All five Biensch Boys, John, George, Harold, Roy and Bob, grew up on the Happy Valley Farm in the Artland district south of Marsden. They played softball throughout their school years.
In 1940, at 18, George was asked to play baseball with the Neilburg all-stars in the Saskatoon Exhibition tournament. The following year George again played for Neilburg in that tournament and was chosen the all-star player of the tournament.
As they became old enough, the brothers began playing for the Marsden Pontiacs and by 1949 all five boys were playing together in a league that included Marsden, Lloydminster, Neilburg, Freemont, Cut Knife, Unity, Scott, Lashburn, Maidstone and later North Battleford.
Coach Bob Lampitt felt because of their speed, the Biensch brothers should all play the infield except the oldest, John, who's speed allowed him to cover all three positions in the outfield, if needed.
The Pontiacs played at sports day's and Catholic Church Sunday picnics and were also invited to many cash tournaments, but transportation to and from the games, sometime more than 100 miles away, was a very real challenge.
If it rained, the roads were not passable, and at times the boys would travel all night to find a way home.
The Biensch boys displayed inner strength, focus, discipline and stamina, with a never say die, nothing is impossible attitude. These brothers played together until 1960.
John was born in 1924 and died in 2007. He could cover the whole field and was a heavy hitter.
A retired RCMP staff sergeant, John was privileged to be part of the musical ride that performed at the Queen's Coronation in England in 1953. After retirement, John moved back to the Artland district to breed cattle. He was married and had three children.
George was born in 1925 and passed away in 2001. He played third base and shortstop and was a home run threat and clean up hitter. His defensive abilities on the infield intimidated opposing teams so much that their coach often complained to the umpire.
George was a great booster for all sports in the community and was chosen the Sportsman of the Year in Neilburg in the late 1980s. He was on the Saskatchewan Charolais board of directors and was married and had four children.
Harold was born in 1929. Harold played first base and was a place hitter either batting third or fourth in the lineup.
Harold was also community minded and was active in several organizations. He was a member of the Charolais board of directors, the Neilburg Vet Clinic, a member of Saskatchewan Flying Farmers and others. He is married and has four children.
Roy was born in 1931. Roy played second base and did some relief pitching. He was the leadoff batter and known as the team's sure hitter. He was also known for stealing bases, even home plate on occasion.
Roy was on the Canadian Charolais Association as a director for years and was also active in other related organizations. He coached school children's ball and hockey. Roy is married and has four children.
Bob was born in 1933. Bob played shortstop and third base and was the third batter and another strong hitter. Bob coached baseball during the 1970s when two of his sons played the game.
He ranched and dealt with Charolais and other exotic cattle. Bob is married and has three children. As well, the boys were quite musical. The mandolin and guitar were always in the car for entertainment and Bob continues to entertain with his mandolin and his famous yodeling.
The Biensch boys will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Family Category Aug. 20.
