Coach Messer played American Legion baseball in Rapid City, South Dakota from 1993-1997. Rapid City won state and regional championships in 1995 & 1996 earning back to back trips to the American Legion World Series. In the spring of 1998 Mitch played left field for South Dakota State. In the fall of 1998 he transferred to Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa who made it to their first Conference championship game. Mitch finished his collegiate career at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.

In the spring of 2001, he coached the junior varsity Post 15 East team in Sioux Falls, SD where they finished state runner-up. In the spring of 2002, he coached the Sioux Falls O’Gorman High School team to their first state tournament appearance. In the fall of 2002 Mitch was chosen by the Bitterroot Bucs as their Manager for the 2003 and 2004 seasons. They won a record-breaking 50 games and finished second at the State A American Legion baseball tournament in 2003.

 From 2006-2009 Messer led the Bozeman American Legion program to a 201-75 record and the programs first ever State Championship in 2007.  He was named Montana American Legion Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2009. In his 4 year tenure in Bozeman, Messer’s teams averaged .351 at the plate.

 During the fall seasons of 2003-2009, he served as Head Coach for the Big Sky Baseball team.

 He and his wife Jacey, daughter Morgen (age 2) have recently moved back to Rapid City.  Jacey works for Wheeler Manufacturing as a Product Designer.