The idea for the Pearson Cup has been credited to Charles Bronfman (CBHFM Class of 1984). Bronfman, a Montréal native was chairman of the board and principal owner of the Expos. The objective of the Pearson Cup was to bring the two Canadian teams together mid-season to battle it out for Canadian baseball supremacy. The exhibition game was intended as a way of inspiring national pride for the two MLB teams which felt uniquely Canadian. Each year the contest alternated between Montréal and Toronto, with the cup accompanying the winning team home.
The game also had a charitable angle, as proceeds from every game went to amateur baseball organizations in Canada. 35% of earnings went to amateur baseball federations in Quebec and Ontario each, and the remaining 30% went to National federations.
The Pearson Cup was named in honour of Canada’s 14th Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson, who held office from 1963-1968. The politician was heavily involved in baseball, and served as honorary president of the Montréal Expos following his tenure as Prime Minister.
Pearson was a talented athlete with an enduring passion for sports. In his youth he had played basketball, hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, and most importantly, baseball. After spending time playing baseball while serving during the first World War, Pearson and his brother Vaughan both joined the Guelph Maple Leafs of the Ontario Intercounty Baseball League (IBL).
Lester B. Pearson was deceased by the time the Blue Jays were formed, but the trophy for the annual Canadian competition was named in his honour, and has his likeness etched in silver. Lester B. Pearson was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in the inaugural class of 1983.