Kenneth Townsend started his baseball career as a catcher with the Bladworth Midget team in 1950, playing league games and tournaments in Kenaston, Hanley, Davidson, Gervin, Craik, Aylesbury and the Simpson and Watrous area.
He was scouted by the Saskatoon North Park Midgets and was recruited to play some tournaments and exhibition games with them in 1952 and 1953.
Townsend stayed in Wilcox in the summer of 1954, playing exhibition and tournament games for the Notre Dame College Junior team, now mostly, as a pitcher, but also used in the outfield.
From 1955 to '60 he played baseball with the Notre Dame Hounds Senior team in the Soo Line League, as well as playing tournament ball all over Saskatchewan and Alberta in towns like Indian Head, Davidson, Swift Current and North Battleford. He played regular outfield and was a strong batter.
In Townsend's days tournaments were played almost every weekend and with league games during the week, pitchers were in high demand. His strong arm helped him to become a reliable pitcher and was often called upon to pitch two five inning games in a tournament. Townsend went to Edmonton in 1961 to tryout for the Edmonton Eskimos football team and eventually played baseball for the North Edmonton Rockets.
He also played with the Blue Willow Angels coached by Rollie Miles, who came to Canada to play baseball, then went on to play football for the Edmonton Eskimos.
Numerous letters of support were received for Townsend, and all supported his skills as a baseball player. He was always in great physical condition. He was strong mentally. He was able to anticipate an opponent's next likely move. He could adjust to any position on the field. He was a speedy and smart base runner. He was a powerful hitter. He had a strong and accurate arm. He was a leader, showed great sportsmanship and was a credit to the game. He had a great influence on his fellow players.
These strengths he possessed as a student of the game, was only surpassed by his love of the sport.
Townsend played and excelled in the many other sports such as football, hockey and lacrosse.
The Late Monsignor Athol Murray had felt Townsend was an example of a whole person. He was quick to stand up for what he thought was right. He made the life of many young Hounds more enjoyable.
Kenn Townsend will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame's 27th annual induction Aug. 20.
