Atkinson honoured with portrait by Chatham Barnstormers

August 13, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Cooperstowners in Canada

In a pre-game ceremony on Saturday, the Intercounty Baseball League’s Chatham Barnstormers honoured former Montreal Expos right-hander and Chatham, Ont., native Bill Atkinson by unveiling a portrait of him at Fergie Jenkins Field.

The portrait was painted by 17-year-old local artist Lucy Thrift and will hang on the ballpark wall alongside one of Jenkins.

Atkinson, who posted an 11-4 record and a 3.42 ERA in 98 games in four big league seasons for the Expos from 1976 to 1979, has served as a team ambassador for the Barnstormers this season.

The Chatham native, who grew up on the same street as Jenkins and was taught how to throw a curveball by his mother, Patricia, followed the Hall of Fame right-hander to the big leagues, making his major league debut with the Expos on September 18, 1976 when he pitched three scoreless innings in relief against the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1977, Atkinson developed into one of the Expos’ most versatile and reliable relievers. The then 22-year-old righty finished second (to Atlanta Braves’ Rick Camp) among National League rookie relievers in wins (7) and saves (7) and established what was then an Expos’ record for appearances by a first-year pitcher (55). He also posted a tidy 3.35 ERA in 83-1/3 innings.

He’d toe the rubber for two more seasons with the Expos before he was dealt to the Chicago White Sox.

Following his playing career, Atkinson returned to Chatham and raised his family in the community. Over the past four decades, he has served as a coach and mentor for countless local kids.

“I’m so excited to be here today to honour everything Billy has done in his career,” said Chatham-Kent mayor Darrin Canniff at the ceremony on Saturday. “We’re so proud of you here in Chatham-Kent . . . Thank you for being in Chatham and being an inspiration for all of us.”