The 2023 season has officially come to an end. The Bismarck Larks finished 26-41, and although they did not make the playoffs, our seventh season was one of our best yet, thanks to what we were able to do at the ballpark with all of you!

Our Las Vegas-themed season had so many highlights, from three walk-off winners, to the rebrand of the summer, to taking home the first-ever Dakota Dust-up Rivalry Series, to hosting our first-ever All-Star Game the Larks did it all this summer, and it was all thanks to you amazing fans. Bismarck Municipal Ballpark hosted over 75,000 yellow bird fans in 2023, and we can’t thank you all enough for coming out to show your support!

Some of our most successful nights on the field came during our specialty jersey nights. When the Larks wore these unique jerseys, they won three of four games, including coming back from a four-run deficit on Missouri River Motorboaters night to defeat the Rochester Honkers. 

Speaking of Motorboaters, we still can’t get over the fact that you all helped us sell out our new merchandise in the first FOUR HOURS! We never imagined changing our team name for just a day would have such a huge impact, and the Larks can’t thank you all enough for being a huge part of our success.

This season, North Dakota was introduced to its hottest new baseball rivalry ever. The Larks took on their newly founded rivals up north, the Minot Hot Tots, 12 times this summer in the first-ever Dakota Dust-up Rivalry Series, and Bismarck dominated, winning the first six contests between the two, finishing 9-3 against the Tots, and taking home the Dakota Dust-up trophy in 2023.

Not only did the Larks have success against the Hot Tots, but on the biggest stage in the Northwoods League. Bismarck Municipal Ballpark hosted the first ever Great Plains Home Run Challenge and All-Star Game that saw the Plains’ best come north to the Capital City. The Larks had two players participate in the Home Run Challenge, as Benjamin Rosengard and Jack Herring both blasted two home runs each during their rounds. Jack Herring also became the first player in Northwoods League history to hit from both sides of the plate during the Challenge. During the All-Star game, Benjamin Rosengard started at shortstop for the West Division, and reliever Brad Helton came in from the bullpen in front of the hometown faithful and was only one of two West pitchers to have a perfect outing. The ballpark was rocking all night long, and we thank all you fans for making our first All-Star Game so amazing.

On the final day of the season, the near impossible happened. Justin Goldstein, Bismarck’s closer, got the start in center field. In the fourth inning, Goldstein broke for home and slid in head first safely to steal home for just the second time in three years in Bismarck. He also helped a family win 20,000 dollars towards a new home.

Finally, Larks’ shortstop Benjamin Rosengard won the second-ever “Lark of the Year” Award. Which is given to the Larks player that displays both athletic excellence on the field and exemplary service and character off the field. Benjamin was a role model, leader, and tone-setter all season long and was well deserving of the award!

Larks fans, thank you! You were incredible all summer long, and we couldn’t have done it without you. We may have had magical moments on the field, but you made them even more special. We can’t wait to see you next year! As always, Viva Los Larks!