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By Dan Plouffe
Fuelled either by gratitude to see anything but snow, or their love for baseball, a dreary day with more than a couple raindrops couldn’t dissuade young players from enjoying the April 26 Baseball Day in Ottawa festivities at the former Lynx Stadium on Coventry Rd.
“The turnout was great even though the weather didn’t cooperate,” noted Ottawa Royals & Knights baseball operations director Bob Guy, whose club spearheaded the event. “Whether they’re playing tee-ball or they’re 18 years old, there’s a lot of enthusiasm in the city. It’s exciting to see.”
Around 200 kids participated in the free clinics in the morning, which were led by Royals/Knights staff, with assistance from players.
“They loved working with the younger players,” Guy indicated. “And the kids had a lot of fun. It was a great day.”
The first-year event was not without a hiccup.
“‘Eventful’ I think is a good word to say,” smiled Knights/Royals president Andrew Beattie, who was trapped in a stadium elevator – along with dignitaries such as Mayor Jim Watson, legendary Canadian Major League Baseball pitcher Fergie Jenkins and Can-Am League commissioner Miles Wolff – while en route to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
“It was nice spending time with Fergie Jenkins in an elevator,” Watson joked as he officially proclaimed it Baseball Day in the City of Ottawa, while thanking the Ottawa Fire Department for freeing them after about 45 minutes with no harm done.
Watson added that the City is very proud of the minor baseball system in town, and is excited to re-welcome a Can-Am League franchise next summer.
Baseball Day provided an opportunity to celebrate the sport’s place in the region, highlighted Beattie, who plans to make it an annual tradition.
“The unique thing about the day is it really was a collaborative effort,” he detailed, noting they received support from amateur baseball associations on each side of the Ottawa River, organizations affiliated with both Little League Canada and Baseball Canada, plus the local adult amateur league. “I think it’s the first time it’s ever happened.”
Knights blast off early
Knights teams swept both legs of the afternoon double-header. The 18-and-under ‘AA’ Knights got off to a hot start with numerous runs in the first inning en route to a 4-0 victory over the Gatineau Attack, and then the 18U Elite Knights carried on the momentum to blast the Carleton Russell Aces 13-6.
“I’m really excited about our teams this year,” Beattie said of his club’s prospects for the season. “I think we’ve got a great group of kids who are dedicated and really focused on improving their games. I’m very proud of all of them and I think they’re going to do very well.”