Lorne Strueby of Manitou Beach likely started playing catch with a baseball around the same time he started to walk.
First he played with his older brothers Arnold, Walter and Art. Then he would line up one of his sisters against the barn door and practice his fastball using them as his catcher. He also pitched for the local school team where he was taught how to throw a curve ball.
At 16, Lorne went to Chilliwack, B.C. with his sister Lucille. There he played with the senior team and gained confidence in his pitching.
Upon returning to Saskatchewan he played for St. Brieux and Muenster. Muenster won many provincial titles with Strueby on the roster. His next stop was Watrous.
Baseball in Watrous in the 1960s and 70s was floundering. Numbers were poor in minor ball and the senior Lakers team was in and out of the Long Lake League. Then something happened that changed things.
Strueby and his family moved to town. From the moment he arrived he expressed interest in resurrecting the team. He made countless phone calls and spoke with numerous people in order to re-establish the Lakers baseball team. He put up a personal bond for the team and was successful in his bid to have the Lakers again accepted into the Long Lake Baseball League.
The Watrous Lakers went on to be a successful team for the next 30 years thanks in large part to Strueby.
He was a pitcher but played first base when he wasn't on the mound. He was a powerful hitter and was tough to get out when in the batter's box.
Strueby's enthusiasm for the game was contagious. He always had a positive attitude, and showed great sportsmanship. He was fun to be around. He continued to play senior baseball well into his 60s.
He also became involved in minor baseball that flourished in Watrous in the 1970s.
Strueby was an avid curler during his years in Watrous, competing at the provincial level and in the Super League in Saskatoon. He could also be seen at the local golf course regularly.
Rick, the son of the late Lorne Strueby, states that his father always said his accomplishments in both baseball and life, was possible because of the love and understanding of his wife and best friend Joan.
Strueby's nomination was supported with numerous testimonials from former competitors, team members, various committee members and friends.
Saturday, Strueby along with the community of Battleford, the Mything family, the Notre Dame Hounds of 1953 to '58, the Lampman A's, Cameron Sternig, Hank Dornstauder, Jack Ovens, Dick Doepker, George Kohlman, Walkter Kyle, Curly Williams, Dan Asham, Brian Weisbrod, Bryan Forster and Aron Braun will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
