IBL mourns Walter Gretzky

Walter Gretzky throws out the first pitcher prior to an Intercounty Baseball League game. Photo: Intercounty Baseball League

March 6, 2021

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

The Intercounty Baseball League is saddened by the news of the passing of Walter Gretzky.

Walter Gretzky, father of Brantford Red Sox Alumni and all-time hockey great Wayne Gretzky, passed away on Thursday at the age of 82.

The Brantford, Ont., native had battled Parkinson’s and other health issues in recent years, but was always a cheerful and positive personality, welcoming to all who crossed his path.

“For my sister and my three brothers, Dad was our team captain,” said Wayne Gretzky in a statement released Thursday night. “He guided, protected and led our family every day, every step of the way.”

A great friend of the Intercounty Baseball League over the league's history, Gretzky was a part-owner of the Brantford Red Sox, and reportedly first learned of his son Wayne’s trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings at the ballpark via three phone calls while he stood at the refreshment stand.

Walter Gretzky leaves behind daughter Kim and sons Wayne, Keith, Glen and Brent.