When the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame holds its annual induction ceremony later this summer Ernie Moser will be among those added to the Hall’s roster.
It was 1967 when young Ernie Moser pitched the final game of the Sask-Alta Baseball League Championship, defeating their arch rivals, the Leader Barons, on their home soil. He also hit a home run to help his own cause. This was the Mendham Monarchs first League Championship. Ernie also played some tournament ball with a number of Saskatchewan Major League teams, the most memorable being the 1968 Lacombe tournament when he was the winning pitcher in the final game for Moose Jaw.
Along with pitching, Ernie played third base and was a dangerous batter. Having great control, he seldom walked anyone. A flick of his glove meant that he would throw the ball with caution so the batter could hit it. He was great at working the corners and staying ahead in the count. He possessed a great pick-off move to third base at crucial points in the game. When playing and managing the Monarchs, and later the Old Timers teams, he was instrumental in the Monarchs winning eleven Sask-Alta League Championships and taking the Old Timers to National playoffs four times. The Mendham Monarchs played their last season as a team in 1993, winning the 1993 League Championship! A young Grant Ehnisz helped the team to this victory. Tragically, this young 21 year old was killed in a vehicle accident one month later. Grant’s dedication to the game led the league to naming a trophy for good sportsmanship, after him. This annual trophy was awarded the first year, 1994, to Ernie Moser. A League Hall of Fame accomplishment! He was one of the Mendham Monarchs greatest players, ever!
As he was also a hockey star, his pitching delivery was altered due to a hockey shoulder injury. This, however, did not alter his competitive spirit!
In 1969 Ernie married Dawn, who supported him wherever his baseball and other ambitions took him, returning to Mendham each spring to play with the Monarchs. His Dad, Mike, was an original Monarch. Ernie, also known as Hawkeye, or Slim, had a long
