BATTLEFORD - An earlier story in the News Optimist and Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca outlined a simple birthday wish by the curator of Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Jane Shury
All Shury asked for her milestone ninth-decade birthday was a signed baseball from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, Yusei Kikuchi.
That wish was granted, thanks to two inductees at the August induction ceremony for the Sask. Baseball Hall of Fame.
Guest speaker, Andrew Albers, called fellow inductee Dustin Molleken along with SBHOF curator and event organizer, Jane Shury, to the front. Her birthday wish story led Dustin to pursue a way to grant Shury her wish and a signed Kikuchi baseball was presented to her.
Although these players feigned offence at not being asked to sign a baseball for Shury, the duo warmly and wholeheartedly acknowledged that it was a small token of appreciation for the unending efforts and commitment Shury has in keeping the SBHOF history alive and inductions continuing.
After a rousing standing ovation, Shury simply thanked everyone for their heartfelt gesture. She also said it wasn’t just baseball that drew her to Kikuchi’s fan base, she just felt connected to him because he was such a likeable person and she liked his baseball style.
Those in attendance were proud to have been a part of this special birthday tribute to this remarkable woman, who has dedicated decades of time to the preservation of Saskatchewan’s baseball community. Shury has been dedicating her time to baseball for more than 70 years, with more than four decades of those as unofficial CEO of the Sask. Baseball Hall of Fame.
- With files from Averil Hall
