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The Dukes will retire Lew Olson's #8

Lew-Olson-1988Lew Olson, the ballplayer that became synonymous with Dundas Baseball and Home Runs will have his number officially retired on June 24 at Dundas Memorial Park. The ceremony will start with a 2:00 P.M. program and conclude with the unveiling of Lew’s number 8 on the outfield fence. The Dukes game with the Cannon Falls Bears will begin immediately after ceremony.

Lew played for thirteen years with the Dukes starting in 1981 and continuing through the 1994 season. He was the tournament MVP in 1982 leading Dundas to its first State Championship. In that year, Lew hit 38 homeruns in only 42 games, an astounding feat. He also hit a three run homerun in the first inning of the 1988 Championship game to lead the Dukes to their second State Championship.

Lew played the outfield, first base and was also an outstanding pitcher in his playing days. He is most known for his towering homeruns, but he also was one of the better pitchers in the state during his tenure.

“Lew was a real student of the game,” said current manager Bill Nelson, “He was the player that you wanted to play with. It took over seven years before I ever saw him make an out in a crucial situation. He was the best. He is so deserving of this honor.”

“I hope everyone can come out and celebrate with Lew and the Dukes. If you can’t make it and wish to send your congratulations feel free to send them to the Dukes website.”

 

Click here to post your congratulations, memories, and comments!

 


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Sweet Lew: Congratulations

Submitted by Anonymous on June 22, 2007 - 11:07am.
Sweet Lew: Congratulations on the GREAT honor of having your uniform number retired. It was a privilege to play with you during the 8 or 9 years that I played for the Dukes. You were, by far, the most dominant player in the State of MN those years. Thanks for all the great memories. Unfortunantely, I doubt I will be able to make it to any of the festivities on Sunday. I am on vacation in Florida as I type this, and my flight gets in at about 4:00 on Sunday. Enjoy the day; you deserve it! Your friend and admirer, Kevin Sevcik
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Lew Olson

Submitted by Anonymous on June 18, 2007 - 2:46pm.
Very few things have made me as sad as not being able to make it to Lew Olson Day at Dundas but we planned a family vacation months ago and cannot change the plans. Simply stated, Lew was the best baseball player I have ever seen. As good as he was, he was an even better friend. I will remember the long homeruns, the many strikeouts with a 90+ mile an hour fastball and wicked changeup, and even the occational stolen base. You know Lew and I go back a long way if I remember him stealing bases. But what I remember most is what a great friend he was and continues to be. I feel very fortunate to know Lew and proud to call myself his teammate and friend. Scott "Roy" Nelson
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lew olson

Submitted by Anonymous on June 15, 2007 - 8:46pm.
LEW was the best..great hitter,pitcher and outstanding leader!..i saw many of his gigantic homers!..what a thrill!...he was mr. baseball in dundas!...darrell denny.
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