MEMORIALS   

Legends live longer than those who create them...

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson

August 28th, 2021 - It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of Will Elliott on Saturday August 28th.  His sudden death was a shock to us all.  A longtime BVB member, player and MudHen in our League, we would like to pass message to those that knew (or knew of) him.

Will "Spaceman" Elliott was a consummate joker but, gentleman to any player or opponent.  A competitor for sure, who would snap a pointed response directed to you in one breath and then reach out his hand to shake yours in another. Always making light of situations, in a self-deprecating manner, Will kept his team-mates positive and made his company fun to be a part of.  He would go out of his way to ask someone how they or their family was; in reference to a past story you shared with him that you yourself long forgot.

He was an avid player of many sports with baseball being one he excelled at.  To look at him on the mound, one would not know his abilities until he craftily sneaked a breaking ball under your bat.  He would maximize his time on and off the field, with the latter typically impeding any possible warm-up prior to the game.  Tucking in his jersey and threading his belt on the way to the mound, "I'm ready coach!" from his lips would mean the first strike was coming down to the plate in about 10 more seconds.

The stories and fun everyone had as team-mates, opponents and friends will be missed but, not forgotten.  On behalf of the BVB League and his MudHens team-mates, our condolences to the Cathy and the Elliott family.

"We will miss you and think of you always, we will see you in the next game" 

"It's hard to beat the person that Never Gives Up!"- Babe Ruth

August 31st, 2017 - Story to follow......

 Please read the following posting as well......[InsideHalton.com]... "Burlington's Casey Cosgrove had an uncanny ability to connect with people"

"Baseball is the most perfect of games, solid, true, pure and precious as diamonds. If only life were so simple." - WP Kinsella

August 10th, 2017 - Rob Hall story to follow......

Never forgotten...just a seventh inning stretch...

December 30th, 2011 - It is said that there is a time and a place for everything; I would challenge that when it comes to finality. Over the holidays we were notified that our dear friend Terry Wilkinson had passed away. Wilkie as he was known to one and all was a large part of the Baseball scene in Burlington. He was a player and builder and understood the requirement to build so you could play. Spending hundreds of hours in baseball boardrooms was a cherished sanctity for Terry. Spending hundreds of hours on the field and with teammates was the generous reward in return. Terry created the league slogan "Quality baseball for players 30 and over" that is marked on all B.V.B material. As a ball player Terry was happy to make his way to first base. He was not a Bomber and he left the sizzle up to others. He swung as a lefty and would make a career out of line shots over the shortstop.

He made his way to Cooperstown, playing on Doubleday field the birthplace of baseball, The Rogers Center (home of the MLB Blue jays) and ball parks across Canada and the U.S. as he played and managed B.V.B (Burlington Vintage Baseball) teams. This past summer 2011, "Wilkie" was the chairman and led a team of volunteers in hosting the Canadian National Vintage baseball Championships (35 over)in Burlington.

Our condolences go out to his wife Suzanne, sons Matthew, and Michael and his extended family and friends.

In late September Terry lined up with a group from B.V.B and participated in the last tournament of the year (Oakville Fall Classic). He not only made his way to first with a couple of hits but he also recorded the last out of the season ....you probably guessed it...as a first basemen.

"Wilkie we will miss you and think of you always, Rest in peace"

Jim Hambrook

BVB President (2000-2012)

One of our own has been called up to the big game...

June 30th, 2007 - One of our founding players of BVB, Miles Fleming, #13 on the Hobos, has passed away at the young age of 49. A comrade and player in the league to many BVB teams and fans; his presence will be greatly missed. Miles lost the battle to stay with us. “The baseball Gods called him up for a bigger game”, stated one BVB member. How true it must be for we were not ready to lose a friend so quickly but, now we must honor the time we had with him.

Miles “Miley” Fleming, had been involved in Burlington baseball for most of his life, making as many friends as he did plays along the way. His character on and off the field was as strong as anyone could expect. For those that knew him, he always went out of his way to greet you with a firm handshake or "knuckle touch" that followed shortly with a gruff voiced greeting to make sure your presence was acknowledged. To a stranger, his gruff voice and "say what you think" personality would not have you immediately focus in on his true self. But once you spent time with him, you would quickly understand that he had nothing to hide and that is rare quality these days.

He was admired and loved by his tight knit Hobos team the most. A founding member of the squad, all players and members looked forward to getting "Miley's view" on a post game review or during a discussion of world events. His foundation was strong with the Hobos, with every member knowing that the rough exterior was only added character to the man that he truly was. It will definitely be a difficult time for that brotherhood to lose one of their own.

Some words for thought....once heard as a phrase that goes something like "Now and Forever are the words to remember someone. Remember them now as to what they brought forward to you in this world and forever honor those memories to make sure they are not forgotten when you relate to others."

It occurs to me as I am sitting here writing this story thinking of Miley, he's probably somewhere getting an earful from Pauley (Paul DePodesta #49 Hobos – passed 2005) about his recent plays on the field, and no doubt working his way up to a sharp response once he collects his thoughts. Good luck in the Big Show Miley! You will be greatly missed by all BVB players and friends alike. Show the old brotherhood how it is done and save us a spot on the bench, will yah kid!

BVB loses a friend...

May 17, 2005 - It is with great sadness that we announced the passing of our dear friend and teammate Paul Depodesta. ‘Pauley’ or ‘D’ as he was fondly referred to by his teammates was a fighter to the end, playing his last round of golf a mere 6 weeks before he moved on. Paul played a combined 20 years in both the Lakeshore League and the BVB. Paul had some of his brightest moments during his BVB days, competing in 2 National Championships and numerous All-Star games. His personal highlight was starting over 125 straight games for his team the HOBOS. Paul leaves behind his wife Cindy, sons Shane, Nathan and Dylan as well as other family & friends. Pauley we will miss you and think of you always, especially on game nights.

"Save us all a spot in the lineup Kid"… Until we meet again...