1946 Vancouver, Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley
1946 BC Interior
1946 Vancouver Island
OKANAGAN
Baseball, post-war vintage, returned in a big way to the south-central Okanagan in the spring of 1946 with the formation of three senior calibre leagues: a six-team international Senior A loop featuring teams from Penticton and Kelowna as well as four Washington state entries; a ten-team Senior B circuit, the South Okanagan Baseball League, which included clubs from both the Okanagan and Similkameen areas; plus a four-member Central Okanagan Baseball League, a small-centre circuit in which games were of seven innings. It was not uncommon to find individual players performing in more than one league
Teams in the 1946 Okanagan/Okanogan International Baseball League
Brewster WA
Kelowna
Okanogan WA
Omak WA
Oroville WA Boosters
Penticton
Teams in the 1946 South Okanagan Baseball League
Cawston
Kelowna
Keremeos
Oliver
Osoyoos
Peachland
Penticton
Princeton
Rutland
Summerland
Teams in the 1946 Central Okanagan Baseball League
Oyama
Rutland Bluecaps
Rutland Redcaps
Winfield
OKANAGAN / OKANOGAN INTERNATIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE
(May 19) Penticton invaded Kelowna in their opening game of the 1946 campaign and came away with a narrow 4 to 3 victory. The hosts tallied all of their runs in the second frame, jumping into a 3 to 0 lead. Behind the steady eight-hit pitching of Penticton’s “Lefty” Hammond, however, the homesters were denied any further scoring as the visitors began to chip away at the deficit, tallying once in the fourth frame and adding a pair in the sixth to knot the count. Two innings later, outfielder Doyle of Penticton plated the winner after drawing a base on balls, advancing on the basepaths when Chuck Blacklock singled and romping home with the assistance of a wild pitch. Kelowna threatened more than once, leaving 12 runners stranded, but simply couldn’t produce the big hit when needed. Shortstop Don Coy of the winners had a solo home run and a double. Kelowna’s “Bud” Gourlie tripled and singled in a losing cause.
Hammond (W) and Baker
Chaubin, Murphy (L) (7) and Newton
(May 19) Omak won their home opener defeating Brewster 13 to 6.
D. Welborn, K. Welborn, M. Holt and xxx
xxx (W) and xxx
(May 24) “Bud” Gourlie pitched a classy one-hitter as Kelowna of the OIBL drubbed the Kamloops All-Stars of the North Okanagan Mainline Baseball League 13 to 1 in exhibition action during the Kelowna Gyro Empire Day celebrations. Outfielder Dave Newton accounted for three of the 13 Kelowna safeties pounded off three Kamloops’ moundsmen.
Plasteras (L), Horn, Nicholas and McDonald
Gourlie (W) and Leier
(May 26) The Oroville WA Boosters, featuring three brother acts, disposed of the hosting Kelowna team 8 to 3 in OIBL action. Winning flinger Jerry Compton of the Washingtonians rationed the Orchard City gang to just five hits. His sibling, first baseman Jesse, provided plenty of family support by slapping out a trio of base hits.
Jerry Compton (W) and LeMay, Oberg
Murphy (L), Chaubin (6) and Leier
(May 26) Omak WA overcame a three-run deficit to edge Penticton 5 to 4 at King’s Park in Penticton. Holding a 9 to 7 edge in base hits acquired, the Washingtonians earned their victory with a four-run outburst in the sixth stanza. Winning chucker Johnson fanned eight in going the route. Outfielder T. Lightly and shortstop Peterson led the Americans at the dish with a trio of base knocks each, one of Lightly’s going for two bases. Catcher Baker and second sacker Kaines each stroked a brace of one-baggers for Penticton.
Johnson (W) and Robbins, Ralston
Hammond (L) and Baker
(May 30) The Peachland baseball team of the South Okanagan Baseball League, labelled as a senior “B” circuit, decisively trounced the senior “A” Oroville WA Boosters of the OIBL 9 to 1 in a Memorial Day exhibition fixture in the American town. Featuring the upset win over a hitherto unbeaten senior “A” Oroville team were a 16 strikeout performance by Hal Cousins, pitcher for Peachland, and a long home run smashed by his brother and batterymate Verne Cousins.
H. Cousins (W) and V. Cousins
xxx (L), xxx and xxx
(June 2) Oroville WA collected 11 hits in disposing of the visiting Penticton squad 4 to 2. Complete game winner Jerry Compton held the Canadians to five safeties while whiffing nine batters. Ray Visser clubbed a triple and single for the victors while teammate Roy Greene chipped in with a pair of singles.
Hammond (L), Warner and Baker
Jerry Compton (W) and LeMay
(June 2) The hometown Brewster WA nine drubbed Kelowna 7 to 3 in OIBL action. Jack Sampson and George Beaudoin both picked up three hits for the victors. Sampson’s total included a double while Beaudoin amassed a triple and double in his production.
Chaubin (L) and Leier
D. Welborn, Bohringer and Cleveland
Omak – 8 Okanogan – 5
(June 9) Although out hit by a 10 to 9 margin, Penticton had no difficulty in defeating Okanogan WA 12 to 4. The game was featured by the first post-war home run to be scored at Penticton’s King’s Park, a second inning two-run shot by Okanogan catcher Larson. A five-run outburst in the third inning sent the winners ahead to stay. Winning tosser Warner struck out ten in going the distance. Third baseman Wicher of Okanogan led all batters with three hits. Chuck Blacklock paced Penticton at the dish with a double and single.
Thorpe, Short, W. McCormick and Larson
Warner (W) and Baker
(June 9) Brewster travelled to Oroville WA and knocked off their hosts by a 7 to 2 count. George Beaudoin paced the 11-hit Brewster offense with a three-hit production.
M. Holt, Bohringer (W) (1) and Cleveland
Wast, Compton (L), Parker and Oberg, LeMay
(June 9) For the fourth time in as many tries, Kelowna’s senior “A” team was soundly beaten in OIBL play, this time taking it on the chin from the Omak WA squad 13 to 4. Omak batters pounded 17 base blows in the convincing victory. Keystone sack custodian Picard and hot corner guardian Harley Galler both picked up three hits for the winners while Eddie Kielbiski reciprocated with a trio of raps for the Kelownans.
Murphy (L), Lesmeister (5) and Leier
Ralston (W) and Robbins
(June 16) Penticton knocked previous league-leading Brewster WA off the top rung by registering a convincing 11 to 3 win on the home turf of the Washington state team. The Canucks lit up three Brewster hurlers for 16 hits in cruising to the win. Third baseman John “Curly” Jellison led the way with the timber, drilling four base blows. Catcher Clair Baker with three hits and outfielder Blacklock with a double and single also shone offensively for the winners. “Lefty” Hammond scattered six hits in picking up the mound win.
Hammond (W) and Baker
D. Welborn (L), Bohringer, M. Holt and Cleveland
(June 16) Wally Lesmeister and his Kelowna teammates broke into the winning column in no uncertain terms, taking a 6 to 1 decision against the Okanogan WA nine. Young Lesmeister, who fooled everyone by concealing his pitching ability, hurled his first full game and did a masterful job in limiting the visitors to four scattered hits while fanning eight. Hank Tostenson slammed a bases-empty circuit-blow in the second frame for the victors. Teammate “Bud” Gourlie connected for a triple and two-bagger.
Thorpe (L), W. McCormick and R. Wells
Lesmeister (W) and Leier
Omak – 18 Oroville - 5
(June 23) Kelowna was trounced by Penticton 16 to 3 in an OIBL game played in Penticton. Outfielder “Curly” Cox with four hits paced the victors with the lumber while outfielder Dave Newton led the Orchard City nine with a pair of safeties.
Murphy (L), Lesmeister, Gourlie and Gourlie, Leier
Hammond (W), Warner (7) and Baker
(June 23) Brewster WA handed Omak their first defeat of the 1946 season, dropping the visitors 5 to 1. Winning flinger Arnie Bohringer limited the league-leaders to just two hits. Steve Cleveland had a triple and single for Brewster while teammate Tom Hanford contributed a double and one-bagger.
Ralston (L) and Robbins
Bohringer (W) and Cleveland
Oroville – 8 Okanogan – 7
OIBL standings after games of June 23
W L Pct.
Omak 5 1 .833
Oroville 4 2 .667
Penticton 4 2 .667
Brewster 4 2 .667
Kelowna 1 5 .167
Okanogan 0 6 .000
Penticton OIBL batting averages to Sunday, June 23 (minimum of four games played)
AB R H Aver.
Cox 18 6 9 .500
Warner 16 2 6 .375
Gunn 31 5 10 .323
Blacklock 19 10 6 .316
Kincaid 19 6 6 .316
Baker 35 10 11 .314
Jellison 29 4 9 .310
Coy 33 12 10 .303
Hammond 18 3 4 .244
Kaines 30 11 6 .200
Kelowna OIBL batting averages to Sunday, June 23
AB R H Aver.
Gourlie 15 4 6 .400
Newton 22 2 8 .364
Hicks 20 0 7 .350
Kielbiski 23 2 8 .348
Chaubin 4 1 1 .250
R. Kitsch 18 2 4 .222
Murray 24 4 5 .208
Tostenson 26 4 5 .192
F. Kitsch 17 0 2 .118
Lesmeister 9 1 1 .111
Leier 18 1 2 .111
Murphy 8 0 0 .000
(June 30) Top-ranked Omak WA blasted Penticton 7 to 0. The tone of the game was set in the opening canto when Penticton shortstop Don Coy muffed a sure-fire double-play ground ball.
Hammond (L), Warner (4) and xxx
xxx (W) and xxx
(June 30) Brewster WA pounded 17 base knocks off the slants of Okanogan WA pitching as they hammered their hosts 12 to 3. Three Brewster chuckers limited the Okanogan diamondeers to just five hits. Joe Wick, Vernon Holt and George Beaudoin each laced three base blows for Brewster with one of Beaudoin’s hits being a double.
V. Holt, D. Welborn, Bohringer and Cleveland
Wells (L) and Larsen
Oroville – 8 Kelowna - 2
(July 3) Playing on the home diamond of the U.S. squad, the Oroville WA Boosters pushed Kelowna’s OIBL entry closer to the cellar, pouring it on hot and heavy for an 8 to 2 triumph.
(July 7) In a sloppily played OIBL contest in Penticton, the Oroville WA contingent drubbed their hosts 12 to 5. The Yanks lit up a pair of Penticton chuckers for 17 base blows, using three hurlers themselves. First baseman Jess Compton smashed a double and three singles for Oroville while starting pitcher Ray Visser drilled four one baggers. Outfielder Kammers of the winners was credited with a home run, somewhat tainted, in that the batted ball found a rare hole under the fence.
Ray Visser, Bob Visser (W), Parker and Oberg, LeMay
Warner (L), Hammond and Baker
(July 7) Kelowna picked up their second win of the 1946 season with an impressive 10 to 1 win over a tough Brewster WA nine. Eddie Kielbiski handcuffed the Americans with a two-hitter. Marlow Hicks, Dave Newton, Dick Murray and Kielbiski all picked up a brace of hits for the Orchard City baseballers with one of Hicks’ blows going for three bases.
D. Welborn (L), Verne Holt and Cleveland, Handford
Kielbiski (W) and Newton
Omak – 4 Okanogan - 2
(July 14) Penticton moved into a third place tie with Brewster after defeating last-place Okanogan WA 6 to 1 on the latter’s diamond. Penticton roared out of the gate, collecting four runs in their initial turn at bat. “Curly” Cox paced the triumphant team with the hickory, singling three times.
Hammond (W) and Baker
Wells (L) and Hartung, Jacobs
(July 14) Oroville WA dumped Brewster WA 8 to 0 in a game in which Oroville shortstop Roy Greene slugged a home run, triple and double. The win moved the Boosters into a tie atop the OIBL with Omak WA and set up a showdown for first-place between the two Washington state rivals in their final league game.
Bohringer (L) and xxx
B. Visser (W) and xxx
(July 14) Kelowna tripped up the league-leading Omak WA aggregation 5 to 3 at City Park. Uncharacteristically, the Yanks made 5 defensive miscues on a slippery field which was marred by persistent showers. Winning pitcher Eddie Kielbiski was often in trouble, partly due to the liberal free trips he was issuing, but between his own grit and the nearly flawless support of his teammates, he pulled himself out of some pretty tight holes. Omak held a 9 to 8 advantage in the base hit department with third baseman Harley Galler leading the way with a two-bagger and a brace of singles. The hosts broke a 3 – 3 deadlock in the eighth, scoring a pair of counters, the first and lead run on an overthrow to first following a sacrifice bunt and the insurance tally on Dick Murray’s second single of the afternoon.
Ralston (L) and Robbins
Kielbiski (W) and Newton
(July 21) In a tightly fought pitcher’s duel, Penticton emerged with a hard-fought 2 to 1 win over Brewster WA. Both teams managed just four base hits as “Lefty” Hammond struck out six in pinning the defeat on Brewster starter Don Welborn. Third baseman Keith Welborn of the Washington club was the only player to register two hits, one of which was a double. With the win, Penticton secured third place in the OIBL and will meet pennant-winning Omak WA in a single-game sudden-death playoff.
