We are incredibly proud of our dad and the impact he had on the baseball community across Canada. He poured his heart into baseball, and we are deeply grateful to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. While we wish he were here to experience this honour himself, it means so much to see his contributions recognized in such a meaningful way. – Melani, Jamie and Mitch Baba
Born on August 6, 1956 in Moose Jaw, SK., Jim Baba devoted more than three decades to the growth and development of baseball in Canada. His most prominent role was as the executive director of Baseball Canada from 2000 to 2021.
Baba started his career in sports as the Parks and Recreation director in Kindersley, SK., before moving on to become the director of operations for Baseball Saskatchewan from 1989 to 2000.
Throughout his career, Baba’s greatest passion was coaching and he taught countless National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) courses. In the early 90s, Baba began his association with Baseball Canada, coaching and managing national teams at international competitions, including at the 1991 Pan Am Games and later at the 1994, 1998 and 2005 Baseball World Cups.
In 2000, Baba became Baseball Canada’s Manager of Baseball Operations prior to transitioning to the executive director position. Some of his most notable achievements as Executive Director included supporting men’s senior national team gold medal wins at the 2011 and 2015 Pan Am Games and overseeing the implementation of national programs like Rally Cap, Girls Baseball and Winterball.
Baba also made a strong impact on baseball internationally. Between 2002 and 2021, he served as a technical official for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) at 25 international events, including Olympic qualifiers, Pan Am Games, the U18 Baseball World Cup, the Women’s Baseball World Cup and the World Baseball Classic.
For his efforts, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008 and was presented with the WBSC’s Order of the Golden Diamond award in 2022. This award recognizes individuals and organizations who have “advanced the ideals of baseball/softball, and whose outstanding achievements have expanded horizons, innovation and research” in the sport.
He passed away on September 12, 2025 at the age of 69.