1919 REGINA NORTHSIDE BASEBALL LEAGUE GAME REPORTS
The 1919 circuit began as a four-team race, but, after nine consecutive losses, the team that played under the banner of both the Catholic Club and the Mounted Police folded, leaving the loop with three entries.
(May 16) The Rose Athletics trimmed the Capitals 10 – 3 in the 1919 season opener of the Regina Northside Baseball League.
(May 19) Imperial Life knocked off the Catholic Club 16 to 12 in a wild combat.
(May 21) Awesome slugging and poor fielding defined the Capitals’ wild conquest of the Catholic Club.
(May 23) The Rose Athletics and Imperial Life played a full nine innings and tied 9 – 9. Darkness prevented any extra innings. Bill Molisky of the Athletics, with four hits, was the batting star of the game.
(May 28) The Capitals pummeled Imperial Life 14 to 4.
(May 30) The Rose Athletics defeated the Catholic Club.
(June 2) With winning pitcher “Chilly” Winter in fine form, the Rose Athletics remained undefeated by disposing of the Capitals 9 to 3 at Park de Young. Hitting heroes of the fray were Ernie Hinchey of the winners and Casey Moroschan with three safeties apiece.
Cummings(L) and Leigh
Winter (W) and Campbell
(June 4) Imperial Life moved into second place in the Northside loop by outlasting the Catholic Club 15 to 10. Rusty Breckon and Al McLean each stroked a triad of base knocks for the victors.
Gregory (L), Cathro (8) and Spence
Thompson, Pentoly (W) (1) and Snell
(June 6) Limiting the Catholic Club to four hits, all singles, George Dent pitched the Capitals to an 11 to 4 triumph over the winless Catholic Club. Stew Leigh had three of the Caps’ 12 base raps.
G. Dent (W) and Leigh, Smith
Fahlman (L) and Spence
(June 11) The White brothers were prominent for Imperial Life who edged the Rose Athletics 2 to 1 to earn a share of first place in the Northside circuit. Winning slabster Russell White fanned eight and limited the Athletics to six singles. The only run he surrendered was unearned. His brother and batterymate William White clipped the horsehide for a double and one-bagger.
Winter (L) and Campbell
R, White (W) and W, White
(June 13) The Capitals moved into the runner-up spot in the Northside League by inflicting a 9 to 6 trimming on the Rose Athletics. It was a hard-hitting clash with both squads registering 13 base blows. George Dent swatted two doubles and a single for the victorious Caps. First sacker Bennett singled three times for the vanquished A’s.
Pentoly (L), Dickey (7) and O. Fraser
Moroschan (W) and Leigh
(June 16) Portsider Terence Kain fanned 14 in leading the Rose Athletics past the Catholic Club 6 to 0. The A’s managed just two hits off the slants of losing chucker Holmes but made the most of their chances as the Clubbers committed six errors. Middle pasture patroller Gasser of the losers was the lone batter to acquire two hits in the fray.
Kain (W) and Hipwell
Holmes (L) and Spence
STANDINGS W L Pct.
Rose Athletics 4 1 .800
Capitals 4 2 .667
Imperial Life 3 2 .600
Catholic Club 0 6 .000
(June 18) The Rose Athletics stretched their lead to 1-1/2 games atop the Northside League by blanking the Capitals 2 to 0. “Chilly” Winter limited the Caps to just four safeties in securing the mound decision over Casey Moroschan. Jack Farquhar led the victors at the dish with a triple and a single.
Winter (W) and Campbell
Moroschan (L) and Leigh
(June 20) The Imperial Life baseballers trounced the Catholic Club 14 to 0 in a one-sided Northside League joust. Harold Dickie, on the bump for the Insurers, tossed a two-hitter in taking the hillock verdict. Catcher Otis Fraser and flychaser Drescher both stung the sphere for four base hits.
Dickie (W) and O. Fraser
Holmes (L) and Snell
(June 21) Players from the Catholic Club of the Northside Baseball League were joined by fellow diamond enthusiasts from the N.W.M.P. in an amalgamation designed to strengthen the last-place team.
(June 23) Despite an attempt to bolster the roster of the basement-dwelling amalgamated team now known as the C.C.M.P., the doormats of the Northside League remained winless after suffering a humiliating 22 to 1 thrashing at the hands of the Capitals. The losers committed eight fielding miscues and were in peril from the fifth inning on when the Caps poured it on. George Dent breezed to the mound victory.
