The stock market crash in 1929 and the extreme environmental hazards Saskatchewan faced during the 1930s, such as abnormally warm weather, drought, a grasshopper plague, and low wheat prices, forced many people off the farms. Through the disparity, small towns carried on as best they could, and sports was a unifying force, keeping that sense of community and togetherness during a difficult time.
Baseball, on the professional level, had seen better days. By this time, the Western Canadian Baseball League had been dissolved for over a decade. The intercity competition in the larger centers had petered out. Still, a dedicated group gathered to bring it back to life. This amateur circuit was called the Southern Saskatchewan Baseball League which became a success for many years. It was commonly referred to as the Southern League.:
“…[The] circuit which would endure until 1974, a span of some 44 seasons although 1943 saw the league operate as more of a Regina and district association with the war effort in full swing. The Southern League’s longevity ranks second to none as the longest-running baseball league in Saskatchewan’s history.” (Mah and Necker, attheplate.com)
Baseball in small communities thrived during the thirties. Many fans flocked to tournaments that attracted talent from south of the border, such as Negro League (NL) pitcher John Donaldson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs and All Nations. He was considered by some as the greatest pitcher of his era. Between 1936-38, Broadview had attracted NL players such as pitchers Jimmy Miller and George Alexander, power-hitting Sonny Harris, and the versatile Red Boguille.
Any chance they could, baseball was played, even in the Winter.
The warm weather in 1931 created an unexpected opportunity in the community of Alsask to put away their skates and take out their bats in January. Environment reports leading up were in the 1 C to 10 C (33 F to 50 F) daily highs, and it just kept creeping up. By February 6th, the newspaper reported an incredible 17C or 62 F on January 31st.
The week before, the Alsask Senior Hockey team had administered a swift frozen boot in the behinds of Acadia Valley. Looking for revenge, the team met, but the ice rapidly disappeared, leaving them in the lurch.
However, looking over at the local ball diamond, it was in pristine condition. Both teams decided to settle their score in a cross-over game. Alsask senior hockey players turned pitchers Gillespie and Jarett went on to defend their winning streak. They beat Acadia Valley 5-3 in seven innings.
Sources:
Rich Necker, attheplate, Star Phoenix, Extreme Weather Watch, Wikipedia
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