David “Lefty” Logue – Athlete
It is a rare for an athlete to excel at two sports, but in the case David “Lefty” Logue, that is exactly what happened in the 1940s and 50s.
Logue was born in Prince Albert in 1920 and while attending Connaught School as a teenager he developed exceptional skills in both baseball and hockey.
Logue’s hockey career took flight in 1935 when as a 15‑year‑old he played left wing with the Prince Albert Junior Mintos. Logue then played two years of Intermediate “A” hockey in Prince Albert before World War II interrupted his playing career.
It was during the war however that Logue gained recognition as a skilled hockey player. While stationed in Vernon, B.C., Logue ‑ along with his brother Jim and NHL Hall of Fame goaltender, Johnny Bower ‑ suited up for a club called the Prince Albert Volunteers. In 1943, the trio of Prince Albertans were included in the Vernon Military all‑star lineup which went on to capture the Western Canada Intermediate Championship.
A year after the war ended Logue was approached by the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers and an invitation to attend spring training camp was forwarded to his home in Prince Albert. Logue declined the offer and again in the fall of 1947 he remained in Prince Albert despite the Ranger’s pleas for his attendance at camp. Since Logue had made up his mind to remain in Prince Albert, he turned to his other love ‑ baseball.
From 1948 ‑ 55 Logue played senior men’s ball with both the Prince Albert Bohemians and Army and Navy Vets. While his pitching was very solid, it was his prowess at the plate which garnered him accolades from his peers. During the 1949 and ’50 seasons Logue batted .340 each year to lead his team and finish in the top 10 in the League.
Logue was an all‑star for several years and often during the season he would team up with other players in exhibition games against touring clubs from across the country. Logue would also join various teams for major tournaments and would generally be one of the top players each time out.
Hockey was not entirely out of the picture despite the refusal to attend pro camp. Logue played with both the Prince Albert Monarchs and Regents from 1948 ‑ 55 in the North Saskatchewan Senior B League and his strong skating and accurate shooting generally translated into offence.
Once Logue’s active careers in both baseball and hockey came to an end, he sought enjoyment from other activities like golf, fishing and curling. Logue is a true sportsman and it is for this reason that the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame welcomes the addition of his name to its honour roll in the athletes category.
Inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
