The late Lloyd "Dude" Hoag of Hardy, Sask. has been elected to the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and with be formerly inducted on August 19 at a dinner in Battleford.

Hoag, known to all baseball, hockey and curling fans as Dude, started his organized baseball career in 1930.

For the next 25 years Dude was known and respected across southern Saskatchewan as a great baseball man. During his active playing days, Hoag spent time playing for Ceylon, Radville, Pangman, Bengough, Viceroy-Verwood, Assiniboia, Weyburn and Notre Dame. Hoag also spent time in the Montana League with Flaxville and Scobey.

Despite the depression of the '30s, baseball flourished, giving Hoag many opportunities.

Over the years Hoag had the chance to play with and against some great players including Gayleen Shupe, Frank Germann, Nick and Don Metz, as well as Doug and Max Bentley.

Hoag ended his playing days in Bengough where he then turned to managing his adopted homes' team. In 1955, at age 42, Hoag hung up his cleats for good after suiting up for a final game in Celyon.