Musketeers Baseball Club

Playing Fields Names

Musketeers Sports Club playing fields were named after two long serving and distinguished Life Members. Both who had passed away, well before a decision was made to purchase and establish a complex at Church Street, Tivoli. In memory of their name and dedication given to the Musketeers Sports Club, it was a tribute to them, and all other members involved in building Musketeers into the sporting club it has become as they personified the motto of “All for One and One for All”. It is to be hoped that many more young baseball players will be able to enjoy the facilities made possible by the sacrifices and hard work of these two gentlemen and other life members for the betterment of the Musketeers Baseball Club.

A brief precis of both J.P. Hogan and T.C. McDonald and their work for the Club and the sport is detailed below.

J P HOGAN

James Patrick Hogan Born 14/03/1926 Passed Away 1985

An original member of the Musketeers Baseball Club formed by a number of North Ipswich Residents which comprised multiple family members from the Hogan, Crane, Gee, Daly and Suthers Clans. Many of whom played with the Ipswich Tigers in the early days of Ipswich participating in what was then a “new” sport for the area.

Most of these “originals” had played the more established sport of cricket, tennis, and in “Jims” case he was a rugby league footballer of repute. He was known for his speed of foot, which allowed him to score numerous tries from the wing position for clubs such as Booval Swifts and CYMS in the 40’s and early 50’s of the past century.

“Jim” found a deep attraction for baseball and was not only a founding member of Musketeers but also the Club’s first President. He was married to “Nell” Crane sister of fellow members Daniel and Bernard and raised a much-respected family of six girls namely Anne, Christine, Patricia, Barbara, Kathryn and Michelle.

Jim spent his working life as a Clerk in the Queensland Government Railways principally at Ipswich Workshops where he was successful in attaining the top position available to the clerical promotional ladder of the times. His work experience was chiefly in the ‘staff’ area and he was able to impart much of his people skills to the benefit of members in the fledgling club fostering baseball in Ipswich.

His baseball career was probably considered modest in achievement by modern day standards, but which when you realise that in these early days’ members were self taught relying principally on their own ball skills be it fielding or batting. James Patrick was quite proficient at both aspect who had the advantage over many of his fellow players in being able to use his speed of foot to position himself in a defensive role playing mostly in the outfield. His hand - eye coordination allowed him to record a more than satisfactory batting average for both club and city representation.

The highest esteem, which Jim enjoyed with his peers, was evidenced by life membership being bestowed on him not only at his beloved Club but also by the Queensland Baseball Association and his service to the State Umpires Association. His advice was sought by many club and association office bearers and was freely given. James Patrick Hogan was respected for his dedication to baseball and his untimely passing left a void, which was felt by all whom had the privilege of working with and enjoying his company.

T C McDONALD

Thompson Cowper McDonald Born 08/10/1909 Passed Away 30/12/1978

T C McDonald was a life member of Musketeers Baseball Club an honour bestowed on him in recognition of his years of service mainly in the honorary capacity of canteen custodian for the club. The many members where privileged to enjoy Tom’s dedication to the club and the willing service he provided.

Father to Gary, Ross (Joe) and Ian all of whom played leading roles on the baseball diamond for the club, Tom was as deeply respected as a family man with daughters Lynette, Betty, Denise and husband to Lily more commonly known as “Girlie”.

He also was employed by the Queensland Government Railways, serving an apprenticeship as a Fitter and promotion to the Foreman Grade working on diesel electric locomotive maintenance at Redbank Workshops.

Club Executives with inside knowledge knew of the many sacrifices Tom made to enable not only members but also the many visitors and supporters of rival clubs to enjoy the hospitality afforded them by way of the services provided at the canteen. And who can forget the famous Musketeers hot dog with mushie peas. Tom was always available to open the canteen for the local junior fixtures on a Saturday and just as reliably opened the doors for the senior games on the following day.

It is a belief of many that he gained great satisfaction in witnessing the growth of baseball particularly at the junior level and his efforts were instrumental in allowing the club to foster this development. His trustworthiness, dedication and friendly comradeship was a source of great satisfaction to all who enjoyed his company and it was gratifying to have his service recognised by having one of the playing fields at the Tivoli Complex named in his honour.

Musketeers Sports Club Inc. began as a small baseball club in Spring Street, East Ipswich in 1954. From the early days, Musketeers catered for the baseball playing public.

With the vision of early members, new fields were acquired in 1986. Dedicated hardworking members of the club provided the huge effort to see the club prosper and move to the current premises in Church Street Tivoli in 1987.