YORKTON - Dustin Molleken is among those who are to be inducted in the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame this year.
“I was pretty honoured to receive the invitation to the induction, being that it is the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame and among fellow participants that I know well,” said the Regina-born pitcher who is among only a handful of Saskatchewan-born players to play in the major leagues. “It’s great to be chosen within my home province.”
Molleken noted he is of course familiar with the provincial hall of fame.
“I’ve been to North Battleford before,” he told Yorkton This Week. “I visited the Hall of Fame last summer with my family. I have some of my Major League Debut memorabilia in the showcase there already.”
As a player Molleken had what could be called a varied career, but it clearly reached its zenith when as a 31-year-old he was called up from the Class AAA Toledo Mud Hens to the Detroit Tigers taking over for Daniel Norris in the third inning of an American League road game against the Cleveland Indians.
In two innings Molleken allowed three hits, one run and one walk while striking out two.
Molleken, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 15th round (435th overall) of the 2003 major-league draft, would receive one more call-up but did not see action.
But, his career was still a long one including stints in Japan, and a stint in the Western Major Baseball League with the now defunct Saskatoon Yellowjackets that would have seen him in several Saskatchewan cities.
Being among the few major leaguers from the province isn’t lost on Molleken, as he joins the likes of Melville-born Terry Puhl in the hall of fame.
“Terry Puhl is a great Saskatchewan legend,” offered Molleken. “He played many years in the Big Leagues which isn’t very easy! So it’s very exciting to receive and be recognized at the level he was.
“It makes me feel very proud.”
But the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame call also inspires reflection of baseball played in the province.
“My Saskatchewan days will always be something I’m proud of,” said Molleken.
“Playing for Team Sask as a kid was a great honour. To represent not only your city but your province is always something that stays close to you.
“Those days shaped me and my baseball career so I will always be grateful for my roots.”
Molleken also recalled some who influenced him most.
“I have three coaches who I am close with and owe a lot of gratitude for; Rob Cherepuschak (Team Sask pitching Coach and off season trainer as a kid), Greg Bros (Team Sask Coach and Saskatoon Yellowjackets), and Todd Plaxton (coach with Saskatoon Yellow jacket's and MLB scout for Central Scouting). These men saw something in me and encouraged me to play at a higher level.
“I am still close with all three of them, and they still mentor me even now as a coach and trainer. I am very proud to be following their footsteps.”
As it happens Andrew Albers, another Saskatchewan player who made the majors will join Molleken at the 2024 induction.
“Albers is a very close friend of mine,” said Molleken. “We played Team Sask together, and even at the national level together representing Team Canada multiple times.
“I am both excited and proud to share another milestone and great honour with my close friend and teammate.
“He has had great success and very much deserves this induction as well. He was a true competitor!
“To reach the level of success in baseball that we both have had coming out of Saskatchewan is not easy -- especially in the days where they didn’t have the advanced technology and data that is accessible now.
“There was never a day where either of us felt like quitting. We pushed through every obstacle and to be recognized for that is pretty cool.”
And of course because it it is an honour bestowed on home soil it will be very much a shared experience.
“I am so happy to have my family with me; my partner and kids along with my parents is icing on the cake!” said Molleken. “They are all super excited as well. My parents put in countless hours with me from a very young age and followed me all over the world to watch me play. I am very grateful for their belief in me and patience carried out for my baseball career.”
