Media Release BeginsSubject: Rod Black returns to St. Marys to emcee Ball Hall's Induction Ceremony Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies: Saturday June 20th St. Marys Ontario June 16, 2009Larry Walker, Ernie Whitt, Bernie Soulliere and Doc Miller to be honoured St. Marys - CTV and TSN sportscaster Rod Black agreed to emcee the 2003 Induction at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame because his good friend Joe Carter was being enshrined. This time, he's coming because he fell in love with St. Marys the first time. This Saturday, June 20, Black will emcee the 11:00am induction ceremony of Larry Walker, Ernie Whitt, Bernie Soulliere and Roy "Doc" Miller to be held on the Ceremonial Grounds next to the Ball Hall's museum at 386 Church St. S. Admission is free, and due to the star power rolling into St. Marys that day, it is recommended that fans arrive by 9:30am if they want a seat under the tent. Otherwise, bring an umbrella and lawn chair - there is room for approximately 2,500 people.
Other celebrities confirmed for the weekend include Fergie Jenkins, Jim Fanning, Paul Beeston, Pat Gillick, Bernie Soulliere, Ron Stead, John Haar, Don McDougall, Ron Piche, Dave Willsie, John Upham, Billy Atkinson, David Corrente, Gilbert Dionne, Merlin Malinowski, Mike Torchia, Daniel Erlich, Colin Martin, Jared Knight, Sean McCann, Michael Burgess, and Miss Canada contestants Jennifer Dawson, Lidia Sinkowska and Kristen Coutts. "St. Marys is a charming town full of wonderful, interesting people, and the Hall just fits there so perfectly," said Black from his home in Toronto. "Rod is a front-line personality and if there is a guy who represents 'Canadiana', it's Rod Black," praised president & CEO Tom Valcke. Black's knowledge, versatility and enthusiasm have earned him a reputation as one of Canada's most recognized and distinguished sportscasters. In his 24 years as a sports journalist, Black has been involved with a variety of different events and competitions, fitting into each role with ease. Black's extensive sports resume includes play-by-play commentating on TSN for Blue Jays Baseball, CFL, golf and figure skating, hosting duties on TSN for the NBA, and anchoring CTV's coverage of the Canadian Open, MasterCard Skate Canada and Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Black has also covered the Olympics, including the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer and the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona. Black received the 2005 Sports Media Canada Award as Outstanding Sports Broadcaster. He is a consummate professional who displays passion and excitement in all that he does. Black's broadcasting abilities aren't limited to the sports world. The adaptable broadcaster is the former co-host of Canada AM - Canada's most-watched national morning show. The five-time Gemini Award nominee as Canada's Best Sportscaster is also the host/narrator of a variety of prime time specials and the honorary spokesperson for Foster Parents Plan of Canada. "My whole life is pretty much about sports. It's not a job. It's not a hobby. It's a passion,' added Black. Celebrity Softball game on Thursday Come watch "Team Walker" v. "Team Whitt" on Rotary Field at 7:00pm. BBQ & beer tent during the game. Free admission. Celebrity Golf Classic on Friday Still an opening or two in the 13th annual Hall of Fame Celebrity Golf Classic on Friday at the St. Marys Golf & Country Club. Texas scramble. Shotgun tee-off at 10:00am. $1250 per foursome. Golf banquet follows at 4:00pm on the Hall's Ceremonial Grounds. Banquet tickets available separately for $50. Induction Ceremony on Saturday What a line-up! Larry Walker, the most prolific slugger Canada has ever produced. The lovable Ernie Whitt, a memorable long-time Blue Jay and coach of Team Canada for the past decade. Bernie Soulliere, 40+ years as a volunteer grass roots coach and administrator who is part of the foundation of Canadian baseball and never seeked the spotlight. And, posthumously, Roy "Doc" Miller, an century-old oversight until now - the Chatham native played 500 games in the Major Leagues, had more than 500 hits, and despite a .333 batting average in 1911, he lost the batting title by one point to Honus Wagner (.334). With Beeston and Gillick in the crowd, Black at the podium and following Michael Burgess's national anthem, Greg Hamilton will be Soulliere's presenter, Ernie Whitt's daughter will present him, and Jim Fanning will present Larry Walker. Fergie Jenkins will present the honourary jacket to each inductee. No charge for admission. Fans are encouraged to bring an umbrella and a lawn chair if they arrive after 9:30am, as most of the one thousand seats in the tent will be taken by then. An autograph session will follow the ceremony. Teddy Bears of Hope The three contestants vying for Miss Canada will be also seeking support throughout the weekend for TEDDY BEARS OF HOPE. They are asking for Teddy Bears and/or donations to sending 100,000 Teddy Bears to children in Ughanda Africa collected from Canadian Children. Concert Saturday night It just doesn't get better than dancing and enjoying Canada's Party Band, Tara Tuma. Doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets are ten bucks. Licensed event, under the tent on the Ceremonial Grounds. Splash 'N Boots on Sunday afternoon After an afternoon of recitals from students currently taking lessons at The World's Coolest Music Store, open to anyone, Splash 'N Boots - Canadian Children Entertainers of the Year - perform at 4:00pm. Doors open at 3:30pm. Tickets $5, free for children under two years old. Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum P.O. Box 1838, 140 Queen St. E. St. Marys, ON, Canada, N4X 1C2 Tel: (519) 284-1838 Cell: (519) 272-7406 Web: http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.baseballhalloffame.ca
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