Honouring Our Pioneers

1930

Barnstorming Teams Visit Manitoba

Professional touring teams like the Kansas City Monarchs, House of David, and others regularly visit Winnipeg. In 1930, Toronto Oslers are defeated by the Virden team featuring former major leaguers.

McConnell wins the Western Manitoba Championship (2nd time in 3 years).

Fisher Branch Vics wins the Interlake Championship defeating Argyle. They would repeat as champions in 1931 beating Arborg in the finals.

1931

May 8, Northwestern League reorganizes with teams from Cardale, Marney, Newdale and McConnell. Lisgar League forms with teams from Darlingford, Winkler, Plum Coulee and Morden.

1932

Ballparks in Winnipeg

Winnipeg boasts three high-quality ballparks, Wesley Park, Osborne Stadium, and Sherburn Park, two of which have lighting. Community fields in neighborhoods like Norwood and Elmwood are also upgraded to host top-level baseball games.

Portage Tournament

Annual baseball tournament in Portage draws strong teams from across the district. Oakville defeats Brandon in the finals. Future Hall of Famers like Lefty Metcalfe participate, showcasing top local talent.

Winnipeg Amateur Senior League Hosts Barnstorming Teams

St. Paul Northern Pacifics, Nebraska Indians, and other teams play against Winnipeg’s Amateur Senior League teams, with notable local players competing well.

June 28, Ninga defeats Boissevain 10–5 in opening games of the Peace Garden Baseball League. Croll defeats Fairfax 12–7 led by the Code and Duncan brothers. Glenboro remains undefeated in the Tiger Hills League with a 3–2 victory over Treherne. Anderson out duelled Metcalfe for the pitching victory.

“Cool Papa” Bell and Willy Wells play for the Kansas City Monarchs against the Winnipeg All Stars. All Stars win one of three games.

July 9, Norwood pitcher Howie “Spike” Tibbetts strikes out 19 batters against the Elks in Winnipeg Amateur Senior game. This ties the record held by Chick Chafe of Transcona and King Stevenson of Colombus Club.

1933

The Return of Professional Baseball

Winnipeg Maroons and Brandon Greys join the Class D Northern League. Brandon wins the title but folds afterward, while Winnipeg continues in the league, showcasing local talent like Hugh Gustafson.

Winnipeg Amateur Senior League (Wesley League) Folds

After 20 years, the Wesley League ends, with the Arenas winning the final championship. Factors like the depression, diamond ball's rise, and professional baseball’s return contribute to its closure.

1935

Highlight Game Between Kansas City Monarchs and Bismarck

Satchel Paige and Chet Brewer engage in an iconic 0–0 pitching duel, with Paige striking out 17. The game, umpired by Hall of Famer “Snake” Siddle, becomes a notable moment in Manitoba baseball history.

Winnipeg Intermediate League becomes the Greater Winnipeg Senior Baseball League and St. Boniface Native Sons win the first championship.

1936

New ballpark built in Norwood.

June/July, Dacotah Baseball Club play in tournaments in Holland, Marquette, Elie, Treherne, Gladstone, St. Charles, Austin, St. Eustache, Portage, Oakville, St. Francois Xavier, and Fannystelle, never finishing lower than second. They were led by pitchers Percy Qually, Tommy and Elmer Peters and Manager A.O. Qually.

1937

Notable Game for Winnipeg Maroons

Lefty Metcalfe and Bobby Hanrahan lead the Maroons to victory in a double-header against the Wausau Lumberjacks. Metcalfe is later inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.

New grounds open at Church and Arlington. Home of the CUAC Blues whose president was Slaw Rebchuk.

June 22, Nineteen year old Jack Fargey of La Riviere pitches an 8 strikeout no hitter in a victory over Hannah, North Dakota in the Pembina Valley Baseball League.

1938

May 7, The Greater Winnipeg Senior League opens on 4 fronts and draws 6000 fans to 4 community ball parks. The crowds have returned to Senior Baseball in Winnipeg.

1938–1939

The Transcona Baseball Club led by long serving veterans Ole Olien, Mide Blacquiere and Jerry Blackquiere win two straight Greater Winnipeg Senior League Championships. Pitching ace, and Hall of Famer, Albert Lamoureux was 17–4 and undefeated in the playoffs in 1938.