Hamilton Oldtimers Baseball Organization

2019

 

Phil Beaudoin (1987-2018)

Co-founder of the HOBO League.  Phil is the longest active original HOBO member, having played in all 32 HOBO seasons.  House League Champion team member (10 times) in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2012, and he was also a member of the 1996 HOBO House League Champions, a team consisting of all the original members of HOBO, still playing in the 10th anniversary season.  He played on the traveling team, with the Stealers, every year, since their inception.  Played on the CNOBF National Championship 35+ Tier II teams (2002 Collingwood), and (2006 Yarmouth).  He was on the HOBO Executive as the Co-President in 1987, and has been the League President from 1992 to 1995, 2002 to 2005 and in 2017.  He was the President of the CNOBF, and on the HOBO committees to bring the National tournaments to be played in Hamilton (‘93, ‘96, ‘08 and ‘17).  He also co-originated in the start up of the Youngtimers (HYBO) league.  A lifetime house league batting average of .423, with his 528 games played, and 1,848 at bats, he was very “protective” of home plate, having more walks than strikeouts, and in most games went without striking out at the plate.

 

 

 

Bill Bell (1987-1997)

Bill was a lifetime catcher, known for carrying on a conversation with the batters, in order to keep them from concentrating at the plate.  He loved to talk and teach the game to any player willing to listen to his pointers.  He was a skilled catcher and a right handed pull hitter.  His long foul drives over the left field fence into neighbours’ yards at Brown’s Park, were responsible for HOBO being forced to move to Mohawk Sports Park.  HOBO House League Champion team member in 1988, 1989, 1993, 1995, 1997, and he was also a member of the 1996 HOBO House League Champions, a team consisting of all the original members of HOBO, still playing in the 10^th anniversary season.  He played several seasons on the traveling teams, with the Stealers and the Ancient Mariners.  He was on the HOBO Executive as the league’s statistician in 1989, and was the league’s  Equipment Manager from 1988 to 1993.  Bill was a graduate of the Hamilton Police Minor Baseball program, and a retired Stelco electrician.  With a lifetime house league batting average of .305, he was known as a “patient batter”, having 126 career walks, with only 11 strikeouts. 

 

 

Joe DeFaria (1995-2015)

Joe played in the HOBO house league for 20 seasons.  He was primarily a catcher, known as the “anchor” at the backstop position, who did a great job of guarding home plate.  HOBO House League Champion team member in 1998.  He played several seasons on the traveling teams, with the Ancient Mariners, and the Classics.  He was on the HOBO Executive as the league’s Equipment Manager for many, many years, and he was the first one to organize the “bunker”, with the storage of all of the HOBO equipment.  He was on a year round search for any “deals” regarding the purchase of any baseballs, bats and other equipment for the league.  Joe was a “quiet” player who let his bat do the talking for him!  With a lifetime HOBO house league batting average of .445, he had his highest seasonal batting average of .559 in 1996, and had a consistent regular season average of .400+, over his playing career.  

 

 Rich Salvatore (1997-2013)

“Birdie” played in the HOBO league for 15 seasons, and was primarily known as an outstanding catcher.  In addition, he contributed as a strong pitcher, and a competent left-side infielder.  He was a dedicated player who traveled from out of town to play.  HOBO House League Champion team member in 1999, 2002, 2009, and 2012.  For several years he was instrumental in the yearly organization of the Stealers traveling team.  Played on the CNOBF 2002 National Championship  35+ Tier II team (Collingwood), as well as the CNOBF 2006 National Championship 35+ Tier II team (Yarmouth).  With a lifetime house league batting average of .417, he had 6 career home runs, and an exceptional batting average of .650 during the 2000 season.

 

2018

 

John Pintaric (1999-2014)

John burst onto the HOBO scene in 1999, having no background in playing baseball. Remarkably, he hit .574 in his first season. He was a strong athlete who hit with power and ran the bases with a purpose. In 2005, he hammered out a dozen home runs, and in 2009 his batting average was .683 the highest of his nine .600-plus seasons. Rumour had it that his statistics were high because he was HOBO's Statistician for 14 seasons. But those who saw him play could believe his numbers. He pitched, caught, played infield and outfield, and relished throwing out base runners from centerfield or from behind the plate. HOBO League Champion team member in 2005 and 2007. He also played with the Stealers Travelling Team in several tournaments. He was a great leader, who by example, always tried to get his team to give it their best. His leadership provided as Chairperson of the 2008 Canadian National Oldtimers' Baseball Tournament, led to one of the most successful tournaments held by the CNOBF. He was the consummate baseball player.

 

Doug Jackson (1992-2011)

One of the quietest players to ever play HOBO baseball, he let his loud bat do his talking by driving hard line drives through the infield and into the outfield for 19 seasons. He had a .513 batting average, while recording a mere 34 strikeouts in 1260 plate apperances. He was a superb pitcher, who had control of his pitches so that the batter would never know what type of pitch was coming next. When playing third base or shortstop, his quick glove and strong arm would usually result in the batter being thrown out. He played in tournaments with Stealers Travelling Team from 1993-2008. He was a member of the HOBO Executive, serving as Secretary for 5 years. HOBO League Champion in 1999 and 2003. A true gentleman, who was a great team player and he always provided a cheerful and positive attitude towards his teammates and his fellow players.

