Dale Bigger

Career Overview

Dale Bigger served the sport of beep baseball from 1989 through 2008 as one of Topeka’s most dedicated and reliable volunteers. A native of Topeka, Kansas, Dale was an all around contributor who filled whatever role was needed, including umpire, driver, head coach, and tournament organizer.

Over a span of 25 years, he was a key helper in the long running Topeka Tournament and a steady presence in the Kansas beep baseball community. Even when he did not travel to every World Series, he remained actively involved at the local level each season.

He worked with the Topeka Gofors from 1989 through 1996, again in 1998 and 1999, managed Topeka Gofors II as head coach in 1997, and served as a primary spotter for the Kansas All Stars from 2002 through 2008.

World Series Top Spotter Recognition

Dale earned multiple Top Spotter honors at the NBBA World Series.

• 2002 with Tom Rak, 3 wins and 2 losses in the Championship Bracket
• 2005 with Karen Zamora, 7 wins and 2 losses, finished 2nd
• 2008 with Karen Zamora, 2nd Place finish

From 2002 through 2008, the Kansas All Stars compiled a 34 and 13 World Series record, a .723 winning percentage. This run included the 2007 NBBA Championship with a perfect 7 and 0 record, along with three second place finishes. Strong defensive execution and disciplined spotting were central to that success, and Dale played a key role in that consistency.

Defensive Impact

During Dale’s tenure as one of the main spotters for the Kansas All Stars, several players earned World Series Defensive All Star recognition.

• 2002 Steve Stambaugh, MVP, 25 putouts, 5.00 putout average
• 2003 Steve Stambaugh, 30 putouts, 7.5 putout average
• 2007 Eric Mazariegos, 42 putouts, 7.00 putout average
• 2008 Danny Foppiano, 31 putouts, 4.429 putout average

All three athletes were named to the NBBA Top 30 Players 30/30 All Time Team and are members of the NBBA Hall of Fame.

Tournament Honors

Dale also earned Top Spotter recognition at major tournaments.

2004 Cleveland Classic

2006 Oklahoma City

Leadership and Service

Dale exemplified the spirit of volunteerism that sustains beep baseball. On one occasion, he assembled a group of sighted friends to ensure that a Topeka Tournament could field a sixth team. In 1997, he managed Topeka Gofors II so local athletes could experience the opportunity to compete in the World Series in front of family and supporters.

He consistently stepped forward wherever needed, helping ensure that teams had structure, support, and competitive opportunities.

Legacy

Dale Bigger represents the invaluable role of sighted volunteers in beep baseball. His leadership as a spotter, coach, umpire, and organizer helped power one of the most successful stretches in Kansas All Stars history and sustained the Topeka program for decades.

His dedication, adaptability, and quiet commitment to the athletes and the game reflect the very foundation upon which beep baseball continues to thrive.