Orest Springenatic enters Surrey Sports Hall of Fame
Published 6:15 am Sunday, June 7, 2026
Fourth in a series of 10 profiles of 2026 Surrey Sports Hall of Fame inductees, celebrated as the hall’s inaugural class during a June 2 ceremony at Surrey City Hall.
Orest Springenatic, Builder
The name Orest Springenatic is tied explicitly to Whalley Little League. His story began when he met his wife, Goldie, through baseball and softball. They married and moved to Surrey in 1959 after buying the Round Up Cafe, which they operated around the clock for 27 years. Orest often worked nights so he could coach during the day.
In 1963, their eldest son joined Whalley Little League, and Orest became a coach in 1966, beginning a 32-year legacy. Deeply committed, he balanced running the diner, raising his family, and growing the league—often celebrating wins with his teams at the cafe. During his time, the league expanded from 5 teams to over 50.
Orest earned numerous honours, including B.C. Baseball Association Coach of the Year (1978), induction into the Little League BC Hall of Fame (1989), and Surrey Citizen of the Year (1992). The main diamond at Whalley Ball Park was renamed in his honour in 1991. His teams achieved remarkable success, winning over 60 provincial and 34 national titles, and representing Canada at the Little League World Series four times.
Orest coached until 1995, the year he passed away. His leadership and dedication shaped generations of athletes and built the foundation of Whalley Little League’s success.
Source: Surrey Sports Hall of Fame