John Osbourne, a Barrhead Blue Jays alumni, was honoured by the North Central Alberta Baseball League (NCABL) during the All Star game hosted by Barrhead, at Orioles Park on Sunday, July 17. Barrhead Orioles player Ryan Warehime, acting as master of ceremonies, said Osbourne had been an instrumental part of the local baseball community and his recognition was well deserved. One of Barrhead’s most accomplished baseball figures, Warehime highlighted a number of Osbourne’s many career achievements, both professionally and with the NCABL.
In 1974, Osbourne was a named to the Western Conference All Star team and from 1971 to 1979, as a member of the Canadian National team, he participated in professional-level events like the World Championship, the Pan-American Games, and the Inter-Continental Cup as a pitcher, and second baseman. Warehime said Osbourne acted as a scout for the major league Toronto Blue Jays for a number of years, adding that shortly after moving to Alberta Osbourne played in the Alberta Major Baseball league with both the Edmonton Blockers and the Barrhead Blue Jays. “John eventually made his way to the NCABL and onto the Barrhead Orioles roster, helping the club win back-to-back championships, first in 1982, and again in 1983,” Warehime said, adding even after Osbourne’s playing career ended, the former Blue Jay and Oriole remained a fixture in the community by coaching. “His stint with the Barrhead Midget ‘AAA’ Yankees is worth an honourable mention as he led them to a provincial title, as well as a bronze medal in 2002,” Warehime told the crowd, adding Osbourne continues to contribute to community baseball and actively coaches men and women’s teams, as well as minor league teams. Osbourne, he played with the number 29 during his time with the NCABL Barrhead Orioles was formally retired and a plaque in his honour was unveiled during the ceremony. Osbourne’s number is now situated in clear view of the bleachers in the outfield at Orioles Park, in Barrhead.
