Hugh Huck
HUGH HUCK, CALGARY, ALBERTA, will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 21, 2010, at Battleford, Saskatchewan.
Hugh was born in Vibank, Saskatchewan, on October 25, 1936. In 1948 the family moved to Regina, Saskatchewan.
Hugh was the youngest of six sons, all of whom left a legacy of athletics across the province. From 1950 to 1954, attending Loretto High School in Regina, he played centre field for the baseball team coached by Sully Glasser. During this same time, he played with the Regina Pat Juniors from 1952 to 1954, playing each year in the Provincial Championships. Speed in the field and a strong throwing arm were his trademarks. He played third base occasionally, but his bat and speed on the bases were always a threat.
From 1954 to 1958, Hugh attended Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, playing baseball with the Hounds in the tough Southern League that included Regina, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Weyburn, Estevan and Assiniboia. Notre Dame played countless tournament and exhibtion games across the province and Alberta. During the summer of 1955, the team played 87 ball games! Hugh was considered the top centrefielder in the league and was selected for the Southern Baseball League's All-Star Team. While playing with the Notre Dame Hounds in 1957, Hugh played against Satchel Paige's Touring Team in Pense, Saskatchewan. He hit Satchel's first pitch for a solid single. This is a special remembrance for Hugh.
Hugh played in the renowned Indian Head Tournament and the highly touted Lacombe Tournament. In those days, winning $1000.00 for prize money for 1st place was taken very seriously.
After the Lacombe Tournament in 1957, Hugh was recruited by the Lethbridge White Sox to play in the Alberta Baseball League. Unfortunately, that league folded because of financial problems.
Hugh went to elementary school in Vibank, high school in Regina and Wilcox. He received his BA at Notre Dame, Wilcox, his B ED at St. Francis Xavier Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and Master of Arts at St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.
Hugh started his teaching career at St. Louis College, Moose Jaw in 1960. He moved to Notre Dame College in 1961, where he taught, played and coached hockey. In1964 he became Athletic Director, taking over from Frank Germann.
In 1974, Hugh, Pat and family of four, moved to Regina where he taught at LeBoldus until he retired in 1990.
They moved to Calgary in 2006.
Hugh was a great athlete, excelling in playing and coaching in several other sports in the community.
He had both ankles and both hips replaced within a 10 month period.
A great competitor, hustleman, team player and leader with a positive attitude. An outstanding athlete!