DWU BASEBALL HONORED NUMBERS

#2 REED HARTER & #27 CHANDLER "CHUCK" BAKLEY

Dakota Wesleyan Baseball has two designated numbers of honor that are reserved for team captains every season, #2 and #27, which is a tradition that began in the onset of the 2026 campaign. The numbers are in honor of Reed Harter, number two, and Chandler "Chuck" Bakley, number 27, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Friday, January 16th, 2026.

Reed was a former all GPAC player and current coach of the Tiger baseball team. He had a lasting impact on everyone involved. His loss is felt daily. Coach Harter loved Tiger baseball game days. Chuck was an active alumni and friend of the program. Although he was not with the program daily, his support was felt at alumni activities, fundraisers, and home games. He was a former player and coach for the Tiger baseball program, and he helped the current coaching staff find their place at DWU.

Reed is survived by his wife Mikayla Harter and Mr. Binx (their cat), Mitchell, SD; his parents, Sally and Ferman Harter, Colome, SD; his brothers, Toby (Blakley) Harter, Grand Forks, ND; Zachary (Alissa) Harter and his niece Wrenly Rae, Elk Point, SD; his in-laws Bruce and Jodi Heirigs, Irene, SD; Christopher Heirigs, Tacoma, WA; Skyler Heirigs, Irene, SD; many aunts, uncles and several cousins; baseball family; and a large circle of friends. Surviving Chandler is his wife, Angie; parents Mike and Sherry; brother Jordon, wife Noelle, and their children Teagan, Reid, and Maisyn; brother Tyler and wife Anna; sister Erica; and grandmothers Jean Bakley and Toni Milk.

Chuck and Reed both left a lasting impression on the program. They were leaders who cared about the team first and competed with their full heart. They both represent the best of the Tiger Baseball family, and their memory will continue, for the way they treated people, respected the game, and led with genuine care for all their teammates. These great young men will truly be missed by all those fortunate to know them.

In working with the families, DWU baseball has decided to not retire their numbers 2 and 27. Rather, these numbers are officially dedicated as numbers of honor to be worn in the program. Number 2 and 27 will be reserved only for captains of the Tiger Baseball team. Captains are voted on by the team every year, and the top vote getters will receive the honor of wearing 2 or 27. DWU baseball will also set up a trust to give away a Reed Harter and Chuck Bakley scholarship every year to a deserving Tiger Baseball player. The initial fundraiser was donated by Bruce Heirigs, the father of Mikayla Harter. Ask at the concession stand if you would like to donate to this scholarship. Their numbers will have a permanent spot on the Tiger baseball field alongside retired number 5, Shawn Sandoval.

HISTORICAL RECIPIENTS - REED HARTER & CHUCK BAKLEY SCHOLARSHIP