The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Submitted by Morley Naylor On Saturday, June 4, former Flin Flon baseball star Lee Fisher was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame at the 15th induction dinner, held in Morden. In keeping with their motto of "Honour Our Past - Ensure Our Future," the Hall added Fisher and seven others in the player category and three in the special teams categories. The Morden Recreation Centre and Arena Complex also houses the famed Manitoba Baseball Museum. Of the 400 people who attended the ceremony, Fisher reacted, "I felt a little out of my element, in addressing such a large group, but presenter Gladwyn Scott of Carberry looked after me. He made it a lot easier." Scott is the founder of the Hall and a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Fisher, the soft-spoken inductee, found it a little emotional. 'No longer around' "A lot of the guys honoured here aren't around anymore and it's a bit overwhelming to see your picture on the wall knowing that it will be there long after you are no longer around," said Fisher. "The event will stand out in my memory for many years to come." It also brought back memories of Fisher's active baseball days. "I knew or recognized quite a few of the guys in the pictures, having played against them," he said, "and even had a chance to reminisce with former Polar League star and good friend Gerry Curle, who spent several years in Flin Flon as a school teacher. "All in all, it was a magnificent event, so professional and well organized." During his acknowledgment address, Fisher thanked the Hall selection committee and his nominators, and congratulated the other recipients. Fisher's immediate family were also very impressed and honoured. Son David, of London, Ont., who was unable to make the trip, said it was a "fitting tribute to my Pops, who is and always will be one of thte most special people in my life." Fisher's son Dean and daughter Amber, of Flin Flon, proudly said "way to go, Dad, we are all proud of you" while regretting not being able to attend. Fisher expresses his appreciation to the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame for reaching out of the South and honouring athletes in the North, saying he hopes this helps put Flin Flon on the map. Fisher's accomplishments have been well documented in both The Reminder and Cottage North magazine, and his baseball prowess is well summed up in his award biography issued by the Hall of Fame. The following is the biography presented at the awards: Lee Fisher began his career at age 16, playing with Roblin in a six team semipro ManSask League against teams from Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Dauphin, Bowsman and Kamsack. While playing for Roblin at a tournament in Rosetown, SK, he helped defeat the Indian Head Rockets in a semi final and then pitched to victory in the final against the touring Cuban all-star team. Roblin came home with $1,000. Lee spent two years playing junior baseball in Flin Flon and won the battling title, one year. He then played nine years of senior baseball in Flin Flon in the competitive Polar League. Lee Fisher was a very consistent hitter, a competent outfielder and infielder, but is remembered primarily as an outstanding pitcher with great control and a confusing two-fingered knuckle ball. Fisher's son Colin and daughter Cheryl (Wielenga), along with grandson Tanner, were able to travel to the induction ceremony. 'Privilege' "We wouldn't have missed it for the world. Our father is a modest man and it was a privilege for us to attend the induction ceremony and see him recognized for one of his athletic accomplishments. "And we say one of his accomplishments as Dad is somewhat of a natural athlete and any sport he participates in, he does well. We can brag on his behalf since he never will. "At the banquet, we again realized that we were indeed very fortunate to be there with Dad since many of the awards were given (in honour and memory) to surviving wives and children of the inductees. "...we offer our sincerest appreciation to The Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame and all others involved in the process from nomination to induction." It has been a pleasure following the Lee Fisher story as he is such as great player, gentleman and true sportsman Ð a real asset to the game. He has brought honour to the sport, himself, his family and Flin Flon, along with northern Manitoba.
