Newcastle, ON - Pete Landers has Passed
by Luke Lefevre
Softball fans, I like to share a softball story about the spectacular rise of Pete Landers. His career began in the Timmins Major Fastball League. His domination of opposing hitters throughout his career gained the big left-hander notoriety locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, as he established himself as one of the best at his craft in the world. His International journey began in 1964, unbelievably; he was under 20 years of age.
In 1964, I received a call from a team in the Lakehead to pitch in an International Softball Tournament. The caller said that I could bring anyone else to participate in the tournament. As I was with really impressed with the young Pete Landers performances in our local league and I could see his potential as a left-handed softball pitcher. I observed that he was eager to learn the art of softball pitching. So I asked him if he would be interested in joining me and I assured him that he would get the opportunity to pitch in the tournament and he said “YES”. Also, I brought along two other players from my Moneta team, Carl Pretulac and John Coombs. We jump into my car and headed for the Lakehead.
During our warm-up in game one, I showed Pete some different pitches that I used. He was a quick learner. In the first game, I started against a team from Duluth-Minnesota and I gave up a home run in the 5th inning and I was replaced by Pete. This was his first exposure facing high caliber hitters. And he handled himself well finishing the game. The next day, he had the opportunity to start and pitch against a team from Sault Ste Marie, again he performed well. All in all, we had a successful tournament.
For Pete, the best is yet to come. Back in Timmins, we were playing in our local playoffs. My team Moneta was undefeated and we ended –up playing against the South Porcupine Airporters in the finals. I was confident that our team would win having beaten the Airporters all year long but the outcome in sports do not always turn out that way. The new confident Pete Landers had his curve ball working (the hook) and the Airporters went on to win the championship game. It was a tough loss but I never regretted helping out my friend the Legendary, “Pete Landers”.
Pete is a Timmins Sports Heritage Hall of Famer and on four other different times the legendary fastball pitcher has picked up his phone, and on the other end, a committee member from a Hall of Fame passed along the news he had been enshrined. It’s happened in British Columbia, London, with the Canadian Softball Hall of Fame, and in Oshawa twice, once as a player and once as part of a team.
He won his first provincial championship with the Oshawa Tony’s senior club in 1968. From there, his career skyrocketed, including countless appearances in the Canadian championships, representing teams from Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, while winning a number of MVP awards along the way. He also was fortunate enough to play a couple of times in the International Softball Congress world championships.
It’s heartwarming to know that he left a positive impact both on and off the field. Softball has a way of bringing people together, creating lasting friendships, and leaving a legacy that extends beyond the game itself. 
I always cherished those fond memories.
Peter Michael Landers passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 78. Born in South Porcupine, Timmins, Ontario, Peter lived a life defined by dedication, achievement, and deep love for his family and community.Peter was a legendary figure in the fastball world. His contributions to the sport were recognized widely, earning him inductions into four Fastball Halls of Fame. As a standout pitcher, he collected multiple MVP awards and brought home championships at the Ontario, Canadian, and world levels with the Oshawa Tony’s Senior “A” team. A proud moment in his athletic career came with a silver medal at the 1969 Canadian Summer Games. Beyond his own playing days, Peter continued to share his passion through coaching both fastball and hockey, shaping the lives of young athletes with his knowledge, integrity, and encouragement. Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia (Morris) Landers, his daughter Julia Landers, and his son Michael Landers. He leaves behind his son Paul Landers and daughter-in-law Jennifer, as well as four cherished granddaughters: Marlee, Taylor,
Hannah, and Abby.
Peter’s legacy will live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched, both on and off the field. Visitation will be held at Newcastle Funeral Home on Thursday, June 19th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Friday, June 20th, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Orono Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Peter’s remarkable life.
