John Bain

John Bain was born in Galt and began his baseball career with the Galt Pickards Juveniles (Ontario Champions in 1937) and later with the OBAA Senior Welland Nationals of the Niagara District League before World War II. He joined the RCAF in 1942, where he served for four years, including service in England and continental Europe.

After the War, Bain returned to play with Galt in 1946 and Kitchener from 1947 to 1950. In 1946, he led the Intercounty League in runs scored (29); in 1947, he led the League in stolen bases (21) and runs scored (31); in 1948, he led the League in triples (7) and number of hits (52). His batting average was consistently in the 333 to 350 range over his years in baseball. In 1948, he was voted Most Valuable Player in the Intercounty League by team managers and coaches.

Bain earned his BA at McMaster University, a teacher’s certificate from the Hamilton Normal School and a BEd from the University of Toronto. He holds an Elementary School Inspector’s Certificate. In 1950, he began a teaching career with the Kitchener Board of Education, Elementary Public Schools, serving firstly as classroom teacher, and, later, as Supervisor of English. In 1955, Bain joined the staff of the Hamilton Teachers’ College as Master of English. In 1963, he was appointed Principal of the Toronto Teachers’ College and, in 1966, was appointed Assistant Director, Teacher Education Branch of the Ontario Department of Education.

Bain was married in 1946 to Verna Allen of Galt; they have two daughters and five grandchildren.