Maurice Foster
Expert Overview
INDUCTEE 2019
Considered a most prolific batsman in WI regional cricket
Born May 9, 1943 in the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica, Maurice Foster attended Wolmer’s Boys’ School where he distinguished himself at Cricket, Manning Cup Football, Hockey, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis and at Boys Champs (track and field) in the High Jump.
At age 16, Maurice became the youngest all Jamaica Table Tennis champion defeating two Caribbean champions Fernando Roberts and Leo Davis. That same year he was selected to the Jamaica team to the world Table Tennis Championship in Germany.
As a cricketer he went on to represent the Jamaica colts and senior teams before becoming a West Indies player. Playing for Jamaica Maurice was outstanding scoring 6,731 runs with 13 centuries, highest score 234 against Guyana at Jarrett Park, Montego Bay, averaging 45.7.
During his career, he was considered one of the most prolific batsmen in regional cricket, his consistency was amazing. As a regular player in the Jamaica team, he was appointed captain for a number of years before retiring at the national level.
As a West Indian player, Maurice made his debut against England at Manchester, England. He ended his test career playing 14 test matches with a top score of 124. He was considered unlucky not to have played more games at the test level. His consistency as a batsman in the regional tournaments justified that view. At the Jamaica domestic senior cup level, playing for Kingston Club, Maurice was like a runs machine season after season. He was a delight to the spectators with his attractive stroke play on both sides of the wicket. He ended each season as a batsman topping or near the top with most runs and averages.
As an administrator, Maurice served his Kingston club remarkably well and continued his love and commitment to the game with his services as a Jamaica and West Indies Cricket Board officer. His services to the Jamaica Cricket Board was outstanding, serving on several committees including the senior and youth selection, grounds, youth, players welfare, disciplinary, sponsorship, senior cup player of the round. At times he was a one man sponsorship committee with his enormous talent in garnering sponsorships for the various competitions under the auspices of the board.
For several years Foster was one of Jamaica’s two representatives to the West Indies Board serving on a number of committees with excellence personified. As a cricketer, Foster’s tremendous contribution to the game was recognized by the Carreras Sportsman Foundation Award for achievement and by the Jamaica Government bestowing to him the Order of Distinction.
As a sportsman, Maurice was highly respected by the players and fans alike for his excellent attributes on and off the field. In the annals of Jamaica and West Indies cricket, Foster’s services to the game and sports in general will be revered with affection. Maurice is currently employed as a sports anchorman on Power 106 FM, a leading Jamaica radio station.
