Sask-Alta Baseball League: Mendham Monarch legends honoured with Grant Ehnisz Award

It is an honour to present the Grant Ehnisz Memorial Award in 2024 to Darren and Perry Dietrich of Mendham, Saskatchewan.

Perry is remembered posthumously, as we lost this very fine individual in 2011.

Darren and Perry, following in their father Bill’s footsteps, were part of the amazing baseball factory known as the Mendham Monarchs.

The Monarchs would push across a record 11 league championships and 8 pennant winning years before exiting the league in 1991.

Both Darren and Perry would contribute to the success of the Monarchs. Perry winning the batting title in 1989 and playoff MVP in 1986 and 1989. Darren would have to make room in his own trophy cabinet, winning the best pitcher award in 1980, 1985, 1986 and 1988. Winning the batting title in 1988 and 1993 and HR titles in 1980 and 1989.

After Mendham exited the league, Darren would go on to play with Richmound, Leader, Burstall and Acadia Valley.

The game of baseball would continue for Darren after his league play was done, playing another 12 years with the Sask-Alta old timers.

Darren and Perry had the privilege of playing ball with three fellow Monarchs on their roster that have been inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in Larry Bischoff, Adam Fetsch and Ernie Moser.

As a league, we truly thank Darren and Perry for their contributions to baseball in our area. They are now forever engraved on this prestigious award for outstanding dedication and sportsmanship in the Sask-Alta Baseball League.