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Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Alberta Woman “in a league of her own” passes away at 93

Published

6 years ago

4 minute read

Betty Carveth Dunn (nee Carveth), enshrined in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame just 2 years ago, has died.

Betty, a member of the Rockford Peaches back in 1945, was one of just 64 Canadian women to play in Phil Wrigley’s World War II era All American Girls Professional Baseball League.   The league and in particular the Rockford Peaches were the inspiration for the Tom Hanks / Geena Davis movie A League of Their Own.

Dunn was 93.

The day of her induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame I was fortunate to sit down and interview Betty.  Here’s a post we made for that interview followed by her Induction video for The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Born in 1925, Betty Carveth grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta and became a part of baseball history.

Betty Carveth was one of only sixty-four Canadian women to play in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League.  A right-handed pitcher, she played during the 1945 season with the Rockford Peaches and was traded mid-season to the Fort Wayne Daisies.  She returned home to Edmonton and became the city’s first female Little League Baseball coach and coached the boys for 10 years.  At the age of 12, she pitched for the Twilight Ladies Softball team which won three Peace River Championships in a row.  In the mid-1940s, she pitched for Edmonton’s top-rated Walk-Rite women’s baseball team.

Betty played for the Walk-Rite team from 1943-1945 at the age of eighteen to twenty.  It was during this time that a scout saw her play and asked her to try out for the All American Girls Professional Baseball League in the United States; a league that was featured in the 1992 movie “A League of Their Own.”  Betty played from April to October in 1945, earning $75 a week – which was four times more than she had made as a secretary back in Edmonton.  There was a list of rules and a dress code the players had to abide to, both on and off the field.  They attended a half day of beauty school and were told to look and act like ladies, however while on the field, they were to play ball like men.  Sliding into a base or making a flying catch was not pleasant as the uniforms were short dresses, knee socks, and caps which provided very little protection.

When the 1945 season closed, Betty returned to Edmonton and demonstrated her love for baseball by promoting and signing autographs throughout the years that followed.  She was named Ambassador of Baseball for the inaugural IBAF (International Baseball Federation) Women’s World Baseball Championship in 2004 and then named Special Ambassador in 2012.  She threw the ceremonial first pitch at both tournaments and did again in 2015 at one of the Edmonton Prospects games.

As a member of the AAGPBL, Betty was inducted into the American Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, USA in 1988.  She was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 with the Canadian AAGPBL players.

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After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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Alberta

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Celebrating Big Wins and Olympian Meet and Greet

Published on October 11, 2024

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Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Wins Achievement AwardWe are thrilled to announce that the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Government of Alberta in recognition of its exemplary leadership and long-term contribution to preserving and presenting Alberta’s rich sports history.

This prestigious accolade honors individuals or organizations with over 10 years of dedication to heritage in the province, highlighting contributions that extend well beyond the scope of any heritage-related employment. The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, with its commitment to celebrating the achievements of Alberta’s athletes and preserving their legacies, exemplifies this standard.

At the award presentation, we were honored to be joined by Chelsae Petrovic (MLA for Livingston-Macleod) and Ron Wiebe (MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti), who shared in the celebration of this remarkable milestone.

For decades, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the stories of Alberta’s sports heroes, while inspiring future generations through engaging exhibits, interactive programs, and outreach efforts. This award stands as a testament to the Hall of Fame’s dedication to Alberta’s history, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement!
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Olympian and Paralympian Meet and Greet: A Day of Inspiration and Celebration

This past week, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame hosted an unforgettable Olympian and Paralympian Meet and Greet, bringing together sports fans and some of Canada’s most inspiring athletes. The event featured both past and present Olympians and Paralympians, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to meet their sporting heroes in person.

The lineup of athletes was nothing short of extraordinary, including honoured members Diane Jones Konihowski, Olympic pentathlete; and Lyndon Rush, Olympic bobsleigh medalist. The event also included Olympians Marco Arop, Olympic silver medalist and world champion middle-distance runner; Molly Simpson, a rising star in BMX racing; Rebecca Smith, Olympic swimmer and relay medalist. The event also honored the incredible contributions of Paralympians, with appearances by Reid Maxwell, Nicholas Bennett and Tammy Cunnington, three accomplished Paralympic athletes who have made their marks in swimming and para-athletics.

