The Western Australian sports community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest athletes, Keith Slater, who passed away at the age of 89 after a long illness.
Slater was a champion cricketer, footballer, and baseball player who left an indelible mark on the sports scene in WA.
A Multi-Sport Athlete Like No Other
Slater’s impressive sports career spanned several decades, with achievements in cricket, Australian rules football, and baseball.
He was a right-arm fast-medium bowler and hard-hitting batsman who played 61 first-class matches for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, scoring 2198 runs and taking 140 wickets.
Slater’s Test debut for Australia came in the 1958-59 Ashes series, where he became the first West Australian to play in an Ashes Test.
A Football Legend
Slater was also a highly talented footballer who played 166 games for Swan Districts, kicking 199 goals and winning three WAFL premierships.
He was instrumental in the team’s success, including the famous 1961 victory against East Perth, where he helped curb the influence of legendary ruckman Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer.
Slater’s performance earned him the Simpson Medal as the best player in the grand final.
Tributes Pour In
Former Australian Test cricketer Simon Katich paid tribute to Slater, describing him as a “wonderful man” who provided guidance and support during his formative years.
Katich recalled spending time with Slater at Slater-Gartrell Sports, a business co-founded by Slater and his friend Kevin Gartrell.
“It was like a second home for me in those late teenage years when I started to play grade cricket for Midland,” Katich said.
A Lasting Legacy
Slater’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive sporting career. He was a dedicated mentor and coach who helped shape the next generation of athletes.
Off the field, Slater made a significant impact on Western Australian sport, serving as a commentator for cricket and football on radio and television for several decades.
He was also a stalwart of the Midland-Guildford Cricket Club and played a major role in promoting the game in WA.
Recognized for His Contributions
In 2020, Slater was recognized for his contributions to sport when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia.
The honour acknowledged his significant service to cricket, Australian rules football, and baseball in Western Australia.
Minister for Culture & the Arts, Sport & Recreation, International Education, and Heritage, David Templeman, paid tribute to Slater, saying, “Saddened to hear of the passing of Keith Slater, one of WA’s greatest sportsmen.
Keith played Test cricket for Australia and won three league premierships for Swan Districts. He also excelled in AFL and enjoyed a game of baseball. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”