Page 22 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 147
P. 22
Jim Riddell’s Sports Talk
Presents with Area Senior: Blair Munro
Serving You Since 1937
separated. Six years later Blair’s which was influenced by watching
mother, Dora (White), re-married to Marcel Leduc pitch in the North End
James Payette and due to the family Fastball League. Marcel’s nephews,
home only being a two bedroom, Gilbert ,and J.C., lived across the
By Jim Riddell they moved to 12th St. East. Two street from us on 12th St. I began to
years later Jimmy Payette was born experiment and was soon emulating
“During my first ten years we were and shortly thereafter Ricky and Linden Wells slingshot delivery to
living on Dunkirk Street, known as Peter followed. Over time Jim and gain more velocity, which led to me
the wartime houses,” Blair recalled. Blair have become very close as their becoming a windmill pitcher.”
“To this day I can still remember twelve years difference in age has Blair stayed in contact with his
the names of the families that lived become a non-factor in their thoughts friends from Dunkirk St. that he
on Dunkirk, as well as those on the and hopes. The marriage and move had played with in the Adams Park Photo Submitted
neighbouring streets. The Quig’s, meant a change of schools with Blair Recreational Programs. “I can
(Gary was my best friend), the leaving Sydney St. Public School for remember pitching for both the Jr. and
Maynard’s, Grant’s, McAlear’s (both Sacred Heart. Blair made the school Sr. teams one year, as per the schedule
Joe’s and Hubert’s families), the ball team as a pitcher, saying, “From we had to play at King George Park
Wereley’s, Green’s, McGillivery’s, the age of eleven my life and future on occasion, and I was all too happy
Butzer”s, Julien’s, and the Whitney’s, happenings were directed by my to have big Hughie McAlear and
and the list goes on.” passion for softball/fastball. I began Don McDonald playing with me as
When he was four years old and his by pitching with an orthodox delivery, the area was known for its gangs that
sister, Carol, was two, Blair’s parents Continued on page 28