Fans of all ages gathered to hear personal stories of triumph and perseverance, ask questions, take photos, and get autographs from these exceptional athletes. The day was filled with inspiring conversations, as the Olympians and Paralympians shared insights into their training, challenges, and what it takes to compete on the world stage. Their stories sparked excitement and admiration, reminding us all of the power of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees energized and motivated by the athletes’ remarkable journeys. It was a true celebration of sport, community, and the lasting impact these athletes have on inspiring the next generation.

Thank you to everyone who came out to make this day so special! Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to connect with Alberta’s sporting legends!
Save the Date: 2025 Honoured Member Class Induction Ceremony

Mark your calendars! The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is excited to announce that our 2025 Honoured Member Class Induction Ceremony will be held on June 7, 2025, at the Red Deer Resort and Casino.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the newest inductees into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. This prestigious event will honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to sports in Alberta, recognizing their outstanding achievements and lasting impact on our province’s sporting legacy.

Stay tuned for more details, including ticket prices and the announcement of our 2025 Honoured Member Class. This is a night you won’t want to miss—save the date and prepare to be part of this incredible celebration of Alberta’s sporting heroes!

Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates. We look forward to seeing you there!
Alberta Sport Award Nominations Now Open!

We’re excited to announce that nominations for the 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards are now open! This program honors exceptional athletes, teams, coaches, officials, and sport volunteers who have made significant contributions to our province’s sports community. There are five annual awards and two biennial awards available for nomination.

Nominations will be accepted from October 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to recognize someone who has had a positive impact on Alberta sports! For more details, click the box below. Let’s celebrate our sporting heroes!
Nominate Now
Thank You from The City of Red Deer!

We are pleased to share a heartfelt thank you letter from Charlaine Rausch, Corporate Events Specialist with The City of Red Deer, expressing appreciation for our participation in the AB Muni Convention Host Night, titled The Eras Tour: Red Deer.

Good Afternoon Tracey,

On behalf of The City of Red Deer, please accept my thanks for participating in our AB Muni Convention Host Night, The Eras Tour: Red Deer.

The AB Sports Hall of Fame is a gem in our community, and as our delegates came from across the Province, it was great to have your booth and items there for our guests to enjoy.

Thanks again.
Char

Charlaine Rausch | Corporate Events Specialist
Community & Public Relations
The City of Red Deer

We appreciate the recognition and are proud to represent the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in our community!
Honoured Members Visit Our Booth at the PointsBet Invitational!

We were excited to set up our booth at the PointsBet Invitational in Calgary, where we showcased a collection of artifacts celebrating the rich history of curling in Alberta. Our display provided attendees with a unique glimpse into the sport’s legacy, highlighting significant milestones and achievements that have shaped curling in our province.

We were especially honored to have Diane Jones Konihowski and Cheryl Bernard, both esteemed honoured members of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, stop by our booth.

We are always open to participating in more events throughout Alberta, and we welcome opportunities to bring our artifacts and stories to new audiences. If you know of an event that could benefit from our presence, please reach out!

Thank you to everyone who visited us at the PointsBet Invitational! We look forward to continuing to celebrate the incredible history and achievements of Alberta’s athletes.
This newsletter is sponsored by Tourism Red Deer.

Honoured Member Profile- Donald Moore

Multisport Builder, Inducted in 2010Don Moore was a vital force in shaping Red Deer’s sports community from 1956 to 1987. As an athlete, coach, referee, and administrator, he contributed to hockey, football, swimming, and skiing. Don served on the Alberta Sport Council and played a key role in developing Red Deer’s sports facilities and the Waskasoo Park system, enhancing recreational opportunities.

A mentor to many and an advocate for accessible sports, Don’s leadership left a lasting impact on the community. His notable achievements include receiving the Alberta Centennial Salute for Sport and Recreation Award in 2005 and the G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence in 2008. Don’s commitment to sport and volunteerism continues to inspire future generations.

