Today, LondonOntarioSports.com editor Jeffrey Reed made an emotional return to Hamilton’s Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium to throw out the first pitch at the Cardinals’ home opener versus the Kitchener Panthers.
A disabled athlete, Reed signed a player’s contract – age 39 – with the London Majors during the 2001 season, and on July 25, 2001 he pitched a scoreless 8th inning versus the Cardinals. Intercounty Baseball League living legend Sean Reilly, now a Panthers DH, caught today’s ceremonial first pitch. Reed struck out Reilly to end the baseball dream come true in ’01.
“I cannot say enough about the Cards and Panthers organization – first-class all the way for coordinating today’s revisit to where my dream came true. Thank you to Hamilton assistant GM Krystle Thompson for organizing today’s visit. I’ll always cherish this day,” said Reed.
Here are a few photos from Bernie Arbour – more to be posted soon.
Later this month, LondonOntarioSports.com will publish a feature story on Reed’s journey back to Hamilton.
In the meantime, you can read his story, Diamond Dream, here.
Photo by Glen Cuthbert.
Photo by Glen Cuthbert.
