Jack Withers – Athlete

Inducted November 6, 1987

Jack Withers’ career in hockey spanned 15 years and his leadership led St. Pat’s to two Boyle Trophy championships. A consistent winner and contender for the most gentlemanly and effective award, he served only one minor penalty during his career. He was consistently one of the league’s best players and played on the St. John’s all-stars in provincial competition on four occasions.

His 17-year baseball career began in 1947 when the sport returned to St. John’s and he was a perennial all-star. He captained seven St. John’s teams that won provincial senior baseball championships. Included in his numerous individual awards were a batting championship in 1948 with a .575 average that is still the St. John’s league record, many most valuable player and other awards at St. John’s and provincial levels and three city championships with St. Pat’s.

Mr. Withers took part in the St. John’s Regatta for seven years. On one occasion his crew made the championship race and it racked up three firsts in other races. He bowled on a regular basis for 10 years holding a 230 average and recording a 401 single frame.

Postscript

In 1984, Jack Withers was inducted into the Newfoundland Amateur Baseball Association Hall of Fame.