Gord Paddock has worked very hard for many years to promote baseball in the Oak River area as a player, coach, team manager, tournament organizer, and facility manager. Like most great players he started as a teenager in Senior AAA ball performing for the Hamiota Red Sox in 1982. He then spent over 30 years playing or coaching competitively with his hometown Dodgers and other local Senior teams. In 1992 Gord was named the Senior AA Player of the Year in leading the Dodgers to the Manitoba Senior AA championship. He has coached minor and highschool ball in the Oak River area for many years. Gord was the coach of the Senior AAA Oak River Dodgers in the MSBL from 2011-2015. In the MSBL’s last year of operation, the Dodgers captured the 2015 League title which allowed them to represent Manitoba at the 2016 Nationals held in New Brunswick.
“It is my pleasure to introduce Mr.Gordon Paddock. Gord is not in attendance tonight but will be represented by Brother Russell & supported by many family members & friends. Gordon grew up in a very supportive and sport loving family who farmed in the Oak River Area. The Paddock name is associated with numerous sports not only in that area but across Manitoba and Canada. Gord has played an active role in all capacities as a player, coach, manager, and executive and most importantly as a very supportive parent. He was always recognized for his athletic ability, his work ethic, his modestly, quiet personality, and his willingness to help others. Gord played competitive senior baseball for many years (1982-2011) competing in both AA & AAA. He was selected by Baseball Manitoba as senior AA player of the year in 1992. In 2015, the last year of the MSBL, he managed the Oak River Dodgers to the League & Provincial Championship. This was a highlight in a long distinguished coach/managers career that started in 1997 & included coaching minor, highschool, AAA & Sr. AAA. Gord has worked very hard for more than 35 years to develop bother baseball and hockey in the Oak River Area. A mentioned earlier Gord was raised in a very athletic family, headed by mother and father, Alvina and the late John Sr. At this time I would like to acknowledge the complete Paddock family who I would ask to stand, Personally I would like to mention that Lorna and I had the pleasure of supporting and working with John Sr. and Alvina when Gord and Russ were adolescents. We have many great memories, It is now my pleasure to present this MBHOF award to Russel who will receive it on Gord behalf.”
Al Robertson