The 1951 Osoyoos Men’s Baseball Team “represented Osoyoos with pride and passion.” (Courtesy Paul Balogh)

Paul Balogh, who served 42 years with the Osoyoos Fire Department, including 30 as Fire Chief, last week brought us a photo of his old baseball team.

It is believed that this is the only photo of the Osoyoos Men’s Baseball Team in 1951. As a scan of a scan, the image quality isn’t good.

Originally Stan Stodola of the Osoyoos Times was supposed to take the official photo, but the camera he was going to use was damaged while on loan to Bridesville for their Wrestle a Bear contest, according to a write-up from 2002 that Balogh provided.

But team member Alex Keiss had a camera, so a photo was arranged.

Pictured in the photo were Steve Karnish, 15; Tom Spencer, 17; Bob Berze, 15; Terry Schorn, 17; Alex Keiss, 18; John Karnish, 17; Frankie Plut, 18; Paul Balogh, 18; and Terry Yusep, 16.

Balogh is now 85.

The description, signed by John Karnish, also notes the nicknames of the players along with such descriptions as “smooth athlete, ladies man,” “tall, uncoordinated, spastic,” and for Balogh, “wild leftie that everyone feared, including us.”

Several other team members weren’t present when the photo was taken: Bud and Ralph Englesby, Earl Kellerman, Oscar Festerling, Leo Smith, Ray Hunt, Jimmy Pugh, Bob and David Bryant and George Reitmeier.

“We represented Osoyoos with pride and passion,” said the tongue-in-cheek description. “You would not believe the crowds that came to see us play! … Our camaraderie and pride of community was legendary.”

The team played on a lot across the highway from the Green Gables Resort and Falcon Motel on the east side of the bridge.

“We could use it as our playing field providing we mowed the weeds, raked the rocks and did not bother the rattlesnakes,” said the description. “We loved every minute of it.”

The coach was Horace Hunt, the physical trainer was Glen Tweedy and spiritual advisor was Ted Takacs, who “advised us what not to drink.” Mascot was Babe Nielsen.

“Our owner was Ruth Schiller,” said the description. “She bought us for $150 and sold us for a huge truckload of zucca melons before we could become famous.”

To share your memories and photos of Osoyoos, contact Editor Richard McGuire at 250-495-7225 or by email at [email protected].

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times