In keeping with endeavouring to keep all our Evergreens members informed about, the History, players and personalities of the Evergreens, I felt, that this year it was time we knew more regarding one of the founders of the Evergreen concept, and the man who presented the “POP” CHOTE TROPHY.
Bert Chote was born at Porongahau on the East Coast, Hawkes Bay, in 1896, and lived with his parents on a small farm just outside Dannevirke.Bert, typical of men of his generation, worked in Shearing Gangs up until the start of World War 1, when he enlisted for the Army in 1916.He was shipped to France, and was almost immediately sent into the Battlefields and horrors of the War.He was severely wounded in action, and was repatriated home in 1919. Bert continued to suffer with his wounds for the rest of his life.
He re-started his life by joining N.Z. Railways. When Bert’s son, Rocky, began playing Softball in 1946,Bert very quickly got interested in this fledgling sport, and he began by looking after junior players for the RAMBLERS CLUB in Auckland.It wasn’t long before Bert was drawn solidly into the game and served in almost every position in the Ramblers Club administration, was President 1957 – 61, and a Life Member.
Bert attended many of the two week Beatty Cup and John Lennon Tournaments over the years as Manager of both Club and Auckland Representative teams.He donated a “Runner Up” trophy of the John Lennon Tournament.
Bert was always gruff, tough, but fair, and it wasn’t unusual to have to dodge a whack from his walking stick!!!Underneath it though he was a most kindly and caring man.
Bert was one of those instrumental in the original formation of the Evergreens, when visiting Wellington with the Auckland Rep. Team, a gathering after match at the Broadway Clubrooms, saw discussion between Auckland and Wellington. It was decided to form teams of ex Representative players and play once a year.Some of the original names besides Pop were Bryan Furness, Pip Ellison, Ray McRandall, Harry Atkin of Wellington and Jack Shanks and Alf Whelan of Auckland.
The first Evergreens game Auckland versus Wellington took place in Easter of 1963 at Taumaranui.
Bert decided we needed to play for a Trophy so he made and donated the Pop Chote trophy, which is the winning honour, we still play for.
Bert married his wife, Laura, in 1929, and they were a much respected and well loved couple, always willing to help, and both of them were always together at many Softball functions.
Bert passed away in 1975 aged 79 years and his funeral service saw a very large number of people from the N.Z. Softball fraternity attend to pay their respects to a great old man.
Bert’s widow, Laura, finally passed away in 1996, aged 94 years.
So remember boys, when you are out there giving of your best in our Tournament, give a thought for POP CHOTE one of the men who made it all possible.
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