Cards' Game:

A return to roots while helping others to fly...

Manager Matt Fortuna (left) is helped into the Cardinals' new jersey 

by team owner Drew Brady (right) at the team's news conference Feb. 1, 2012. 

Photo courtesy Jason Nason.

Hamilton, ON - March, 2012 – The sports community in Hamilton is vast and varied. With a strong history of football and hockey, many would be surprised to learn that the city’s second oldest sports franchise is a baseball team. From May to August, the Hamilton Cardinals tour Ontario as members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL).

            During the Cardinals’ fifty-four year history, there has been a playing hiatus, and ownership and name changes. The most recent name switch came Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, as team owner Drew Brady announced the team’s return to its roots as the Cardinals. “The entire Hamilton Rep Program are [sic] called the Cardinals. I felt that it was time to align ourselves with the rest of the city,” says Brady. “The timing was right to become `one’ with the rest of the programs and create a seamless transition from Tyke to Senior IBL baseball.” Gone is the Thunderbird blue the team wore since 2005. When the home season opens on May 13 this year, fans will see Hamilton’s IBL team dotting the field in red once more.

           Something that has stayed during Brady’s time in the owner’s seat is the team’s dedication to the community. The team works with charitable organizations in Hamilton and gives them a chance to enjoy the city’s highest level of baseball.

“Our players are also active in the local schools working with a `Stay in School Program’ to help kids make good choices about their education and athletic choices,” tells Brady of how the team further supports the city they represent.

“The Hamilton Cardinals also play a role in the development of baseball starting at the grass roots,” continues Brady, “and now offering a senior level of baseball for these athletes to aspire to!” It’s a sentiment shared by second-year manager Matt Fortuna.

First joining the Cardinals shortly before turning 18, Fortuna is well aware of the role the team plays in Hamilton’s baseball community. Playing with the Cardinals’ junior team as a catcher, he got his first taste of the IBL as an in-season call-up during the 1996 season. When asked about the club’s place in the Hamilton baseball world, Fortuna replies “… we represent an opportunity and an end. Kids who play baseball can aspire to be a part of our organization.” He hopes those aspirations “will inspire kids to keep playing and learning about a sport that, when played at a high level, is strategic and beautiful.”

After stints with four IBL teams in total, Fortuna returned to Hamilton to finish his playing career and transition to the manager’s office for the 2011 season. Citing four main reasons for the switch, Fortuna believes his experience as a catcher and his desire to learn played important stepping stones. “As I got older, I was able to pass (on the nuances of the game) to other players and my strength became my mind rather than my ability. When I was no longer able to play at a level at which I felt comfortable, I transitioned into managing,” explains Fortuna.  “I felt I could make a positive contribution to the team and the broader baseball community in Hamilton.”

Entering Bernie Arbour Stadium (a hidden gem at the corner of Upper Kenilworth and Mohawk Road), it’s easy to see people enjoying being part of the team. From pre-game meetings on the concourse, the volunteers, to Brady greeting fans with his trusty dog by his side; everyone is committed to the club’s success. “I decided to become a team owner when the current ownership at the time was failing, and I felt that the club would not survive unless somebody stepped up to purchase it ,” says Brady. “I love baseball, and did not want the city of Hamilton to lose their IBL franchise!”

            Still the team faces the same yearly challenge - consistent support from the community it’s proud to be a part of.  Brady points to the need of “the city, local businesses and investors, and the average fan `at large’ to embrace the ball team, support the team by attending games, and also supporting the various causes that the ball club engages in.”

            As Opening Day at Bernie Arbour looms, the Cardinals get ready for the new season. Another year of baseball to pay tribute to their past, work towards their future and to continue helping players and the Hamilton community develop and grow.