Caveny (L), Stata (7) and Snell, Locowitz (7)
G. Dent (W) and Leigh
(June 25) Plating a singleton in the top-of-the-twelfth inning, Imperial Life edged the Rose Athletics 7 to 6. Entering the ninth canto facing a 5 – 1 deficit, the A’s had rallied with a five-spot to force overtime. Third baseman Dave Stoddart had three of the 14 hits delivered by the winners while Chester Parkinson slammed a triad of doubles for the Athletics.
R. White (W) and W. White
Winter (L) and Campbell
(June 27) Coming from behind by scoring four runs in the eighth episode, Imperial Life took a 7 to 5 verdict from the Capitals to grab a half-game lead in the Northside League standings. The Insurance Men had only four hits off losing twirler Mutt Smith, three of them coming during their late rally in the eighth. The Caps stroked nine safeties off the slants of winning heaver Holmes, two each by shortstop Isman as well as flychasers “Slim” Knowles and George Dent.
Smith (L) and Leigh
Holmes (W) and O. Fraser
(June 30) The Rose Athletics went into a tie for the leadership of the Northside League with a convincing 19 to 1 route of the hapless C.C.M.P. aggregation. The Rose contingent plated a three-spot in the opening frame and never let up, failing to score in only two of their nine turns at bat. Winning chucker Terence Kain teased the losers on three hits. Chester Parkinson and Verne Janzen both slammed four base knocks for the winning Athletics.
Kain (W) and Campbell
Caveny (L) and Chabot
STANDINGS W L Pct.
Imperial Life 6 2 .750
Rose Athletics 6 2 .750
Capitals 5 4 .556
C.C.M.P. 0 9 .000
(July 5) With the sudden departure of the amalgamated Catholic Club - Mounted Police team from the Northside League, a rearrangement of the schedule for the balance of the season took place.
(July 9) George Dent limited the Rose Athletics to one hit as the Capitals rolled roughshod over the weakened A’s 12 to 1 at Park de Young. Shortpatcher Isman was the big noise with the bat for the Caps, raking loser Terence Kain for four singles.
G. Dent (W) and Leigh
Kain (L) and Campbell
(July 14) The Capitals won out over Imperial Life 9 to 7 in a free-hitting tussle, knocking the Coverage Providers out of sole possession of first place. First baseman Frank Townsend banged out three safe swats for the Caps.
Holmes (L), R. White (5) and O. Fraser
G. Dent (W) and Leigh
(July 16) The Rose Athletics took over a share of the penthouse position in the Northside League after bumping off Imperial Life 6 to 1. Winning tosser “String” McLellan stymied the Insurance Men on three hits and whiffed ten batters along the way. McLellan, along with teammate Bill Molisky, clipped the orb for a double and single.
McLellan (W) and Hipwell
Dickie (L), Williams (6) and O. Fraser
(July 18) The Capitals claimed first place in the Northside circuit after nudging past the Rose Athletics 7 to 6 in a wild Park de Young contest. “Mutt” Smith of the Caps and the Athletics’ outfielder Lindsay both hammered the pill for a brace of doubles
A. Parkinson (L) and Campbell
G. Dent, Leigh (W) (6) and Leigh, Smith (6)
(July 21) The streaking Capitals increased their slim first-place lead in the Northside League to a full game with a 16 to 5 conquest of Imperial Life. The Caps feasted on the offerings of losing heaver William White, normally a catcher, before he was given the hook after five frames. George Dent picked up four safeties for the victors, one being a double.
Moroschan (W) and Leigh
W, White (L), Holmes (6) and O. Fraser
(July 23) Imperial Life drew even with the Rose Athletics for second place in the Northside League by blanking the A’s 6 to 0. Masterful on the hill for the winners, submarine hurler Russell White tossed a three-hitter and blew third strikes past a dozen Rose batters. Outfielder Pentoly got to losing moundsman Ashley Parkinson for two doubles.
R. White (W) and O. Fraser
A. Parkinson (L) and Hipwell
STANDINGS W L Pct.
Capitals 9 4 .692
Rose Athletics 7 5 .583
Imperial Life 7 5 .583
(August 4) Submarine heaver Russell White of Imperial Life and Casey Moroschan of the Capitals locked horns in a hectic pitching duel which went ten full innings as the combatants played to a 2 – 2 stalemate. The Insurance Men had a slight 8 – 7 advantage in base hits. Catcher Otis Fraser of the Imperials clubbed a triple and double to lead the hit parade.
