A photo can evoke a bevy of feelings — nostalgia, joy, curiosity — but if the photo is of a team of young Innisfil men beaming as they pose with their newly won South Simcoe trophy, then all is well in the world.
Of the 12 players, plus a team coach and a manager in this 1959 picture, the sad part is that only five still live today.
But the happy side of this reality is that for a few remarkable years, baseball successes were the focal point of the community of Knock and this team was a huge part of that period of time.
While chatting with the five living members of this team — Andrew Cowan, Don Gibbons, Earl Shannon, Jim Sturgess and Merv Wice — the phrase “the boys of summer” came to mind. And with that came a sense of wonder at the fact that the little old Knock school and community produced a ball team that won not only the South Simcoe championship but went on to capture an Ontario title in 1959, plus the few years following that date.
In the words of the now older and wiser ball players, in the mid-1950s, Knock Public School (S.S. 15) was blessed with a large number of male students who were mostly interested in outdoor sports (hockey and baseball).
Well supported by the community and Knock Ladies Group, each ball player was presented with a quilted badge “Knock” to attach to their T-shirt as uniforms were not available.
Initially, the boys played other schools (Thornton, Ivy, Stroud) from the local area.
However, the players from our one-room school would best much larger schools.
A South Simcoe Juvenile hardball (baseball) league evolved and competition came from farther afield. Herb Shannon Sr. was always the coach and in the early days his daughter Verna kept score at all the games.
Clifford Lockhart, a former Innisfil reeve, umpired many of the early games while Innisfil native and former Knock graduate Ed Webb took over the majority of umpiring as the team progressed into Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) competitions.
What a great day it was in 1959 when Joe Cochrane, Silvertops Farm owner and former Innisfil reeve, donated grey uniforms to the players. Finally, the team looked like proper baseball players who not only played baseball but faithfully pushed gas-powered lawn mowers to keep the outfield grass in good condition. To maintain the infield, several steel wheels were tied together to drag the area.
A hat was usually passed among the spectators who gave generously to cover baseballs, bats and helmets. No ball field lights were available … just Mother Nature. Late-season games clearly had to start earlier.
This team played in the OBA league for several years starting in 1959. The division for each was dependent on population.
Knock started at the lower end, because of size, and won each year even after OBA increased the division rating. Many of our opponents did not know of Knock, and had in fact never heard of this locale.
We had to advise them to exit Highway 400, travel east on Innisfil’s 8th Concession (later Innisfil Beach Road), north on 10 Sideroad (Huronia Road) to the only building in Knock. The schoolhouse was located in foul ball territory near the east edge of the ball diamond. None of the windows were ever broken, but foul balls had been known to bounce off the roof.
What a clear recollection Don has of the final playoff series against Alliston. Selby Bowman, Don Gibbons and Wayne Martin were playing their last season as juveniles because of a maximum age of 19. The best-of-five series was tied at two games each. The fifth game was scheduled for mid-September at Knock.
Bruce Wice, the Silvertops manager, decided to drive to Guelph’s Ontario Agriculture College and bring new OAC students, Wayne and Don, back to play in the final game.
Tied in the sixth inning, Knock came to bat. Two Knock players were on base, when a last-minute decision brought in Don, the bench sitter. On the first pitch, a game-winning single resulted in two runs scoring with Knock winning 5-3 ... or was it 7-5?
In 1959, red leather jackets, complete with a Knock crest, were purchased by the individual players and worn proudly to high school and other community events.
Everyone interested is welcome to meet the vigorous surviving members of the team and hear more details of their 1959 exploits during a meeting at Knock Community Hall (7756 10 Sideroad) today (May 18) at 2 p.m.
As well, Tony Keene, chair of the Monarchist League Barrie Huronia branch will share insights about the current state of the monarchy. Be ready to raise your pinkies with a lovely spot of tea, alongside freshly made tea biscuits, clotted cream and jam.