D. Welborn (L), Bohringer and Cleveland
Hammond (W) and Baker
(July 21) The cellar-dwelling Okanogan club finally made the win column in their last OIBL game of the season as the Kelowna entry dropped a thrilling 8 to 7 decision to the hosting Washingtonians. Okanagan plated three counters in the bottom of the ninth inning to erase a 7 to 5 deficit and steal the victory. The tying marker was forced in by a base on balls and the winning marker immediately followed on an infield miscue. Fred Kitsch of Kelowna was the game’s top willow wielder with a four-for-five performance at the platter.
Kielbiski, Lesmeister (L) (6) and Newton
Hamilton (W) and R. Wells
(July 21) In a first-place showdown between the OIBL’s top two teams, Omak WA prevailed over Oroville WA.
Final OIBL standings
W L Pct.
Omak 8 2 .800
Oroville 7 3 .700
Penticton 6 4 .600
Brewster 5 5 .500
Kelowna 3 7 .300
Okanogan 1 9 .100
Final 1946 OIBL batting averages for Kelowna players (Kelowna Courier, July 25/46)
AB R H Aver.
Hicks 31 6 12 .387
Newton 34 8 13 .382
Gourlie 29 6 11 .379
Kielbiski 35 5 12 .343
Murray 36 4 10 .278
F. Kitsch 31 2 8 .258
Chaubin 4 1 1 .250
Tostenson 38 6 7 .184
R. Kitsch 31 3 5 .161
Leier 18 1 2 .111
Lesmeister 18 2 1 .056
Murphy 8 0 0 .000
PLAYOFFS & POST-SEASON EXHIBITION GAMES
Semi-finals (sudden-death)
(July 28) Omak WA bounced Penticton from the playoff picture with a 9 to 3 victory over the British Columbians. Omak never trailed, scoring two in the first frame and adding a pair in the second stanza. Starter Ralston and winning tosser Krumba limited Penticton to six hits. Shortstop Peterson and outfielder T. Lightly both had two hits for the winners.
Warner (L) and Jellison
Ralston, Krumba (W) and Johnson, Suttle
(July 28) Fourth-place Brewster WA upset runner-up Oroville WA 11 to 6 in the other sudden-death playoff tilt. Brewster will now face Omak in the OIBL finals. Tom Hanford rocked Oroville hurlers for a triple, double and single while Eli Driessen contributed a double and two singles. Starter Arnie Bohringer was credited with the pitching win.
Bohringer (W), Driessen (7) and Cleveland
xxx (L), xxx and xxx
(July 28) In an exhibition match between the OIBL’s bottom-feeders, Kelowna pounded Okanogan WA into submission, taking a 20 to 2 decision in the Orchard City. Kelowna shortstop Glen O’Shaughnessy and winning pitcher “Bud” Goulie both blasted home runs while R. McCormick of the Okanogan nine did likewise.
Thorpe (L), Woodbury and Hartney
Gourlie (W) and Newton
Finals (best-of-three)
(August 4) Trailing 3 to 0 after 8 complete innings, the Brewster WA baseballers rallied for five ninth-inning runs to upset first-place Omak WA 5 to 3 in the opener of the 1946 OIBL final series.
V. Holt, Bohringer (W) (6) and xxx
xxx (L), xxx and xxx
(August 4) The hosting Kamloops All-Stars of the North Okanagan Mainline circuit edged the OIBL’s Kelowna squad 8 to 7 in the first tussle of a home-and-home exhibition series.
(August 11) Penticton of the OIBL and the Vernon Aces of the NOMBL locked horns in the first game of a home-and-home exhibition series which saw the Vernonites trounce visiting Penticton 12 to 4. First sacker Nuyens of the Aces had a stellar day at the plate, stroking four hits including a double and triple. Don Coy had a solo homer for Penticton.
Warner (L), Baker and Baker, G. Kincaid
Chiveldoff (W) and Suga
(August 11) The Kamloops All-Stars of the North Okanagan Mainline Baseball League thumped Kelowna of the OIBL 14 to 5 in exhibition play in the Regatta City. The Stars’ “Lefty” Marriott had three hits in this contest, including a round-tripper. Dave Newton and Wally Lesmeister connected for circuit-clouts for Kelowna.
MacKenzie (W) and Morton
Kielbiski (L), Gourlie (7) and Newton, Leier
(August 18) In the return exhibition match played in Penticton, the homesters eked out a 9 to 8 win over the Vernon Aces of the NOMBL. The game was a nightmare defensively with a total of 17 errors committed by both teams. Penticton notched the winning marker in the bottom of the ninth inning when Bill Gunn doubled and was driven home on Clair Baker’s single.
N. Janicki (L) and Suga, Redman
Baker (W) and G. Kincaid
(August 18) Omak WA defeated Brewster WA 4 to 3 to even the OIBL final playoff series at a game apiece.
(August 25) Brewster captured the Okanogan Valley championship downing Omak 4-2 Saturday in an thrilling contest before a large turnout. George Beaudoin paced the winners with a home run and a triple.
(August 25) Kelowna of the OIBL handed the Vernon Aces of the North Okanagan Mainline Baseball League an 8 to 2 drubbing in an exhibition encounter played in Vernon. Wally Lesmeister, on the mound for the winners, limited the hometowners to five hits and one walk. He whiffed 11 of the 33 Vernon batters to face him.
Lesmeister (W) and Leier
Chiveldoff, N. Janicki (7) and Suga
(September 1) Playing a return exhibition match in the Regatta City, the hosting Kelownans of the OIBL once again defeated the Vernon Aces of the North Okanagan Mainline loop, this time by a count of 8 to 6. Both teams registered 9 base hits but the Orchard City nine came out way ahead in the extra-base-hit department.Two Kelowna home runs, by winning tosser Amos and shortstop Glen O’Shaughnessy plus triples by Hank Tostenson and Eddie Kielbiski, overshadowed the Vernonites whose lone extra-base blows, a circuit-clout and a two-bagger, came off the bat of outfielder Wally Janicki.
Gayton (L) and Suga
Amos (W) and Leier
(September 2) A Labor Day exhibition tilt saw the visiting Omak WA team edge past Penticton 3 to 2. Both teams garnered five hits in the closely-contested joust. Omak first baseman Settle drove in the equalizer and then scored the winning run, both being unearned tallies following a pair of Penticton miscues. Shortstop Peterson had a double and single for the winners.
J. Lightly (W) and Robbins
Hammond (L) and G. Kincaid
(September 8) Penticton of the OIBL took an 11 to 6 exhibition game decision from Oliver of the SOBL. Oliver held an early 5 to 0 lead but let it slip away after the Penticton nine erupted for six counters in the sixth frame. Each team racked up nine hits with Chuck Blacklock of the winners stroking a brace of one-baggers while Oliver’s Dinsmore came through with a triple and single.
Norton, Steffen (L) and McIvor
Hammond, Warner (W) and Dagg
NORTH OKANAGAN MAINLINE LEAGUE
A new circuit, the 1946 North Okanagan Mainline Baseball League, encompassed three of the surviving four member clubs from the 1945 Okanagan Mainline League (Kamloops All-Stars, Revelstoke Spikes and Salmon Arm) while the fourth 1945 entrant, Kelowna, moved to another 1946 neophyte loop, the southern-based Okanagan/Okanogan International Baseball League. Joining the three established clubs to form a northern six-team association for 1946 were a second Kamloops franchise, the C.Y.O. club, plus new entries from Vernon, the Aces, and Enderby.
Teams in the 1946 North Okanagan Mainline Baseball League
Enderby
Kamloops All-Stars
Kamloops C.Y.O.
Revelstoke Spikes
Salmon Arm
Vernon Aces
(May 19) Before a standing room only crowd at Riverside Park, the Kamloops All-Stars opened the 1946 NOMBL campaign in a big way with a 10 to 1 shellacking of Salmon Arm. With Hec MacKenzie hurling seven-hit ball, his Stars’ teammates teed off on Salmon Arm pitching for 11 base blows, taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded them. Leading the willow wielding for Kamloops was shortstop Ash Mayson with three hits including a triple and double. All-Stars’ third sacker Wilf Johnston also picked up a trio of base raps, one of which was a two-bagger.
Turner (L), xxx and xxx
MacKenzie (W) and xxx
(May 19) Kamloops CYO had no difficulty in capturing its NOMBL opener, taking the overmatched Enderby squad into camp 34 to 5 before an enthusiastic crowd at Enderby. Paul Prehara started on the mound for CYO and when his mates had established a comfortable lead for him, the pitching duties were handed over to a pair of relievers.
P. Prehara (W), Bregolisse, G. McQuarrie and J. McQuarrie
xxx (L), xxx and xxx
(May 19) The defending champion Revelstoke Spikes began the campaign on a winning note by defeating the Vernon Aces 8 to 5 in the Railroad Town. The game was a free-hitting affair which saw Revelstoke collect 16 hits off a pair of Vernon chuckers while the Aces nicked winning tosser Al Pradolini for 12 base blows. Spikes’ third baseman Gordon Fleming had four hits while teammate Al McAskill picked up three.
Sawayama (L), Shumay (7) and Suga
Pradolini (W) and Rota
(May 26) Butterfingers in the first frame resulted in an eventual 8 to 3 loss for the Revelstoke Spikes to the Kamloops All-Stars.The Spikes’ juggling of the pellet in the initial inning put them behind the eight ball by a 3 to 0 count and they were unable to totally recover. Overall, Kamloops held a 9 to 6 advantage in base hits garnered with one of them being a home run by Joe McKinnon. Third baseman Wilf Johnston and catcher Jack Morton both had a brace of base blows for the winners with one of Johnston’s being a double. Losing chucker Couston topped the Revelstoke offensive thrust with a two-bagger and a single. First sacker Morrison of the Spikes singled twice.
Couston (L) and Rota
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
(May 26) Turning on the heat in the first, third and fifth frames, the visiting Kamloops CYO squad took down the Vernon Aces 5 to 1. Paul Prehara got the mound win over Bill Chiveldoff. CYO first baseman Joe Desjardine and Nick Janicki of the Aces both had two base raps.
P. Prehara (W), Whitehead (6) and G. Prehara, J. McQuarrie (6)
Chiveldoff (L) and Suga
(June 2) A seven-run splurge in the first inning gave the Kamloops All-Stars an easy 10 to 0 shutout over Nick’s Aces of Vernon. The Aces had a nasty afternoon on their home turf, juggling the horsehide like it was a hot potato. The Stars got away to an overpowering start by sandwiching four singles among three Vernon errors for an initial stanza of seven runs. From there on, it was no contest. Hec MacKenzie’s hurling had the Vernonites in a daze. He allowed them only six scattered hits and, only once, was an Aces’ base runner in scoring position. Ashton Mayson carried the biggest Kamloops bat, going three-for-five. Bob Morton followed with a two-for-three output which included a double.
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
Sawayama (L) and Suga, Redman (8)
(June 2) Kamloops CYO breezed to their third NOMBL victory when, before a sellout crowd at Riverside Park, they hammered Salmon Arm 9 to 1. Winning tosser Paul Prehara and reliever George Wyse shared a three-hitter with two of Salmon Arm’s hits being yielded by Prehara. Second baseman Johnny Garay led the winners at the dish with three singles while Jack McNeil contributed a double and single..
Turner (L), W. Kernaghan (8) and Leon, Wilson (8)
P. Prehara (W), Wyse (6) and G. Prehara, J. McQuarrie (6)
(June 2) Enderby squandered a first-inning 4 to 0 lead and went down to defeat at the hands of the Revelstoke Spikes 15 to 6 in a NOMBL fixture at Revelstoke.
(June 9) The All-Stars captured the initial battle of Kamloops by besting CYO 5 to 3 in a well-played encounter. CYO threatened to tie the score in both the eighth and ninth innings but clutch pitching by winner Hec MacKenzie and a spectacular catch by first sacker “Lefty” Marriott of a line drive, saved the day. Both teams were able to manufacture seven hits. Ash Mayson slugged a home run for the victors. Losing twirler George Wyse picked up a double and single as did Marriott of the Stars.
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
Wyse (L) and J. McQuarrie
(June 9) Salmon Arm’s baseball nine dropped their second straight North Okanagan Mainline League game when they were whitewashed 7 to 0 by the Revelstoke Spikes. Al Pradolini whiffed 11 Salmon Arm batters in earning the complete game mound win. A bright spot for the losing Salmon Arm squad was their turning of a triple play.
Turner (L) and Wilson
Pradolini (W) and Rota
(June 9) Nick’s Aces of Vernon rang up a decisive 23 to 1 victory over an inexperienced and overmatched Enderby nine. Bill Chiveldoff struck out ten Enderby batters in picking up the pitching win. Nick Janicki collected a single, double and triple for the Vernonites.