R. White and O. Fraser
Moroschan and Leigh
(August 11) The Capitals extended their lead atop the Northside League by trouncing the Rose Athletics 12 to 5. Casey Moroschan turned in another complete-game mound win for the Caps despite the fact that he was hit freely by the Athletic batters. He helped his cause by banging out five safe knocks, all one-baggers. Teammate Wilson contributed two doubles and a single.
Kain (L), Campbell and Hipwell
Moroschan (W) and Leigh
(August 13) George Dent registered ten strikeouts in pitching the first-place Capitals to a narrow 2 – 1 triumph over Imperial Life in a darkness-shortened seven-inning affair. The victors managed only three hits off losing hurler Russell White while the Coverage Providers accumulated seven safeties but were unable to bunch them. Catcher Stew Leigh plated the winning tally for the Caps in the top-of-the-seventh stanza.
G. Dent (W) and Leigh
R. White (L) and W. White
(August 18) Firing on all cylinders, winning tosser Russell White set the Rose Athletics down without a hit as Canada Life recorded a 10 – 1 conquest in Northside League action. A fifth-inning theft of home by outfielder Lindsay, who had reached base on a free pass, accounted for the Athletics tally. White rang up 13 punchouts in the seven-stanza clash that was curtailed by dark skies. Rusty Breckon and William White both stroked two hits for the Imperials.
R. White (W) and W. White
McLellan (L) and Hipwell
(August 20) Ten innings of hard-fought diamond action at Park de Young settled nothing as the pennant-winning Capitals and the Rose Athletics battled to a 3 – 3 draw. The Capitals, with Casey Moroschan on the slab, had a significant 12 to 6 advantage in base knocks. “Chilly” Winter toiled on the hill for the A’s. Catcher Stew Leigh of the Caps, with a brace of two-baggers and a single, was the contest’s top swatsmith.
Moroschan and Leigh
Winter and Campbell
FINAL
STANDINGS W L Pct.
Capitals 11 4 .733
Imperial Life 8 6 .571
Rose Athletics 7 7 .500
NO PLAYOFFS WERE HELD
NORTH SASKATCHEWAN BASEBALL LEAGUE
TEAMS
Birch Hills
Melfort
Prince Albert
REGULAR SEASON
(June ) Prince Albert moved to within a half-game of first place by defeating Melfort 7-6 at Melfort. More than 50 automobile car loads of fans travelled from Prince Albert to the game. In the evening, the guests were tendered a social and dance by the Melfort baseball management.
(June 18) In a game which featured shoddy fielding on both sides Wednesday, Melfort topped Birch Hills 5-0. Ross fired a three-hitter for the win while Herby Bird yielded just five in taking the loss.
Ross (W) and xxx
Bird (L) and xxx
(July 9) Prince Albert evened its record at 3-3 Wednesday with an 8-3 triumph over Melfort before a large crowd at Henderson Park. Birch Hills remains in first place with a 4-1 record, while Melfort sits at 1-4. One game, a Birch Hills win over Melfort, remains under protest.
(July 25) Melfort gave Birch Hills an 18-0 shellacking in Northern Saskatchewan baseball at Melfort.
(August 2) 22 innings, And, no winner.
On Saturday at Birch Hills, the home side and Melfort battled through 22 innings to a 1-1 tie in Northern Saskatchewan Baseball League action. It's believed to be a record length for a baseball game in Canada.
It was a fast game, completed in four hours while a regular 9-inning game normally runs about two hours.
Jerry Cummings, for Melfort, and Herby Bird, for Birch Hills, both went the distance. Grant caught the entire game for the visitors while Bright was behind the plate up to the 12th inning when he injured his thumb and was replaced by Lyons.
The story in the Prince Albert Herald noted "The game was particularly free from errors and was punctuated with thrills. Both twirlers pitched a great game and were particularly brilliant in fielding their positions, the majority of assists coming from the mound men".
Birch Hills took the lead with a run in the fourth frame. Melfort tied it in the seventh.
Poor base running cost Melfort a chance at winning. In one inning, Birch Hills had men on first and third with no outs and Cummings retired the side without a score. Towards the end of the game, there were five consecutive innings when each side failed to get a runner on first base.
