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Stan “Sparling” Solberg

Bell Memorial — Inducted 1989

Stan “Sparling” Solberg built a respected broadcasting career through his dedication to promoting amateur and community sport across Alberta. Known for his creativity and enthusiasm, he became a familiar voice covering a wide range of sporting events throughout western Canada.

Solberg’s involvement in sports broadcasting began during his high school years, where he promoted local baseball activities. His professional broadcasting career officially began in 1950 at a radio station in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Early in his career, he covered sporting events throughout Calgary and central Alberta, providing colour commentary for baseball, hockey, football, boxing, wrestling, and rodeo.

In 1951, Solberg moved to Calgary, where he broadcast simulated baseball games for the Calgary Stampeders of the Western International League. Due to limited travel budgets, he arranged for telegraphers at ballparks in Spokane, Pasco, and Boise to send brief play-by-play descriptions. Using sound effects and imaginative storytelling, Solberg recreated the games live on air, allowing Calgary listeners to experience baseball broadcasts despite the team being hundreds of kilometres away. He later used the same innovative approach to simulate curling broadcasts.

In 1953, Solberg relocated to Red Deer, where he became deeply involved in promoting amateur sport throughout central Alberta. He supported both the Central Alberta Hockey League and local baseball programs and became a loyal promoter and broadcaster for the Lacombe Lions Baseball Tournament.

Continuing his commitment to community sport development, Solberg helped establish the Drumheller radio station in 1959. During this period, he also assisted local sports leaders in organizing the Drumheller Miners hockey team’s entry into the Big Six League.

Awards and Honours

  • Sports Broadcaster — Dawson Creek Radio (Beginning 1950)
  • Calgary Stampeders Baseball Broadcaster — Western International League (1951)
  • Amateur Sport Broadcaster — Central Alberta Hockey and Baseball Leagues
  • Promoter and Broadcaster — Lacombe Lions Baseball Tournament
  • Founder Contributor — Drumheller Radio Station (1959)
  • Organizer Support — Drumheller Miners, Big Six League
  • 1989 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Bell Memorial Inductee