Erindale Little League

By 1963, the fledgling organization had grown in terms of teams, players, diamonds, and, most importantly, dedicated volunteers. Recognizing the advantages of such an organization, the local Lions chapter encouraged total community involvement by offering a variety of team sponsorships. The Lions, led by active members Ed Frawley, John Bower, Ron Sprang, and Arch Brodie, became almost obsessed with the idea of giving young people a chance to play baseball. It didn’t take long for Lions club members to find themselves in unfamiliar roles such as coaches, managers, league officials, and even umpires!

Formal documentation was implemented on June 30th, 1965, and Jack Gorill was elected the first president of the Erindale Lions Little League Baseball Association. However, it took two years for the league to receive official word from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, that it had been accepted as a chartered member of the Little League Association. That was the added incentive Erindale residents patiently sought during their brief seven-year tenure. Now, proudly flying the Erindale Lions Little League Baseball Association banner, there is an even greater buzz about building the best facilities for their boys.

In his final act as president, Jack Gorill, along with Crawford Wells, and Ken Evans, verbally laid out plans for yet another dream – a major little league stadium! Despite the lack of financial direction from the town council, league officials pursued the harsh realities of funding such a large project. The newly elected executive introduced hockey pools and self-help programs to raise the necessary funds. Don Blair took over as president the following year, and an effort was made to continue the fund-raising trend established by the previous executives.

The start of a new decade coincided with several additions that indicated a positive image boost for not only the Erindale Association but also the entire Little League baseball program across the country. Reveries became a reality with the official opening of the $40,000 stadium project on June 18th, 1971, along with Chuck Brown’s introduction of T-Ball, which resulted in a significant expansion of Erindale’s already extensive baseball agenda. This time, the media was attracted in by the fanfare and celebration. Even after many years, the bubbling pride displayed by the dedicated workers responsible for realizing the dream has not faded. And rightly so, given the manner in which the project was completed.

To finish the complex, players, coaches, managers, and parents worked in shifts alongside construction workers. In addition to the $17,000 raised by the Erindale Lions Little League, local businesses and individuals generously contributed cash and materials. Jack Garbig, was formerly the league’s secretary, treasurer, head umpire, publicity director, and co-chairman of the stadium building committee along with Ken Evans. According to Jack, there is a secret formula to building a major little league stadium, “It’s a matter of finding the suitable site considering the aesthetic value and then finding people willing to devote about ten hours per day, seven days per week!” Jack Garbig’s quote delves into the Little League baseball philosophy that the Erindale community has cultivated since casually discussing the possibility of forming a minor league.

Little League baseball has certainly meant more than just a night at the ballpark in Erindale. The athletic and characteristic development of young people has brought together 650 boys and girls, countless parents, tireless officials, and conscientious executive members.The Erindale Lions Little League Baseball family has grown stronger with each passing year.

With Chuck Brown at the helm in 1972 and 1973, the foundation was laid for the culmination of all sacrifices and long hours of work – hosting the Canadian championships. Earl Foster, Erindale’s 1974 president, provided capable leadership in meeting all obligations and ramping up the working forces for the August tournament. In 1974, the city of Mississauga recognized Erindale for hosting the most outstanding sporting event.

Erindale realized in 1977 that as the community grew, they needed to reduce their boundaries to meet population requirements under the Little League charter rules. The executive, under the direction of District Administrator Jack Gorrill, reduced the boundaries to exclude the rapidly growing Erin Mills area. Erindale assisted the new area in obtaining a Little League charter and forming a league so that the children of Erin Mills could continue to enjoy baseball. In 1978, this league was renamed Erin Mills Little League Baseball Association.

A fire destroyed the stadium clubhouse, which housed the press box, equipment room, and concession stand, in the summer of 1977. The community came together once more, and by 1978, a new building was ready for use. By 1982, a large number of children had graduated from the Little League and Senior League programs, as well as the Mississauga League’s midget team, and wished to continue playing baseball. The Toronto Blue Jays’ popularity also contributed significantly to the game’s popularity. The Erindale Association recognized the importance of providing a program for boys over the age of 15. Another midget team was formed in 1982 and competed in the Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) league.

By 1986, juvenile, junior, and senior teams had evolved, necessitating the construction of a new full-sized facility to accommodate the increased number of teams. After numerous meetings and negotiations with the city of Mississauga, a new facility on the Ninth Line was built with the understanding that the Erindale Association would be responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. This was accomplished with the assistance of boys who came up through the little league system and now coach, organize, and run the program. This facility is regarded as the premier diamond for amateur baseball in the Golden Horseshoe, thanks in part to volunteer maintenance.

Erindale has always had a softball program for girls, primarily through house league play, and has had some very successful bantam and midget teams. Little League’s success was obvious, so it was decided to start a girls’ Little League softball program. Erindale hosted the Eastern Canadian Girls Major Softball Championships in 1995. The Erindale Association had seen the rise of Challenger baseball in the United States and Canada. Little League headquarters created the Challenger division to allow physically challenged children to participate in the sport. Erindale assisted in the formation of a Challenger division with the Erinoak Treatment Centre for the Physically Disabled, providing handicapped children with many hours of fun and self-esteem. This is a very satisfying and important accomplishment.

Administrating and maintaining the facilities is a new job that is done by many dedicated volunteers on a year-round basis. It is critical that young people who complete the programs are encouraged to stay involved. After more than 63 years of baseball in Erindale, Little League remains an important part of the community’s social fabric. The Lions Club remains a major supporter.