(August 6) In the first double header of the season in the North Saskatchewan Baseball League Prince Albert defeated Birch Hills 8 to 3 and 7 to 2. The afternoon game was the completion of a postponed match of July 25th.
Prince Albert 6 - 4
Birch Hills 5 - 5
Melfort 3 - 5
(August 13) Melfort remained alive in the NSBL pennant race by taking down Prince Albert 5 to 3.
(August 15) Trailing 3-0 after eight innings, Melfort erupted for four runs in the ninth to shade Prince Albert 4-3. The win resulted in a three-way tie in the Northern League standings as the season winds down.
It’s believed further arrangements will be made for several more games before the championship is decided.
Cummings (W) and Nelson
Dubreil (L) and Taylor
Prince Albert 6 – 6 .500
Melfort 5 – 5 .500
Birch Hills 5 – 5 .500
(September) Melfort blanked Birch Hills 2 to 0 to apparently take a half-game lead in the Northern Saskatchewan circuit. It was a pitchers' duel throughout between Jerry Cummings for Melfort and Herby Bird for Birch Hills. Each allowed just four hits and fanned seven. Bird walked seven, and Cummings just one. However, the league moguls are considering reversing a previous Melfort victory over the Hillmen which would again create a three-way tie.
Cummings (W) and Nelson
Bird (L) and Wilson
PLAYOFFS
(September 18) While playing under protest, Birch Hills has claimed the championship of the Northern Saskatchewan League by scoring victories over Prince Albert and Melfort in a double-header on Thursday.
Birch Hills won the opener 6-3 and then downed Melfort 4-1.
The protest is over the use of professional players by the winners. The three-team twin bill was suggested as the teams were tied at the end of regular season play.
(September 20) The Saskatoon Star reported the baseball season in the North Saskatchewan League might not be over after all. While Birch Hill won a double-header on Thursday to seemingly claim the crown, Melfort and Prince Albert have raised objections.
The paper printed a letter from “A Melfort fan”.
Dear Sir, -- I take this opportunity of mailing you the facts in connection with the recently played games … expressing my opinion regarding the matter, as well as the opinions of a majority of the fans in Melfort.
The first game, between Prince Albert and Birch Hills, was billed to commence at 1:30 pm Thursday, September 18, the second to follow immediately the first was finished. When the special train bearing the Melfort team and supporters reached Birch Hills the first session had not started. This was around three o’clock in the afternoon. The reason for the delay was due to road conditions and wrangling between P.A. and Birch Hills over certain imported players on the latter team.
Prince Albert finally agreed to play, under protest. The Melfort team positively refused to consider any protest, being thoroughly disgusted with the ragging that had taken place, and took the stand that they would play for the championship.
In the game which followed, Melfort got away to a poor start. Birch Hills secured four runs in the first session. In the second Motz for Melfort smashed out a home run, making the score 4 to 1 in favor of Birch Hills. No further scoring took place until the first of the seventh, when Melfort ran in 3 tallies, tying the score. In the last half of the seventh the first man up for Birch Hills singled, and was thrown out at second when he tried to stretch his hit into two. Blackadder of Birch Hills took exception to F. Black's (the umpire) decision, and finally marched from the field accompanied by the entire team and a large number of the townspeople. The umpire in chief F. McDougall, then called the game an account of interference from the crowd. He, along with everyone else, was entirely fed up with the entire proceeding.Birch Hills now claims that the score should revert to the even inning and consequently are claiming the championship … unless the league executive feels that the game should be replayed. Birch Hills did not and cannot beat us. But if they are allowed the cup under the circumstances they are sure welcome to it as far as the Melfort fans are concerned. Should the game be ordered replayed Melfort is ready to play, any place and any time. Thanking you for your kind attention and the space in your valuable columns, I am very truly yours, a Melfort fan.
Commenting on the above epistle, The Star cannot see where Birch Hill should be entitled to the cup. Of course, it is realized that there is only one side of the question given but where a team refuses to play about the only recourse an umpire would have would be to forfeit the game to the other side. This was done during the last Winnipeg series in the first half season, when the Maroons took serious exception to one of Ump Kuhn’s decisions. Further developments in the Northern League will be awaited with interest.
(September 25) The Star has received another communication from Birch Hills regarding the affairs of the Northern Saskatchewan League. In view of the fact that former letters were printed it is only fair to all concerned that this also should be published.
