For those that live the Marysville, NB area and even beyond within the province of New Brunswick, the name the Buzzard rings a bell with many immediately. Bill Saunders has been an institution in the senior baseball landscape in New Brunswick for decades now and has left a lasting imprint on the game for some time. Through his years of playing, coaching, managings and scouting Saunders has left an impressive impact on baseball in NB. 

Whether it was a a player or during his coaching years, Buzz could be found pretty easily within the confines of historic Royals Field which is a stones throw away from his home on Downing Street. Billy got his start with the Marysville Sutherlands Royals as a player in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1979, Buzz made the transition from player to coach as he took over as the manager for the Sutherland Royals that year; a position he would hold until 1985.

In 1981, he led a star studded group including the legendary Scott Harvey & former Blue Jay Paul Hodgson to a Canadian Men's Baseball Championship; the last title won by a team from Fredericton. In 1983, he was an assistant coach with Harry "The Hat" Stephenson when the Saint John Dodgers won a Canadian Men's Championship that year. He followed that up with a silver medal with the 1984 Sutherland Royals at the National Championships. 

Billy has held a number of coaching titles over the years coahcing at the 18U and 22U levels as well as some stints with the Senior Royals club as well. He also coached at the provincial level for a number of teams with the New Brunswick Selects and Canada Games teams as well. Most recently, Bill crafted a very extensive set of books which chronicle the Sr Baseball scene in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. He used the funds from the book sales to create a scholarship fund to help baseball players from NB who are looking to travel to play baseball at higher levels. 

Even though he has stepping away from the coaching aspect of the game, Buzz still finds his way to Royals Field to cheer on the current editions of the 18U, 22U and Senior Royals clubs. He can be easily found in the last section of seating at the park usually having a great convseration with the like of Terry & Helene Arnold, Jack Gillis and many other legendary figures that hang out at the hallowed shrine that is Royals Field. 

At the end of the month, the high flying, energetic Buzz turns the big 8-0. As noted on our facebook page today, Billy's family is planning a get together on May 30th to help celebrate this milestone for Bill. The party is going to take place at the Heritage Center in Marysville (11 McGloin St) from 2pm - 8pm. There will be snacks available during the event as well as some live music through out the day to keep everyone moving on the dance floor. If you are around town and able to make it in, make sure to come and drop by and share some memories. 

I was lukcy enough to be one of many players coached by Buzz during my 18U and 22U years. Many great memories still resonate with me from those years including a couple of provincial titles and some trips to the canadian championships at both levels. Buzz - wishing you all the best on your special day coming up. You have made a lasting impact on the baseball scene in Marysville and beyond. Hope you get a huge turnout that day and even though I cant be there, I wish you health and happiness.