The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame is proud to announce the selection of Terry Buck, Fresno, California, [Swift Current/Melville] to be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Individual Category, as a player, Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Battleford, Saskatchewan.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the Southern Baseball League was allowed to have two [2] imports that typically hailed from the United States. Terry Buck was one such player who came to Melville, Saskatchewan, from Fresno, California, in 1969. Over the next five years playing baseball, first with the Melville Millionaires and later with Swift Current Indians, he literally tore up the league. Buck was the ultimate pitcher, outfielder and batsman. In baseball terms, Terry was a deft left handed pitcher with great control, a sneaky fastball and a curve ball that he could throw for a strike anytime he needed a strikeout. As a batsman, he had excellent bat control, seldom struck out and was a line drive hitter. Over a five year span in Saskatchewan, Terry Buck dazzled fans by winning awards, setting records and receiving all-star selections. He was a consummate import who blended very well into the community, was well liked by fans and admired by his teammates. Terry was one of the finest import players to don a baseball uniform in the Southern Baseball League.
Terry grew up in the Fresno, California area and developed a passion for the great game of baseball at an early age. He played all his minor baseball in Fresno, leading to school and playing baseball at Fresno City college and receiving a scholarship at Fresno State College with the Bulldogs of the Pacific University League. In 1969 Fresno legendary coach, Pete Beiden, asked Terry if he wanted to go to Canada to play baseball. He did not hesitate, and thus began his contribution to our rich Saskatchewan baseball history as a Melville Millionaires as one of the most successful import players in the Southern Baseball League over the following 5 years.
Playing with the Melville Millionaires 1969-1971-Terry struck out 20 batters and pitched a one-hitter against the Swift Current Indians, June 14, 1970. He pitched a 4 hitter versus the Moose Jaw Regals and hit a grand slam home run June 21, 1970. On July 2, 1970, he pitched a 2 hitter against the Kindersley Klippers. He pitched a 4 hitter with 10 strike outs and tripled to bring in the winning runs against the Regina Red Sox on July 26, 1970. On August 16, 1970 Terry struck out 13 Swift Current Indian batsmen in a Melville playoff win.
In 1971, Terry split the year between the Melville Millionaires and Swift Current Indians, Terry’s final batting average was .405, and was second in league batting. He was selected to the All Star team as the left- handed pitcher. He led the team in doubles with 13, and was named the SBL’s Most Valuable Player winning the Heinie Roger Memorial Trophy. Terry was the playing manager during his tenure with the Millionaires and had the pleasure of coaching a young Terry Puhl who went on to have a superb Major League career with the Houston Astros.
Playing with the Swift Current Indians 1972-1973, the year was again marked by numerous accomplishments by Terry Buck, posting a 10 and 4 win-loss record with 11 complete games and making 13 starts. Pitching and batting highlights included striking out 11 Saskatoon Commodore batters and hit 2 doubles and collected 4 RBI’s on June 4, 1972. Then on June 18, 1972, Terry pitched a 3 hitter versus the Yorkton Cardinals. He pitched a 1 hitter against Regina Red Sox on July 19, 1972, and on July 23rd of that year he struck out 11 Melville Millionaire batters and pitched a 2 hitter. He was again selected to the SBL first All Star team as an outfielder. The Swift Current team placed second in league standings that year and went on to win the SBL Championship in a highly entertaining 9 game series against the Regina Red Sox.
In 1973 Terry continued to play a dominate role in leading the Indians to another SBL league pennant. He was also the winner of the Doc Hughes Memorial Trophy as the top pitcher in the league.
Terry Buck was not only an exceptional talented baseball player, but also a role model for many young and aspiring baseball players. He worked hard to become a better player and make a contribution to his team.