From the various letters received affairs must be more than interesting in the northern part of the province. The finish of the season seems to have brought forward the best that the towns in the league could put up, both as regards baseball and controversy. Anyway, the situation is bound to attract interest, which helps in the long run.
Dear Sir -- I see in your copy of the 20th a letter from a Melfort fan concerning the ball games which were played here last Thursday to decide whether Prince Albert, Melfort or Birch Hills should possess the pennant. You kindly noted at the foot of the other correspondence that it was only one side of the question. Now if you can spare me a little space I will show the other side of it from the viewpoint of a Birch Hills fan.
To begin with I would like to refresh the Melfort fan’s memory. He writes a letter which would lead a person not knowing Melfort to believe that Birch Hills caused all the wrangling and dispute. He would also create, if possible, the impression that Melfort exhibited magnanimity and good sportsmanship in connection with the games. Such was not by any means the case. He also errs in several of his statements, three at least being deceitful and others only telling a small part of the truth. I do not mean to insinuate that he falsified intentionally or knowingly, though I fail to see how he could, if he calls himself a fan, not have known better.
REASON FOR DELAYTo begin with, he blames Birch Hills’ wrangling for not allowing the first game with Prince Albert to start on time. The game was called for 12:30 pm, standard time, but it was almost 2:15 before the P.A. players arrived owing to the condition of the roads. Then they took a few minutes warming up before starting to play, during which the scorers got the lineups, and both managers looked them over, making a few remarks. The Prince Albert secretary started a little dispute but nothing of any consequence and the game went on. It was over by 4:15, two hours from the time the other team arrived. Not bad time for nine innings.
Then he says that Melfort was willing to let the result of the game decide the championship. Such was not the case because they protested it before the game opened.
Everything went along well until the beginning of the last of the seventh inning, when Birch Hills was at bat. Jackson, the first man up, struck a good two-bagger, not a single as Melfort says, but when passing first base it was claimed that he did not touch the sack. I cannot say whether he did or not, and was not in a position to see, and probably he didn’t, that is not the question. The umpire, Black, instead of allowing Melfort to play the ball to first base, thus putting Jackson out, ran after the runner calling to him that he was out and thus coaching Melfort to play the ball to first. The Birch Hills manager considered that unfair, and requested Black to look in the rule book as to the legality of his actions. This Black refused to do. Quite a number of people crowded on the diamond to listen to the conversation, but they did not consist of Birch Hills people alone, as perhaps a larger number were for Melfort and some from Prince Albert.
Now I’m willing to admit that the Birch Hill fans were wrong in going on the diamond, but the others were equally to blame. From my viewpoint the manager was entirely justified in his demand that Black look up the ruling on the matter, as even though an umpire’s decision on the field is final he has no right whatever to coach one of the teams. Besides he had previously given Birch Hills a rotten decision on first base. Here I would like to mention the fairness of MacDougall’s umpiring. He was perfectly fair, as usual, showing no partiality whatever.
WILLING TO PLAY
A Melfort Fan’s letter says that Blackadder and the entire team marched off the field. He would imply that they were not willing to continue the game. Even you Mr. Editor, evidently took that meaning from his letter. Blackadder did not take his men off the field, and though they disliked the umpires decision they were perfectly willing to play the remainder of the game. The whole dispute had not lasted five minutes when MacDougall, removing his mask and protector, announced to the grandstand that he was calling the game on account of darkness, Melfort says he called it on account of interference. That does not agree with MacDougall’s own statement to the spectators. When questioned as to the score he said it would stand 4 to 1 as at the end of the sixth. That is why Birch Hill’s claims the game.
The question as to which team should get the pennant seems to rest with the decision is made by the umpire. If, as Melfort claims, the game was called because Birch Hills walked off the field, then Melfort should win, but if, as Birch Hills asserts, nobs called the game on account of darkness, then they win. It would seem that the whole matter rested with the umpire in chief not with any meeting of the league unless there were other questions entering into the matter.
(September 27) The war continues. Birch Hills and Melfort are waging a merry battle over the results of the Northern League. Not having any first hand information on the subject The star will endeavour to be “strictly neutral” and only hopes that it will not have the same fate as some of the neutrals in the war.
As regards letter writing Birch Hills has scored twice, but Melfort is now tying the score. About the only comment possible regarding the question is that whichever side is telling the straight story must be right. And that’s a safe answer.
The last letter follows.
