By Kevin Glew
Cooperstowners in Canada
This is a challenging, unprecedented and difficult time in our history.
And I’ll admit that there have been times during this COVID-19 pandemic where I’ve struggled to feel hopeful rather than hopeless. But I’m trying to remain upbeat and am waiting patiently for that elusive light at the end of the corona-virus infested tunnel.
To boost my spirits over the past month, I’ve been searching for Canadian baseball photos and videos that cheer me up or bring a smile to my face. In fact, I’ve been posting an “Uplifting Canadian Baseball Photo/Video of the Day” on Twitter and Facebook every day.
I realize that many of you don’t follow me on social media, so I thought I would begin sharing the top three (most retweeted or liked) of these photos/videos with you each week.
I also wanted to thank you for your support and wish you all the best as we wait out this crazy virus.
I also hope these photos/videos will bring a smile to your face.
1. Photo of Fergie Jenkins (Chatham, Ont.) signing autographs at Wrigley Field sometime between 1967 and 1972.
We’re all Canadian baseball fans, so I don’t think I need to explain why this is awesome.
2. Video – Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Henke records his 300th career save.
Like you, I wish The Terminator had accomplished this feat with the Blue Jays, but if you’ve met him, you can’t help but cheer for him, no matter what uniform he’s wearing. Henke’s heart is as big as his stature and physique. Before his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, he told a pack of reporters (myself included) that he met his wife while ordering a Big Mac at McDonald’s. This is one of my favourite baseball stories and I sure would love to see his No. 50 on the Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence in the future.
3. Photo – 1990 Upper Deck Montreal Expos “Rookie Threats” baseball card.
This is my favourite card in the 1990 Upper Deck set and it illustrates just how good the Montreal Expos scouting department was in the late ’80s. This card features Delino DeShields, Marquis Grissom and Larry Walker, and between the three of them, they would accumulate 5,959 major league hits, 690 home runs and 1,122 stolen bases.
And just look at those gorgeous uniforms.
Hi Kevin,
I’m not on Twitter or Facebook so I’m glad you are sending these pictures out this way as well. Love the Expos uniforms.
Thank you, Len, for your support. I find myself needing a boost these days. And these photos/videos help. I’m hoping they will bring a smile to others as well.
Those three were awesome. Not sure how you will top that Kevin.
Thanks for making Friday afternoon even better
You’re welcome, Scott. Glad you enjoyed them. Hope you have a great weekend.
There was no one quite like Willie Montanez. He really was an entertainer. I would try his “hand behind his back” thing when I played ball and found that it wasn’t as easy as it looked. I remember seeing him in the 1977 All Star Game.
My parents and I traveled to Montreal in August 1980 for my first MLB game, and I was hoping so much that Willie would play. He didn’t, Warren Cromartie got the start at first as he should have. Montanez, of course, played only 40 games for the Expos before being dealt for John Milner in ’81. So there weren’t many opportunities to see him as an Expo.
Thanks for the Montanez story, David. I have to admit I barely remember him as an Expo. I just love the card.