Club Established 1945
Incorporate Society 30th April 1951
Founder Jack Shanks
The birth of Ramblers can be traced to one memorable figure. He was a man who not only played at the highest level, but was a charismatic person who inspired others to work with him. He was a man of great passions and he could celebrate in spectacular style.
His name was Jack Shanks and he was the foundation member and first secretary for 'Ramblers'. Along with his brothers, Eddie and Peter, they all played Hockey together for Ramblers. When it was decided to start a Softball club, the name stayed for Softball. The Shanks boys gathered up their non-softball friends and the first team was entered into the competition.
1945-46 saw the first Ramblers team take the diamond and were Runners Up in the competition. 1947-48 The same team won the Championship and the club also had a second team, with a notable player - Rock Chote. This year we had seven teams and Ramblers won six championships. The senior teams were coaching the junior teams and with the Parents support the club started to build up. This was brought about from the teams and parents all socialising in their 'clubrooms' - Edinburgh Castle Hotel in Symonds Street after the games.
There was cricket, netball, table tennis, hockey, indoor basketball and softball for men and women within the first five years. The constitution came in and the club became Mt Albert Ramblers to have a district identity. Jack Shanks purchased a motorbike and to see every person in the club, every week to tell them the draw for their sport.
The first Life-Member was Bert Chote, the father of Rock. He started coming to Rock's games and it changed his life. Over the years, he became secretary, president and manager of many teams.
Clubrooms: Ramblers have had many 'homes' before finally settling at Warren Freer Park with our own clubrooms which was built with a lot of member elbow grease through the winter in 1991
.- 1945-1961 Anderson Park in New North Road, Mt Albert. The 'clubrooms' was the Edinburgh Hotel, Symonds Street, Auckland.
- 1961-1979 Coca-Cola BallPark & clubrooms (known as Coke Park) on New North Road, Mt Albert which was shared with United Softball and backing onto the railway tracks. This is now Pak N Save, Mt Albert. Originally there was a tin shed, with a dirt floor and boards over the mud to enter the shed. Ramblers and United purchased two ex-army buildings from the domain, paying $150 for the both and combined together with members help for the new clubrooms.
- 1979-1989 Fowlds Park and clubrooms which was shared with Mt Albert Rugby League
- 1989-1991 'The Caddyshack' became the temporary home, whilst we were building our forever home at Warren Freer. This is now the gas station opposite Western Springs, next to the motorway on/off ramp.
- 1989 Lease signed for Warren Freer Park
- 1991 Clubrooms opened and Warren Freer Park is the Home of Ramblers
- 2010 - Astro turf diamond and lights installed with Ramblers members raising over $200,000 for this to happen. Grants followed including the generous support of The Lion Foundation.
- 2021-2022 Renovations are planned.... watch this space!
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