Following the Carman Goldeyes’ silver-medal finish in Sarnia in 1969, chairman Ken Draper and his committee began preparing for the 1970 event that would put Carman on every ball fan’s map. Nine teams from across Canada and two Manitoba teams — including the host Goldeyes — competed in a round robin format over four days in August.
Each team was met in Winnipeg by town representatives and driven to their billets in the community. The first arrivals were welcomed with a banquet attended by Manitoba Baseball Association representatives. For entertainment, players were treated to a free 18-hole round of golf, time at the Kinsmen Pool, and a public dance at the arena.
With a 25-game schedule, some contests were played in Portage la Prairie, but Carman still hosted between 15 and 18 games, including several under the lights. Advance tickets were sold for $5 for 10 games. Organizers estimated that the town of 2,000 would welcome more than 500 fans.
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Frank Humphries, a former player and longtime supporter who had recently closed his drug store. Carman’s coaching staff added nine players — mostly pitchers — from other league teams, but kept the local lineup largely intact: Brian Coates at first base, Bob Billing at second, Barry McKay at shortstop, Bill North at third, and outfielders Garth Jackman and Mike Mutcheson.
After their five games, the Goldeyes finished with a 2-3 record for four points, eliminating them from further play. A huge win over Quebec, the team’s only loss of the tournament, drew more than 400 vocal fans, highlighted by North’s three-hit performance. Against Newfoundland, Carman stormed back from an 8-3 deficit to win 9-6 — the Easterners’ only victory of the event. Coates hit a two-run homer in the comeback.
Quebec won its division with a 4-1 record, while Ontario advanced with a 4-0 mark. The two faced off on Monday, Aug. 3, before 1,500 fans. Montreal claimed the Shaughnessy Cup with an 8-2 win, presented by the Canadian Federation president. Carm-Duff Centennial chair Margaret Burnett handed out the championship medals, Mayor Sven Jensen presented the silver medals, and Reeve Lloyd Roth and recreation commission chair John Maddison congratulated the third- and fourth-place finishers.
To wrap up the tournament, a banquet was held the following Thursday at the arena for 250 volunteers and guests. Players and officials praised the organization, noting flawless transportation and meals prepared by local churches.
Organizers estimated 10,000 people attended games over the four days, with 500 volunteers overseeing operations. More than 200 billets opened their homes to players, with some offering car keys, tickets to Blue Bomber and Winnipeg Whips games, backyard barbecues, and even moving out entirely so players could have the run of the house.
Wild pitches: Montreal requested their players be introduced in French — the first time that had happened in Western Canada. CFAM, along with Ken Loewen and Marsh Kennedy, called games over the PA system, though records do not indicate who else may have assisted.
“Results were a bit disappointing compared to the year before. I played and also drove the teams back and forth on the school bus when we weren’t playing. It was great to play these games at home,” recalled Bob Billing.
“The most expensive part of the event was the balls and the umpires. Otherwise, transportation, meals and advertising added up as well,” Draper was quoted as saying at the time.
