R. I. P. Dave Quennell

Brett Qunnell has lost his father and coach Dave Quennell, former coach of the York Diamonds.

By General Mike Gauthier and Paul Freeman

Please read the tribute below on the recent passing of Dave Quennell. Many of us have crossed paths with him over the years.

Many of you players were on the same diamond Dave during his time coaching the Etobicoke Rangers and York Diamonds.

The York Diamonds are saddened to announce the passing of longtime player, manager, and friend, Dave Quennell last week. Dave was an instrumental force in keeping adult ball alive in the west end of Toronto.

He started the MSBL in the mid 1980s and ran the league for over 20 years. He also built and managed 6 championship teams with York Diamonds/QBs. Never the “chattiest” guy in the room, Dave was always there for the people he cared about and he truly wanted to provide an opportunity for as many men as possible to keep playing baseball.

Dave is survived by his wife Maricel and his son Brett. Brett has become quite a player in his own right as Dave did not let his health struggles deter him from teaching his son about this game that we love.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Brett to help offset costs associated with his diamond development..

Please email Paul Freeman (pfreeman38@rogers.com) if you would like to add your own thoughts to be posted on the York Diamonds web page.

Legendary York Diamonds coach Dave Quennell … a good one gone.

On Aug. 25, 2017, the York Diamonds retired the number 39 of former Metro Senior League in Toronto president Quennell, whose perseverance to promote adult ball in the west end of the city meant that 100s of players over the years were able to keep playing the game they love.

The last two remaining franchises from the MSBL. The Metro Mets played the Diamonds on uniform retirement night.

Also on hand for the game and participating in the jersey retirement ceremony were players from 10 different former MSBL franchises - Sentinel Devils, Vaughan Expos, Mississauga A’s, Mississauga Knights, Team Cuba, Mississauga Falcons, Toronto Cardinals, Mississauga Colt 45s, the Mets, and Diamonds. Current Mississauga Southwest Twins, Mississauga Braves and Royal York Cardinals were also represented.

The York Diamonds All-Time Team (1990-2012):

C - Don Cantwell.

1B - Eric Foley.

2B - Pete Zakkak.

3B - Neil Parekh.

SS - Rudy Naraine.

OFs - Greg Shannon, Steve Foley and Rob Fraser.

DH - Pino Criminisi.

Starting pitchers - Eric Foley, Ken Dicken and Andrew Lance.

Reliever - Neil Quimby.