Leonard Albers grew up on the family farm 15 km south of Bengough, Saskatchewan.
In 1940 his father arranged for him to attend Notre Dame College in Wilcox, SK. where he obtained his grade12 diploma in 1941 and his Bachelor of Arts in 1944. His influence on Saskatchewan baseball had it’s roots playing with the Notre Dame Hounds, where he learned the game from Leo Sullivan who had played centre field for the Harvard baseball team and as well, playing under Frank Germann, who managed the Notre Dame Hounds baseball program for decades.
In 1944 Leonard entered the seminary in Regina and was ordained into the Roman Catholic Priesthood in 1948. He continued to play baseball, mostly in the outfield, with the Notre Dame Hounds, while preparing for the Priesthood. It was during his baseball experience with the hounds in the 1940’s that Leonard developed his passion for the game of baseball. He believed in playing the game the right way. Although he was not blessed with great natural ability, he always played the best he could and as a playing coach and manager, he demanded the same from every player.
After his ordination, Father Albers was assigned to Estevan, where he remained for six [6] years, during which he took a hiatus from the game as his Superior would not hear of a priest playing baseball. Father Albers, however, was successful in developing minor baseball in Estevan as well as having a ball diamond built. [Cactus Park]
In 1955 Father Albers was appointed Administrator of St. Joseph’s Parish in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. Here he played shortstop for 2 years with the Langenburg baseball team.
Father Albers was transferred to Manor, Saskatchewan, in1957 where he organized a 15 and under baseball team. At that time this age group was known as the Babe Ruth League. After they graduated from this group, Father Albers took this group of teenagers, formed a senior team, with Father Albers catching, that became one of the best senior teams in Saskatchewan.
In 1964 Father Albers was transferred to Wynyard, Saskatchewan, where he and Dudley Peterson organized a senior team that competed with Leroy, Wynyard and Quill Lake region.
Returning to Wilcox he played with the Notre Dame Hounds from 1970 to 1974, retiring from baseball at the age of 50 years.
Leonard Albers did not accumulate Provincial or Western Canada Awards, was not awarded MVP honours or won a batting championship, however, his contribution to grassroots baseball in Saskatchewan was incredible.
Father Leonard Albers died in 2014.
