The Brandon Parkland Juniors represented Manitoba in Junior Championships three consecutive years. They were finalists in 1965 and 1966 in the Western Canadian Championships. In 1967, the team won the Canadian Junior Championship in Saskatoon. During the championship, their record, included victories over Saskatchewan (WP-Russ Reid), Alberta (WP- Mark Fisher), Ontario (WP-Grant Everard, and Mel Smith three run HR) and North Battleford (WP- Mark Fisher). Tournament all-stars included outfielders Marv Robinson, Mel Smith, Bill Fariburn, and pitcher & MVP Mark Fisher. Nine players were three year members of the team

This team, comprised of players from the small village of Kaleida and surrounding area was formed to create an opportunity for local residents to play close to home as opposed to neighbouring towns. Previously in the 20’s & 40’s the community had a strong baseball team. An interesting fact is that during the 1974-78 period, they had no home diamond. They played their home games in Manitou. Kaleida was dominant during this era and were Border League Champions four out of five years (1974, 75, 76, 78) placing second the other year. In the 1978 season, this team won seven tournaments in southern Manitoba. In that year, they had someone named the 1st and 2nd league all-star team at nine positions. In this period, the team won 20 tournaments and played 220 games. At one time, the team included 5 Edward’s, 5 Clayton’s, 3-Pearce’s and 2- Seward’s.

Led by Hall of Farmers Roy Cuthill (Manager), Dale Lowes (Catcher), Wayne Poole (First Base) and Sam Jamieson (Shortstop), McAuley had a .599 winning percentage in 21 years (1973-1993) in the Manitoba Senior Baseball League. Record held by the team included: 1975 least runs allowed in 21 game season (56), 1976 most games won by pennant winner (23) and most consecutive innings not scored on (42). The team finished first in their division in 1974, 75, and 76. In 1975, the players hosted three games in the Canadian Baseball champions and were runners up in 1976. In 1977, the players hosted three games in the Canadian Championships as well as the Korean touring team. The Blazers excelled in tournament baseball winning the Birtle (2), Belmont International (2), Kenosee (5) and St. Lazare (several) tournaments.

Roland Minor Baseball in the mid 1960’s. 1970-75 Carman Goldeyes Junior team Centre fielder, winning several Provincial Junior Championships. 1976-1989 played centre field for the Goldeyes Senior team. Nicknamed Billy “White Shoes” or “Whitey” and was known for his gracefulness and made all the plays look easy. Perennial All Star out in centre field. Consistently among league leaders in batting average and home runs in the Redboine Senior Baseball League. Voted team MVP of Carman Goldeyes on numerous occasions. Played against touring national teams from Japan, Korea, and Canada’s national team. Played on the Manitoba Intermediate Border League Championship Team that gold in Alberta.

 

Bill Whitehead Newspaper Article 1971

Bill Whitehead Newspaper Article 1972

Bill Whitehead Newspaper Article 1972 (2)

Bill Whitehead Newspaper Article 1974

Bill Whitehead Newspaper Article 1974 (2)

Bill Whitehead Newspaper Article 1975

These newspaper articles belong to the University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, Winnipeg Tribune Collection

Member of 1924 Provincial Juvenile Champions Elmwood Giants. Catcher and Captain of the Provincial Champion Junior Giants in 1925 and 1927. 1927 team played undefeated baseball. Catcher for the Elks of the popular Winnipeg Wesley Senior League from 1928-1934. Provincial Champions 1928 and 1929. 1934-39 player/manager of the Norwood team in the Greater Winnipeg Senior League. After WWII Alex played a major role in the reforming of the Giants Organization, Serving as president for a number of years and was instrumental in getting the Giants Senior team into the Winnipeg Senior League in 1947, the Manitoba Senior League in 1949 and the Mandak League in 1950.

 

Alex Turk Newspaper Article 1929

Alex Turk Newspaper Article 1932

Alex Turk Newspaper Article 1935

These articles are gathered from University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, Winnipeg Tribune Collection

1940-50 junior and senior ball in Nesbitt. 1951-60 played with Riverside in South Central League. 1961-72 played with Riverside in Manitoba Senior Baseball League. 1968 Riverside won Manitoba and Western Canada Championships, batting average of .329 and on-base percentage of .458 during season. 1965 and 1968 first team MSBL All Star. Coached Riverside Jr., Wawanesa and Glenboro in SC League. Coached South Central League All-Stars in 4 of 6 Western Canadians (1975-80), winning silver medals at Westerns located in Zarr, AB. Played, coached and umpired for 35 years.

 

Wes Rathwell Newspaper Article

These articles are gathered from University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, Winnipeg Tribune Collection

Consistent All Star at Kirkfield-Westwood minor ball. 1980-85 member of the St. James A’s. 4x League All Star. 1982 Pitcher of the year with a record of 10-1. 1983 All Star first baseman at the Western Canadian Championships in North Battleford. 2nd place finish. Attended George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon on a baseball scholarship from 1981-84. 1984 and 1985 member of the St. James A’s in the Redbione League. 2 All Star years with the London. Royals in the SW Ontario League. 1988-90 Gross Isle Blue Jays member and All Star. Between 1974 and 1983 played in 10 consecutive provincial. championships and played with Team Manitoba at the Canada Games in 1981. Manitoba Youth team coach in 1989 and 1997, winning bronze in 1989. Involved in coaching and administration in baseball.

Began baseball career with Elmwood Giants (1989). 1991 member of the Manitoba Youth Team. 1992 Provincial Champion with the Giants Juniors, Batting Champion and Rookie of the Year. Baseball Scholarship to Boone College, Iowa. Member of 1993 Canada Games Team. Attended National Baseball Institute in Surrey , B.C. in 1993. Drafted and signed by the Minnesota Twins in 1994 and assigned to Elizabethan in the Gulf Coast League. Began Major League career in 1998 with the Twins, playing third base. Member of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005, and the Milwaukee Brewers in 2006. 9 total Major League seasons, playing in 989 games, amassing 3399 at bats and posted a lifetime batting average of .275. In 2001 with the Minnesota Twins, he hit 26 home runs, had103 Runs Batted In, and stole 27 bases. 1999 and 2001 Male Athlete of the Year named by the Manitoba Sportscasters Association. Member of the 2009 Canadian World Baseball Classic team.

Began baseball career in the 1973 Little League Canadian Western Championships. Member of the 1980 Carman Goldeyes Junior team. 1981 and 1982 member of the Provincial all star team. Appeared in the Canadian championships in 1981 and 1982 as part of a provincial all star team. 20 year career with the Morden Mohawks. Border League Rookie of the Year. Border League Batting Champion in 1982, 1987, 1988 & 1989. 3x Border League MVP. 15x Border League All Star. 13x Border League Champion as part of the Morden Mohawks. He was also a very good pitcher, striking out more than 1,000 batters during his time on the mound. Presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 1993 Western Canadian Championships. Selected as Baseball Manitoba’s Intermediate player of the year in 1993.

4 years with Roblin semi pro Man-Sask League. 9 years in Polar League with Flin Flon (Ostrys, Kullbergs, Centrals, Ross Stylers). Winning pitcher and hit home run as member of Roblin vs. touring Cuban All Stars in the finals at Rosetown winning $1000. Outstanding pitcher with great control. Two fingered knuckle-ball specialist. 9 years with Flin Flon in the Polar League. Flin Flon junior league batting crown (.511). Undisputed Top Pitcher title with the Aces.

 

Lee Fisher Newspaper Article 1961

These articles are gathered from University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, Winnipeg Tribune Collection