Barnstorming Black Sox

They were dubbed an “extraordinary attraction” featuring players who “would be in the big leagues but for the fact that their race bars them.”

In the summer of 1921, the Calgary Black Sox challenged teams and entertained fans with a unique brand of baseball and comedy as they traveled from Chicago to Alberta and back again.

As their history has little documentation, we decided to dive into the history books and newspapers of yesteryear to learn more about the barnstorming squad.

Cannon Fodder

Wait and see.

That will be the most likely outcome for a pair of former Calgary Cannons who are hoping to gain acceptance into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York …

Tilleman’s All-Alberta Team

Dale Tilleman’s first year scouting sandlots looking for diamonds in the rough was in 1993.

He was a part-time scout, working for New York Yankees scout Dick Groch, who signed Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.

Canadian Baseball Network’s Bob Elliott tapped in Tilleman to come up with his all-time Alberta squad.

Bluebirds of a Feather

Duane Larson wanted to play an aggressive style of baseball.

Heading into the 1982 Pioneer League season, the Medicine Hat Blue Jays coach had high expectations.

His team, featuring a trio of future Toronto stars, delivered in a big way, winning the team’s only championship title.

Key to the Game

Jimmy Key put up some fantastic numbers in his short visit with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays in 1982.

A 2-1 record with a 2.30 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 31+ innings of work earned the young lefthander a promotion.

However, the move didn’t sit well with everyone, even if the team went on to win the Pioneer League championship.