Roger Cole

Roger Cole

Referred to by no less an authority than Layton Dodge as “the finest softball pitcher between Oshawa and Kingston”, Roger Cole’s quarter-century career was marked by continued excellence, countless awards, and a right arm that never seemed to grow tired. Born in Cobourg on July 27, 1954, Roger Cole’s pitching career began in the Plainville Township League in 1965. Over the course of the next four-plus decades an almost uncountable number of accolades and awards came his way including 15 OASA medals (including 9 Golds), 2 Perfect Games, at least 10 (maybe 12) No-Hitters, multiple MVP and Top Pitcher awards in both the Cobourg Men’s Softball League and the Hamilton Township Men’s Softball League, and countless league, Provincial, Canadian, and World Championships, mostly with the Cold Springs Cats. In 2003, Roger was given the Milestone Award, after recording a total of 2059 career strikeouts in the Cobourg Men’s Softball League, a testimony to his talent and his stamina. But that only tells part of the story. Simply put, to see Roger Cole pitch was an “event” - one that drew both admirers and the curious from far around just to see him throw, and to bear witness to a continuous parade of overmatched hitters try to make contact, and at times a befuddled catcher attempt to catch, Roger’s famed “drop ball”. But beyond his own personal and team accomplishments Roger was a strong believer in the Cobourg Men’s Softball League, often taking younger players onto his team, encouraging them, and giving them a place to play when other teams wouldn’t. Those teams were often more concerned with winning that season’s league championship, whereas Roger was more concerned with the long-term health of the league itself, even if it came at his team’s own expense. This nurturing of younger players, and personal sacrifice for the league was recognized in 2006 when Roger Cole was the recipient of the Dedication Award by the Cobourg Men’s Softball League.