Sharks paying tribute to Bill Hyatt tonight

By Greg Coulter

WHEATLEY – As a tribute to Bill Hyatt’s life as a kind, humble, soft-spoken family man and dedicated fan of family and youth activities, the Wheatley Sharks will be honouring him at a ceremony prior to tonight’s December 22 home game.

For a young boy growing up in Coatsworth in the early 1950s with eight older brothers and sisters, an opportunity for organized sports was at best a limited option.

Entertainment consisted primarily of winter pond hockey and summer scrub baseball.

During those years, young Bill Hyatt would hone his ball skills that would allow him to become one of the premier local baseball athletes. With the aid of his older sisters supplying rides to practices and games, he would play competitively around 15 years old.

At 6 feet tall and sporting a muscular physique, he quickly rose to MVP status throughout his career as a shortstop and pitcher.

Even at a young age, Bill remained humble and was always quick to point out the achievements of his teammates. Those traits and his obvious good looks caught the eye of a young Tilbury lass — Jo-Ann McKinlay — and in 1966 they were married. Jo-Ann was proud of his humility and good character. “His word was good,” she said.

Bill Hyatt and his wife Jo-Ann.

Photo courtesy of the Hyatt family

Settling in Wheatley, Bill would move on from hardball to fastball. Vintage pictures show him with Port Alma, Wheatley Elevators and Tann’s Alignment. As a member of the championship Wheatley team of the Sun Parlour Fastball League, Bill would take home the triple crown of most valuable player of his team, the league and the playoffs.

In his youth, Bill was unable to participate in organized hockey but later his natural athletic ability allowed him to be a very good beer league participant. Son Brad noted he could shoot just as hard either right or left-handed.

While balancing his ball career, he dedicated 37 years of his life to the H.J. Heinz Company.

Jo-Ann and Bill were blessed with daughter Cindy and son Brad in early 1967 and mid 1968. Family pictures brought out the true character of a caring husband, dad and grandfather.

His role in life changed from star athlete to ‘super fan’ of his growing family circle. He became a permanent fixture at ball diamonds, hockey and figure skating events, and family golf rounds.

He believed in the old saying, “Take your kid to the game, don’t send them.”

Bill could often be spotted at a sporting event before his grandchildren had arrived to participate. He always had a particular spot in the stands at each venue and the kids always knew he was there.

Rarely, if ever, would he chastise kids for a bad outing — simply saying, “Be the best you can be, having butterflies means you’re ready.”

Bill became a permanent fixture at Wheatley Sharks home games as long as his health allowed, as Brad helped guide the team as an assistant coach. He was always in the same spot, sitting in the stands.

In addition to the pregame ceremony, the Sharks welcome the students of Wheatley Public School.