BEECHY - For 40 years, the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in North Battleford has been honouring people who made significant contributions to the sport of baseball in this province.
The Hall honours not only players and teams, but also spotlights a large number of photos, stories, uniforms, bats, balls, and even more.
Now, this year, two local entries into the Hall of Fame will be recognized when athlete Glenn Connor of Beechy and ball team the Riverhurst Thumpers of 2005-2015 will be inducted.
Over an extraordinary career spanning six decades, Glenn Connor exemplified not only excellence on the field, but also integrity, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to the game and his community of Beechy.
Glenn played for five teams over the years; the Beechy Breakers, the Dinsmore Sr. Kings, the Dinsmore Kings Old Timers, the Riverhurst Raiders, and the Riverhurst Thumper Old Timers.
Connor dominated as a pitcher and infielder, consistently demonstrating skill, strategy, and an unyielding competitive spirit. His remarkable talent helped lead his team to multiple championships, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer and a dependable leader.
A list of Connor's accolades include the following:
1987 Coteau Hills Baseball League Champions,
1994 Coteau Hills Baseball League Champions,
1995 Dinsmore Kings (35 & Over) Provincial Champions,
1996 Dinsmore Kings (35 & Over) Provincial Champions,
1996 Dinsmore Kings (40 & Over) Provincial Champions,
2005 Riverhurst Thumpers Old Timers Provincial Champs,
2016 Riverhurst Thumpers Tier 2 (43 & Over) Canadian National Champions
Glenn went on to coaching and management roles, mentoring younger athletes and instilling in them the same passion and discipline that defined his character.
To this day, Glenn continues to be a staple in the community.
Moving over to the Riverhurst Thumpers baseball team of 2005-2015 requires some input from the men who founded the team, played on the roster, and lived through the memories that were made out on the diamond.
Mr. J Stanley (Star) Dean
Dean homestead farm at Riverhurst, SK, which to this day is still operated by his son Dale. Throughout his time at Riverhurst, Dad was involved in many community activities; Justice Of The Peace, Reeve from 1995-1967 for the municipality of Vermilion Hills and following the dissolvement of Vermilion Hills, was elected Reeve for the R.M of Enfield from 1969-1973. Dad was a long time ball player, umpire, and baseball supporter. He played with Shoal Creek Juniors in 1928 and later for the Riverhurst and Lawson Senior teams for the next 25 years. During the 1940’s, Dad was recruited to play semi-professional baseball, but chose to remain on the farm and in the Riverhurst community. He was the founder and organizer of the Riverhurst Thumpers of the Twiliters baseball division. Dad was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame as a Builder on August 18, 1989 and also served as a member for the Advisory Council for the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
Al Summers
Al was an important person in the success of the Riverhurst Thumpers baseball team. After the passing away of Stanley (Stan) in 2006, Al Summers took the reins. Al took over the organization, operation, and was a player coach. Al’s baseball playing, coaching span over 33 years 26 managing the Thumpers. If you happen to come along and see the Riverhurst Thumpers playing baseball, you would see Al at 3B, or 2B wearing the #20 jersey for the Thumpers.
As soon as the snow began to melt you could expect an email from Al asking you your availability for the upcoming Twilight baseball tournaments, and Provincial Finals. Al would also let you know about the hotel or camping arrangements that were being made.
Al’s bat was very valuable and contributed to much of the success of the Riverhurst Thumpers baseball team. You could count on Al to get a hit to start a rally, or drive in a key run.
As a pick-up player on the Riverhurst team, Al would let me know by saying something like this “Petey, you might get some pitching in, and will be playing some of the tournament."
Al played and coached the Riverhurst Thumpers up to the summer of 2009. Then Grant Chapman took over the operation of the Riverhurst Thumpers baseball team. Grant was also a player/coach.
WHY WAS THE TEAM SO SUCCESSFUL
“We had great leadership from the guys like Al Summers, Grant Chapman, and Greg McInnis, who were instrumental in keeping the team going. We also had some really good players, a group of guys that were committed to playing ball. And their spouses, and families were just as committed. We were there to win and have fun, and that is what we did.” - Dwight Dobson, #11.
The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place in Battleford on August 16.
