Passing of Donald Ross in Nova Scotia
September 15, 2010
Brookfield, NS
September 15, 2010
NOVA SCOTIA SOFTBALL LEGEND - DONALD ROSS
passed away this morning at the Colchester Hospital, Truro, NS.
Athlete – Member of the Softball NS Hall Of Fame
Brookfield, NS
1947 – 2010
Donald Ross will always be identified has one of the all time great competitors that ever played the game of softball in Nova Scotia. Pound for pound it would be difficult to name an athlete who brought more heart, desire, dedication and determination to the ball diamonds each game than this Brookfield native.
Donald played fifteen (15) seasons with the hometown Elks as an all star catcher and outfielder. His contribution to the Elks was unparallel, as the team were successful in winning Provincial titles and went on to represent Nova Scotia at the Senior Men’ Nationals on a number of occasions.
Ross was chosen as a team member, of the first Nova Scotia Canada Games Team in 1969. He immediately became a leader and led the team to a 4th place finish in front of sold out crowds in Halifax.
In 1975 he was recruited by the Provincial Champions, Dartmouth Dairy Queen and accompanied them to the Nationals in Oshawa, Ontario.
He led all hitters at this tournament with 10 hits in 17 at bats for an average of (.588) in 5 games.
It became apparent to most people in the softball circles that had the opportunity to watch him play, that Donald possessed all the skills that a player must have to excel in the game of Softball at the Elite Level. Donald could run, throw, field, hit for average and power – he was the complete player.
Throughout his playing career he became a household name provincially and nationally. Ross received many personal accolades, but the (175) pound spark plug may best be described as a fierce competitor and a great team leader each time he stepped on to a diamond.
Donald retired as an active player in 1975 but remained active as a competitive Senior Curler and Golfer until his passing. In recent years he was involved with the Halifax – Windsor Murphy’s Fish & Chips Keith’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch Team – as a Director & Assistant Coach. In 2005 & 2006 his contribution was instrumental in the success of the two time National Senior Men’s Champions (St. Thomas Evergreen Centennials).
Thank-you Donald, from the many people who had the opportunity to watch you perform between the lines and the friendships developed off the diamond.
