BASEBALL OSHAWA HISTORY

November 27, 1975: Planning commenced on a “Minor league” diamond as a Memorial Project by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 43 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Legion. Legion Diamond at Lakeview Park was officially opened on July 21, 1976. The cost of the project was $34,834.00 for lighting and poles plus $8,842.50 for fencing. A “Wintario” Grant from the Ontario Government in the amount of $21, 000.00 was also received.

 

Spring 2003: The Oshawa Legion (Minor) Baseball Association’s official web-site came on-line for the first time on the “World Wide Web” to showcase the league, all it’s teams and it’s members. The web-site address is www.baseballoshawa.com.

 

Spring 2004: The Oshawa Legion (Minor) Baseball Association submitted application to the “Ontario Trillium Foundation” to receive a grant to update Kinsmen Civic Memorial Stadium. Upgrades included a full sprinkler system for the infield and outfield, new stadium grooming equipment, upgraded bullpens, outfield levelling, as well as permanent and maintenance free foul lines.

 

On May 11, 2004 the OLMBA received $74,400.00 dollars from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this initiative. Ceremonies were held before the beginning of the Junior Legionnaires games. Dignitaries on hand included Oshawa Mayor John Gray and M.P.P. Jerry Ouellette, who were on hand to throw out the first pitch prior to the scheduled Oshawa Legionnaire’s game.

 

Spring 2004: Long time Executive Member of the Oshawa Legion (Minor) Baseball Association Ted McComb is inducted into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame under the “Builders” category. The ceremony was held at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium with many dignitaries and guests on hand. A framed picture of “Mr. Baseball” and his lifetime sports achievements are on display at the Civic Arena Complex.

 

Spring 2005: Long time Executive Member of the Oshawa Legion (Minor) Baseball Association Gladys Cochrane passed away. Many Legion Branch #43 and OLMBA friends and family attend funeral services and a reception. The OLMBA Executive unanimously votes to change the name of its annual golf tournament to the “Gladys Cochrane Memorial Golf Tournament”. A trophy in Gladys’ name will be awarded to the Mosquito Legionnaire “Most Valuable Player” each year. Further the snack bar at Kinsmen Civic Memorial Stadium will be named the Gladys Cochrane Memorial Snack Bar.

 

Winter 2006: Long time friend of the Oshawa Legion (Minor) Baseball Association and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43 and wife of OLMBA Executive Member Ted McComb passed away. Many Legion Branch #43 and OLMBA friends and family attend funeral services and a reception. She will be sadly missed.

 

Summer 2006: OLMBA, EOBA and Oshawa Dodger President Troy May passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 due to injuries sustained in a car accident with his family on Sunday, July 16, 2006. Troy was instrumental in obtaining the OLMBA’s first “Trillium Grant” from the Ontario Government. Upgrades from this grant included a sprinkler system for Kinsmen Stadium along with other stadium equipment. Troy’s love for the game and for the youth of Oshawa will be sadly missed. Of note the “Troy May Umpires Award”, given each year to the OLMBA Senior Umpire of the Year will be re-named the “Troy May Memorial Umpires Award” and henceforth the annual Mosquito tournament will be renamed the “Troy May Memorial Mosquito Tournament”.

 

Summer 2010. The Oshawa Legion Minor Baseball Association (OLMBA) hit a home run today with the newly renovated Kinsmen Stadium made possible with a $101,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Jerry Ouellette, MPP for Oshawa, joined OTF representative John Stafford and Mayor John Gray, in congratulating the Oshawa Legion Minor Baseball Executive at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

“Being actively involved in youth sports in our community, I can personally appreciate the importance of this OTF grant and the impact it will have on kids’ recreation,” said MPP Jerry Ouellette. “I wish to congratulate the many outstanding coaches and volunteers from the Oshawa Legion Minor Baseball Association on your recent grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to upgrade Kinsmen Stadium and continue to promote and enhance baseball in Oshawa.”

 

The OTF grants was used to replace the backstop, renovate the buildings, extend fencing and provided a canopy over the dugouts.  Funding also supported OLMBA to purchase pitching machines for the Rookie Ball division to support and improve training for local youth. “This grant will enhance the game of baseball in Oshawa,” said Ryan McBride, President, OLMBA. “We are thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s commitment to promoting a physical activity in Ontario.”

 

Established in 1949, the Oshawa Legion Minor Baseball Association provides a house league and Rep baseball program for children ranging from ages 4 to 18.  The pitching machines for the Rookie ball teams have enhanced the quality of the game and improved the player’s skill development. The OLMBA is volunteer-led and has been successful in increasing the number of registrations for the 2010 season. 

 

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

PAST PRESIDENTS

 

NAME:	SERVED FROM:	SERVED TO:
Committee	1948	1949
Committee	1950	1964
C. Arthur Perry	1965	1967
Ted McComb	1965	1967
James E. Lutton	1968	1974
Tom Sellers	1975	1976
Douglas J. Finney	1977	1978
Gordon Johnson	1979	1980
David V. Whiteley	1981	1981
Bryan Wilson	1982	1983
Michael Lisko	1984	1984
Eric Wesslby	1985	1986
James E. Lutton	1987	1993
Mark Orton	1994	1996
Jim Hutchinson	1997	2000
Troy May	2001	2004
Randall C. Meredith	2005	2005
Troy May * / Dave Sheridan	2006	2006
Dave Sheridan	2006	2007
Ed Quinlan	2007	2008
Ryan McBride	2009	2012

 
*OLMBA President Troy May passed away on July 19, 2006 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Sunday, July 16, 2006. Vice-President of Rep Baseball Dave Sheridan assumed the duties of President as per the OLMBA constitution. As per the constitution Dave remained in control until elections for officers was held at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October of 2006.