Our annual Tip O’Neill trip took us once again to Cincinnati to present Joey Votto with his 7th award this past Friday. Joey’s closing in on Larry Walker, who leads the way with 9. As usual, the Reds were fantastic hosts, providing us with perks such as batting practice passes, tickets, parking and a great hotel rate. Best of all, we were able to spend some time with Joey prior to the game.
On our way home we stopped into Cleveland for part of the Indians vs Blue Jays series. The Cleveland organization gave us great seats for a game; unfortunately for us, it was rained out.
With winter weather still exploding on southern Ontario we have cancelled the first action scheduled for our diamonds this coming weekend; however, four teams from Quebec and the Toronto Blue Jays clinic are set to be here with Toronto high schools from April 25 to 29. We are keeping our fingers crossed for warmer weather.
Mark your calendar: The 2018 Hall of Fame Volunteer Night will take place Monday, April 30 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Customs House on Water St. In St. Marys. Come watch the Blue Jays vs. the Twins, enjoy some food and mingle with other volunteers.
Just two months away from Induction weekend, momentum is building for our events. The launch of the VIP Pitch Talks event in Toronto on June 14th is doing well (get your tickets at https://homestand.ca/event/pitch-talks-june-14th-2018/ ), the 22nd annual golf tournament on June 15th is almost sold out, with stand-alone banquet tickets still available, and the June 16th induction day is shaping up nicely. Residents of southern Ontario should watch for the induction poster with dates and details in various towns and cities in early May.
Introducing CBHFM Board Member Julie Docker-Johnson: One of 3 female Directors on the Board, Julie has been an ardent support of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum from its St Marys beginnings. She was part of the original Bid Committee, hosting meetings at The Westover Inn and generally lending a hand where needed.
Now the owner/operator of The Flower Shop and More, Julie joined the Board of Directors a couple of years ago and, as head of the Town of St Marys BIA, is a crucial liaison between the Hall of Fame and the town’s business community. Like all of us, Julie has a passion for baseball. Having watched the sport’s evolution in our country, she feels it’s as important, if not more important, than ever to fans.
In Canadian players baseball news, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was born in Montreal, was named Eastern League (Double A) player of the week hitting .361/.419/.639 with two home runs and 12 RBIs through his first nine games with New Hampshire.
As expected, Burnaby BC native Tyler O’Neill was promoted from Triple A Memphis to the St Louis Cardinals today. Here are 5 things MLB writers want fans to know about this 6′ 5″ right fielder: He’s in shape (check the biceps!). His Dad was a bodybuilder and a former Mr. Canada. He is proud of his Canadian roots. Originally a hockey player, he took up baseball because he was bored in the summer. And he plays a mean piano. We wish him all the best.
In stats, on April 17th, John Axford became the 7th Canadian pitcher to pitch in 500 of more games. The leader is Hall of Famer Paul Quantrill with 841 games. Joey Votto walked for his 1000th time on April 17th, becoming the 1st Canadian and the 2nd Reds player to do so. Then, on April 18th, Votto collected his 1603th career hit to tie Justin Morneau for the most hits by a Canadian first basemen in the history of baseball.