Click below to see his honoured member profile.
Honoured Member Profile
Provincial Sport Organization – Football AlbertaFootball Alberta is the governing body for amateur football in the province of Alberta. It oversees and supports the development of the sport at all levels, from youth and high school programs to junior and senior leagues. Football Alberta provides resources, coaching certification, competitions, and player development opportunities, ensuring the growth and success of football in the province. The organization is dedicated to promoting safe, inclusive, and competitive environments for athletes, coaches, and officials to thrive in the sport of football.
Football Alberta
Artifact in Focus!

Donald Moore’s leather football cleats with metal pages in the sole.

Let’s Champion Our Local Sports Heroes and Inspire the Champions of Tomorrow​

Your donation will ensure your Hall can continue to champion our Alberta sports heroes. Donate through our website, attend our events, and be a part of our Sports Hall of Fame’s legacy. Thank you for your support!
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Alberta

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame receives Alberta Heritage Award for Outstanding Achievement

Published on September 27, 2024

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From the Province of Alberta and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

Celebrating Albertans who protect our history

Sixteen Albertans and organizations are being recognized for helping preserve and celebrate Alberta’s history at the 2024 Heritage Awards.

The Heritage Awards, which are presented every two years, recognize the people, organizations and communities that are actively engaged in heritage promotion, protection and preservation. Awards are bestowed in three categories: Heritage Awareness, Heritage Conservation and Outstanding Achievement. This year’s awards presentation was held on Sept. 26 in Edmonton at the Queen Elizabeth II Building.

From Tracey Kinsella, Executive Director of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

We are excited to announce that we were honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Heritage Award last night, presented by the Government of Alberta. It was a truly memorable evening filled with celebration, and we are both humbled and proud to be recognized for our contributions.

This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are grateful to be acknowledged among such incredible individuals and organizations.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey—we look forward to sharing this achievement with our community.

From the Province of Alberta

The 2024 Heritage Award recipients gathered on Sept. 26 to receive their awards.|  The 2024 Heritage Award recipients gathered on Sept. 26 to receive their awards.

“Across the province, dedicated Albertans are keeping the stories of the people, places and events in our history alive. We are glad to have the opportunity to honor the Albertans who work passionately, often as volunteers, on conservation and awareness of Alberta’s heritage. Their commitment will help ensure that our stories continue to be told and remembered for many years to come.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

Alberta’s government salutes the winners and nominees of these Heritage Awards, and thanks them for their continued dedication to preserving, protecting and promoting Alberta’s unique heritage and culture.

The 2024 recipients are:

Heritage Awareness

  • Beaver Hills Biosphere Region Association for the Beaver Hills Biosphere Video Project
  • Clearwater County for the Nordegg Discovery Center Renewal Project
  • YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Center for The Rogues’ Gallery
  • Kyle Schole for the North Saskatchewan River (kisiskâciwani-sîpiy) Canadian Heritage River Designation Project
  • Chief Sydney Lee Halcrow & Chief Roderick Willier for Oti Nekan – Treaty No. 8 125th Anniversary Celebration
  • Sheri Peyerl for the book Alberta’s Cornerstone: Archaeological Adventures in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Heritage Conservation

  • Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society for the Buttermaker’s House Restoration Project
  • Sexsmith & District Museum Society for the Alberta Wheat Pool Grain Elevator Preservation Project
  • Lacombe Heritage Resources Committee for the Lacombe Heritage Survey and Designation Program
  • Dr. Peter Dawson for the Digitally Preserving Alberta’s Diverse Cultural Heritage Project

Outstanding Achievement

  • Crowsnest Historical Society, Coleman
  • Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Red Deer
  • Dr. France Levasseur-Ouimet, Edmonton
  • Karen Copley, Airdrie
  • Donna Nelson, Innisfail

The Heritage Awards program reflects Alberta’s commitment to heritage preservation throughout Alberta. A total of 97 awards have been presented to recipients from across the province since the program rebooted in 2005.

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