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In 1970 Canada's newest city sent off a group of 16-18 year old All-Star baseball players, bearing the name of the Thunder Bay Red Sox, to compete in the Canadian Little League Big League Division Championship in Windsor.


Facing the home town Windsor All-Stars in a three game series, Thunder Bay claimed the first game 1-0 with pitcher Jim Hartley allowing only 1 hit in the seven inning match-up. With Windsor facing elimination in the second game, it looked as though Thunder Bay would wrap up the series scoring 4 runs in the first, but Windsor responded with 4 of their own, going on to tie the series in a well-fought 9-6 victory. The third and deciding game was another close match-up with the teams entering the 7th and final inning each with a pair of runs. The top of the 7th saw Thunder Bay score three runs and shut down Windsor to claim the Canadian title with a 5-2 victory.


Earning the right to represent Canada at the World Series the team headed off to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the double knock-out event, which featured All-Star teams from Europe, Latin America and the United States. Facing the host Fort Lauderdale team in their first game, they lost 10-4 against the home town favourites. Although eliminated in a 7-0 matchup against Puerto Rico, the team could take pride in knowing that they had represented their country with distinction in this highly competitive event.


Top Row (L-R):

Jim Hartley, Barry Hauta, Glenn Hogan, Criag Holt, Randy Howe, Igor Kacerick.


Third Row (L-R):

Larry McChristie, Mike Mihalich, Bill Nesbit, Lou Nistico, Darrell Penner.


Second Row (L-R):

John Raynak, Lorne Roneki, Mike Skuta, Tom Wiegand.


First Row (L-R):

Armand Compardo (Manager), Alfred 'Pepsi' Mauro (Coach)


Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 29, 2001


Thunder Bay Red Sox Little Big League

Team Year:
1970
Sport:
Baseball
Achievement
Canadian Champions
Video
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