Ernie O’Dowda

Builder
Written By Karina Bueckert

  • BIRTHPLACE Winnipeg, MB

  • BORN July 1, 1968

  • INDUCTED 2017

Ernie O’Dowda was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 22, 1916. O’Dowda was a prominent and vital figure in Manitoba baseball for multiple decades. He ran the Red River Valley Little League in Elmwood and East Kildonan with Alex Irvin from 1952-55, before forming the Little Canadian Baseball Association (LCBA) in the East Kildonan and Elmwood areas in 1956. In this association, O’Dowda served as Secretary Treasurer. In 1958, the LCBA expanded to include all of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario. Shortly after, the first LCBA All-Stars Tournament took place. In 1973, O’Dowda was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Association Honour Society, and in 1976 he received a Sports Federation award. O’Dowda was president of Kelvin Community Centre for 27 years and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame as a lacrosse player in 1987.

Karina Bueckert
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