By Greg Higgins

California inductee speaks fondly of Saskatchewan

Aug 21, 2016 | 12:00 PM

Most people wouldn’t move from a city of 300,000 where it never snows to a town of 6,000, renowned for its snow and cold winters but Terry Buck isn’t like most people.

In 1969 Buck made the trip from Fresno, California, to Melville, Saskatchewan, as an import in Saskatchewan’s Southern Baseball league. On Saturday, Aug. 20, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford.

Buck said he wasn’t sure about moving up North at first but the town quickly made him feel at home.

“It was surprising coming from Fresno to a city of 6,000. It was so small I didn’t know what to think,” Buck said. “When 10 per cent of the population showed up for the first game, I knew it was on.”

Buck played the next five years with the Melville Millionaires and the Swift Current Indians. The left handed pitcher and exceptional batter took full advantage of his new starring role.

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“The first game we had in Melville I actually hit a home run,” Buck said. “As I am rounding home and heading to the dugout, I see all these fans with their hands out. Well I thought they wanted to slap my hand but no, they actually had $5 bills, $10 bills, even $20 bills. They were paying me for the home run. I thought ‘wow I can’t believe this place.’”

Buck said he took the money then took his teammates out for a party after the game.

Buck set records, won awards and received numerous all-star selections during his five-year career in Sask. One of his highlights was during an Aug. 16, 1970 playoff game with Melville. Buck struck out 13 Swift Current Indian batters to win the game.

During his inauguration inductor Frank Simpson described Buck as a consummate import who blended into the community very well. He added Buck was well liked by fans and admired by his teammates.

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.

by Greg Higgins

California inductee speaks fondly of Saskatchewan

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