Don Groves, gathers with former teammates during their induction into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame for their championship seasons with the 1986 Miners and 1987 Elks.
Photo courtesy Don Groves
Nicholas L. M. Allen
May 21, 2025
Lethbridge baseball veteran reflects on championship teams, coaching legacy and lessons from the game
Longtime baseball coach and former elite athlete Don Groves was inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame earlier this spring, joining several former teammates from the Montana State American Legion championship teams of the 1980s.
“It’s great, and to do it with the bunch of guys we did it with, that’s fantastic,” said Groves. “These were guys we were really close to. I hadn’t seen some of them for a good while, so it was nice to catch up. It’s a really kind of a nice honour for sure.”
Groves was part of the Lethbridge Miners team that won back-to-back titles, first at the single-A level in 1982 and then at the double-A level the following year, still a rare feat in the league. He credited their success to a unique mix of talent, commitment and coaching.
“We had some depth and a good blend of young and older players,” he said. “And we had a great coach, Mike Barker, who came from the University of Arizona Wildcats. He brought the game to us at another level. He really shaped who we are.”
That influence carried Groves far. After his time with the Miners, he went on to play college ball in Arizona and played alongside future MLB athletes.
“I had the good fortune of travelling the world and getting my schooling paid for,” said Groves. “It was a great experience; one you never forget. It made you grow up in a hurry.”
Groves continued to give back to the sport for nearly three decades, coaching in the American Legion program. He spent 17 years coaching minors and another 10 with the Lethbridge Elks, all while building his career in the insurance industry.
“I certainly didn’t do it for the money,” he said. “I did it because of the passion and to give back to the program, it made us who we were.”
When asked who he dedicates the honour to, Groves paused.
“Obviously, my mom was one of my biggest fans. Unfortunately, she wasn’t here to accept that with me. And of course, my dad and my brother. But I think Mike Barker deserves recognition too. He pushed us in ways that got the most out of us and taught us that hard work gets you somewhere.”
Groves also had the opportunity to go pro but chose education instead.
“The California Angels wanted to sign me when I was 18, but I decided to go to school instead. My schooling was paid for, and we weren’t very well off, so it gave me an opportunity to work on my business degree.”
His advice to young athletes? Don’t limit yourself too early.
“I played hockey until I was 18 and had a chance to go to the WHL but chose baseball. Don’t pigeonhole yourself, you never know how it’ll work out,” he said. “But know that it takes commitment. You need to be focused and have a dream to chase.”
Groves works in the Crowsnest Pass area, working with Co-operators in Pincher Creek and Blairmore. He and his wife have been married for 32 years and have a son, who just turned 25.
“These are part of my achievements too,” he said. “That’s Hall of Fame stuff in its own way.”