Radloff (L), Dugdale (2), Wadinski (7) and xxx
Chiveldoff (W) and xxx
(June 16) Another standing room only crowd of baseball fans was on hand at Riverside Park when the Revelstoke Spikes came to town and edged the flashy Kamloops CYO nine 4 to 1. The score belies the play as the three-run cushion was not totally indicative of the close and competitive play. The Spikes held an 8 to 7 margin in base hits as iron-armed Al Pradolini was nothing less than top notch in earning the mound win. The Spikes took advantage of CYO weaknesses and lapses, coming through in the clutch when challenged. CYO threatened in the third, fourth and ninth frames but in every instance the snappy Revelstoke defense nipped them off. Shortstop Mike Maruno led the way offensively for the Spikes with a triple and single. Pradolini and W. Koronko each singled twice. Jack McNeill was Kamloops’ top swatter with a double and single.
Pradolini (W) and Rota
Whitehead (L) and J. McQuarrie
(June 16) The undefeated Kamloops All-Stars had little difficulty in disposing of cellar-dwelling Enderby 11 to 3. While Pete Plasteras held the Enderby batters to three runs from five singles, the big bats of the Stars hammered starter Dugdale for eight runs before he was driven to the showers. Len Scott was the big gun for Kamloops at the plate with a double and a brace of one-baggers. Catcher Bob Morton chipped in with a triple and single.
Plasteras (W) and R. Morton
Dugdale (L), Bessette (3) and McNair, Archambeault (8)
(June 16) It took the Vernon Aces 12 hard-fought innings at Salmon Arm before they defeated the homesters 10 to 7. Vernon chucker Bill Chiveldoff hurled the entire 12 stanzas to get the mound triumph. He struck out 11 batters and allowed eight hits. Wally Janicki paced the Aces at the dish with four hits, two of them doubles. Mac Turner was the leading sticker for Salmon Arm, collecting three doubles.
Chiveldoff (W) and Redman
Syme, Turner (L) (8) and Leon
NOMBL standings W L Pct.
Kamloops All-Stars 5 0 1.000
Revelstoke Spikes 4 1 .800
Kamloops C.Y.O. 3 2 .600
Vernon Aces 2 3 .400
Salmon Arm 1 4 .200
Enderby 0 5 .000
(June 23) Kamloops CYO slapped a 21 to 9 licking on Enderby in a game in which a couple of brother pitcher-catcher combinations formed the battery for Kamloops. Paul and George Prehara took the first five innings, being replaced by Gordon and Jim McQuarrie. CYO second sacker Johnny Garay fattened his batting average with a three-for-for plate production. Hot corner custodian George Wyse did alright as well, slamming a double and two one-baggers. Enderby’s Dugdale, Murphy and Bush each lit up the Kamloops chuckers for a pair of hits.
Bessette (L), Murphy (5) and Archambeault, McNair (6)
P. Prehara (W), G. McQuarrie (6) and G. Prehara, J. McQuarrie (6)
(June 23) One-hit pitching by Hec MacKenzie gave the Kamloops All-Stars their sixth consecutive NOMBL victory at Salmon Arm by a 4 to 0 count. The Stars took a second-inning lead, converting three singles, a walk and a sacrifice into three big tallies. From there on, it was just a question of if the Salmon Arm offense could dent MacKenzie’s armour. Joe McKinnon and MacKenzie led the nine-hit Kamloops attack with a brace of singles each.
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
Turner (L), Syme and Leon
(June 23) At Vernon, the Revelstoke Spikes put themselves in a position to challenge the Kamloops All-Stars for the NOMBL leadership when they defeated Nick’s Aces 4 to 3. Vernon had the potential tying and winning runs on the sacks in the bottom of the ninth frame but a controversial call at third base abruptly ended their comeback attempt. The Aces held a 7 to 6 margin in base hits as Nick Janicki led the way with a double plus a brace of singles. Pete Koronko singled twice for the Spikes.
Pradolini (W) and Rota
Chiveldoff (L) and Redman
(June 30 – July 1) The Revelstoke Spikes won the Golden Spike Exhibition tournament in the Railroad Town, defeating the Vernon Aces 5 to 0 in the deciding game. Vernon had trimmed the Salmon Arm squad 7 to 2 to qualify for the final game.
(July 1) Avenging a May 24 defeat, the Kamloops All-Stars of the NOMBL whitewashed the Kelowna entry in the Okanagan/Okanogan International League 8 to 0 in exhibition action. Hec MacKenzie’s four-hit hurling and an errorless performance in the field gave Kamloops control of the game throughout. “Lefty” Marriott included an inside-the-park home run amongst his brace of base raps. Kamloops third sacker Wilf Johnston also had a pair of base blows, a double and one-bagger.
Lesmeister (L), Kielbiski (4) and Leier
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
(July 7) First baseman “Lefty” Marriott was a busy dude at Revelstoke as the Kamloops All-Stars won their seventh straight NOMBL tussle by trimming the Spikes 4 to 2 in ten innings. The initial sacker made 21 putouts as winning flinger Hec MacKenzie had the Spikes pounding the ball into the ground. The Stars trailed 2 to 1 until the seventh frame when two-baggers by Joe McKinnon and MacKenzie let the former scamper home with the tying run. In the tenth, they got two runs, the first driven home on Ash Mayson’s single and the insurance tally when first baseman Pratico bobbled the ball on an infield roller. MacKenzie yielded but four hits but kept his infield hopping with his sinker ball working to perfection. Both pitchers, MacKenzie and losing chucker Pradolini, were the only two swatters to register two hits with one of MacKenzie’s being scored as an RBI double.
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
Pradolini (L) and Rota
(July 7) Sparked by George Wyse’s 12 strikeout performance, the Kamloops CYO squad pulled themselves into a second-place tie with Revelstoke by trimming the Vernon Aces 11 to 3. The CYO gang got off to a five-run lead in the initial inning and never was headed. Don McNeil with a double and single plus Haywood and Humphreys with two singles apiece topped the All-Stars at the dish. Johnny Garay also stayed hot, drilling a circuit-clout for the winners. Outfielder Fred Janicki was the only Vernon player to connect for a brace of hits off the slants of Wyse.
N. Janicki (L) and Suga
Wyse (W) and J. McQuarrie
(July 7) The Enderby nine scored their first win of the NOMBL season when they took an 8 to 7 decision over Salmon Arm.
(July 14) A fifth-inning rampage in which the Kamloops All-Stars swept home 12 runs on 8 hits smashed Nick’s Aces of Vernon into a 13 to 4 submission at Riverside Park. “Lefty” Marriott and Mel Ottem led the Stars’ hit parade with three apiece. Ottem’s total included a home run while Marriott picked up a double in his accumulation. First baseman George Nuyens of the Aces also smashed a trio of base knocks, two of them doubles.
N. Janicki (L), Chiveldoff (5) and Suga
Plasteras (W) and R. Morton
(July 14) The lowly Salmon Arm entry in the NOMBL surprised the Kamloops CYO nine, slapping a 9 to 4 defeat on the Catholic club. The Shuswap Lakers were full credit for their victory, piling up 12 hits off Gordon McQuarrie and George Wyse. The best CYO could do off the slants of winning pitcher Dave Syme amounted to six scattered singles and a two-bagger. Kamloops’ Joe Desjardine was the only thorn in Syme’s side, garnering a double and a pair of one-baggers. Outfielder Bill Portman of Salmon Arm also picked up a two-bagger and a brace of singles.
G. McQuarrie (L), Wyse (6) and J. McQuarrie
Syme (W) and Leon
(July 21) Struggling all the way, Kamloops CYO fell before the league-leading Kamloops All-Stars 7 to 4 in a NOMBL fixture at Riverside Park. A record crowd watched Hec MacKenzie hold CYO scoreless in all except the sixth and ninth innings as he led his teammates to their ninth successive victory. The Stars piled up 13 base blows off the offerings of loser George Wyse and reliever Johnny Garay. “Lefty” Marriott and Burt Horn led the way with the club for the winners, racking up three safe blows apiece. Jack McNeil of CYO also had a trio of base knocks.
Wyse (L), Garay (2) and J. McQuarrie
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
(July 21) The Revelstoke Spikes defeated Salmon Arm 10 to 2 at Revelstoke in a NOMBL fixture.
(July 21) The Nick’s Aces aggregation of Vernon handily defeated Enderby 23 to 8. Winning pitcher Bill Chiveldoff rang up 15 strikeouts. Collecting four hits apiece for the winners were Cy Suga, Bill Inglis, Nick Janicki and George Nuyens.
Chiveldoff (W) and xxx
xxx (L) and xxx
(July 28) Although out hitting their hosts 11 to 4, the Kamloops CYO team lost their final NOMBL fixture at Revelstoke as the Spikes prevailed 11 to 6 in an error-filled match. CYO’s trio of hurlers issued nine bases on balls which went a long way in determining their fate. W. Koronko had a triple and double for the Spikes. Shortstop Julius Ivanco was Kamloops’ best with the lumber, drilling three singles.
P. Prehara (L), G. McQuarrie (2), McArthur (7) and J. McQuarrie
Pradolini (W) and Rota.
(July 28) The mighty Kamloops All-Stars easily disposed of the Enderby diamondeers 7 to 2 at Riverside Park. Pete Plasteras picked up his third mound triumph of the campaign, registering 11 strikeouts. Outfielder Burt Horn smashed a double and two singles for the Stars while teammate Mel Ottem contributed a trio of one-baggers. Catcher Bob Morton hit a round-tripper for Kamloops in the second frame to get them off and running.
Murphy (L) and McNair
Plasteras (W) and R. Morton
(July 28) The Vernon Aces blew their chance for a playoff spot in the NOMBL when they wound up the regular schedule by losing to Salmon Arm 7 to 4 at MacDonald Park. Salmon Arm broke a 3 – 3 tie in the eighth frame, scoring three times aided by a pair of walks and two errors. First baseman Don Jamieson led the winners’ 11-hit offense with three base blows. Teammates J. Evans and Bill Portman both had a pair of safeties as did Jim Redman and Ingram of the Aces.
Syme (W) and Leon
N. Janicki (L) and Suga
Final NOMBL standings W L Pct.
Kamloops All-Stars 10 0 1.000
Revelstoke Spikes 8 2 .800
Kamloops C.Y.O. 5 5 .500
Vernon Aces 4 6 .400
Salmon Arm 2 8 .200
Enderby 1 9 .100
The pennant-winning Kamloops All-Stars received a bye into the NOMBL finals as a result of their first-place finish. Runner-up Revelstoke Spikes faced the Kamloops C.Y.O. in a best-of-three semi-final playoff round, the ultimate winner moving on to face the All-Stars for the league championship.
PLAYOFFS & POST-SEASON EXHIBITION GAMES
Semi-finals (best-of-three)
(August 4) Unable to do anything with Roy Whitehead’s slants and powerless to hold down the hard-hitting CYO offense, the Revelstoke Spikes dropped the first game of the NOMBL semi-finals to the visitors from Kamloops 10 to 3. Whitehead whiffed 12 Revelstokians, no mean task, and allowed them only five hits. Pradolini started on the mound for the Spikes but retired in favour of Pratico after a seventh-inning CYO outburst had resulted in five runs. George Wyse led the CYO hitters with three singles while Johnny Garay connected for a pair of doubles. In all, the CYO gang slapped out 15 hits.
Whitehead (W) and J. McQuarrie
Pradolini (L), Pratico (8) and Rota
(August 4) Kamloops All-Stars of the NOMBL nosed out Kelowna of the Okanagan/Okanogan International Baseball League 7 to 6 in a 12-inning exhibition game at Riverside Park. Wilf Johnston’s double in the third extra-frame scored Kamloops’ catcher Bob Morton who had drawn a walk. With nothing at stake, Kamloops substituted freely as the visitors emerged with a 15 to 10 advantage in the base hit department. Kelowna’s “Bud” Gourlie led all batters with four base blows including a four-bagger and a double. Wally Lesmeister of the visitors and “Lefty” Marriott of the Stars each banged out three hits.
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
Kielbiski (L) and Newton
(August 11) The Kamloops All-Stars of the NOMBL whipped Kelowna of the Okanagan/Okanogan International Baseball League 14 to 5 in a return exhibition match held in Kelowna. The All-Stars jumped in front early and played superior baseball throughout the tilt. It was a free-hitting contest in which Kamloops piled up a 15 to 9 margin over Kelowna in base hits acquired. “Lefty” Marriott of the Stars had three base blows including a home run while teammate Bob Morton was good for a double and a pair of singles. Dave Newton and Wally Lesmeister clouted homers for Kelowna.
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
Kielbiski (L), Gourlie and Newton, Leier
(August 11) Vernon’s baseball nine, Nick’s Aces, a losing team throughout the regular season, pulled up their socks and administered a 12 to 4 beating to the Penticton entry from the Okanagan/Okanogan International Baseball League in an exhibition encounter played at MacDonald Park. Veteran George Nuyens starred with the hickory for the Aces, hammering a triple, double and two singles.
Warner (L) and Baker
Chiveldoff (W) and Suga
(August 18) The Vernon Aces were losers in their return match with the Penticton OIBL entry, dropping a tough 9 to 8 decision to the southerners after tying the game in the first half of the ninth. Penticton’s Bill Gunn plated the winner in the bottom of the final frame, driven home with the aid of back-to-back singles. Vernon’s Wally Janicki was the hot hitter of the day, singling three times and knocking in a trio of tallies.