Sporting Editor, The Star- Commenting on the letter sent to your columns by Birch Hills with reference to the Northern Saskatchewan League, I wish to make the following a statement, that for a letter that took so long and so many heads to compile, it is without a doubt the most glaring assortment of fabrications, and the rankest insult to ordinary intelligence ever written.
Firstly, it comments on the attitude of the local press; further comment on this would not be necessary to readers of either paper referred to. Secondly, it smooths on a little salve, praying for public sympathy. Next, it claims that Birch Hills won both of the last two last games played. Fabrication No. 1 as a signed statement by Umpire F. McDougall will prove.
It then comments in an insulting manner on an effort made by a certain Prince Albert gentleman to state the conditions under which his team had played. This is a direct attempt to cover up the fact that the Birch Hills management had previously instructed their supporters to be ready to rough house when signaled. Which they did immediately that Melfort had tied up the scorer and would most certainly have beaten them.The next comments on the powers of the executive. The executive of this league have been called upon to handle many trying situations this season and I believe have tried their best to act in a fair and impartial manner to all concerned. As to their powers any fan knows that their rulings should be final. Again, it comments on the residence clause and professionalism.
Amateur question.
At the same time Jerry Cummings came to live in Melfort, Birch Hills spared no effort to prove that he was a professional. You answered them to the contrary through your columns, as you and quite a few of your readers know that Jerry has his amateur card. You are also well aware that both Buckles and Hamilton have both played professional ball under contract this season, and as one of the principal clauses the league constitution distinctly states that any team importing professionals immediately forfeits all its rights in the league; the position of Birch Hills is very plain.
As for strictly adhering to the residence clause, it can easily be proven that Buckles, Hamilton and Wilson were imported to Birch Hills the day previous to the game played with Melfort on September 1st and had Melfort wished they could have protested and disqualified Birch Hills at that time.
Buckles objected to small town life, and beat it south, the other two boys paying another visit to Birch Hills in time for the final games on September 18.
As to trying to bar Birch Hills; on the contrary Melfort insisted on playing for the cup and would certainly have won same had the Birch Hill’s team been game to stand up under probable defeat. I am suggesting to the editor of our local paper that if he obtains pictures of the Birch Hills team smiling angelic smiles and holding lilies in their hands, give the picture a suitable name and a good write-up, he would get many new subscribers. Thanking you for space and your columns to publish this letter.A Melfort fan.
[* Editors note - You wonder why The Star didn't simply contact the umpire in chief to clear up the confusion.
SASKATOON SENIOR AMATEUR BASEBALL LEAGUE
TEAMS
Great War Veterans
Knights of Columbus
Postal Workers
Saskatoon Star
St. John’s Club
Wesleyans
GAME REPORTS
(June 4) The Postal Workers took the long end of a 3 – 2 decision from the Star in a seven-inning clash as the Senior Amateur League returned to Cairns Field. Winning heaver Cormier tossed a four-hitter and breezed eight. His mound opponent Reid whiffed five and allowed six hits. A two-run triple by catcher Taylor in the top-of-the-third inning sent the Posties into the lead. Ferguson followed with a single to drive in the winners’ third and final counter. The Newspapermen got two back in their half of the canto, one an unearned tally while the other crossed the dish on a single by Murphy.
Cormier (W) and Taylor
Reid (L) and Hilldrup
(June 5) The Wesleyans took the measure of the Postal Workers 22 – 12 in a sloppily-played, long-drawn out affair at Cairns Field. The Churchmen racked up 20 base blows, five of them coming off the bat of winning tosser Merril Falby.
Falby (W) and xxx
Cummings (L), Cormier (3) and xxx
(June 6) A single marker in the fourth frame broke a 2 – 2 tie and allowed the Wesleymen to eke out a narrow 3 – 2 conquest of the Star. The victors had only three hits while the Newpapermen managed to connect for five. Foster drove in two runs for the Churchmen.
(June 9) A plethora of errors defined the contest in which the Knights of Columbus clobbered the Star 18 to 6. Pitchers performed adequately but the play of position players was atrocious. Winning hurler Dunbar connected for a home run off the slants of his mound opponent A. Reid.
(June 26) Following a long layoff due to a lengthy homestand by the WCBL Quakers at Cairns Field, play resumed in the senior amateur circuit. Aggregations from the Knights of Columbus and the Star battled to a 7 – 7 tie as both teams registered a dozen safe swats. Jack Art smashed a four-ply clout with two aboard for the Knights to go along with a single while clubmate Len Hunter came through with a triple and two singles. McIntosh and Davie each stroked a double and a one-bagger for the Newsies.
