James “Jim” Ryan

Baseball Athlete — Inducted 1983

James “Jim” Ryan built a distinguished baseball career through consistent success at multiple levels of competition, progressing through midget, juvenile, junior, and senior leagues before becoming one of Alberta’s respected baseball players and leaders.

In 1942, Ryan was called up to play with the Winnipeg Reo Rods, marking an important early milestone in his competitive career. After relocating to Edmonton in 1949, he joined the Edmonton Motors Chevrolet Cubs, helping the team capture the Big Four League championship.

Ryan earned individual recognition for his outstanding defensive play, being named All-Star First Baseman in both 1949 and 1950. Known for his leadership abilities as well as his skill on the field, he combined playing and managing roles for more than two decades, serving as a player-manager from 1950 to 1973.

One of the highlights of his career came in 1955 when Ryan served as player-manager of the Edmonton Eskimos baseball club, leading the team to a Canadian Championship title. That same year, while competing at the Global World Series, he was selected as the tournament’s All-Star First Baseman, further recognizing his excellence at the national and international levels.

After Induction