N. Janicki (L) and Redman
Baker (W) and G. Kincaid
(August 25) The Revelstoke Spikes were apparently washed out of the NOMBL semi-finals when plate umpire Howard Hillis awarded the second game of the series to the Kamloops CYO nine by an official score of 9 to 0. The Revelstokians indicated that a protest would be forthcoming. Allegedly, Revelstoke management had used delaying tactics so that their sometimes profane-laced complaints could be voiced from the dugout. The scheduled Spikes’ batter, McAskill, on instructions from the coaching staff, held back from entering the batter’s box when the call to “play ball” was issued. Once Roy Whitehead, CYO hurler, tossed one pitch, Hillis declared the game forfeited to the Kamloops team.
(September 1-2) The Revelstoke Spikes won the Vernon Labor Day tournament over the weekend. In their first game, they defeated Salmon Arm 7 to 2, earning a bye to the finals where they met the Vernon Aces and demolished them 23 to 3. Vernon had advanced to the finals with a 10 to 6 win over Kelowna. The other two first-round matches saw the Kamloops All-Stars losing to Kelowna 11 to 7 and Vernon taking out Oyama 8 to 2.
(September 4) The Revelstoke Spikes had their official protest of the result of the August 25 semi-final game upheld. The NOMBL executive called for a complete replay of the game for September 11.
(September 8) Still awaiting an opponent for the 1946 NOMBL finals, the Kamloops All-Stars engaged in another exhibition tilt, walking away with a 14 to 3 decision over Salmon Arm. Kamloops counted five runs in the opening frame, sparked by a home run off the bat of outfielder “Bus” Ellis. They continued the heavy hitting, accumulating 14 base hits in all. Shortstop Mel Ottem collected the most, slapping out three singles.
Syme (L), W. Kernaghan (6) and W. Kernaghan, Wilson (6)
Plasteras (W), MacKenzie (5) and R. Morton
(September 11) By refusing to meet the Revelstoke Spikes in a possible doubleheader, the first game of which would constitute a replay of the second game of the NOMBL semi-finals, the Kamloops CYO team was eliminated from the playoffs. The basis of the vehement disagreement was the league’s proposal to share the gate receipts in Kamloops for the twin-bill where a potential crowd was expected to exceed that which could be anticipated in Revelstoke for a possible third game.
Finals (best-of-three)
(September 15) Behind Hec MacKenzie’s two-hit pitching gem, the Kamloops All-Stars battered the Revelstoke Spikes 11 to 0 in the opener of the NOMBL finals. MacKenzie was in top form, whiffing an even dozen Spikes. Kamloops pounded two Revelstoke hurlers for 16 hits. “Lefty” Marriott and Norm MacDonald smashed round-trippers for the Stars.
Pradolini (L), Cocoroch (6) and Rota
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
(September 22) The Kamloops All-Stars won the championship of the NOMBL when they trimmed the Revelstoke Spikes 3 to 0 in the Mountain City. It was the Stars’ second straight victory and the second consecutive shutout thrown by ace hurler Hec MacKenzie. The lanky chucker had little trouble in subduing the Spikes, limiting them to just four hits. Kamloops scored single runs in the first, fourth and ninth innings to cop the league tiara. Offensively, the All-Stars kept losing pitcher Pradolini in hot water with nine clean singles before the big fellow retired in the ninth canto in favour of Pratico. Mel Ottem led the way with three one-baggers while teammates “Lefty” Marriott and Burt Horn as well as outfielder Ditomassi of the Spikes, all singled twice.
MacKenzie (W) and R. Morton
Pradolini (L), Pratico (9) and Rota
CENTRAL OKANAGAN LEAGUE
May 14) Rutland Redcaps – 10 Rutland Bluecaps – 5
Winfield – 8 Oyama – 2
(May 16) Rutland Redcaps – 6 Winfield – 5
Oyama – 17 Rutland Bluecaps – 17 (tie game)
(May 21) Rutland Bluecaps – 3 Winfield – 1
Oyama – 8 Rutland Redcaps - 7
(May 23) Winfield – 7 Oyama – 2
Rutland Redcaps – 15 Rutland Bluecaps – 4
(May 28) Winfield – 6 Rutland Redcaps – 1
Rutland Bluecaps – 6 Oyama – 1
(May 30) Rutland Redcaps – 7 Oyama – 5
Winfield – 5 Rutland Bluecaps - 4
(June 7) Winfield – 7 Oyama – 2
Rutland Redcaps – 15 Rutland Bluecaps – 4
(June 9) Rutland Bluecaps – 13 Rutland Redcaps – 4
Winfield – 8 Oyama – 2
(June 14) Rutland Redcaps – 18 Oyama – 6
Rutland Bluecaps – 11 Winfield – 10
(June 18) Rutland Redcaps – 7 Winfield – 7 (tie game)
Rutland Bluecaps – 11 Oyama – 6
(June 20) Rutland Redcaps – 10 Oyama – 4
Winfield – 12 Rutland Bluecaps 6
(June 25) Winfield – 9 Rutland Redcaps – 8
Rutland Bluecaps – 6 Oyama - 1
(June 27) Winfield – 13 Rutland Redcaps – 6
(June 28) Oyama – 10 Rutland Bluecaps - 4
Final 1946 Central Okanagan Baseball League standings
W L Pct.
Winfield 9 3 .750
Rutland Bluecaps 7 5 .583
Rutland Redcaps 6 6 .500
Oyama 2 10 .167
Playoffs
Semi-finals (sudden-death)
(July 4) The Rutland Bluecaps eliminated their local rivals, the Redcaps, in the first round of the COBL playoffs by handing them a 10 to 1 trouncing. Bolstered by the steady pitching of Sue Koga, the Bluecaps played an almost flawless game.
M. Koga (L), Bach (6) and xxx
S. Koga (W) and xxx
Finals (best-of-three)
(July 9) The pennant-winning Winfield nine dropped the opening game of the 1946 COBL finals when the invading Rutland Bluecaps handed them a 10 to 8 setback. Johnny Lingor was the mainstay of the victors in this contest, slamming a grand-slam home run in the third inning. Later, as a relief chucker, he fanned five of the ten Winfield batters to face him.
S. Koga (W), Lingor (5) and Hardie
Williamson (L) and Cook
(July 11) Winfield drew even with the Bluecaps by capturing the second game of the COBL finals with an 11 to 10 triumph at Rutland. The victors jumped into an early 7 to 0 lead but the Rutlanders forged ahead 10 to 9 in the sixth only to see Winfield knot the count and score the go-ahead run in their last turn at bat to capture the game and tie the series at a game apiece.
Williamson (W) and Cook
Wostradowski (L) and Hardie
(July 16) Result of the rubber-match, scheduled for this date, was not found in the Kelowna Courier.
SOUTH OKANAGAN LEAGUE
The season began with nine teams in this circuit but a tenth entry, from Princeton, was admitted in late May after agreeing to begin with a 0 – 4 record. The teams receiving a bye in each of the initial four weeks of the season, Osoyoos, Summerland, Oliver and Kelowna, were then generously credited with wins in order to keep the standings balanced. Ironically, in the end, the published standings did not show an equal number of wins and losses.
(May 5) When home plate was dusted off for the first post-war baseball game at Oliver, the Cantaloupe Town nine ended as winners with a 4 to 1 triumph over Penticton. Bray of Oliver was the only player on either team to register two base hits, garnering a double and single.
Bella (L), N. Drossos (4), J. Kincaid (7) and xxx
Peck (W), Norton (6) and xxx
(May 5) Displaying explosive batting power, Rutland trampled Kelowna into the dust by a score of 13 to 5. Plenty of errors, partly caused by poor field conditions, made the play far from brilliant. Rutland racked up 13 base blows in the contest, three of them, a triple, double and single, coming off the stick of outfielder Johnny Lingor.
Bach (W), H. Wostradowski (9) and Morio Koga
Chaubin (L), Gourlie (7) and Madsen
Cawston defeated Keremeos – score unknown
Peachland defeated Summerland – score unknown
(May 12) Penticton’s senior “B” team downed Cawston 11 to 2 for their first win of the season. “Curly” Cox had a triple and single for the winners while Cawston outfielder Morley singled twice in a losing cause.
A. Beck (L), R. Carlton and E. Frasch
Warner (W), N. Drossos and Dagg
(May 12) Kelowna hammered Osoyoos 11 to 3 in a game in which unearned runs were the norm. The pitchers held up their end fairly well and, as a result, safe hits were rationed out conservatively with the winners out-hitting Osoyoos 8 to 4. Third sacker Hewer of the Kelownans was the only batter on either side to register two hits.
Davidson (L), C. Schramm, Maeoff and Lewis
Williamson (W), Chaubin (5) and Newton
(May 12) Rutland and Peachland nines battled for ten innings before the Rutlanders emerged with a 10 to 9 win in a tussle full of heated arguments. Morio Koga plated the winning run in the bottom of the extra-frame when, after doubling, went to third following a shoestring catch on a pop up and romped home on an overthrow to first on the attempted twin-killing resulting from the caught pop fly. Koga had four hits in total in this game while Williamson, Duquemin and Ferguson of the Peachlanders each banged out three safeties.
Clements, H. Cousins (L) (8) and Gummow, V. Cousins (8)
Bach (W) and Morio Koga
Oliver – 16 Keremeos - 7
(May 19) Penticton defeated Kelowna 6 to 5 in a ten-inning game at King’s Park. Penticton catcher Sandy Dagg drove in the winning tally in the bottom of the extra frame.
xxx (L) and xxx
N. Drossos (W) and Dagg
(May 19) Before a large hometown crowd, Summerland knocked off Rutland by a 7 to 1 count. One disastrous inning for Rutland, the fourth, sealed their fate as two walks, four errors and three hits allowed the Summerland squad to plate all seven of their counters. Veteran Les Gould of Summerland got the pitching win, retiring from the hillock after five frames, while contributing a key triple in the fourth-inning outburst.
Bach (L) and Morio Koga
Gould (W), Walsh (6), Strachan (8) and McCargar
(May 26) Featured by many arguments, the baseball fixture between the visiting Penticton nine and Keremeos ended 22 to 11 in favor of the invaders. In this high-scoring affair, Penticton tallied eight runs in the fifth inning, the most disastrous stanza for Keremeos.
(May 26) In an SOBL encounter featuring the two teams furthest apart geographically, Rutland’s nine went back into the win column by defeating the visitors from Cawston 5 to 1. The Rutland pitching tandem of Hank Wostradowski and winning tosser Mits Koga limited Cawston to four base hits, all singles. First baseman Andy Kitsch singled three times for the winners.
A. Beck (L), A. Carleton (6) and E. Frasch
H. Wostradowski, Mits Koga (W) (4) and Morio Koga
Peachand – 17 Osoyoos – 3
Summerland – 4 Oliver – 3
(May 27) An executive meeting of the SOBL admitted Princeton to the league on rather strict terms. The four teams with byes during the first four weekends of the schedule received automatic wins, with the Princetonians starting out with a 0 – 4 record.
Revised standings W L Pct.
Summerland 3 1 .750
Oliver 3 1 .750
Penticton 3 1 .750
Rutland 3 1 .750
Peachland 2 1 .667
Kelowna 2 2 .500
Cawston 1 2 .333
Osoyoos 1 2 .333
Keremeos 0 3 .000
Princeton 0 4 .000
(May 30) The Peachland baseball team of the South Okanagan Baseball League, supposedly the feeder-system “B” circuit, decisively trounced the homestanding Oroville WA team of the senior “A” Okanagan/Okanogan Baseball League 9 to 1. Featuring the upset win over the hitherto unbeaten OIBL Oroville squad were the 16 strikeout performance by Peachland pitcher Hal Cousins and a long homerun smash by his batterymate and brother, Verne Cousins.
H. Cousins (W) and V. Cousins
xxx (L), xxx and xxx
(June 2) Rutland swamped the hosting Penticton nine 15 to 7 in SOBL action. Johnny Lingor’s first-inning grand slam circuit clout staked the visitors to an early lead, one which they increased even further with a seven-run outburst in their second turn at bat. Hank Wostradowski and Andy Kitsch led the way with the lumber for the victors, each manufacturing a trio of base blows with one of Wostradowski’s being a double. Lingor also had a one-bagger in addition to his circuit-jack. Drilling a pair of base blows for Penticton were shortstop Gibbs and first baseman Ryan.
Bach (W) and Morio Koga
Bella (L), N. Drossos (2), Cuzzocrea (6) and Dagg
(June 2) Outhitting the opposition by an 11 to 4 margin wasn’t enough for the Kelowna SOBL nine as they were edged 5 to 4 by homestanding Peachland. Verne Cousin’s single in the sixth drove in what turned out to be the winning run for Peachland.
