Grey-Bruce Kids Summer 2023

followed by the American League’s Toronto Blue Jays in 1977,
Canada has a storied past of minor league affiliations and
independent league professional teams, from which many baseball
stars began their climb to fame in Major League Baseball.
Canadian baseball fans today passionately debate what qualifies
as the greatest moment in this country’s baseball history. Many
would point to the Blue Jays’ first World Series win in 1992, or
Joe Carter’s World Series-winning homerun in 1993, complete
with legendary Blue Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek’s famous call
of, “Touch ’em all Joe, you’ll never hit a bigger home run in your
life.” A younger generation of fans might argue that José Bautista’s
infamous bat flip homerun against the Texas Rangers in Game 5
of the 2015 American League Division Series matches the Carter
long-ball for drama.
Though there is no definitive answer, a consensus can be reached
that Canada has a unique and storied relationship with baseball.
Preserving Canadian baseball memories and moments must be a
priority as baseball is more than a game in so many communities.
It is woven into the very fabric of Canadian culture.
The Jack Graney Award, given yearly
to a member of the media who has
significantly contributed to the game of
baseball in Canada.
A jersey of former Blue Jays slugger
José Bautista, as well as items from
Montreal Expos greats Vladimir
Guerrero, Tim Wallach and Dennis
Martinez.
Fortunately, baseball history has a permanent home at the
Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located in St.
Marys. Officially opened in 1998, the Hall of Fame and museum
originally occupied a vintage farmhouse (dating from 1868) in the
small southern Ontario town of 7,650 residents. The facility was
established following a bidding process involving 12 Canadian
cities vying to host and on Aug. 25, 1994, St. Marys was chosen
over Guelph.
Since 1998, the museum has undergone many changes, including
a renovation in 2017 and the addition of 2,500 sq. ft., which were
designated to provide secure storage for artifacts and house an
extensive library. Today, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and
Museum is a must-see for Canadian baseball fans, and, with four
immaculate playing fields, it is an ideal venue for baseball games
and tournaments. The museum itself hosts meticulously crafted
displays and memorabilia highlighting not only Canada’s general
baseball history, but also its most important teams, players, and
builders who helped popularize the game in this country. The Hall
room is a journey in nostalgia for baseball fans of any age, with
notable individuals from every generation represented.
Studying human history involves identifying cultural elements
that greatly influence the path of societies. Sport is one of these
elements that must considered when looking at the overall picture
of Canada’s history. Baseball, like any sport, is more than just
a game. It reflects the changing currents of society through its
stories and people. Wins and losses, and heroes and villains are all
part of the story.
Thankfully, through the efforts of the Canadian Baseball Hall
of Fame and Museum, this important story is safe for future
generations to explore. GBK
MAT JOHNSON is the owner of Marathon of History, a historical
interpretation company located in Durham, Ont. To learn more visit
marathonofhistory.ca or follow Marathon of History on Instagram and
Facebook.
24 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • SUMMER 2023