Category
Builder
Sport
Baseball
Hometown
Marysville
Year Inducted
1996
builder
William "Billy" Saunders
HONOURED MEMBER
Biography
He once admitted that "as much as he had a grip on baseball, it had a grip on him". That's why, for a quarter century, he could be found coaching, managing, promoting, scouting, and fund-raising on behalf of hundreds of players from pee wee to pro. "Buzzard" led his teams to 13 national championship tournaments, and returned with two gold, one silver and two bronze medals as well as four 4th place finishes. His most cherished award is the gold he and his Sutherland Marysville Royals won at the 1981 Canadian Senior Baseball championships, his province's first-ever national title! He loves to win — and almost always does! And even when he doesn't, he has that "Midas touch" that enriches the lives of those who are fortunate enough to be subjected to his baseball magic. Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, June 1, 1996.
Quick Facts
Played on three provincial championship teams from 1967-77
Head coach of the Marysville Royals from 1979-85 , winning three provincial and three Atlantic titles
Coached the Royals to the Canadian Senior championship in 1981; won silver medal in 1984
Won second national senior title with Saint John Dodgers in 1983 as assistant coach
Has coached at the minor/junior level since 1987 winning 8 provincial championships
Coached the Fredericton Midget A Royals to a national title in 1996
Coach of the 2001 Canada Games baseball team
Instrumental in the formation of the NB Junior Baseball League
Inducted into the NB Baseball Hall of Fame 1993