It is with great sadness to report that C. Bruce Alger, a long-time leader of both the New Market Rebels and the Valley League, has lost his battle with cancer and passed away early Thursday morning, October 7.
Alger, 68, had been involved in the Valley Baseball League since 1965, when he was just 12 years old. His name is synonymous with New Market baseball; he even lived adjacent to the ballpark. He served in every available position for the team, including President/General Manager for over 20 years, and was the “Voice of the Rebels” for 47 years and almost 1,000 games. He helped to lead the team to League championships in 2002 and 2018, with runner-up finishes in 1981 and 2003.
He was also active in leadership for the entire League. He served on the Board of Directors for over 25 years, and was Vice President for 12 years. He was elected Commissioner/President of the League in July 2017, and served in that role for five years, and was in preparation for a sixth. He also served on the Board of Directors of NACSB (National Alliance of Summer Collegiate Baseball), and was a member of the ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association).
Of course, he was also active in the New Market community, where he served as a council member and past Council President for Reformation Lutheran Church, was a member of the New Market Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 4264, the New Market Rotary Club where in July of 2018 he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for outstanding community service, and the New Market Historical Society.
He served as Secretary/Treasurer of the New Market Community Center and represented the Town of New Market on the Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as well as the Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation Executive Committee and the Shenandoah County Historical Society Board of Directors. He was named “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” by the New Market Chamber of Commerce in 2009.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lynne, who passed in April 2016 from breast cancer. He is survived by children Amanda Renee Alger, Calvin Gregory Bruce Alger, Trey Christian Rader Alger, and Calvin Bruce Alger II, three grandchildren, one step grandson, one step granddaughter, and a granddaughter on the way, as well as his mother, Jane Harper.
Known as a calm, patient, and supportive leader, he was well-liked and respected everywhere he went. He steered the Valley League with a firm yet gentle hand, making volunteers and employees feel valued and important. He touched the lives of many, many people, and will be greatly missed.
The viewing is Sunday from 4-6 PM at Grandle Funeral Home (148 East Lee Street) in Broadway, VA. Monday will be a private (family only) burial at 11 AM. At the same time, there will be a short ceremony at Rebel Park in New Market. Shortly after, the memorial service will be held at Reformation Lutheran Church (9283 North Congress Street, New Market) at 12:30 PM.