West Fargo Baseball Honors Landon Solberg’s Legacy at Strike Out Cancer Event
WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A baseball game in West Fargo is making an impact far beyond the field.
West Fargo Sheyenne High School hosted its annual Strike Out Cancer event, honoring former student Landon Solberg while raising money for families battling cancer. While the scoreboard still mattered, the meaning behind each pitch and swing carried much more weight.
Landon would have been a senior this spring. Instead, on Wednesday, his legacy was front and center.
At Sheyenne, it was about more than just baseball as the Mustangs and the West Fargo Packers stepped up to the plate for a cause bigger than the game.
“We’re so grateful to Sheyenne and the West Fargo Packers for bringing us out to support cancer with their Strike Out Cancer game,” said Landon’s Light Foundation Executive Director Julie Christianson. “The crowds have been great. Even during the school day, we see students coming over between classes. It’s just an all-around great afternoon, and we get to feature the family, which makes it even more special.”
For the players, especially the seniors, the game hits close to home. Landon would have been in their class, a constant reminder of why events like this matter.
“It just means a lot, obviously, trying to help other families,” said senior pitcher and first baseman Hudson Dinger. “I don’t know what they’re going through, and it’s obviously a lot. So anything we can do to try and make it easier on them means everything. I didn’t know him personally, but I had a lot of friends who did. Knowing that he could have been out there with us, it stinks. But it’s awesome they set this up to help other families, and we’re just excited to be part of it.”
This marks the third year Sheyenne baseball has hosted the Strike Out Cancer game, continuing to celebrate a life defined by faith, kindness and unwavering strength. Though Landon lost his battle with cancer in 2019, his story continues to inspire.
“I think he’s smiling down, and he wouldn’t believe what this has turned into,” Christianson said. “One small idea and one strong heart can lead to so many amazing things. It’s windy today, but the sun is shining just like it does at every event that honors his legacy. He’s so proud of what his parents have built and what this community has done.”
Before the game, Landon’s younger brother Griffin and his 9U baseball team joined the Mustangs on the field for introductions—an emotional moment connecting family, teammates and community.
Landon’s Light Foundation set a goal of raising $2,000 during the event, with proceeds going toward creating “miracle moments” for children battling cancer.
“The money we raise goes right back into our mission—supporting these kids on journeys they never expected,” Christianson said. “We’re so grateful for this community and for the kids who get to come out and play. It’s truly amazing.”
The event is one of several hosted by Landon’s Light each year, including outdoor volleyball games held in September.
On the field, West Fargo picked up a pair of wins, taking game one 2-1 and game two 1-0. But for everyone involved, the biggest victory came from continuing a legacy that reaches far beyond baseball.
For info to donate and more on the foundation, please visit : https://landonslight.org/support-us/
