Sport: Minor Baseball, Hockey
Position: Executive Member, Administrator
Year of Induction: 1999

Archie was born in 1889 in Chatham and passed away in 1975 after a lifetime commitment of service to sports and to his community. Affectionately called “Mr. Baseball” because of his involvement in that sport, he also was called “Mr. Chatham” for his work in city government and other agencies.

• 1920s – started the Stirling-Imperial Athletic Association — began the first playground in Chatham — built the first swimming pool in Chatham — formed the first minor baseball league in Chatham — expanded minor baseball to other nearby communities to eventually form the Western Counties Baseball Association which is still strong after 70 years — founded, provided uniforms for, and became treasurer of the Stirling Imperials Hockey team which soon became the very popular Chatham Maroons
• 1930s – developed fundraisers to build the Orville Wright pool and bath house — organized a senior baseball team with major leaguer Billy Rogell and recruited professional players to come to Chatham to play before thousands of fans — developed umpires for the Ontario Baseball Association in southwestern Ontario — promoted Maroon popularity by giving out free refreshments — conducted baseball clinics through the famous Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics
• 1940s & 1950’s – became very active in the provincial operation of baseball by establishing a sound financial base for the OBA — was elected president of the OBA — was made an honourary life member of the OBA — incorporated umpires under the jurisdiction of the OBA

Community Involvement

• Called “Mr. Chatham” for his work in city government and other agencies
• Was mayor of Chatham for 1 term, city alderman for 12 years, and served on numerous service club executives and provincial boards
• In all of these positions he never failed to promote youth sporting activities and to advance the organizations that he helped to form

Archie Stirling, “Mr. Chatham and “Mr. Baseball”, died in Chatham in 1975 at the age of 86.