Gourlie (L) and Brucker, Madsen (3)
Clement (W) and Gummow
Summerland – 11 Osoyoos – 8
Oliver – 10 Cawston – 5
Keremeos – 10 Princeton - 9
(June 7) Rutland – 9 Kelowna - 7
(June 9) Princeton, entering the circuit five weeks into the season, handed Peachland its second defeat of the campaign, taking down the visitors 8 to 6. Kovich’s first-inning, two-run double sent the Miners off and running. They stretched their lead to 7 to 1 after four innings were in the books and held off Peachland’s comeback attempt with the aid of a fine mound effort by reliever D. Currie. As a condition of their acceptance into the SOBL, Princeton had agreed to accept a 0 – 4 record for the games missed earlier but looked impressive in their second SOBL appearance after falling to Keremeos in their initial contest.
xxx (L), xxx and xxx
xxx (W), Currie and xxx
(June 9) Summerland handed the visitors from Penticton a 13 to 10 loss. Both teams registered 11 base hits as runs and errors were plentiful. Top swatters of the game were Hank Bella of Penticton with four singles and his teammate, Sandy Dagg, who ripped two doubles and a one-bagger.
Raitt, N. Drossos (L), Phipps and Dagg
Strachan (W), Walsh and Clark
(June 9) Teeing off on the slants of three Keremeos pitchers for 11 hits, Kelowna easily drubbed the visitors 14 to 8 in a listless SOBL contest at City Park. Keremeos could only muster three hits, two triples and a ninth-inning two-run round-tripper by Laughlin/Loughlin, off three Kelowna chuckers. Glen O’Shaughnessy had three base hits for the Orchard City gang while Keremeos’ Laughlin/Loughlin had a single in addition to his four-bagger.
St. Clair (L), Barnes (1), W. Gemmell (8) and Peck
Williamson (W), Madsen (6), Gourlie (8) and O’Shaughnessy, Madsen (8)
(June 9) Scoring the winning run in the bottom of the eleventh inning, Rutland won a hard-fought but thrilling 7 to 6 tussle over Oliver in SOBL play. All tied at the end of the ninth, things looked bad for the Rutlanders as Oliver forged ahead 6 to 4 in the tenth but the hosts scored a pair in their turn at bat to knot the count once more. Holding the visitors scoreless in the top of the second extra frame, Rutland then won the game in walk-off fashion when Hank Wostradowski doubled and was driven home by Johnny Lingor’s solid single. Wostradowski and second sacker Bullock/Bulock both had three hits for the victors, with two of Wostradowski’s blows going for two bases.
Norton, Raincock (L) (7) and McIvor
H. Wostradowski, Mits Koga (4), Bach (W) (10) and Morio Koga
Cawston – 5 Osoyoos – 2
(June 16) Despite an attack of early-inning jitters that left them trailing 6 to 0, Peachland rallied in the middle and late frames to knock off Keremeos 10 to 8. Shortstop Tomo Naka’s three-run homer in the sixth stanza tied the game and Harold Cousins’ RBI triple put Peachland in front to stay for good. Over the course of the game, Naka emerged with four base hits. Teammate Williamson was next in line for batting honors as he garnered three base knocks.
D. Cousins, H. Cousins (W) (6) and V. Cousins
W. Gemmell, McIvor, Barnes and Walters
(June 16) Playing in the border town, Rutland had little difficulty in taking down the hosting Osoyoos nine by a 9 to 3 score. Paul Bach went the route on the hill for the invaders, allowing ten scattered hits, walking one and striking out 12 Osoyoos batters. Johnny Lingor had a big day with the stick for Rutland, collecting three triples. F. Soloveoff was the top offensive threat for Osoyoos as he singled three times.
Bach (W) and Morio Koga
Jmaeff (L), C. Schramm (6) and Egely
(June 16) The Oliver diamondeers continued their winning ways when they handed Kelowna a 10 to 6 setback at Oliver. The visitors held a 5 to 0 lead after their turn at bat in the second stanza but Oliver posted three runs in both the second and third cantos to grab the lead which was never relinquished.
Chaubin (L), Williamson (5) and Madsen, O’Shaughnessy (5)
Steffen (W) and McIvor
Princeton – 9 Penticton - 2
Summerland – 26 Cawston – 9
(June 23) A four-run rally in the sixth inning was plenty enough to give the Peachland nine a 4 to 0 victory over Oliver. Harold Cousins pitched a masterful game for Peachland, allowing only three scattered singles. No Oliver baserunner got past second base. A single by Fulks, a double by Dan Cousins and a one-bagger by McLaughlin drove in the four Peachland tallies. Overall, Dan Cousins showed the way with the hickory with a three-for-four batting performance.
xxx (L) and xxx
H. Cousins (W) and V. Cousins
(June 23) Penticton shoved Osoyoos deeper into the cellar of the SOBL with a 6 to 4 triumph over the invaders. Winning pitcher Cuzzocrea went the distance on the hill for the victors, yielding six hits while fanning 11. First sacker Moore and outfielder Doyle both had three hits for Penticton with one of Moore’s blows being a double. Catcher Egely of Osoyoos also had a two-bagger and single while his teammate Lakten drilled a pair of singles.
Jmaeff (L), Schram and Egely
Cuzzocrea (W) and Dagg
(June 23) Playing in a steady drizzle of rain, the Rutland baseball team handed the visiting Keremeos nine a 14 to 2 defeat. Winning pitcher Paul Bach had a big day, allowing only five scattered hits while fanning an equal number of the invaders. He also pounded out a triple and three singles at the dish. Third sacker Bullock of the winners also hit well, slamming a double and three one-baggers.
McIvor (L), W. Gemmell (1) and Peck
Bach (W) and H. Wostradowski, Hardie (7)
(June 23) On a slippery diamond in the Regatta City, Kelowna tumbled Summerland from the lead in the South Okanagan Baseball League standings, outscoring the visitors 8 to 5. George Williamson, with relief help from Pete Chaubin, picked up the mound win. Les Gould went the distance on the hill for the Summerlanders. Kelowna’s O’Shaughnessy led all batters, collecting a double plus a pair of singles.
Gould (L) and McCarger
Williamson (W), Chaubin (6) and Madsen
Cawston – 7 Princeton – 5
(June 30) Peachland bowed to Penticton by an 8 to 5 count on the King’s Park diamond in Penticton.
(June 30) Cawston sailed right by a floundering Kelowna nine in the late innings to capture a 6 to 4 SOBL victory. Not unlike previous games, the Kelownans built up an early lead and appeared to be hanging on. Then, the thin ice let go and Cawston took control in the eighth and ninth stanzas to register the victory. A costly eighth-inning error allowed the tying and winning runs to cross the plate and an insurance tally was picked up in the final canto. Base hits were limited in this contest with Cawston amassing six to Kelowna’s four. No player on either team had more than one.
A. Beck (W) and E. Frasch
Williamson, Chaubin (L) (6) and O’Shaughnessy
Summerland – 5 Keremeos – 4
Oliver – 7 Osoyoos – 6
(July 1) Princeton – 6 Rutland - 1
(July 7) Hitting just about everything that three Penticton pitchers threw their way, Oliver’s senior team set Penticton down another notch in SOBL action with a high-scoring 17 to 12 decision. Outfielder Andy Kuchurian with four hits including a home run and two doubles paced the Oliver offensive thrust. First baseman Lawley of the winners also had a productive time at the plate, slamming a double and a brace of one-baggers.
Coulter (W) and McIvor
Cuzzocrea, Beckwall (L), N. Drossos and Dagg, T. Drossos
(July 7) Second baseman Cross drove in a pair of runs with a triple which broke a 7 – 7 tie and gave Rutland a 9 to 7 win over Kelowna. Paul Bach led the 18-hit attack of the winners with a double and two singles.
Chaubin (L) and Madsen
H. Wostradowski (W) and Holitzki
Keremeos – 13 Cawston – 7
Peachland – 7 Summerland – 4
Osoyoos – 6 Princeton – 5 (11 innings)
(July 14) Princeton continued to have success in the SOBL when they defeated the hosting Summerland squad 7 to 5. Winning pitcher Simm recorded 11 strikeouts in the complete game triumph while losing flinger Steuart rang up seven K’s.
Simm (W) and xxx
Steuart (L) and xxx
(July 14) Swamping a hapless Cawston nine behind a barrage of 15 hits, the Penticton SOBL team waltzed to an easy 12 to 0 victory at Cawston. Penticton chucker Hank Bella did not allow any Cawston baserunner beyond second base, inspiring his teammates with a three-hitter while not issuing a single base on balls. The Cawston defense came apart at the seams in this encounter, committing eleven miscues. Every member of the Penticton team had at least one base hit, Benoit heading the list with three while Moore, Nicholson, Broderick and Sandy Dagg each collected two.
Bella (W) and xxx
xxx (L), xxx and xxx
(July 14) In SOBL action, Kelowna trounced Osoyoos 11 to 1 at the border hamlet. Pete Chaubin pitched his best game of the season as he rationed the Osoyoos sluggers to three scattered hits and issued only one free pass. The game was terminated after eight innings because of persistent rain.
Chaubin (W) and Madsen
Davidson (L) and Egely
(July 14) The Rutland baseballers stepped into undisputed possession of top spot in the SOBL when they defeated Peachland on their home grounds 7 to 4. The Rutlanders were only able to garner five hits off the slants of losing chucker Harold Cousins. However, the Peachland mound artist, while fanning 12 batters, was on the wild side, walking three and hitting three others, twice forcing in a run by this means. Rutland got away to a two-run lead in the opening canto and were never headed. Paul Bach was touched for ten Peachland hits in earning the mound victory. First baseman Vic Stewart of the winners as well as third baseman Gummow and Dan Cousins of Peachland each had two hits.
Bach (W) and Morio Koga
H. Cousins (L) and V. Cousins
Oliver – 15 Keremeos – 1
(July 18) Kelowna won the annual three-team Rutland Rally and Cherry Festival tournament, defeating the host Rutlanders 6 to 5 in a semi-final match and then blasting Summerland 16 to 4 in the final game.
(July 21) Rutland edged past Summerland 6 to 5 in a scheduled SOBL game at Rutland. The homesters jumped into an early lead and held off the rampaging Summerlanders from knotting the count. The longest blow of the game was a home run off the bat of Rutland first sacker Vic Stewart. Winning pitcher Hank Wostradowski had a triple. Summerland’s Bill Evans had three hits in a losing cause.
Gould (L), Evans (3) and McCargar
H. Wostradowski (W) and Morio Koga
(July 28) In a slugfest which produced 28 hits, 17 of them by the hosting Penticton nine, the homesters dumped Keremeos 18 to 7. Sandy Dagg of the winners and second sacker Laughlin/Loughlin of Keremeos both lit up opposing moundsmen for three hits.
Barnes (L), Gemmel and McPeak
Cuzzocrea (W), N. Drossos and T. Drossos, Dagg
(July 28) Kelowna’s SOBL team was drubbed 16 to 7 by the invading Princeton nine. Hitting almost on par with the Mining Towners, the Orchard City gang fell apart at the seams defensively and committed 13 miscues. Mullen, G. Shulli and Cody all had two hits for the winners.
D. Currie (W) and G. Schulli
Chaubin (L), Williamson (6) and Brucker
(July 28) Rutland slipped from sole possession of first place in the SOBL when they took a 12 to 3 lacing at the hands of the Cawston nine at the latter’s diamond. Otto Beck was the big man with the stick for Cawston with five hits in six at-bats. A. Beck fanned six while allowing seven hits in garnering the mound decision.
Bach (L), Lingor (5) and F. Wostradowski
A. Beck (W) and xxx
(August 4) Peachland, with the Cousins’ battery leading the way, administered a 15 to 3 trimming to Kelowna in SOBL action. The Regatta City gang trailed by two entering the fourth frame but then the Peachlander sluggers went to work and boomed in six more runs off losing chucker George Williamson. Meanwhile Harold Cousins had the Kelowna apple-knockers eating out of his glove. He meted out eight scattered bingles and just about engineered a one-man defense as he fanned 19 would-be hitters.
H. Cousins (W) and V. Cousins
Williamson (L), Chaubin (7) and Brucker
(August 4) The Rutland baseballers continued to lose ground in the SOBL when they bowed to the visiting Penticton nine at the Rutland Park, taking the short end of a 6 to 1 score. Larry Warner, on the mound for the Pentictonites, stymied the hosts on just five hits in recording the hillock triumph. The Penticton nine collected 13 base knocks off two Rutland twirlers. First sacker Moore of the winners led the 13-hit offensive thrust as he banged out three safeties, one of which would have been a home run had he not failed to touch first base in his haste around the sacks. His teammate, outfielder Doyle, contributed a double and one-bagger.
Warner (W) and Dagg
H. Wostradowski (L), Bach (7) and Holitzki
(August 11) Despite holding a 6 to 4 edge in base hits acquired, Penticton played sloppily in the field and came out on the short end of a 7 to 1 decision against the invaders from Summerland. Biagioni collected a double and single for the victors while Moore and Russell of the Pentictonites both singled twice.
Evans (W) and Clark
Bella (L) and Dagg, T. Drossos, Dagg
(August 11) Oliver slid into first place in the SOBL by a narrow margin of half a game, following a 13 to 6 victory over Rutland in the Cantaloupe City coupled with Peachland’s defeat at the hands of the Princeton nine. Oliver got off to a flying start by lighting up losing flinger Paul Bach for four opening-frame markers with Andy Kuchurian’s triple being the big blow. Catcher McIvor of the winners picked up four singles in support of his batterymate, winning tosser Red Coulter who whiffed 12 Rutlanders. Kuchurian had a double and single in addition to his three-bagger.
