Jack O'Toole was a legend! He offered a touch of stability to the 'Sons of Summer', and found the Alaska League to be a revolving door for top-notch ball-players. The combination of O'Toole and the Glacier Pilots worked well. It began in the summer of 1969 when the local beverage distributor and nightclub drummer, a former second baseman and baseball enthusiast teamed up with the upstart summer amateur baseball club, the Anchorage Glacier Pilots for a National Championship. He had an incredible knowledge of the game of baseball and was passionate in helping young men improve and realize their full potential. He served for years as a scout for the Montreal Expos. O'Toole possessed an entertainer's heart and had a way of using humor to challenge talented young players to relax. He spent years at the first base coach's box and will always hold the Alaska Baseball League record for being thrown out of the most games. Number 17 will forever live in the hearts of the Anchorage Glacier Pilot's coaches, players, and fans. His unique spirit and baseball wisdom will continue to guide the Pilots organization for years to come. After Jack's death on March 17, 2002, the O'Toole family decided to present an annual O'Toole Award in his memory. The players vote on this 'inspirational' award to a team member who:
• exhibits a good knowledge of the game
• is fun-loving
• demonstrates a relaxed spirit; goes the extra mile on and off the field
• is a passionate leader