Charlie Ryan – Black History Month

Born July 11, 1920 in Charlottetown, Charles Ernest Ryan grew up in the west end of the city.  He was known as an athlete, coach, manager, umpire, executive and a Toronto Blue Jays’ regional scout, he was truly this province’s “Mr. Baseball”.

Charlie Ryan passed away November 9, 1989 in Charlottetown, but the legacy of his contributions to baseball on PEI will live on in many ways.  The Charlottetown baseball league organized by Charlie in 1986 was renamed in his memory.  In 1986, he was inducted in to the PEI Sports Hall of Fame.  He was also posthumously honoured with the Sport PEI President’s Award in 1998.  And, finally, near Victoria Field, where memories of this tireless sports builder are perhaps the most vivid, a memorial rock has been placed, bearing a plaque that recognizes Charlie Ryan’s dedication to youth recreation and the game of baseball.

Honoured by the Hillsborough Rotary Club with the award named after him, it is useful to reflect on that award’s inscription: “Charles Ernest Ryan is a man who over the years has given generously of his time and talent in the cause of youth… a man of wit and wisdom, a sportsman, a family man, a community man, a veteran, a Legionnaire, and a true leader who in his interaction with youth has provided a fine example for all to follow.”

(Source: PEI Sports Hall of Fame – https://www.peisportshalloffame.ca/inductees/charlie-ryan/)