Canadian ball hall announces new chair and board, induction postponed to 2021

Photo: Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

June 26, 2020

Official Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Press Release

St. Marys, ON – The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (CBHFM) is pleased to announce its 2020-21 Board of Directors, including the appointment of Jeremy Diamond, CEO of Myseum of Toronto, as Board Chair for a four year term.

"Jeremy is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, program development and communications. He is a visionary with an outstanding track record of delivering quality initiatives and building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. His personal passion for the sport of baseball and Canada makes him the perfect choice to lead the Board," said Adam Stephens, whose term as Board Chair has expired.

"Baseball and museums in Canada and around the world are facing an unprecedented period," said Diamond. "In my role as Chair I will work closely with the Board and the CBHFM staff to ensure we innovate and prepare for recovery following the economic challenges imposed by the pandemic."

"I am proud to serve as Chair of the CBHFM’s board," Diamond added, "and look forward to accelerating the growth and reach of the Hall across the country focused on the many contributions this great game has made to Canada."

The CBHFM board extends its sincere thanks to Adam Stephens, Litigation Partner, Miller Thomson LLP, who served as Board Chair for the past four years. We thank Adam for his tireless work ethic and many contributions to the CBHFM. Under his leadership, Adam took CBHFM to new levels, raising much needed funds and forming important local and national partnerships, all culminating in the opening of the newly renovated Museum in 2019.

The CBHFM is in a strong financial position as it approaches the mid-point of the year. However, in these challenging times we always encourage friends of the Board to donate and support as they are able.

In addition to the announcement of the Board of Directors, the CBHFM is announcing that our 2020 induction weekend has been officially postponed until June 2021. Jacques Doucet, Justin Morneau, John Olerud and Duane Ward, elected to the CBHFM in the Class of 2020, will be officially inducted during our 2021 induction weekend, which will be June 17-20 with the official induction ceremony on June 19, 2021.

We have several exciting initiatives underway including the digitization of our Museum collection in order for it to be made available for public viewing, as well as the release of the first annual Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Survey on baseball and the current and future state of baseball next month.

The complete list of CBHFM board members for 2020-21 is:

Jeremy Diamond, CEO, Myseum of Toronto
Derek Aucoin, Founder, Derek Aucoin Sports and Entertainment
Scott Crawford, Director of Operations, CBHFM
Julie Docker-Johnson, Florist, The Flower Shop and More
Rob Edney, Town Council, St. Marys, Ontario
Holly LaPierre, Merchandising Specialist, Bell Canada
Jordan Schofield, Sr. Accounting Analyst, Factor Gas Liquids
Liam Scott, Executive Communications Director, Writer, and Coach, LSI
Scott Smith, Managing Director, BMO Capital Markets
Chris Stamper, Principal, 16 Mile Strategy Group
Adam Stephens, Litigation Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
Al Strathdee, Mayor, St. Marys, Ontario
Elizabeth Walker, Museum Program and Engagement Associate, City of Waterloo Museum
Mike Wilner, Toronto Blue Jays Broadcaster – Sportsnet Radio Network

About the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum serves as the home of Canada’s rich baseball history. Established in 1982, our museum, located in St. Marys, Ontario, is a registered charity with a vast collection of artifacts that date back to the 1860s. The Hall of Fame and Museum is situated on our 32-acre site which also houses the Harry Simmons Memorial Library, four baseball fields and walking trails. We strive to not only educate our visitors and supporters but also champion a culture that prioritizes respect, diversity and a healthy lifestyle. Our 133 inductees range from World Series-winning players to pioneering grassroots executives, and each of their unique and inspiring stories are highlighted in our museum. Each year, we also honour the top Canadian player with our James "Tip" O’Neill Award, and present our Jack Graney Award to a media member who has made significant contributions to baseball in Canada through their life’s work. At our core, we exist to ensure that Canadians and visitors to Canada value baseball and are able to benefit from the important life lessons the sport can teach. We strive to contribute positively to our community, our province and our country and to economic development at each of those levels.