Bach (L), H. Wostradowski (1) and Holitzki
Coulter (W) and McIvor
Kelowna – 7 Keremeos – 1
Princeton – 15 Peachland – 4
Cawston – 9 Osoyoos - 3
(August 18) Cawston bowed to the hosting Summerland club by a 9 to 8 verdict in a game which lasted 12 innings. In the third overtime frame, Biagioni singled, stole second base, advanced to third on an out and plated the winner on Clark’s timely single. Clark was Summerland’s top swatter with a two-for-three output while O. Beck of Cawston went three-for-five at the dish.
A. Beck (L) and A. Frasch
Gould, Evans and Hankins, Clark
(August 18) In a close game played in Kelowna, Oliver handed the Regatta City crew a 4 to 2 trimming. The visitors could manage only four safeties but made the most of their opportunities. Winning chucker Eddie Steffen was touched for seven safeties while fanning 11. Outfielder Miller of the Oliverites as well as losing pitcher George Williamson and his batterymate Madsen of the Orchard City nine were the only players to collect two base hits.
Steffen (W) and McIvor
Williamson (L), Leismeister (9) and Madsen
(August 25) After visiting Kelowna fought back to deadlock the score at 6 to 6 , the hosting Summerland squad turned on the jets to pull away with a 10 to 6 victory. The win for Summerland clinched a playoff spot for them. Winning flinger Bill Evans went the route, whiffing 11 Kelowna batters. Outfielder Amm of the Summerlanders had the game’s longest hit, a triple, to go along with a single. Reed, Schwab and Earl Fortney all singled twice for the Kelowna nine which held a 12 to 10 edge in base hits.
Williamson (L), Schwab (6) and Madsen
Evans (W) and Clark
(August 25) Playing before a season-high crowd on their home field, the Oliver senior team broke out of a close game in the seventh frame and forged ahead to beat Peachland 9 to 4. The win, Oliver’s thirteenth against four losses, assured them the 1946 SOBL pennant. “Bud” Gourlie, formerly with the Kelowna team made his pitching debut, albeit a losing one, with Peachland.
Gourlie (L), Williamson (8) and xxx
Coulter (W) and xxx
(August 25) In the process of handily defeating Osoyoos 7 to 1, Penticton set their sight on third-place finish and possibly even second spot in the SOBL.
(August 25) Rutland continued in their slump that set in at the end of July, dropping a 10 to 6 decision to hosting Keremeos. The winners collected nine of their ten counters in the three middle innings, pinning the loss on Paul Bach. Campbell tossed the complete game win for Keremeos and, although touched for 14 hits, kept the damage to a minimum with the exception of the third frame. McCord led the winners offensively, garnering three hits in four trips to the plate. Andy Kitsch doubled twice for the Rutlanders.
H. Wostradowski, Bach (L) (5), Lingor (7) and xxx
Campbell (W) and xxx
Princeton – 11 Cawston - 2
(September 1) Although collecting only one base hit off losing pitcher Bill Evans, the Keremeos nine defeated Summerland 3 to 1 on their host’s home turf. Summerland was unable to effectively make use of their nine hits and continually stranded runners in scoring position. George Clark had a double and single off the slants of winning chucker W. Gemmell. Evans posted ten strikeouts while Gemmell rang up 11 K’s.
W. Gemmell (W) and xxx
Evans (L) and xxx
(September 1) Penticton’s diamondeers placed themselves in a strong playoff position after lambasting three Peachland pitchers for 20 hits en route to a 14 to 9 triumph. Moore of the winners had a fantastic day at the plate, going six for six, a production which included four doubles. Losing hurler “Bud” Gourlie slammed a ninth-inning grand-slam homer for Peachland.
xxx (W) and xxx
Gourlie (L), W. Cousins, Clements and xxx
(September 1) Rutland defeated Princeton 2 to 0 and solidified its hold on third place in the SOBL. The match featured a pitching duel between Danny Kovitch of the Mining Towners and Rutland’s Hank Wostradowski with the latter taking the shutout decision on a three-hitter. Kovich yielded five hits, three of them to catcher John Holitzki, and fanned eight Rutland batters. Wostradowski rang up 11 strikeouts. Catcher G. Schulli had a brace of hits for Princeton.
D. Kovich (L) and G. Schulli
H. Wostradowski (W) and Holitzki
Oliver won by default over Osoyoos
Cawston was awarded a default victory over Kelowna
(September 8) In spite of facing a four-run first-inning deficit, Rutland came out on top of Peachland 10 to 6 in a free-swinging contest that ended the regular schedule for both teams. Johnny Lingor had a double and a pair of one-baggers for the winners. Catcher Verne Cousins of the Peaches blasted a solo homer in the eighth frame in addition to picking up a brace of singles. Rutland wound up the regular season in a tie with Penticton for second place, forcing a tie-breaker game for the right to play pennant-winning Oliver in a best-of-three final playoff series.
Gourlie (L) and V. Cousins
H. Wostradowski (W) and Holitzki
Final South Okanagan Baseball League standings
W L Pct.
Oliver 14 4 .778
Penticton 12 6 .667
Rutland 12 6 .667
Peachland 11 7 .611
Summerland 11 7 .611
Princeton 10 8 .556
Cawston 7 11 .389
Kelowna 6 12 .333
Keremeos 5 13 .278
Osoyoos 3 15 .167
________
91 89
(Unbalanced standings published in the September 5th edition of the Kelowna Courier)
PLAYOFFS
(September 15) Penticton scored a tenth-inning run to edge Rutland 5 to 4 in the SOBL second-place tie-breaker game. Rutland appeared headed for victory, holding a 4 to 1 edge after seven complete innings. Penticton made things interesting by plating a pair of counters in the eighth and then knotted the count in their last regularly-scheduled turn at bat in the ninth, setting the stage for overtime. Penticton held a 10 to 8 margin in base hits with outfielder Braddich connecting for a pair, one of which was a double. Frank Wostradowski had a round-tripper and a single for Rutland while teammate Johnny Lingor picked up a two-bagger and single..
H. Wostradowski (L) and Holitzki
Warner (W) and Dagg
(September 22) Penticton’s entry in the SOBL took a stranglehold on the playoff championship by grabbing the first game of a best-of-three showdown 10 to 5 over the hosting pennant-winners from Oliver. Both teams registered eight base knocks but the huge difference was the bunching of Penticton safeties, interspersed with free passes, in the eighth canto which resulted in seven big runs. First baseman Moore and outfielder Doyle both singled twice for the winners. Shortstop Bray led Oliver at the dish with a trio of one-baggers while catcher Bray stroked a triple and single.
Warner (W) and Dagg
Coulter (L), Steffen (8) and McIvor
(September 29) Nosing out Oliver 4 to 3 in the second game of a three-game series, the Penticton nine captured the 1946 SOBL crown. Although out-hit 8 to 6 by the visitors, Penticton was able to persevere through tough times when winning pitcher Larry Warner appeared at his best. The ability to capitalize on Oliver’s errors turned the tide in favor of Penticton. Warner helped his own cause with a brace of one-baggers, a feat duplicated by shortstop Bray and outfielder Miller of the Oliverites.
Norton (L) and McIvor
Warner (W) and Dagg
WEST KOOTENAYS
With the end of the war, there was more baseball action in the West Kootenays but talk about a three team league (two clubs from Trail and one from Rossland) failed to materialize. The Trail seniors (not yet to adopt the Smoke Eaters moniker) ended up playing a series of exhibition games, mainly against teams from Spokane's Independent Twilight League.
While senior baseball in Trail appeared to have a fairly active 1946 season, the same could not be said within the confines of their west Kootenay arch-rival, Nelson
(May 24) Wednesday, officials of the Nelson senior club said it was impractical to have a senior team this summer as one or two of their best players would be leaving town.
(June 13) Fairview Athletic Club evened its exhibition series with Castlegar Intermediates Wednesday handing the home club an 11-7 defeat. Fairview pounded three Castlegar hurlers for 14 hits with McNabb collecting four hits in five trips to the plate. Clark tossed a six-hitter for the win fanning 15. Verigin, who went the first five innings for Castlegar, took the loss.
Clark (W) and Bob Koehle, Cathcart
Verigin, Zibin, Fomenoff and Koochin
(June 15-16) Husky backstop Frank Viro knocked in three runs with a triple and double and pitcher John McCallum had a homer and three runs batted in to lead Spokane's Levitch All-Stars to an 8-2 win over Trail Sunday before 1,500 fans in the second game of the weekend doubleheader. The teams fought to a 4-4 draw Saturday.
Spokane had just six hits in the finale but worked Trail's Cliff Bogstie for 12 walks. Slivers Decembrini had three hits for Trail. Vic Wouters, who replaced starter McCallum at the start of the fourth, fanned nine in his six innings of work.
McCallum, Wouters (W) (4) and Viro
Bogstie (L) and Decembrini
It was a family affair in the opener as an uncle-nephew combination - Joey Monaldi on the mound pitching to uncle Slivers Decembrini - provided the battery for Trail which out-hit the visitors 8 to 4. Bill Dimock had three safeties to lead the club while John McCallum knocked in three for the winners with a pair of hits. Catcher Frank Viro belted a triple for Spokane.
Presley and Viro
Monaldi and Decembrini
(June 19) Jack Brown fired four-hit ball and struck out 11 leading Nelson Intermediates to a 9-1 triumph over Castlegar Intermediates at the Civic Grounds at Castlegar Wednesday. Brown and Alex Abrosimo belted triples to lead the Nelson attack.
Makaroff (L), Zibin, Verigin and xxx
J.Brown (W) and Nash
(June 22-23) Trail and Brown Industries of Spokane split a weekend twin bill at Trail. Side arming Les Christensen allowed a pair of first inning runs in the opener before settling down to shutout the visitors the rest of the way for a 7-2 victory. He surrendered just four hits. Ken Stanton drove in three runs with a double and single to lead the winners. Julie Bilesky collected a pair of safeties and scored three times. Mushy Anselmo had two hits and two runs. Casey Jones gave up nine hits in taking the loss.
Jones (L) and Mead
Christensen (W) and Anselmo
The visitors pounded five home runs, two by second baseman Bing Dahl in taking the second game 10-8. Jerry Williams, Green and Gianpitrie had the others. Reg Robinson had an inside-the-park four-master for Trail. Spokane had two big innings, a five run first frame and a five-run seventh. The losers out-hit the visitors 13 to 12 with Stanton the local hero with four hits, two of them doubles, and three RBI in four trips to the plate. On the day, Stanton produced six hits, three of them for two bases and six runs batted in.
Hartman (W) and Mead
Monaldi (L), McNeil (1), Christensen (7) , A.Bilesky (9) and Decembrini
(June 24) Shortstop Porteous smacked three doubles and a single to pace Castlegar Intermediates to an 11-6 win over Nelson. Johnny Verigin also had four hits for the winners and went the distance on the mound for Castlegar. Jack Brown was hammered for 15 hits in taking the loss.
J.Brown (L) and Nash
Verigin (W) and Zaitsoff
(June 29-30) For the third straight weekend, Trail seniors split a series with Spokane opposition when they traded 8-3 scores with the Hillyard Boosters, the class of the Spokane Independent league. On Saturday, Trail handed the Boosters their first loss after winning eight straight in their own circuit as Joe Monaldi held the visitors to seven hits. Monaldi gave up a three-run homer to Swede Almquist in the fourth inning but otherwise was in control. Monaldi also helped the attack with two hits, driving in a pair of runs. Tick Hall knocked in three markers with a homer and triple.
Schulkin (L) and Hastings
Monaldi (W) and Anselmo
Don Cobb's three-run, inside-the-park, homer in the 7th inning proved to be the difference as Spokane's Hillyard Boosters took the second game 8-3. Swede Almquist smashed his second homer of the day for the winners and Clint McNeil and Bill Dimock had four-baggers for Trail. Jimmy Forsythe, the top hurler in the Spokane circuit, fired a seven-hitter for the win. He walked two and fanned ten. McNeil allowed seven hits in taking the loss.
Forsythe (W) and Hasting
McNeil (L) and Anselmo
(July 4) One big inning led the host Colville nine to a 7-4 triumph over Trail in a holiday exhibition in the American centre. For three innings, Trail starter Joe Monaldi had faced just nine batters in spite of giving up two walks and having a batter reach on an error. All were gunned down by catcher Mush Anselmo at second trying to steal. Then in the fourth, misadventures in the outfield produced two doubles to be followed by a pair of infield hits and two controversial rulings on the bases. When it was all over, six runs were in, just two of them earned. Floyd White scattered eight hits in going the distance for the pitching win. Kirkwood, with a triple and single, and Schwartz, with a double and single, led the winners. Ken Stanton and Tick Hall each had a pair for Trail.
