Inducted October 18, 1997

Ford Metcalfe - Athlete

Born in Manuels, NF Ford Metcalfe was the first national softball superstar from Newfoundland and Labrador. And although softball was his first and greatest love, he enjoyed an all-star career in hockey at the local and provincial levels.

For a player who learned to pitch because no one else on his team could, Ford rose to the pinnacle of his sport in a career that spanned twelve years (1964-1976). A great softball pitcher who could also hit with the top batting stars of his era, Ford Metcalfe turned Conception Bay South into a serious contender for provincial honours, and played a major role in winning championships for and within the St. John’s Senior “A” men’s league.

In provincial senior “A” softball Ford was a member of five championship teams and won the most valuable player award in 1965, 1969 and 1970. He represented Newfoundland and Labrador in Atlantic championships in 1970 and 1971, and was a member of four teams to represent this province in National senior men’s championships.

Ford played in the first Canada Summer Games in Halifax in 1969 and was the first Newfoundland pitcher to defeat a team from British Columbia; a 5-3 win in which he also hit a three-run homer.

He was named St. John’s Male Athlete of the Year in 1970 and shares a record for the most strike-outs in a seven inning game in the provincial qualifying championships.

In a ten year hockey career which saw him win a junior league scoring championship in his rookie year, Ford went on to even greater heights as a member of the St. John’s Caps. Always among the top point getters, he saw a great deal of service killing penalties and on the power play. He was a vital factor for the Caps in winning three Herder Memorial trophies and three provincial senior hockey titles.

Ford Metcalfe has been inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Softball Hall of Fame, the Conception Bay South Sports Hall of Fame and the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame.