Jim Baba, Canadian baseball leader and former Kindersley recreation director, dies at 69

By Kate Winquist

Jim Baba, a longtime leader in Canadian baseball and former parks and recreation director in Kindersley, has died at the age of 69.

A native of Moose Jaw, Baba spent nine years in Kindersley beginning in 1980, developing local sports programs and fostering a love of baseball that would shape his career. He played a key role in bringing the World Youth Baseball Championships to Kindersley in 1984.

Baba later served as director of operations for Baseball Saskatchewan, coaching provincial teams, delivering National Coaching Certification Program courses, and leading Saskatchewan’s baseball squad at the 1989 Canada Games. He joined Baseball Canada, coaching national teams in international competitions including the Pan American Games and Baseball World Cups, before serving as Executive Director from 2000 to 2021. Under his leadership, Canadian baseball grew at both grassroots and high-performance levels, achieving international recognition and supporting Pan Am Games gold-medal wins.

Inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008, Baba’s influence extended from local diamonds to international tournaments. Colleagues remember him for his mentorship, dedication, and passion for the sport.

Baba passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 12, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Penny, three children, and five grandchildren. Known for his warmth, humour, and love of family, he also enjoyed sports, board games, and sharing his favourite treat, watermelon.