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Past area baseball greats to gather in July
Once again the cries of “Hobo, Hobo, Hobo” or “Dynamo, Dynamo, Dynamo” will ring out in Kimberley during this summer’s JulyFest. Only this time, the cry will not be coming from the bleachers of Coronation Park. It will be resonating throughout the clubhouse at the Kimberley Golf Club and the Marysville Hotel.
During the past five months, an organizing committee has been busy contacting anyone who played for, or were affiliated with, the Hobos, Tempests, Dynamos, Angels or the Marysville Steelmen during the 1950s and ‘60s. Most of the players, coaches, managers, trainers and widows of former players have been contacted. Former Hobo Al Patterson (Sun City West, AZ) urged anyone who played during that era and has not been contacted to “get in touch with one of us right away.”
In the baseball world of the ‘60s the Hobos and the Dynamos had the town of Kimberley split in half. Hobo supporters sat on the third base side while Dynamo supporters gathered on the first base side of the bleachers. Fans of the Hobo’s went to one of the local hotels for post-game refreshments and Dynamo fans were off to another establishment.
Summertime Thursday nights and weekends were magical when the Sorenson’s Hobos and the Dynamos met head-to-head. These numbers do not sound large but usually 500-700 fans filled the seats at Coronation Park. Cranbrook, Creston and Fernie joined the Hobos and the Dynamos in a high calibre Senior Baseball League.
Summer Tournaments attracted outstanding teams from Washington and Alberta. At the same time the Hobo’s Jr affiliate team the Tempests, and the Dynamos Jr affiliate team the Angels, competed against the Marysville “Trader Dick” Steelmen and other West Kootenay locations.
The idea for the gathering was initiated by Hobo’s outstanding pitcher and third baseman, Mel Johnson (Trail) and Hobo’s speedy infielder/outfielder Al Patterson.
“As the years fly past, none of us are getting any younger and we felt it would be a good thing to get together and say “hello” before we start hearing about too many more “goodbyes,” said Johnson.
On Saturday July 21, immediately following the JulyFest parade, the group will go to the Kimberley Golf Club for a meet and greet, storytelling, food and drink until 4:30 p.m. A High School Reunion dinner booking at the golf club will require anyone wanting to extend the festivities to transfer down to the Marysville Hotel pub.
“Any former supporters and their spouses are welcome to join us. Your only expense will be for any food and drink at the clubhouse,” said Ex-Hobo stalwart Colin Patterson (Cranbrook).
He indicated they should get in touch with one of the committee members as soon as possible so that an estimate of numbers can be attained. Committeeman Al Jobe had the unique experience of playing for almost all of the local teams.
He said, “We hope to have an ‘open mic’ for anyone who wishes to tell lies, sing a song or remember a funny story.”
Some of the Dynamo names that have already committed to attending are Ray McNiven, Doug MacDonald, Ike Bodin, Pete Boisvert and Ron Livingstone. Hobo players who will be in attendance include Jim Ratcliffe, John Stone, the Kuntz brothers (Vern and Ken), and Jim Nelson. Further details along with names of more attendees from all five of the teams will be announced later.
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