inviting you to join us in honoring this year's inductees:
RICH SKORHEIM – Miller – Umpire
CHUCK BUCHHEIM - Sioux Falls - Umpire
STEVE RABINE – San Antonio - Player
KEN WALTNER – Sioux Falls – Player (Deceased)
The evening agenda:
5:00 -- 6:00 Open social hour (cash bar)
6:00- Picture taking of Inductees and Current Hall of Fame Members
6:30 - Banquet, Induction Ceremony and Celebration
PLEASE CONTACT BY 10/9/2023 THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING THE BANQUET IN YOUR PARTY!
We ask that you, your family, and your friends please make your reservations through Mike Dykstra by October 9th. Mike’s contact information is listed below. You may call, text, or email your ticket information so Mike knows the number of people attending so that we can check them in at the door. We must have reservations for the banquet, as we are required to give a 100% guarantee to the hotel. Banquet tickets are $40.00.
A block of rooms is reserved under the Softball Hall of Fame. Please make your room reservations by September 5th. Please contact the hotel directly at 605-339-2000, ask for the Softball Hall of Fame block. After September 5, the rooms will be released.
We have a fun-filled evening planned and I hope you can join us. If you are unable to be with us, we would appreciate your thoughts and continued support in the promotion of our Hall of Fame.
Sincerely, Mike Dykstra
USA Softball of South Dakota Hall of Fame Banquet Chairman
4101 S Judy Ave
Sioux Falls SD 57103
605-212-3139
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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----- USA Softball of South Dakota State Commissioner |
