Métis ball player honoured with renaming of fastball field
- EFN Staff | June 20, 2017
Passion is a funny thing. It can emerge unexpectedly. If it is fostered through hard work and dedication it can serve as a catalyst that pushes us to dream big and achieve things beyond imagination. For Joe Gallagher, the spark of passion was something he wanted to share with everyone. On May 17th Joe’s dedication to one of his life’s passions was recognized in the renaming of Gordie Howe Fastball Field to Joe Gallagher Field.
Born June 15th 1932 to Elanor Dumont and Charles Gallagher, Joseph (Joe) Charles Gallagher was the oldest of four boys who grew up on a farm in Grandora, Saskatchewan. From a young age, Joe was drawn to the types of activities that enrich life like art, music, hockey and of course fastpitch softball. He would spend countless hours practicing, throwing pitches into a mattress in the family barn, and taught himself to hit by hand crafting bats from old tree branches, igniting a passion that would shape the course of his life.
It was the ballfield that introduced Joe to his wife Vera, together creating a spirit of support and volunteerism that would touch the lives of countless young people throughout their marriage. Brian Gallagher, Joe’s son, suggests that, “It should really be named the Joe and Vera Gallagher Field because what they did wouldn’t have been possible without their commitment to each other and their sharing of each others’ talents and resources.”
Brian recalls that his dad was never one to sit idle.
“He was always actively doing something, never in a rush, but always working at something that interested him.” Joe was committed to a healthy lifestyle, never wasting his time with drinking or smoking. “Dad believed that if a person strives to do the best they can, the real success stories are able to rise above the challenges.”
A hard-working Métis man, Joe initially took on work that allowed him the flexibility to play ball. He played for Hamilton’s Garage as an orthodox pitcher at the old Cairns Field with Oliver (Ollie) Fiddler. Over the years he also played for CNR Carmen, Saskatoon College Lads, Saskatoon Centennials, and K&K Olson Jewellers. A highlight for Joe was pitching for James Smith First Nation at some of the first Canadian Native Fastball tournaments.
Joe made softball accessible to people. He believed that anyone that wanted to play should have the opportunity. In 1968, he recognized that there weren’t any children’s softball teams in his neighborhood. He began coaching the King George Peewee boys and was joined by Vera who coached Squirt girls.
In 1969, from humble beginnings, he started a men’s team with a minimal budget where they would recycle balls by hand sowing ripped seams and handle any sponsorship shortfalls by contributing out of pocket. The team evolved through many name changes including Holiday Park Grocery, Dog and Suds, Westgreen Drug Mart, OV Medallions and finally Success Pro Enterprises, which he registered as a company to secure the name for the future. Hundreds of young athletes benefited from Joe’s efforts to provide the opportunity to play.
He knew he wanted to further his education and went on to achieve a degree in Education at the age of 40. He was one of the first Aboriginal teachers in Saskatoon and was instrumental as part of a team that developed curriculum for Provincial Native Studies (10, 20, 30). His career in education impacted vast numbers of young people.
Family was Joe’s number one driver. A highlight for him was playing alongside his sons, and eventually sharing Bob Van Imp Stadium with three generations of his family. “He instilled in his family, and the countless people he connected with that everyone is capable of greatness. He always talked about the 80/20 rule, repeating his favorite quote often “It is your attitude not your aptitude that will determine your altitude,” said Brian. “He believed that success was all about attitude, and is starts with belief in yourself. He modeled this for his family.”
Everyone who met Joe was struck by his gentle nature and ability to bring out the best in others. “He wanted to give kids a sense of purpose, something that would motivate them to aim high for themselves.” Brian knows that his father would not have liked the recognition. “He never did any of this for himself. He was a humble man who required no fan fare. He was quick to credit others for the positive work that was done. What’s important about the naming of the field is when people ask, “who was Joe?” is that we can tell stories about following your passion and turning obstacles into opportunities.”