ALUMNI
History 1984
Medicine Hat Big League Baseball was initially introduced
to Medicine Hat in 1984 by then president of Medicine Hat Little League,
Wally Giesbrecht. The first phase of Big League Baseball (it was not officially
incorporated as Big League by the Societies Branch of Alberta until 1989)
was the introduction of High School Baseball. All three Medicine Hat high
schools joined the Southern Alberta High School Baseball League and baseball
interest began its comeback for the youth (18 years and under) in Medicine
Hat.
The Moose Monarchs began as a Class "A"
program to allow the program to develop and establish the level of play
the program wanted to pursue.
In 1988 the Moose Monarchs advanced to the Class "A"
Regional tournament in Eugene Oregon as the 2nd seed from Montana/Alberta.
They posted a record of 41 wins and 9 losses this season which including
winning 2 - "AA" Tournaments - one in Spokane, Washington and
another in Williston, North Dakota. The Montana/Alberta Chairman then
decided that Medicine Hat would move to the "AA" level for the
1989 season. By this time the number of players interested in playing
had grown and both a Class "A" (Knights) and the Class "AA"
(Moose Monarchs) teams were organized to compete in the Montana/Alberta
American Legion Baseball program.
Because the High School League finished play in early
June and player interest was still high, Mr. Giesbrecht entered Medicine
Hat in the competitive Montana/Alberta American Legion Baseball program
in 1985. High school players wishing to continue playing throughout the
summer could try out for the American Legion team. At that time both High
School and American Legion baseball were under the wing of the local Little
League baseball association. The summer team played in the Class “B”
program in the North District of the Montana program. They were called
the Medicine Hat Monarchs. Wayne Schlosser became the first Monarchs head
coach in 1985 and has continued his involvement with the Monarchs ever
since in varying capacities from director to manager before resuming the
head coaching helm again in 1993; a position he continues to hold at present
in 1998. In 1986 Lovell McDonnell joined Wayne in coordinating and expanding
the program. Both Lovell and Wayne continue today to offer the finest
in youth baseball for local area players that is recognized to be one
of the best programs in the province.
Interest in baseball at the High School and American Legion level grew
throughout the next few years, and as expectations and travel commitments
expanded so did the budget. Although the Monarchs secured local sponsorship
(in 1986 they were sponsored by Gershaw Gulf; in 1987 they were sponsored
by Black’s Sports), this mini-program was becoming too expansive
for the Little League Executive. A new Association would best serve the
needs of the youth baseball enthusiast, and thus, the Monarchs would have
the vehicle whereby they could secure their own source of funding, and
choose their own direction in operations on and off the field. In 1988,
incorporation documents were filed and the Medicine Hat Big League Baseball
Association was officially founded in January of 1989. It was also in
1988 that the Moose Lodge became the flagship sponsor of the American
Legion program and the team became known as the Medicine Hat Moose Monarchs.
The Moose Lodge continues to this day to be a great sponsor of this program.
At present, Medicine Hat Big League coordinates both
the High School League (April - June) and the Montana/Alberta American
Legion Baseball program (June - August) for Medicine Hat and area youth.
Medicine Hat Big League now offers both a Class “AA” (Moose
Monarchs) and Class “A” (Medicine Hat Knights - sponsored
by the Knights of Columbus - Joe McKenna Council) American Legion programs.
Class “AA” are the more skilled, older players; Class “A”
is a feeder team for the Moose Monarchs comprised mainly of 15, 16 and
17 year old players. Both levels of American Legion Baseball have the
same (18 years and under) age restriction.
High school baseball tends to be less competitive
and less demanding as all players are still attending high school classes.
American Legion baseball is more demanding, both skill and time-wise,
and much more competitive. It (American Legion) also best prepares players
for those wishing to advance to the next level of play.
Medicine Hat Big League (Moose Monarchs) holds the
annual Little League “Skills and Drills” spring baseball camp
that attracts over 100 Little Leaguers eager to hone their baseball skills
for the upcoming season. In addition, the Association holds “Fall
Ball” camps in September, and a very popular Christmas Camp, which
has featured Team Canada’s National Pitching Coach.
Funding is obtained from various avenues including
Bingo, sponsorships, selling of ads in the annual Souvenir Program, player
registration fees and donations, gate admission and 50/50 sales at tournaments.
Players and parents, as volunteers, are an integral part of fund-raising,
and this function is an on-going process.
It is Big League’s intention to offer LEARNING
EXPERIENCES through FRIENDLY COMPETITION in an environment that offers
CULTURAL EXPOSURE (U.S. Travel), TEAM WORK, AND A SELF-DISCIPLINARY ATMOSPHERE.
All THREE have much to offer the student-athlete in terms of LIFE-LONG
SKILLS.
TX - Ranching Scholarships 7-8-9
PURPOSE: To encourage REGISTERED
Moose Monarchs (American Legion Baseball) players to pursue post-secondary
studies (at a recognized institution) with the ultimate objective of obtaining
a degree or certificate.
FIELD OF STUDY: Under-graduate or
technical training program in any field of study.
VALUE: Three scholarships totalling
$1900
REQUIREMENTS : - Players must apply
to the Secretary of Medicine Hat Big League Baseball Association by September
15 of their graduation year from American Legion Baseball. Only players
graduating from American Legion baseball, in good standing, are eligible.
Application forms will be made available through the Executive and/or
coaches of the Moose Monarchs. Scholarship announcements will be made
at/by the completion of the baseball season.
- Players accepted for scholarship must become registered
full-time students at a recognized post-secondary institution within one
year of graduating from American Legion baseball. (Copies of receipts
paid must be received before any funds will be dispersed).
- Priority will be given to:
a) players that have exhibited extraordinary efforts
in assisting and promoting the growth of baseball in the Medicine Hat
community.
b) players that have demonstrated a strong commitment to teamwork and
excellence throughout their American Legion career.
c) players that will be participating in a College baseball program
at their institution of choice.
d) players that have participated in American Legion baseball for the
majority of their eligibility.
e) players that have participated in the local Little League program
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