Born October 12, 1908, in Mather, Manitoba and passed away on July 5, 1982, in Winnipeg.
Played sports until age twenty-one until he had to have one of his legs partially amputated.
Moved to Steinbach in 1946 and advocated for organized youth sport in a community that was not convinced organized sport was good for their youth.
In Steinbach, he organized the construction of a hockey rink, now known as the T.G. Smith Arena.
In the mid 1950’s, Thomas organized little league baseball and in 1955 the league had three teams. By 1966, the league had double the number of teams and was continuing to grow.
Thomas coached, organized fundraisers, drove to tournaments and out of town games, and constantly reinforced the values of sportsmanship.
By 1968, when he retired from baseball, Steinbach’s little league program was thriving and some of his former players were members of successful teams within Manitoba.
The reputation and legacy that Thomas left in Steinbach continues to this day and is evident within the community.
Played with Team Manitoba in 1989 at the National Youth Select Tournament where they earned bronze
Selected as all-star catcher for the National Youth Select Tournament in 1989
Represented Canada in the World Junior Championships in Trois Rivers, Quebec in 1989
1989 Manitoba Baseball Player of the Year
1989 Interlake Athlete of the Year
Finalist for the Manitoba Athlete of the Year award
In 1990, Andrew participated for Team Manitoba, and placed third
Andrew represented Team Canada at the World Junior Championships in Havana, Cuba during 1990 as they placed 3rd
Received a baseball scholarship to the National Baseball Institute in Vancouver, BC
Signed by the Winnipeg Goldeyes in 1994 where he played three years with the team
Opened Western Canada’s first indoor baseball and softball teaching facility, where he has helped 117 high school athletes fulfill their dream of playing in a university program
Outstanding player at several positions as he started his baseball career with Lundar Minor Baseball. He moved on to play for the Interlake Orioles, Legion 141, and the Teulon Cardinals
Drafted in the 6th round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1995
Played minor league baseball for the Blue Jay’s affiliates in Dunedin, St. Catherine’s and Medicine Hat
Put up a solid .329 batting average while playing in Medicine Hat
Played for Team Manitoba, and Team Canada
MBA Youth Athlete of the Year in 1994
Canadian Player of the Year in 1994
Manitoba Junior Baseball batting average title in 1994
Manitoba Youth Athlete of the Year in 1995
Chosen to play on Team Canada for the World Championships in Brandon, Manitoba where he put up a .346 tournament batting average
Played in the 1997 season for the Winnipeg Goldeyes
Served as president of Interlake Minor Baseball association for four years
Member of the Baseball MB Grassroots and Competition committee
