ESTEVAN — Estevan Minor Baseball (EMB) used the opening ceremonies of the Baseball Sask provincial championships happening in the city to salute one of its most dedicated and respected volunteers.
The contributions of the late Barry O’Handley were recognized July 17 on the O’Handley Diamond at Mel Murray Cactus Park. Members of the O’Handley family were in attendance, and Barry's son BJ tossed out the ceremonial opening pitch to Barry's grandson Colby.
MC Kevin Sliva told the large crowd that Barry was “born to be a ball player”. From an early age, he was “lovingly” taught the game by his father Allan, for whom a set of diamonds at the park is named.
“Barry was a great player, and he felt most comfortable on the mound,” said Sliva. “He was instrumental in growing the senior men’s league in Estevan from one to four teams.”
Years later, after the birth of his son, Barry found coaching was his passion, Sliva said, and Barry loved being on the diamond with the players. The teams that he coached won many league championships, and he guided the Bordertown Blazers to back-to-back provincial titles and a Western Canadian silver medal.
Barry’s wife Pat was wearing a Borderland Blazers jersey for the opening ceremonies.
Sliva noted that Barry was named the Baseball Sask manager of the year in 1995 out of more than 2,500 candidates across the province.
“He didn’t do it for the accolades, but it was great to be recognized along with other great baseball guys like Mel Murray, and others who poured their heart and soul into the great game of baseball in this town. Barry always said, ‘There is nothing better than a great game of baseball,’” said Sliva.
Barry was previously inducted into the EMB Wall of Fame in 2012, and the diamond where the ceremonies took place has been named the Barry O’Handley Diamond. Also, EMB has announced the creation of the Barry O’Handley 13U Player Award, which will be given to a player on each 13U team who demonstrates sportsmanship, dedication and a love of baseball.
The ceremonies featured the parade of the 28 teams that are entered in the U11 AAA Tier 1, U11 AA Tier 2C and U15 AA Tier 3 divisions.
Sliva applauded the minor baseball volunteers and others who dedicated a lot of time to get the diamonds ready for provincials. He noted a powerful thunderstorm rumbled through the Estevan area early on July 15, dumping heavy rain and putting the event in doubt, but the volunteers worked hard on July 15 and 16.
He also paid tribute to the efforts of Murray, the EMB president, who spends many hours each day to looking after two ballparks and 10 diamonds.
And Sliva recognized EMB alumni Carter Beck, who was drafted 26th overall in the Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves on July 11.
SaskToday will continue to have updates from provincials.
