I wanted to share a few blog-worthy experiences that didn’t make it into print because I was so busy with my Master’s thesis.
#1: 1950s & 60s Prairie Baseball Reunion
In August, a special gathering of baseball players, family members, and fans was held in Saskatoon the day before the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame induction banquet. It was a day to share stories and celebrate the rich history and memories associated with baseball. Nat Bates, a pitcher from the 1952 Indian Head Rockets, flew in from Richmond, California, and 1957 North Battleford Beaver Gale Tuggle drove up from Colorado; they were some of our attendees who traveled the furthest. The reunion was recorded and is available to watch on my YouTube Channel:
#2 Nat Bates visits Saskatchewan (again)
In 2022, Nat Bates came to Canada to accept The Indian Head Rockets’ team induction into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame on behalf of all the players. This year, he traveled to attend the baseball reunion and the SK Baseball HOF banquet. I enjoyed introducing him as the keynote speaker at the induction:
“Good evening, distinguished guests, Before I take the honour of introducing our keynote speaker, I would like to express my gratitude to Jane Schury, her staff, and the board for organizing and hosting this event.
Today we have the privilege of being in the presence of a true leader, a hero to his community and inspiration to all.
In the words of American politician Willliam Jennings Byran “Destiny is a Matter of Choice Not Chance”. This is so powerful because it means that destiny is not a matter of luck; it is a matter of CHOICE; it is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.
Nat Bates, a kid from segregated government housing grew up to be the mayor and nine-term city councilman of Richmond California. In 2022, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame. Nat has worked to carve out his own destiny.
He was born only 70 years after slavery was abolished into a world where all the odds were stacked against him.
Despite it being an uphill battle, he was not without help; Nat had people like Gene Corr, his coach and mentor, to guide him.
Nat’s extraordinary skills in baseball (especially his pitch) earned scholarships to Contra Costa College and San Francisco State University. Later in his journey, he would play for the Medicine Hat Mohawks and the Indian Head Rockets.
But it’s not just his professional athletic feats that make him unique, it’s his incredible spirit and heart.
Nat through his blessed life, has given back to his community, through the organizations he belonged to including the YMCA, and many Boy’s and Girl’s clubs.
He will say, “I never expect rewards; my actions reflect the goodness of my heart and what God has given me.”
Nat, who is still going strong in his 90s, in part influenced me and was one of the driving factors in me pursuing my master’s degree after a 30-year hiatus. How he connects with people from all walks of life is truly remarkable.
Today I have the distinction of inviting our Keynote speaker, a man who chose his destiny, to share his insights and inspire us all. Please join me in giving a very warm welcome to the amazing Mr. Nathaniel (Nat) Bates.”
Nat was further surprised when he received the honor of individual induction into the Hall of Fame!
Afterward, he traveled back to Indian Head to visit with the community and attend a special screening of Golden Opportunities, a Rockets documentary about Nat and fellow teammate Willie Reed:
#3 – A glorious week with one of my baseball mentors – Jay Dell Mah
Along with Rich Necker, he and Jay Dell are the keepers of knowledge at http://attheplate.com. Both started their love with baseball as Batboys in the 1950s; they turned their lifelong passion into a website over 20 years ago. Both have been hugely supportive of this young kid entering the ring of baseball history, and this summer, I spent a week with Jay Dell to absorb as much of his knowledge as possible. He was incredibly kind and patient with all my questions! I also learned that he attended a Muddy Waters concert in Toronto. So cool!
#4 – Virtual Presentation at the Canadian Baseball History Conference
My first-ever presentation was from a distance. I shared some of my research regarding the 1952 Rosetown Riot through a video I created. The conference happens in Ontario each year, and one year, I will attend in person!
#5 Home Runs & Dirt Roads
Stories shared by John (Johnny) Ford inspired the Home Runs & Dirt Roads name. John, a California college kid who came to play for the Moose Jaw Mallards in 1953, became a lifelong Saskatchewanian after he married the love of his life, Bev. John recounted many challenges and hilarious stories about traveling on dirt roads while playing baseball in Western Canada. This inspired me to start my blog and share the stories I learned with you! Dirt Roads simply had to be in the name.
#6 Oral History Collection
This saying inspires me: “We are all stories in the end; make it a good one.” Throughout the year, I tracked down and interviewed 15 baseball players and family members to collect oral history about 50s and 60s baseball. I was humbled to hear their life stories and experiences, as they transported me back to the 1950s & 60s. It’s important to capture their stories as most are in their late 80s and early 90s. So, if you know of any players I should be interviewing, let me know!
#7 Collaboration with Alberta Dugout Stories
I jumped ship and collaborated with the Alberta Dugout Series to post my last blog/article in 2023. This story has an AB twist and was better suited for my neighbours to the West. Nat Bates and Willie Reed were a big part of my year, so it’s fitting that my last blog of 2023 involves them. Alberta Dugout Stories and Joe McFarland were amazing to work with, and there are plans to do it again! Click on the image below to read:
What a year! Thank you for joining me on this adventure and for your support by visiting homerunsdirtroads. I’ll see you in 2024!
Home Runs & Dirt Roads 