Coach Pearl in Action at the CNE Ballpark
The LIONS – CNE PEEWEE TOURNAMENT, a relatively little known event outside of youth baseball circles is, in all sense of the word, the “essence” of the CNE. This event, now entering its 53rd annual season, embodies what the EX has always been, and still is, about. It is a throw back to the “good old days” - yet gives hope for the future.
The Peewee event, initiated in 1956, began with 10 teams – all from the Toronto area and now it hosts 32 squads from all across Southern Ontario. Every community, whether small or large, has at one time or another participated in this prestigious event for 12 – 13 year olds.
The CNE has always been about families and grass root beginnings. Families pack up before sunrise for the trip to the big city and this is still the underlying basis of our ball tournament. Teams leave their hometown by car or bus, (and nowadays by GO Train and TTC), to spend a day at THE FAIR with their teammates, coaches, friends, grandparents, parents and siblings. And the game is just a small part of their day. Oh – naturally they play to win and they play hard, hoping to return for another chance to move up the tournament ladder towards the grand championship. But a day on the fair grounds – that’s another thing!
Memories are forged forever; no one can forget such youthful experiences; the sights, the sounds, the smells – it’s all there! It’s all packed into a ball game, wrapped around a glorious day at the EX.
These days, fathers, and even grandfathers, return to watch their offspring perform on the same field that they had played on years before. The clock is turned back for the “old timers,” to their own days of glory in the sun, to reminiscences which had forged fond memories, still cherished to this day – just ask any former participant!
And so we move on…another generation takes its turn…the EX is here and the games are on!
Marvin Pearl
