Etobicoke Baseball Association (EBA)

Cormier, a retired engineering manager at IBM, has served on Etobicoke Baseball’s Executive since 1985. ‘I’ve been involved with baseball since I was seven years old,’ said Cormier, who grew up watching his father (a pro LHP) play in the Halifax and District League.

The former Martingrove Baseball Association President, and sitting EBA Vice-President, was instrumental in garnering political support for the construction of Centennial Park’s premier ball park which was carried-out according to Lloyd McConnie’s design. Outgoing EBA President Richard Pantelone praised Cormier for being ‘truly a man of the baseball world [who has always been] willing to step forward when called upon.’

Mark Chiasson, Etobicoke’s 2007 Bantam coach and last year’s Volunteer of the Year recipient, lauded Cormier for playing the much-needed, under-appreciated role of devil’s advocate at Etobicoke board meetings. ‘It’s a valuable position,’ said Chiasson, ‘and we’re glad you’ve got the courage to take it.’

Jim Horton, a long-time friend and Life Member of Martingrove Baseball also paid tribute. ‘More than anyone else, Brian Cormier got me involved with Martingrove. He took a league which was in desperate trouble and made it fun to go to some of those board meetings.’

Toronto Baseball President Dave Lauzon (who served as EBA President 1999 – 2001) recalled how Cormier, ‘in the dark times when no one could sit in the room together, with his solution oriented mindset played a large part in keeping the EBA together.’ The Etobicoke Baseball Association’s Annual General Meeting at the Etobicoke Civic Centre Council Chamber.

20 Nov 06 — President Richard Pantalone presents Brian Cormier with the EBA’s 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award at November’s year-end general meeting..