Last fall Roy Salomon called to ask if I could help him organize a reunion of the fabled Côte Saint-Luc Slo Pitch Association. The ageless Roy, who looks fit as a fiddle at age 88 years young, agreed with my suggestion that we reunite at Kirwan Park. So, the date was set for June 22. A big thanks to Moe Giobbi from the Parks and Recreation Department for really going above and beyond the duty. He found some vintage CSL Slo Pitch sweaters and brought some bats and balls. As well, he extended an invitation to alumni from the CSL Executive Softball League.
Kirwan Park was recently refurbished to the tune of $10 million. Diamond One, the field where we played, looks remarkable and it was amazing to see the reaction from the alumni about the facility. Indeed, there was an awe factor for both the field and the chalet.
Roy and fellow 88 year old Mish Granik were on hand. They both hit the field, took some swings and ground balls. I was in the outfield when the amazing Roy drove some balls high into the air. Harold Miller, 80, was on hand. Harold started in the league when he was 16 and may go down as one the greatest. He was a left handed slugger and manager of the Internationals, the dynasty sponsored by Herb Isenberg of the International Development Corporation. I spoke to Herb, 92, a few weeks ago. He was up north for the weekend and unable to attend, yet he still goes to the office several times a week.
A big surprise was the appearance of Ted Dash, another former star for the Internationals. Ted moved to Toronto 26 years ago and this was his first time at the park in at least three decades. He was blown away. Ted picked up the bat and showed that he can still hit the ball well.
Watch my video here Ted at the plate, with some fun commentary
Mark Rothpan was there. And he waxed nostalgic of those days he got to play with his late dad Mike, who passed away last year. Mark was also the league’s treasurer.
Eli “Buddy” Manis, known as the “sentimental gentleman” was there with his friend Irving Rabinovitch. Buddy is in remarkable shape at age 84 and he still plays competitive hockey.
Lorne Krane was the only former player there younger than 60.
Listen to the fun podcast by clicking here that I recorded with Roy Salomon, Mish Granik, Mark Rothpan, Ted Dash, Buddy Manis and Howard Morganstein.