Born in 1889 in Chatham,
Archie passed away in 1975 after a lifetime commitment of
service to sports and to his community. Affectionately
called "Mr. Baseball" due to his involvement
in that sport; called "Mr. Chatham"
for his work in city government and other agencies.
- 1920
- Started the Stirling-Imperial Athletic
Association; consequently began the first playground
in Chatham. There were many firsts in Chatham
that Archie Sterling is responsible for; built
the first swimming pool in Chatham; formed the first
minor baseball league in Chatham; expanded minor
baseball to other nearby communities that would
eventually form the Western Counties Baseball
Association. The Association is still strong
after 70 years. He founded, provided uniforms
for, and became treasurer of the Stirling Imperials
Hockey team which soon became the very popular
Chatham Maroons.
- 1930
- Mr. Stirling initiated fundraisers to build the
Orville Wright pool and bath house; organized a
senior baseball team with major leaguer Billy Rogell;
he recruited professional players to come to Chatham
to play before thousands of fans; developed umpires
for the Ontario Baseball Association in southwestern
Ontario. Mr. Stirling promoted Maroon
popularity by giving out free refreshments;
conducted baseball clinics through the famous Connie
Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics 1940's &
50's. He became very active in the
provincial operation of baseball by establishing a
sound financial base for the OBA. He later was
elected president of the OBA and made an
honorary life member of the OBA
- He incorporated umpires under the jurisdiction of
the OBA Lifetime. He is affectionately called
"Mr. Baseball" due to his involvement in
that sport ; called "Mr. Chatham' 'for his
dedication in city government and other agencies.
- Mr. Stirling was mayor of Chatham for one term,
city alderman for 12 years, and served on numerous
service club executives and provincial boards.
He never failed to promote youth sporting activities
and to advance the organizations that he helped to
form.
- 1975
- Died in Chatham, Ontario at the age of 86
|