Barrett, Hunter (6) and King
Reid and Hilldrup
(June 27) Rain prevented the completion of a tussle between St, John’s and the Postal Workers that was deadlocked 4 - 4 after four frames.
(July 1) The Knights of Columbus annexed an easy 13 – 3 victory over the Postal Workers.
Barrett (W) and King
Cormier (L), Sheady (5) and Peterborough
(July 2) The Star band of baseballers welcomed the Great War Veterans to the circuit by doubling the Soldiers 4 – 2. The victors had a 6 – 5 advantage in base hits. Star first sacker Brown laced a two-run double. Flychaser Turnbull of the Vets, with a brace of singles, was the lone batter to have a multi-hit game.
Reid (W) and Coxworth
McNab (L) and Bell
(July 3) Running across seven tallies in their first two turns at bat, the Wesleyans cruised to an 8 – 0 whitewashing of the Star diamondeers. L. Atcheson, on the hill for the winners, limited the Newsies to just two hits. Numerous fielding miscues by the Star infield presented the Churchmen with many a scoring opportunity. Shortpatcher Gerhardt singled twice for the victorious nine.
L. Atcheson (W) and Robock
Murphy (L) and Coxworth
(July 4) Scoring once in the bottom-of-the-seventh and final inning, the Great War Veterans nosed out the Knights of Columbus 7 – 6 to notch their first win in their second league engagement. Bev Clark paced the Vets at the dish, contributing a triple, double and single. His three-bagger drove in the deciding tally. Teammate Griffiths belted a home run to go along with a one-bagger.
Barrett (L) and Potter
Price (W) and Bell
(July 8) Two Senior Amateur games at Cairns Field put a hold on further action temporarily as the Quakers of the WCBL take over the facility. In the first session, the Knights of Columbus had an easy 10 – 6 win over the St. John’s Club while the follow-up match saw the Postal Workers and the Star play a 3 – 3 standoff.
Hunter (W) and King
Malette (L) and Harris
Smithson and May
Reid and Coxworth
(July 30) Rain pushed the re-opening of the Senior Amateur circuit back at least one day.
(July 31) The Wesleyans continued to play well while coming away with an impressive 9 – 0 shutout win over the Postal Workers.
L. Atcheson (W) and R. Atcheson
Smithson (L) and Porteous
(August 1) The Star baseball team ran up a 7 – 2 triumph over the Great War Veterans at Cairns Field.
Reid (W) and Hilldrup
L’Ami (L), McNab (6) and xxx
(August 11) The Wesleyans consolidated their hold on first place in the City Amateur loop by doubling the Knights of Columbus 6 – 3. The game was marred with the broken leg suffered by Kay Cee catcher George King in the third inning.
Brady (L) and King, Brady (3)
Falby (W) and Gerhardt
(August 12) Loose defensive play the St. John’s Club aggregation contributed mightily to their 9 – 3 defeat at the hands of the Great War Veterans.
McDonald (L) and Harris
Price (W) and Bell
(August 13) Pounding the horsehide for 14 safeties the top-dog Wesleyans continued to roll along by posting a 10 -4 pasting of the shorthanded Saskatoon Star.
L. Atcheson (W) and R. Atcheson
Murphy (L), Jones (6) and Hilldrup
(August 15) Chasing across four runs in the initial canto, the Knights of Columbus breezed to a 6 – 2 verdict over the St. John’s Club. Winning pitcher Davis, a newcomer to the Kay Cees, struck out ten.
Augusta (L) and Harris
Davis (W) and Tait, Hunter
(August 16) The Star captured a 5 – 2 decision over the Great War Veterans. Gerhardt had three hits for the winners.
Price (L) and Bell
Comier (W) and Gerhardt
(August 29) The penthouse-dwelling Wesleyans suffered their first defeat of the campaign when they went down 7 – 6 at the hands of the Great War Veterans. A two-run double by third baseman McLachlan in the sixth session drove in the winning counter.
Falby (L) and Fuller
McNab (W) and Bell
NO PLAYOFFS WERE HELD AS THE WESLEYANS WERE DECLARED THE CITY AMATEUR LEAGUE CHAMPIONS FOR 1919