Monaldi (L), Christensen (4) and Anselmo
White (W) and Shields
(July 7) Lefty Clint McNeil and right-hander Cliff Bogstie combined on a three-hitter Sunday as Trail got home runs from Tick Hall and Bill Dimock in downing Colville 9-1. Hall had three hits on the day. McNeil limited the visitors to two hits and an unearned run in his six innings of work. He compiled ten strike outs.
Kohlstedt (L), Ford (5) and Shields
McNeil (W), Bogstie (7) and Anselmo, Decembrini (7)
(July 13-14) It was yet another split of a weekend doubleheader at Butler Park, Trail as the hometown seniors captured the Sunday contest 6-3 over Brown Industries of Spokane riding Andy Bilesky's three-run homer for the win. The thrilling victory atoned for a 12-9 setback the previous evening when Trail smacked 17 hits but still managed to lose the game.
On Saturday, Spokane broke an 8-8 draw with four runs in the ninth inning. Three came home on a homer by Bing Dahl and the other on Jerry Williams' circuit shot. Earlier, the visitors had home runs by Casey Jones and Rotunno. Mush Anselmo had a four-bagger and three runs batted in for Trail which got three hits from Ken Stanton. Dahl had three hits and scored three for Spokane.
Jones (W) and B.WIlliams
Monaldi (L), Bogstie (9) and Anselmo, Decembrini (9)
In the second game, Spokane had a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning when Julie Bilesky singled to scored Reg Robinson with the tying run and Andy Bilesky followed with a three-run homer for the victory. Trail collected 13 hits, two each by Anselmo, who had four on the day, Bill Dimock, Les Christensen, Julie Bilesky and winning pitcher Clint McNeil.
Hartman (L) and Meads
McNeil (W) and Anselmo
(July 20-21) Another superb effort by young lefty Clint McNeil, aided by a triple steal that produced the winning run, enabled Trail to down Coeur d'Alene Lakesiders 6-2 to split a two-game weekend set. Lakesiders trounced the Canadians 14-5 Saturday. McNeil was a force both on the mound and at the plate. He fired a five-hitter for the pitching win while leading the offense with three hits and two runs scored. Trail collected eight hits off Nelson who went the route for Coeur d'Alene.
McNeil (W) and Anselmo
Nelson (L) and Brogan
The Americans pounded out 13 hits in the series opener three each by Junior Huffman and Jim Hatch. Hibbard held Trail to six hits in a route-going mound performance to win 14-5. The Lakesiders put the game away with eight runs in the 8th inning on four hits, three walks and three errors. The Canadians lost the services of Tick Hall, their third baseman, in the second frame when Johnny Brogan crashed into him. Ken Stanton was hurt midway through the game when hit on the knee by a foul liner while on the basepaths. Owing to a shortage of players Stanton was forced to remain in the lineup. Coach Wish Milburn, in his mid 40s, was inserted into the lineup in left field. Al Hibbard surrendered just six hits in going the route for the win. He walked two and fanned ten.
Monaldi, Christensen (7), A.Bilesky (8) and Anselmo
Hibbard (W) and Brogan
(July 24) Castlegar Cubs captured the rubber game of a five game set with Nelson Commercial Reps Wednesday nosing out the visitors 9-8 to win the series three games to two. Johnny Verigin went the route for the Cubs while Art Ross took the loss being knocked out of the game after the Cubs had scored seven times in the first two innings.
A.Ross, Tatchell and xxx
Verigin (W) and xxx
(August 3-4) Trail seniors made a remarkable comeback Saturday after trailing 10-2 to defeat Coeur d'Alene Lakesiders 11-10 in the opener of a weekend series. Trail swept the double-bill, winning Sunday 10-4. It was the first time this season Trail has managed to take both games.
The visitors erupted for seven runs in the second inning of the opener to take a 7-1 lead. Junior Belknap's bases-loaded triple highlighted the big inning. Behind 10-4, Trail had its own seven-run frame for the win. Ken Stanton's two-run homer tied the count and Bill Dimock followed with a double and Jimmy Morris struck the winning blow, a single to left, to score Dimock. Julie Bilesky wielded the big bat for Trail with a home run, double and two singles. Belknap and Jim Hatch each collected three hits for the Lakesiders. Les Christensen picked up the win with a solid relief stint.
Hibbard, Auer (L) (8) and Brogan
Monaldi,
Gianfrancesco (2), Christensen (W) (4) and
Don McIntyre came out of a batting slump in the second game to help pace the Trail attack in the 10-4 victory crossing the plate four times as he collected two hits, one a double, and reached twice on errors. He also stole a base. Mush Anselmo had three hits and scored a pair Southpaw Clint McNeil registered a seven-hitter with seven strikeouts for the pitching win. Ross Nelson took the loss.
Nelson (L) and Brogan
McNeil (W) and Anselmo
(August 4) Nelson edged Silverton 7-6 Sunday afternoon at the Civic grounds in Nelson. Nakusp was originally scheduled for a double-header but the team was unable to make the trip as most of the players had been called up for firefighting. Nelson came from behind for the win scoring three times in the sixth inning for the victory. Silverton out-hit the winners 11 to 8. Dutch Groenhuysen and Ted Graham combined for 15 strikeouts for Silverton.
Groenhuysen (L), Ted Graham (7) and Kelly
Tatchell, Jack Brown and Nash
(August 18) A three-run 6th inning broke a 2-2 tie and carried Nelson Intermediate Reps to a 6-2 win over New Denver Sunday afternoon. The visitors opened quickly with a pair in the first inning and left the bases loaded. Jack Brown settled down to pitch shutout ball the rest of the way. He allowed just five hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Shintani took the loss with a five-hitter and nine strikeouts as his teammates made five errors.
Shintani (L) and xxx
Brown (W) and xxx
(August 20) Plans were announced for a three-team West Kootenay Baseball League to operate during September embracing two teams from Trail -- the Cardinals and the Indians -- and one from Rossland.
(August 24) The Trail Cardinals topped the Trail Indians 8-5 behind a combined five-hitter by Joe Monaldi, Joe Gianfrancesco and Jimmy Morris. Morris, who hurled a no-hitter back in the 30s, came into the game in the 9th inning with two runs in, the based loaded and nobody out. Morris fanned Bob Marshall for the first out then got Johnny Cameron to line to Barss Dimock to stepped on first for a double play to end the game. Cliff Bogstie went the first five innings for the Indians. Bill Dimock led the hitters with three singles.
Monaldi, Gianfrancesco, Morris (9) and Anselmo
Bogstie, Christensen (6) and McIntyre
Trail Cardinals : Anselmo Mush C, Bilesky Andy OF/3B/C, Bilesky Julie SS, Dimock Barss 1B, Dimock Bill 2B, Gianfrancesco Joe P, Lauriente John OF, Marasco Sam OF, McNeil Clint 3B/OF, Monaldi Joe P, Morris Jimmy 3b/C/P, Robinson Reg OF
Trail Indians : Bogstie Cliff P, Cameron John 2B, Christensen Les OF/P, Crellin Eddie OF, DeBiasio 3B, Ircandia Johnny SS, Loeblich Carl MGR, Marshall Bob OF, McIntyre Don C/1B, Mondin Enzo(Fungo) C, Proulx Bob OF, Secco Louis 1B
(August 25) Trail seniors managed just two singles off Jack Mathers of Grand Forks but pushed across five runs Sunday to take a 5-2 victory at Butler Park. Trail scored a pair in the second inning on a walk, sacrifice, error and a fielder's choice. In the third, after a rain delay of about 15 minutes, Trail plated three runs on a single, sacrifice, error, squeeze play, two walks a passed ball and a wild pitch. Trail's Clint McNeil, Les Christensen and Joe Monaldi combined on a six-hitter. They had a shutout until the 9th. Mathers and Woolfam each had two hits for the losers.
Mathers (L) and Woolfam
McNeil, Christensen (5), Monaldi (8) and A.Bilesky, Mondin
(August 30) Trail seniors erased a 4-3 deficit with a six -run 8th inning to take the opening game of the West Kootenay Tournament, 9-4 over Rossland. Veteran lefty Cliff Bogstie had a rough start but yielded just three hits and rang up 16 strikeouts in pitching Trail to the victory. Rossland took a 3-0 lead in the first inning as Archie Scott reached on an error, Louis Corrado followed with a single and Al Lavorato belted a homer to deep centre field. They added a fourth run in the third on a walk, error and fielder's choice. Trail cut the lead with a run in the fourth and two in the fifth. Trail loaded the bases with none out in the 8th but Slivers Decembrini was an easy out on a failed squeeze play. Bill Dimock may have saved the day for the Trailites. He was trapped in a hot box between first and second but managed to scramble back to first safely. Clint McNeil then doubled to right to plate the tying and winning runs. Trail added four insurance markers. Decembrini smacked three hits for the winners.
Bogstie (W) and Decembrini
Ewing, Jones (L) (8), Wynn (8) and Corrado
(Aug 31, Sept 1-2) Spokane's Hillyard Boosters came from behind with a run in the 9th inning to top Trail 2-1 to take top money of $400 in the West Kootenay Tournament at Butler Park. With two out, Spokane pitcher Bob Goldberg singled over second base and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Don Cobb then smacked one to right field to score Goldberg with the winner. Trail had plated a run in the first inning without a hit. Three walks, one intentional, and a squeeze play scored Mush Anselmo. A disputed call at second base paved the way for the first Spokane marker. Johnny Osso slid under Decembrini's throw and came around to score on an error on a ground ball down the first base line. Goldberg fired a four-hitter for the victory but put himself in trouble with seven walks. .It was a tough loss of Clint McNeil who held the Boosters to seven hits with a big league scout in the stands to watch his performance.
Goldberg (W) and Almquist
McNeil (L) and Decembrini
The Boosters made the final by downing Brown Industries 6-5 in an extra inning thriller. Trailing 5-1 in the 8th, Harry Almquist swatted a grand slam homer to tie the count. The Boosters catcher had driven in the team's first run with a single to left in the initial frame and singled and scored the winner in the bottom of the 10th. He came home on John Presley's single to centre. Home runs by Bing Dahl and Ernie Muzatko had highlighted Brown's early offensive. Almquist and Paul Bergman led a 14-hit attack for the Boosters each with three safeties. Brown Industries collected 11 hits off winning pitcher Jim Forsythe.
Wouters (L) and J.Presley
Forsythe (W) and Almquist
In the consolation final, Brown Industries scored three times in the 9th inning to edge Rossland 8-7 as Youngman clouted a pair of homers and two singles good for four runs batted in. He also scored three times. Casey Jones and Sammy Lappano also belted four-baggers for Brown Industries. Willie Scott paced Rossland with a homer, double and single. Casey Jones held Rossland to six hits in posting the pitching win.
C.Jones (W) and Presley, B.Williams
T.Jones, Purcello (L) and Corrado
(September 2) Nelson Intermediates clobbered the visiting Salmo Intermediate club 16-3 at the Civic grounds. Heatherington paced the winners with three hits. Lang whacked a homer in the fourth inning but failed to touch first base and was called out. Jack Brown went five innings, holding Salmo to just two hits, to post the win.
Ferguson (L), Esche, Gibbon (3), Scribner (8), Gibbon (8) and xxx
Brown (W), Tatchell (6), White (9) and xxx
(September 8) In playoff action, Nelson seniors dumped Nelson's Fairview Athletic Club 12-8 in the opening game for the city title. Spence Tatchell went all the way on the hill for the winners in spite of giving up 17 hits and seven walks. Lang and Bengert each had two hits to lead the Nelson seniors. Bob Porteous of Fairview had the game's longest blow, a triple.
Anderson (L), McNabb and Cathcart
Tatchell (W) and Nash
(September 8) With three runs in the 8th inning, Trail came from behind to dump Rossland 5-3 Sunday at Butler Park. After Rusty Wynn's two-run homer had given Rossland a 3-2 lead in the 7th, Don McIntyre kicked off Trail's 8th inning with a single and Slivers Decembrini smacked a one-bagger over short. Clint McNeil loaded the sacks when Tom Jones, the Rossland hurler, was unable to make a play on his slow, infield tap. A squeeze play scored one run and Mush Anselmo singled to drive in two more. Les Christensen allowed seven hits in going the distance for the win.
Jones (L) and Henry
Christensen (W) and Anselmo
(September 11) Nelson Seniors took a 2-0 game lead in the city baseball championship series Wednesday with a 9-7 victory over Fairview AC. Jack Brown survived 14 hits to go the distance for the win. He walked five and struck out eight. Veteran Andy Anderson took the loss tossing the first three innings until the arrival of Bill Postlewaite.
Brown (W) and Nash
Anderson, Postlewaite (4) and Larson
(September 15) Trail scored a pair in the seventh and final inning to take a 6-4 decision over Rossland. Clint McNeil, who pitched the last three innings, had two hits and scored a pair for the winners. Lou Corrado knocked in a pair with two hits for Rossland. Inclement weather forced the game to be called after seven innings. Tom Jones fanned 12 in taking the loss.
Monaldi (W), McNeil (5) and Anselmo
Jones (L) and Henry
(September 18) Nelson seniors topped Castlegar Intermediates 6-4 in an exhibition match at the Civic Grounds Wednesday. The game, late in starting, went just five innings. Alex Abrosimo belted a pair of triples to lead Nelson's hitting attack. Bengert and Lang added two-baggers. Spence Tatchell yielding five hits and three walks in going the distance on the hill for the winners. Johnny Verigin gave up just four hits in taking the loss.
