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Dunbar Little League: 50 Years
Little League Baseball began in the U.S. in the late 1930s and arrived in Canada at Little Mountain in 1951. Dunbar Little League followed in 1958, becoming the third league in Vancouver’s District 1 after Arbutus Ridge.
A group of community-minded men—Joff Joyce, Ralph White, George Fisher, Con Conlin, Ralph Stong, and Dan Poitevin—organized and chartered the league.
By 1960, Dunbar had five teams: Dunbar Lumber, Neville’s, Town & Country, Fisher’s Drugs, and Stong’s—still a sponsor today. Early games were limited, with no weekend matches, and fields were bare dirt with no fencing, batting cage, or concession. One long set of wooden stands along first base seated up to 600 spectators.
Hosting a district tournament required weeks of work, including sifting and rolling the dirt to prepare the field.
A minor “Farm League” began in 1960, and over the years divisions for younger players were added, along with proper diamonds and backstops.
Currie Field—the Majors diamond—has seen major upgrades: grass turf, an outfield fence, batting cage, scorekeeper’s booth, improved stands, and a concession stand. Many of these came when Dunbar hosted the B.C. Provincials in 1998.
Dunbar has participated in 49 district tournaments, winning 30. It has been a Provincial finalist three times, winning in 1975 and 1992, and also claimed one 9–10 Provincial title. While a Dunbar team has never made it to the Little League World Series, umpire Len Brown has officiated there.
Dunbar Little League continues to thrive, fuelled by the enthusiasm of its players, the dedication of volunteers, and the support of the community.
Dunbar Little League welcomed back the 1975 Provincial Champions on April 10, 2025, at the 2025 opening ceremony to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of this memorable achievement.
Story and photos submitted by Dunbar Little League (June 2025)
