Post by Marshy on May 20, 2013 10:46:09 GMT 10
It is with great sadness the The Malvern Baseball club announces the passing of Wal Riddell A.M. (Life Member elected 1958)
Wal Riddell our friend and team mate passed away in Hospital on Friday May 17th.
Wal joined the Club in 1945 after he returned from the war, at the request of Wal Bartleet the then President.
The Club at that time was playing in Minor “A”. Worse was to come in 1950 when the Club was relegated to Minor “B”.
Wal as secretary was the driving force of the Club renaissance in 1951. 1951 saw the Club runners up in Minor “B” to premiers in 1952. Promotion to Minor “A” saw us runners up in 1953. In 1954 the Club entered the first junior U/16 team.
Wal was in the following Premiership Teams: 1951,1952,1954 Minor “B”,
1960,1961 Major “A”reserves.
M.V.P. 1950 Second Nine, 1952 First Nine.
1955 saw the Club runners up again and with four teams and juniors.
The VBA promoted the Club to Major “B” on the strength of the Club.
Headed by Ron Jones, Wal Riddell and Frank Shanahan, Jack Wadsworth was approached to coach the Club. At the time Jack was a top Major “A” player.
Wal remained secretary until 1958 thus completing 10 years in that position. Wal stayed on the committee as Vice President from 1959 until 1966. A remarkable run of 20 odd years overseeing the growth of one team in the 1940’s to eight teams including juniors in 1962.
His contribution on our behalf included:
Club Delegate to the VBA.; 1949 to 1962
VBA Minor League Selector: 1953 to 1955.
Minor League Rep. to VBA Council: 1954,1955.
Pennant Committee VBA: 1947 to the late 50’s
As a result of this Herculean devotion Wal was awarded his “Life Membership” in 1958
Wal was also honored with the “AUSTRALIA MEDAL” for his tireless work for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
We feel privileged to have such a fine man and his wife Carmel associated with our Club.
Our condolences go out to Carmel and the family.
Wal Riddell our friend and team mate passed away in Hospital on Friday May 17th.
Wal joined the Club in 1945 after he returned from the war, at the request of Wal Bartleet the then President.
The Club at that time was playing in Minor “A”. Worse was to come in 1950 when the Club was relegated to Minor “B”.
Wal as secretary was the driving force of the Club renaissance in 1951. 1951 saw the Club runners up in Minor “B” to premiers in 1952. Promotion to Minor “A” saw us runners up in 1953. In 1954 the Club entered the first junior U/16 team.
Wal was in the following Premiership Teams: 1951,1952,1954 Minor “B”,
1960,1961 Major “A”reserves.
M.V.P. 1950 Second Nine, 1952 First Nine.
1955 saw the Club runners up again and with four teams and juniors.
The VBA promoted the Club to Major “B” on the strength of the Club.
Headed by Ron Jones, Wal Riddell and Frank Shanahan, Jack Wadsworth was approached to coach the Club. At the time Jack was a top Major “A” player.
Wal remained secretary until 1958 thus completing 10 years in that position. Wal stayed on the committee as Vice President from 1959 until 1966. A remarkable run of 20 odd years overseeing the growth of one team in the 1940’s to eight teams including juniors in 1962.
His contribution on our behalf included:
Club Delegate to the VBA.; 1949 to 1962
VBA Minor League Selector: 1953 to 1955.
Minor League Rep. to VBA Council: 1954,1955.
Pennant Committee VBA: 1947 to the late 50’s
As a result of this Herculean devotion Wal was awarded his “Life Membership” in 1958
Wal was also honored with the “AUSTRALIA MEDAL” for his tireless work for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
We feel privileged to have such a fine man and his wife Carmel associated with our Club.
Our condolences go out to Carmel and the family.