  

Brian Stirling (2004-2013)

A skilled pitcher over his 10 seasons, he was known for his mixture of pitches, and he was one of those rare pitchers who got stronger the more innings that he pitched. Being a steady defensive player, he was able to play the infield and outfield and to make those around him better. He was also a skilled batter with a career average of .477.  He served on the HOBO Executive as the League Registrar. A founding member of the Silverhawks 35+ Travel Team which won the 2008 Canadian National Oldtimers' Baseball Championship in the 35+ Tier 2 Division. HOBO League Champion in 2006, 2007 and 2008. His passion for the game, positive attitude, leadership, sportsmanship, and humility are rare attributes that were admired by both his teammates and his opponents.

 

 

2013

  

Bob Ishibashi (1988-2010)

A veteran of 23 seasons as a respected and popular HOBO House League player he still participates in many games as an umpire.  He pitched his three innings weekly over 376 games with a very durable arm and a thinking-man's approach with all batters.  Also, pitched on the Classics travelling teams from 1994 to 2007.  As a dedicated member of the Executive, he created HOBO's first constitution, and served as the House League Convenor from 1992-1995, and also as the Registrar from 1994-1995 and 1997-2005.  He was the Tournament Chairman of the 1996 Canadian National Oldtimers' tournament. House League batting average of .379 with 506 hits.

 

Dean Webb (1993-2009)

A catcher in the HOBO House League for 17 years. Known for having a quick release, and an accurate throw, he would routinely pick-off runners trying to steal any base. When he wasn't behind the plate, he was usually playing shortstop and using his speed and acrobatic agility to smother any ball that was hit his way. Was a valuable member of the Stealers Travelling Team from 1994-2009, winning both National Championships, along with several Ontario tournaments. Member of the 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2005 House League Champions. Also, a good hitter with a House League batting average of .465

 

Nick Caswell (1990-2007)

Known as one of the most skilled and accurate pitchers in the League whenever he went to the pitcher's mound, the opposing batters knew that it was going to be a tough time getting on base, either by getting a hit, or being walked. Played in the House League for 17 years, and is regarded as one of the best pitchers to ever play in HOBO. Was a valuable member of the Stealers Travelling Team from 1991-2007 winning two National Championships, along with several Ontario tournaments. Member of the 1995 and 2003 House League Champions. House League batting average of .426, backed up with home run power.

 

 

2011

Enzo Fazio (1987-2006)

 Being an original member of HOBO, his playing career spanned twenty seasons, and he played in 233 games. One of the best catchers to have ever played behind the plate. Member of the 1990, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 2001 House League Champions, and he played on the Travelling Teams. House League batting average of .357 with an on-base average of .601

 

 

2008

Wayne Jessop (1992-2004)

Was one of the quietest players in HOBO during his 13 seasons. Very swift afoot, he would seem to effortlessly glide under fly balls in centerfield, where he almost always played. His speed allowed him to score more than 65%of the times he was on base. As a respected and dedicated HOBO member, he never played fewer than 13 games in any season. He was elected to the HOBO Executive as the Special Events Coordinator for 2 seasons, before taking on the critical role of House League Convenor for five years, a job he did with efficiency and pride. He would often sit at the Executive Meetings, quietly listening to everyone's comments on an issue, and then he would make his contribution, always with the good of the players and the league being front and centre.  House League career batting average of .456

 

 

2007

Steve Connor (1992-2002)

Served on the HOBO Executive from 1994 to 2002, first as its most dedicated penny-watching Treasurer, and then later, as its most outspoken President, often engaging in battles with City Hall on the league's behalf. One of the best left-handed pitchers to ever play in HOBO, and he also played several other positions.  He was quick on his feet, both on the diamond and in verbal encounters.  Member of the 1994 and 2001 House League Champions, and played on the Travelling Teams whenever his beloved fishing trips enabled him to do so.  House League batting average of .418

 

 

2006

 

Cameron Lovelady (1988-2001)

Loved to play baseball.  A Stelco shift worker, he did not let shift-work interfere with baseball often using up vacation days one at a time so he could play as often as possible (203 games), including filling in on other teams when they were short players. Played in 24 games in 1993. Loved to hit lead-off (918 plate appearances, .328 batting average) and could usually be found playing second base. Always played to the full extent of his talent.  A member of the 1988, 1992 and 2001 House League Champions. Served on the HOBO Executive for 8 years as League Statistician. A couple of serious injuries forced him to miss 1 1/2 seasons but he always fought back and never complained.  He also fought off cancer before a second bout claimed his life in 2002.

 

 

2005 - Inaugural Class

Charles R. (Chuck) Beaudoin (1987-1999)

Co-founder of the HOBO League. Served as League President or Vice-President each year of his playing career. As Travel Team and Tournament Convenor, served on the Host Committee of the first Canadian National Oldtimers' Baseball Tournament in 1993, and also in 1996. A talented player capable of hitting long balls to right field and chasing fly balls down behind shortstop, where he played when not pitching.  Member of the 1987, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 House League Champions. Played on both travelling teams in Ontario and Canadian tournaments. Admired both by this teammates and his opponents for showing respect for, and earning respect from others for his talent and good sportsmanship.  House League career batting average of .495 in over 800 plate appearances.  Set league batting standards for runs scored (281), hits (315), walks (170), triples (22), RBI's (235) and strikeouts (10).

To Honour Chuck's memory and contributions to HOBO his Number 15 was retired.

 

Trevor A Madden (1987-2000)

Started more games on the mound than any other pitcher, consistently logging his three innings week after week.  His breaking pitch and outstanding curveball struck out many a frustrated batter.  Member of the 1987, 1989, 1994 and 1996 House League Champions. Played on both Travelling Teams in Ontario and Canadian tournaments.  Enjoyed the camaraderie and sharing his lover of the game with his fellow players. Respected for showing others the spirit and the way to play baseball for enjoyment.  Houseleague batting average of .324 with over 830 plate appearances.