CALGARY ORIOLES (1961) – INDUCTED 1989

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During the 50’s and 60’s, Senior Fast Pitch was dominated by a Senior Men’s club from Calgary. This club remained Alberta Champions and/or Western Canadian Champions for many years. Although there were several different sponsors from 1955-1967, the players changed very little from year to year and the name “Orioles” was chosen as the team name from 1958 to1962 until they became the “Hectors” in 1967.

The team was found in 1955 under the name of Baysel-Ashdowns and finished second at Westerns to Vancouver. They then went on to win three Western Championships in 1956, 1957, and 1959. They were runners-up at Westerns in 1958, 1960 and 1963.

In 1961, the W.C.S.A. became inactive. An International Western is held and the Orioles win the right to go to Clearwater, Florida to compete for the World ASA of America Championship. Unfortunately, they were eliminated, losing two straight to the powerful American teams. The same had happened the following year in Stratford, Connecticut.

In 1965, the team (now known as the Calgary Riders) competed in the first-ever Canadian National Championship in Calgary and was eliminated by Vancouver. The following year, they lost the National Championship again to Vancouver (this time under the name “Hectors”)