A local man’s baseball career is being honoured this summer. Lorne Nielsen of Wilkie, will be inducted into Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in the individual category for player/builder.

Nielsen’s love for sports and specifically baseball, started a young age when he would hang a tire from the rafters in his family’s red barn and spend hours hitting it with a bat. His childhood hobby, turned into game prep as an adult, to this day Nielsen prepares for games with his Twilite baseball team by hitting a tethered ball.

His first championship was won at the age of nine with the Unity Provincial Mosquito’s. The year after he returned to Wilkie to play in both Pee Wee and Bantam divisions.

Nielsen, at the age of 16, secured a spot playing short-stop, with the Unity Cardinals in the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League (SMBL).

1980 proved to be his best summer when he played with the North Battleford Bison’s in the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League (NSRBL). His adoration for the summer of 1980 is no surprise as some of the highlights include watching the Montreal Expos play the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Nielsen and the North Battleford Bisons also competed in the Canadian Summer Games, hosted Provincials where they were victorious allowing them to compete in the Western Finals in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Fast-forwarding four years, Nielsen married his wife, Donna Keller, who supported and assisted Nielsens passion for baseball, on and off the field. The couple have five children, all of which, Nielsen coached in his 18-years coaching minor baseball.

In addition to his skills as a coach, he also played and integral role in the upgrading and maintenance of the baseball park.

55-years later, staying true to their roots, Nielsen and his wife Donna continue to make their home in Wilkie.

Nielsen will celebrate his contributions to the sport of baseball, Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Battleford, Saskatchewan.