The Green Spots of Waterville

Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War and for several years after the war, Waterville was the centre of softball activity in the Annapolis Valley.

During these years, the team was known by several names, including the Green Spots, Seven-Ups, Farmers and Mohawks.

In 1937, the Waterville club was called the “Green Spots” after the Valley’s favourite soft drink, which was made in Berwick by the Fairview Creamery. Behind the great pitching of “Sammy” Kidd, the Green Spots won six of their first eight starts. In one early season game, Kidd pitched a five-hit game.

Public opinion seemed to suggest a second team, known as the “Rainbow Valley Ramblers,” had as good a team as the Green Spots. The issue was settled when the Green Spots defeated the Ramblers 15-1.

Annapolis next was the envy of the Green Spot players, who were scheduled to play a home-and-home series against the Annapolis “All Stars.” After the first game was postponed due to rain, the Green Spots defeated Grafton and the Ramblers. In the game against Annapolis, the final score was Waterville 12, Annapolis 7. This was only the second loss of the season for Annapolis on their home field.

Against the All Stars, the Green Spots played errorless ball behind the stellar pitching of ace hurler Sammy Kidd, holding the All Stars scoreless for three innings. In the third inning, Kidd struck out all three batters. The seventh inning saw Waterville score seven runs, which left the Green Spots in complete control of the game.

The Green Spot team was made up of the following members: Sammy Kidd and Gordon “Governor” Banks, pitchers; Gerald “Huckle” Parker and Graham “Foul Ball” Best, catchers; Bill “Snap” Young, first base; Buster Askew, second base; Bill Lang, third base; Vennie “Red” Gillis, shortstop; Rupert Banks, left field; Don “Dynamite” Keith, centre field; Jim McDow, right field.

John Charlton was the official mascot and Norwood Keddy had the honour of being the club’s chauffeur. Mr. Young helped furnish transportation for the players.

Berwick got into softball action against the Green Spots on Labour Day, but their 15-0 loss lead to the closing of the season for the Bruins.