Saskatoon, SK - - Official renaming of Gordie Howe Fastball Field to Joe Gallagher Field May 17
Media Release
The Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association is pleased to announce the official renaming of Gordie Howe Fastball Field to Joe Gallagher Field. The event will take place on Wednesday, May17 at 6:45 right on the field to be renamed in Joe Gallagher’s honor. We will welcome dignitaries representing Saskatoon’s softball past and present, as well as members of Joes family as a way to acknowledge the contribution Joe has made to local softball and his community as a whole.
Joe was born in Saskatoon on June 15, 1932 and passed away on March 19, 2016. He was raised on a farm near Grandora and attended Gideon School. Joe moved to the city in his teens with his mother and brothers to work and pursue his passion for fast pitch softball. Joe was a respected pitcher and hitter for over 50 years. His softball career included playing for such teams as: Hamilton's Garage, CNR Carmen, Saskatoon College Lads, Saskatoon Centennials, K & K Olsen, Success Pro, ANAF as well as playing in the first Canadian Native Fastball Championships with James Smith First Nations. In addition to playing ball, he began coaching in 1968. He continued to play and coach his own team into his 80's.
Joe has been connected to all the major softball facilities this city has seen. In the mid 50’s he pitched from a spot in front of the baseball mound in the old Cairn’s Field, where Gordie Howe once played. In 1964, he helped raise funds to equip Gordie Howe Fastball Field and continued to play there and Bob Van Impe Stadium well into his 80’s, including many games with his grandchildren.
It interesting that at the end of the 50th anniversary for what many people feel is one of the finest men’s softball field in the world, Gordie Howe Fastball Field will get a new name. Like the field newly renamed in his honor, Joe Gallagher was also a big part of local softball history and his name will deservedly live on, along with this field.
For more information please contact SASA President Bryan Kosteroski kosteroskib@agcouncil.ca , 3062298986
Wendy Gallagher Joe’s daughter, Galw48@gmail.com, 13062522865
Brian Gallagher – Joe’s son in New Zealand until May 15 - 3062605877
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Thanks
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Mark Loehndorf
Communications Director
Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association
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