Jack Scott inducted into Sask Baseball Hall of Fame

By Joan Janzen

Jack Scott has been selected for induction in the Sask. Baseball Hall of Fame. Many in the Eston area are familiar with Jack’s name and his many contributions to the town. This year’s class will be inducted on August 20 in Battleford at the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame’s (HOF) 37th Annual Induction Ceremony. Unfortunately, Jack is unable to attend due to health issues. Nevertheless, the ceremony will commemorate his significant contribution to the game, along with 12 other individuals, two teams, and one family, who make up the Class of 2022.

“I was quite amazed when I heard of my induction and felt so pleased,” Jack said. However, everyone familiar with his numerous accomplishments acknowledges his induction is well deserved.

Jack currently resides in Chilliwack, B.C., but his origins go back to Eston, where he was born on October 10, 1941. His baseball career began just a few years later. Despite contracting rheumatic fever at the age of 7, he was back on the field playing ball the following summer.

At a young age, he became a bat boy with the Eston Ramblers Ball Club. He left Eston at age 17 to attend school in Saskatoon but returned to Eston immediately after his school term concluded.

He began announcing the Ramblers home games after his dad helped him purchase a microphone and speaker. Eventually, a press box was constructed on the roof of the grandstand at Rambler Field. When the Ramblers joined the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League (SMBL), the press box and equipment expanded.

Jack became one of the Ramblers Executive, helping to build the league, and continued as the Ramblers representative to the SMBL as long as the Ramblers were in the league. He was the voice of the Ramblers for more than 40 years!

“My most rewarding experiences was my long time as an executive and also as the announcer and scorekeeper and bus driver,” Jack commented. He was also the Ramblers statistician and ran the league awards, voting for the SMBL until the league disbanded. “You name it; I did it!” Jack said. “I drove the bus, cut the grass, did the public address.” He’s well remembered for his final words after announcing every game, “And that’s the ball game, folks. Drive safe!”

Jack spent countless hours helping construct the new Ramblers Field and helped maintain it every summer. His specialty was riding the grasshopper mower. If he wasn’t busy maintaining the field, he was playing on it as a member of a Provincial Twilight Champion team for Eston.

He was community minded and involved in more than just baseball. He served on the Eston Town Council from 1974 to 2002. While on council, he helped plan the new Community Complex, which is still an integral part of the town.

When asked what he found most rewarding, Jack responded, “Just being part of a baseball team, and to know all the players over the years. I love baseball!”

Congratulations, Jack, on your well-deserved recognition.