Binscarth Orioles Baseball

Baseball has been a very popular game in Binscarth for many years. Baseball was a local sport during the 20’s and 30’s. The early 40’s were quiet, as in most areas, but following the war the interest was soon revived and there were many good ball teams. During the 1950’s the North Western Interprovincial League was formed. This league was for the Binscarth area and Eastern Saskatchewan. The Clement Cup was donated for annual competition. With league games and tournaments, Binscarth players played 40-60 games in a season.

The Binscarth team won the North Western League Championship and went on to play the Dauphin Redbirds in Provincial playdowns. The Binscarth Buffalos were formed and in 1961 they played in the league with Hamiota, Brandon, Riverside and Dauphin. Bill Berzinski’s batting average of .549 was, and still is a record in the stats of the Manitoba Senior Baseball League.

In 1966 the Binscarth Cardinals was formed with junior players from Binscarth and Foxwarren. They represented Manitoba in Junior Competition in Edmonton, AB. They continued their winnings until they joined the M.S.B.L. in 1970. Binscarth was perennial champions in the North West League and won three provincial Senior B crowns in 1969, 1970 and 1971.

In 1972 Binscarth joined the Senior A. League of Manitoba with new Binscarth Orioles Stretch fabric uniforms. That year the Orioles, with manager Bob Wasslen, won the Les Edwards Trophy; Thomas Ryles Trophy and the Frank Richardson Memorial Trophy for the most wins in League play. They also won the League against Riverside and were the Provincial Champions. They won the League title again the 1973, 1977 and 1982. In the 1970’s the M.S.B.L allowed teams to add 2 American players to their roster. This increased the Orioles fan base. Binscarth brought up some very good pitchers, catchers and fielders to add to a spectators game.

Binscarth played in many big Western Canada Tournaments in place such as Regina and Saskatoon. In 1977 Binscarth hosted the Sr. National Baseball Championship games and the Western Canadian Championship games in 1983.

The Orioles claim to fame is that in 2003 they were inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.

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