The Lampman A’s senior men’s baseball team are the 2012 inductees into the will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in the team category.
The Lampman A’s were formed in 1977 with Arnold Lund as coach. In fact, Arnold coached this club for most of its existence and was a key component in its success. The A’s were provincial finalists in 1990, 1995 and 1997; “D” Champions in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1992 and 1993; and “C” Champions in 1994. That totals six provincial titles in nine years and while appearing in provincial finals nine times in 12 years.
The Lampman Lions and A’s were responsible for initiating construction of a lower diamond next to the campgrounds that became the A’s home field.
The A’s were renowned for their defensive play and stellar pitching. They defeated some of the toughest teams in the province, like Dinsmore, Saltcoats and Mervin. However, the A’s greatest rivals were just across town — the Lampman Cubs.
Integral to the A’s success was the dedication and sound judgment of the umpires and numerous others.
The A’s early years saw a great deal of bonding of the team through the tournaments and barbecue ball wind-ups.
During the early 1980s, the A’s gradually evolved from a good time local ball club to a serious provincial contender. Baseball knowledge and passion was passed onto the group of skinny kids who learned how to manufacture runs through smart batting and base running.
A turning point in the club’s history was winning $400 in the Oxbow annual tournament in 1981.
Another milestone occurred in 1984 when the A’s won the South East Baseball League Championship at the Jack Harbourne Memorial Tournament.
In 1986 the A’s won their first Provincial Title, winning the opening 12-inning game against Dinsmore by a score of 8-4.The championship was played in Lampman, where the A’s jumped in front, scoring five runs in the second inning, then went on to shut out Dinsmore 8-0.
The success of this provincial competition in 1986 can largely be attributed to an excellent pitching staff, timely hitting and a strong defence.
In 1987 the A’s faced a tough squad from Mervin in the provincial finals, but, due to a sudden downpour and the inability to set a future date for the game, the SBA declared Lampman and Mervin co-champions.
Playing in the 1988 provincial final against Mervin, the A’s won the first game 1-0 and the second game, 10-5 to win the series.
The A’s were not in the finals in 1989, so they focused on a baseball reunion in August.
In 1993, the A’s won their fifth and final “D” Title, but again were the league and provincial “C” champions in 1994, winning over Mervin 10-7 and 6-3 in the final series.
The team folded when it was no longer feasible to have two baseball teams in town. The Pirates evolved out of the remaining players to carry on the traditions of good sportsmanship, baseball savvy and hard work shown by their predecessors.
