Monday, March 5, 2012

PATS' OWNER RECEIVES ALBERTA SPORTS HONOUR

Press Release

Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats owner Russ Parker has been inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder in Baseball and Hockey. Parker became known as “Mr Baseball” in Calgary and was the Manager of the Alberta Dodgers that won the Canadian Major Baseball Championship in 1965. Russ coached baseball and hockey through the 1960’s and 1970’s in Calgary before becoming the first commissioner of the Alberta Major Baseball League from 1972-1975. In 1977 he brought professional baseball to Calgary to play in the Pioneer Baseball League and in 1985 Russ purchased the Salt Lake City Gulls of the Pacific Coast League and moved them to Calgary where the Calgary Cannons were born and played for 17 years until 2002.

Russ Parker - “It is difficult to express how special this is for me…I am humbled and so honoured, it really is an amazing feeling!” Parker continued “I have met so many wonderful people, friends, and characters and shared so many great stories. I am grateful to have had the help of many people throughout the years and owe particular thanks to my family without whose support and encouragement this day would not have been possible.”

Parker, a native of Moosomin Saskatchewan, purchased the Regina Pats in the spring of 1995 and has operated the franchise in the Queen City since that time.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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