Verigin (L) and Wanless
Tatchell (W) and Nash
(September 22) In their final action of the summer, Nelson seniors posted a pair of twins Sunday when they overpowered the Nelson Old-Timers 15-6 in the first game of a double-header and shaded Nakusp 2-1 in the second game before the largest crowd of the season. Lefty White was outstanding in the opener as he held the Old-Timers to just one hit and fanned 10 after taking over for Anderson in the third inning. Centre fielder Alex Abrosimo put on a show at the plate connecting for five hits in his six appearances.
Anderson, White (3) and Nash
McInnes, Euerby (7) and Richardson
The second game was a tight pitcher's duel with each team getting just five hits. Nelson got both its runs in the first inning as Abrosimo and Nash scored on Lang's double. Nakusp notched its lone tally in the fourth inning. Spence Tatchell got the win over Nakusp's Ken Highland.
Highland (L) and Hood
Tatchell (W) and Nash
EAST KOOTENAYS
ARROW LAKES / SLOCAN VALLEY
(May 19) Nakusp whipped visiting Edgewood 15-1 Sunday before one of the largest afternoon crowds in years. Ken Highland, injured in an exhibition game weeks ago, was solid in tossing the first six innings for Nakusp allowing just two hits while fanning ten. Del Olson went the last three innings. Freddie Miller played well behind the plate in just his second game since come back from overseas.
A gate collection raised $12.50 which was used to provide bacon and beans for the visiting club.
xxx and xxx
Highland (W), Olson (7) and F.Miller
(May 24) At the Burton Sports Day, a baseball double-header highlighted the celebrations. The home club defeated Nakusp 9 to 7 with Nakusp, in their new uniforms, bounced back to down Edgewood 9 to 7. Bob Dolman powered the victory with a triple and an error-assisted trip around the bases which produced two runs. Fans in Burton were clamouring for pictures of the Nakusp players in their spiffy uniforms before and after the game.
(May 26) New Denver topped the hometown Nakusp nine 8-7 Sunday. The gate collection was $15.50.
(May 26) Edgewood needed an extra inning but managed to win its home opener in squeaking by Burton 16-15 in ten innings. Burton started out fast with six runs off Hank Shipmaker in the first inning but the home club chipped away at the lead until tying the contest 15-15 and plating the winning run in the 10th.
xxx and xxx
Shipmaker, E.Mathers and xxx
(June 2) New Denver topped Nakusp 8 to 7.
(June 9) Burton at Nakusp
(June 16) Earl Mathers spoiled the day for the home fans Sunday as Edgewood topped Burton 8-1. Mathers fanned the first nine batters and 18 over-all in hurling an eight-hitter for the win. Edgewood bunched its hits and scored four runs in the second inning and two in the ninth.
Mathers (W) and xxx
xxx and xxx
(June 23) Nakusp scored five times in the first inning and went on to top Edgewood 10-5 at Nakusp. Del Olson and Ken Highland split the pitching duties for the winners.
Mathers (L), Shipman (6) and xxx
Olson (W), Highland and xxx
(July 1) In a Dominion Day twin bill, Nakusp defeated Burton 5-2 and Burton captured a 7-4 decision over Edgewood.
(July 7) Nakusp notched a 7-6 victory over Burton. Cliff Jupp gave Nakusp the early lead with a two-run homer in the first inning. Bob Dolman and Ken Highland handled the mound duties for Nakusp while John McCormack went the distance for Burton.
Dolman, Highland and Hood
McCormack (L) and Marshall
(July 14) At Edgewood, the hometown nine topped Burton 11-5 with Earl Mathers pitching for the victory.
Robson, Johnson and Marshall
Mathers (W) and Donselaar
(July 14) Reggie White smacked a bases-loaded double in the bottom of the 11th inning to give Nakusp a 6-4 victory over Nelson in an exhibition game at Nakusp Sunday. Del Olson and Ken Highland handled the pitching for the winners.
In one of the toughest games ever played on the home diamond, the horsehide heavers and hitters of Nakusp polished off the Nelson invaders to the tune of 6 to 4 Sunday last ... This epoch-making game will go down in history as one of the best-played and toughest bouts in years ... It's a bit too bad the Nelson lads didn't wear uniforms - those boys are real ball men and they sure deserve a chance to wear something neat and snappy. (Arrow Lakes News)
D.Olson, K.Highland (W) (5) and Hood
Tatchell (L) and Nash
(July 18) The Arrow Lakes News published a financial statement for the Nakusp team. The gate collection was reported at $8.41 with expenses of :
Lunch to visiting teams ....$6.40
Two bats broken ..............$7.70
Two balls ruined ...............$5.50
The club was reported to be in the red for $11.19 and appealed to residents to volunteer their cars for the game in Nelson.
(July 21) Edgewood shaded Nakusp 4-3 as Earl Mathers again registered the pitching win.
Dolman, Olson and C.Hood, F.Desrochers
Mathers (W) and xxx
(July 28) Burton at Nakusp
(August 1) In the August 1st edition of the Silver Standard of New Denver, the paper noted the financial operations of the Nakusp team. In last Sunday's double-header, the team collected a total of $8.41. The lunch for the visiting team was price at $6.40, two broken bats cost $7.70 to replace and two ruined balls put the club out another $5.50. Thus, the club is in the red by $11.19.
(August 4) Edgewood at Burton
(August 4) Nelson edged Silverton 7-6 Sunday afternoon at the Civic grounds in Nelson. Nakusp was originally scheduled for a double-header but the team was unable to make the trip as most of the players had been called up for firefighting. Nelson came from behind for the win scoring three times in the sixth inning for the victory. Silverton out-hit the winners 11 to 8. Dutch Groenhuysen and Ted Graham combined for 15 strikeouts for Silverton. Ron Nash clouted a pair of two-baggers for the winners.
Groenhuysen (L), Ted Graham (7) and Kelly
Tatchell, Jack Brown and Nash
(August 11) Nakusp shaded Edgewood 6 to 5 and Edgewood trounced Burton 13 to 6.
(August 18) Nakusp at Burton
(August 25) Burton at Edgewood
(September 1) Burton downed Nakusp 6-5 to close out the regular season. John McCormack the veteran curveballer went the distance for the win.
Jordan, Highland and xxx
McCormack (W) and xxx
(September 19) The Nakusp baseball club has lost the services of three players - Bob Dolman, Del Olson and Rod Kerr - who are heading to Vancouver to attend university. The team, which had to cancel a trip to Nelson Labour Day due to forest fires, is set for a Sunday encounter in Nelson. A practice was held Tuesday with pitcher Ken Highland still suffering from an injured finger. Henry Marcolli of Burton will accompany the team to help fill in.
(September 22) In their final action of the summer, Nelson seniors posted a pair of twins Sunday when they overpowered the Nelson Old-Timers 15-6 in the first game of a double-header and shaded Nakusp 2-1 in the second game before the largest crowd of the season. Lefty White was outstanding in the opener as he held the Old-Timers to just one hit and fanned 10 after taking over for Anderson in the third inning. Centre fielder Alex Abrosimo put on a show at the plate connecting for five hits in his six appearances.
Anderson, White (3) and Nash
McInnes, Euerby (7) and Richardson
The second game was a tight pitcher's duel with each team getting just five hits. Nelson got both its runs in the first inning as Alex Abrosimo and Ron Nash scored on John Lang's double. Nakusp notched its lone tally in the fourth inning. Spence Tatchell got the win over Nakusp's Ken Highland.
Highland (L) and Hood
Tatchell (W) and Nash
PRINCE GEORGE / QUESNEL & DISTRICT
No evidence exists in the 1946 editions of the Prince George Citizen or the Quesnel-Cariboo Observer that any post-war senior baseball league or teams operated that summer.
CROW'S NEST PASS
(May 22) The opening of the Crow's Nest Pass baseball season is set for Saturday and Sunday when a two-game exhibition series will be played between the Calgary Purity 99s, featuring Sweeney Schriner and other hockey stars and the Crow's Nest Pass All-Stars, featuring the star players from the different teams from Natal-Michel to Lethbridge.
(May 22) The Natal-Michel Buffaloes Baseball Club, playing under the banner of the Sports Club Association, held a special meeting recently to organize for the new season. The Buffaloes will be one of four teams in the Crow's Nest Pass League. The league schedule begins Sunday, June 2nd with the Buffs, Coleman Pucksters, Blairmore Columbus, and Hillcrest Miners. The Buffaloes are expected to have a strong team with veterans Tom Krall, "Bing" Weaver, "Lefty" Katrichak, M. Salish, Joe Gergel and "Bunny" Chala taking over the hitting burden. Veteran "Lefty" Katrichak, just out of the service, was chosen to take over the management of the team with the aid of Joe Gergel.
(May 25) The Blairmore club has been getting in some good practice sessions in preparing for the opening the the new season of play in the Crow's Nest Pass League.
The club lost star chucker John Kanik early in the season as the hurler decided to throw in his lot with the Purity 99's of the Calgary League. But with Angus Chala fast getting into shape and the return of Jerry "Tiny" Herman after an absence of a couple of years due to illness, the mound duties ought to be in capable hands. Lawrence Schlasser can also help on the hill but will see most of his action behind the plate. Veteran John Chala remains at first base while "Moose" Giacamuzzi covers second. Joe Dobek handles the hot corner. In the outer garden, Joe Kubik and the Cherney brothers man the posts. Regular league play is set to begin June 15th.
(June 5) In the Crow's Nest Pass league Wednesday, Natal-Michel downed Hillcrest 12-8 at Hillcrest Stadium. Natal-Michel travels to Coleman Sunday to meet the Pucksters who were trounced 14-1 at Natal earlier.
(June 9) Blairmore Columbus swept both games of a Sunday double-header with the Lethbridge Juniors at the Blairmore Exhibition grounds scoring 11-7 and 15-1 victories.
Ontko (L) and Andreaschuk
Herman, Dobek and Kubik
Angus Chala dominated Lethbridge in the second game holding the visitors to three hits. He had a no-hitter into the 5th inning and blanked the juniors until the 9th. L. Schlasser belted a homer in the 6th for the winners.
Chollak and Andreaschuk
A.Chala and L.Schlasser
(June 15) In a loosely played contest recently, Blairmore topped Coleman 14-7 as the two clubs combined for 15 errors. Angus Chala and Schlasser held Coleman to just six hits in a winning effort.
Flemming, Kovacik and George
Schlasser, Chala and Schlasser, Dobek
(June 16) The Natal-Michel Sports Club handed Blairmore its first loss, 4-2. Veteran Tom Krall fanned 13 in hurling the victory. Angus Chala also had 13 strikeouts in taking the loss.
(June 17) In a slugfest at Natal, the home club emerged with a 15-12 victory over Hillcrest Miners. it was the Buffaloes fourth straight. Whalley Krall and Lefty Scott handled the mound chores for the winners. Herkie Galla smacked a homer for Natal-Michel in the second inning.
Quintillio, S.Rhodes, Deacon and xxx
W.Krall, Scott and xxx
(June 19) With just a few games left to conclude the first half of the schedule, Natal-Michel is the only undefeated team in the four-team circuit.
W L T PTS
Natal-Michel Sports Club 5 0 0 10
Blairmore Columbus Club Cardinals 2 1 1 5
Coleman Pucksters 0 3 1 1
Hillcrest Miners 0 3 0 0
(June 21) Natal-Michel downed Coleman Pucksters for the second straight time, 11-5, as Tom Krall picked up his second win of the season with an eight-hitter.
(June 23) Natal-Michel remained unbeaten in Crow's Nest Pass play Sunday with a 7-3 win over Blairmore. Steve Scott hurled a six-hitter for the win, his second of the season. The left-hander had 12 strikeouts. Angus Chala started for Blairmore, giving way to Jerry Herman in the seventh. It was Natal-Michel's sixth straight victory.
(July 25) Blairmore Columbus Club Cardinals came from behind with two runs in the final frame to edge the league-leading Natal-Michel Sports Club 12-11 at Natal. Angus Chala went the route for the winners while young John Katrichak went the first seven innings for the winners giving way to veteran Tom Krall to finish the game. A.Krall of Natal had the game's only homer, a two-run blast in the second inning.
A.Chala (W) and xxx
J.Katrichak, T.Krall and xxx
(August 18) Kimberley notched a 9-5 win over Natal-Michel in an exhibition march at Kimberley. After a poor second inning in which he gave up three consecutive triples, Lefty Nichol allowed just two hits over the last seven frames and rang up 19 strikeouts. Veteran Tom Krall took the loss even though he yielded just four hits.
Krall (L), Scott and Quarin
Nichol (W) and Cliff Kilburn
(August 25) Kimberley, trailing 6-4, erupted for six runs on three hits and four errors in the final inning to post a 10-6 win over Natal-Michel. The big blow was a two-run triple by Corbitt.
Nichol, Young and Livingston
Scott, Katrichak (9) and T.Krall