Baseball
Baseball began in the Buck Lake district, before towns even existed. There was a commitment of our American settlers to the great game of baseball. A team in Gray was ‘a given’ until the late 1980’s and in spite of the small size of our community, these teams had significant success.
The local teams of the 1950’s to 1980’s era (as they represented the Community of Gray) were inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.
The local teams of the 1950’s to 1980’s era (as they represented the Community of Gray) were inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.
Gray Sports Day - July 4The first ever was organized by the Gray Grain Growers Association and held July 17 1912 on Walter Dunning property (northwest corner of town). Committees were recruited to sell tickets, operate a refreshment booth, obtain a band for entertainment, arrange the ball-games and small sports, manage the horse races and coordinate a tight wire acrobat act (a relative of the Howlett family). A huge undertaking and a great day!
We don't know what year the pioneers chose to begin hosting the annual event on July 4 - in partial deference to their baseball-loving forefathers from the USA. Until the mid-1980's July 4 was 'penciled in' as Gray Sports Day. Gray Sports GroundsSports Days were held on Dunning property until 1921 when the new sports ground was developed at the southeast end of town.
There was a platform constructed above home plate for the scorekeeper and announcer to oversee and call the action. Dugouts were added in later years. Gray BoothThe booth was purchased from the defunct Milestone Agricultural Fair Board in 1936 and hauled to Gray. The octagonal structure served the community well. The pie shelf – homemade pie slices were well sought after – has been cleaned up and is now on display in the museum area at the rink.
Some recollections;
Quad Town The Forum article (May 21, 2020) recognizing Gray's induction into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
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Nomination for 2020 induction to Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
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