John Eugene Ducey
Baseball Builder — Inducted 1980
Born August 31, 1908, in Buffalo, New York, John Eugene Ducey became one of the most influential figures in the history of baseball in Edmonton and Alberta. Widely known as “Mr. Baseball,” his lifelong involvement in the sport spanned more than six decades as a player, umpire, administrator, executive, scout, and mentor.
Ducey’s connection to baseball began in 1920 when he started as a bat boy. After five seasons as a player, he transitioned into umpiring, officiating both amateur and professional games. His knowledge of the sport and leadership abilities soon led him into broader roles within baseball administration.
Beginning in 1946, Ducey became deeply involved in organizing and managing semi-professional and professional baseball in Edmonton. He served as a manager, executive, scout, and occasional coach, helping strengthen competitive baseball programs and expand opportunities for athletes throughout the region.
In 1964, he helped organize the Edmonton Oldtimers Baseball Association and remained actively involved in supporting the organization and preserving baseball’s history and community traditions in Edmonton.
After Induction
John Ducey’s lifelong contributions to baseball continued to be widely recognized following his induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1983, he was among the first six individuals inducted into Canada’s Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional influence on the development of baseball in Canada.
Following his passing on September 11, 1983, in Edmonton, Alberta, the community honoured his legacy by renaming Renfrew Park’s baseball facility John Ducey Park in 1984. In 1997, the City of Edmonton further recognized his contributions by naming the avenue beside the ballpark John Ducey Way.
His legacy and impact on Edmonton baseball were later chronicled in the book The Rajah of Renfrew, written by his son, Brant Ducey, and published in 1998.
Awards and Honours
- 1954 — Edmonton Sportsman of the Year
- 1957 — Edmonton Sportsman of the Year
- 1980 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
- 1983 — Canada’s Baseball Hall of Fame (Charter Inductee)
- March 13, 1984 — Renfrew Park Ballpark renamed John Ducey Park (later Telus Field)
- 1997 — City of Edmonton renamed adjacent roadway John Ducey Way
