New artifacts from class of 2013 at Canadian ball hall

It’s always interesting to see what items the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame receives from their inductees to display.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the artifacts related to this year’s induction class that you can view at the St. Marys, Ont.-based shrine this summer:

George Bell managed to retrieve the three home run balls that he belted off of Kansas City Royals starter Bret Saberhagen on Opening Day in 1988. Interestingly, he also managed to get Saberhagen to sign them. — George Bell managed to retrieve all three home run balls that he belted off of Kansas City Royals starter Bret Saberhagen on Opening Day on April 4, 1988. Interestingly, he also managed to get Saberhagen to sign them. (Photo courtesy of Zach Harmer, Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame).

*Among the interesting things I learned about Rob Ducey on induction weekend was that he was the starting centre-fielder for the Texas Rangers in Nolan Ryan’s last major league game (September 22, 1993) and he started in left field for the Angels when Royals legend George Brett recorded his 3,000th career hit at Anaheim Stadium on September 30, 1992 .

This is a game-worn jersey from Rob Ducey's first tenure with the Blue Jays from 1997 to early 1992. — This is a game-worn jersey from Rob Ducey’s first tenure with the Blue Jays. It’s likely from 1987 or 1988. (Courtesy of Zach Harmer, Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame)

*Last week, I wrote an article about the strength and courage of Shirley Creek, 2013 Canadian ball hall inductee Tom Cheek’s wife. Her son, Jeff, also gave a very poignant speech about his father at the induction ceremony.