Another Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum Induction Weekend is now in the books, and what a weekend it was! We were so proud to have been able to celebrate such an exemplary class of Inductees with their fans, friends and families over the three days of events.
In case you couldn’t be with us, here’s just a taste of what you missed!
Thursday June 18: The Opening Pitch
Toboggan Brewery was our host for The Opening Pitch, the first time the event has been held in London, ON. We were joined by our Inductees and their families, as well as some extra special guests: Fergie Jenkins, Rob Thomson, Steve Green, Ashley Stephenson, and Jeff Francis. The folks at Toboggan served up some excellent food and drinks, while guests were regaled with baseball stories, explored the silent auction, and snapped selfies with the celebs.
Friday June 19: Celebrity Golf Classic & banquet
On Friday, our inductees and a host of special guests joined us at the St. Marys Golf & Country Club for the 28th annual Celebrity Golf Classic, with the Banquet taking place at the Hall of Fame later that evening. The sun was shining down on a beautiful day of golf as the foursomes and their celebrity fifths teed off.
The day wrapped up at the Hall of Fame with an excellent spread courtesy of Pineridge Barbecue Co. While food was enjoyed, event emcee, Mike Wilner interviewed special guests and inductees onstage, who shared incredible stories from throughout their careers.
Saturday June 20: Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
This year’s induction ceremony was emceed by Ben Shulman, who did a wonderful job as the lead presenter. The ceremony began with the presentation of the Randy Echlin Lifetime Volunteer Award to former Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum Board President, Adam Stephens.
The next award presented was the Jack Graney Award, given this year to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. With her family and colleagues in attendance, Mae spoke beautifully about her career in media as one of the all-time great Blue Jays broadcasters.
After the awards were handed out, it was time for the Inductees. With an audience full of enthusiastic fans, family members and friends who had travelled from all over the world to be there, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed its newest class of inductees: Paul Runge, Jim Baba, Kate Psota, Bill Stoneman, Stubby Clapp, and Devon White.
It was a wonderful day filled with tears, laughter, and amazing stories. We are so proud to have had the opportunity to host the inductees, as well as their family, supporters, and fans at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for what was truly one of the best ever Induction Weekends.
We hope to see you all again next year!