“Willie” Jardine was an outstanding baseball player who displayed determination and an unquenchable thirst for success.. Primarily a left-handed shortstop, Willie was capable of playing any position with excellence. He served as a mainstay with several Chatham baseball clubs through the 1930’s and 1940s.
Teams outside of Chatham often borrowed Willie’s talents and skills in their quest for championship laurels. In 1936, Willie led the Loggieville Bisons when they won the Maritime Intermediate “A” title. He was also picked up by teams in Edmundston and Minto.
Willie played with the North Shore Regiment team in England, when they won the All Division Championship with a 2-0 victory over the strong USA team in 1942.
A play that displays Willie’s demeanor on the ball field occurred in the provincial final in 1936. With the score tied and two out in the ninth , the pitcher stood behind the mound with his back turned to third base while the catcher was busy tossing a bat toward the Bison dugout . Willie broke for home and when the dust settled the Loggieville Bisons were NB Champions. Willie’s teammates weren’t surprised by Willie’s ingenuity , but the McAdam team certainly were.
Willie was also a talented hockey player who was considered by many to be the #1 goaltender on the Miramichi River.