A Lloydminster man is being recognized for his work advocating for baseball in Saskatchewan.
Former president of the Lloydminster Minor Ball Association Kevin Kusch will be inducted into the 2020 Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
“It’s quite an honour when I look at some of the names that are being inducted this year and in past years,” says Kusch. “I’m not sure I fit in that group but I appreciate the nomination and the fact that the committee felt I was worthy of being part of a prestigious group.”
Kusch says during his time with the minor ball organization he saw interest in the sport grow in Lloydminster.
“I always tried to surround myself with good people and build an enthusiasm for the sport. It’s one that I think you don’t have to do a lot to build that enthusiasm. It’s more or less trying to exemplify that and have fun with the kids. Sometimes when you have a bit of success it breeds more success which gets more people involved which builds a program that everybody is happy to be a part of.”
He believes baseball is a sport with many benefits for young children including skill development and social development.
“That’s what we’re trying to do with the sport and make sure the kids are having fun, learning the fundamentals, getting some physical fitness and being able to reach their potential if they want to play at a high level.”
Kusch continues to advocate for sports in Lloydminster as he is the chair for the 2020 Saskatchewan Games Host Society.
Under normal circumstances, the hall of fame induction would be done in-person at the museum in North Battleford on August 15. The organization still hopes to hold their banquet ceremony and is willing to push back the date if gathering restrictions begin to lift in the summer.
Kusch says he doesn’t mind if the situation doesn’t change and the inductions are done online.
“A lot of things are being done online and that’s okay. It’s not the ceremony that makes it special, it’s being around those people and being able to associate with them and say you’re a part of that group.”
Kusch joins 11 other inductees in the individual category which includes Rick Johnston of Maidstone. The Aquadell Flyers Baseball Team from 1947-1972 was chosen in the team category while the Village of Gray, SK is going into the Hall of Fame under the community category.
This is the 36th year of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame inductions.