Quebec’s Enduring Love Affair with baseball
While the Montreal Expos may be gone, the spirit of baseball thrives in Quebec. Thousands remain devoted to the sport, both on and off the field. The capitales de Québec, a dominant force in the frontier League, stand as a testament to this enduring passion, much like the Remparts and the Rouge et Or of Laval University represent pride in their respective fields.
Recently, the dedication of a local journalist was recognized on a national scale.benoît rioux, a writer for the Montreal journal and Quebec Journal, received the prestigious Bob Elliott Media Recognition Meritas Award from Baseball Canada for his extensive coverage of Quebec and Canadian baseball.
The honor came as a surprise to Rioux, who expressed his humility and gratitude.
this recognition highlights the legacy of Bob Elliott, a Kingston native who covered the Expos for the Ottawa Citizen from 1978 to 1986 before moving on to cover the Blue Jays for the Toronto Sun. Inducted into the Canadian Baseball hall of Fame in 2015, Elliott has consistently praised the Journal‘s sports section for setting the standard in montreal baseball coverage.
The passion for baseball in Quebec extends beyond the professional level. the province boasts a vibrant amateur scene, with talented players making their mark in the major leagues and contributing to the success of teams like the Capitales de québec.
The recent Women’s World Cup, along with the annual Montreal Expos fest, further demonstrate the widespread appeal of baseball in Quebec. These events, along with the dedicated reporting of journalists like Benoît Rioux, ensure that the love for the game continues to flourish in the province.
A Lifetime Dedicated to the Diamond: Benoît Receives Prestigious Baseball Award
Benoît, a passionate baseball enthusiast, has been honored with the esteemed Bob Elliott Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to Canadian baseball journalism.This accolade marks a significant milestone in his career, making him the first Quebecer to receive this prestigious award established in 2020.
previously, Benoît was recognized by Baseball Québec with the Jacques-Doucet prize in 2015, highlighting his enduring commitment to the sport.
“No event was to big or too small – if it was baseball, Benoît covered it – like a true fan,” remarked a colleague, emphasizing Benoît’s unwavering dedication.
Navigating the Challenges of Covering Baseball in Montreal
Despite the challenges of covering baseball in a city without a Major League Baseball team or even a Frontier League team, Benoît perseveres.
“It’s not always easy to write about baseball in Montreal in 2024,” he admits. ”The absence of professional baseball in the region presents a unique obstacle.”
Benoît’s love for baseball runs deep, originating in his childhood in Trois-Pistoles, Bas-St-Laurent. Growing up in a small village with limited players, he embraced various roles within the sport, transitioning from player to umpire and scorer in local leagues.rekindling the Passion: from Umpire to Player
After relocating to Montreal, Benoît reignited his passion for playing in his thirties. While his demanding career eventually led him to hang up his catcher’s gear, his love for the game never faded. Last summer, he seized the chance to fill in for an absent player in his competitive league, experiencing the thrill of the game once again.
Adding to his baseball adventures, Benoît recently enjoyed a memorable trip to Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York, home to the Baseball Hall of Fame.This pilgrimage allowed him to immerse himself in the history and legacy of the sport he cherishes.
Benoît’s unwavering dedication to baseball,both on and off the field,serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and fans alike. His well-deserved recognition with the Bob elliott Award solidifies his place as a prominent figure in Canadian baseball.
Good evening,baseball fans,and welcome to tonight’s discussion. As a seasoned moderator with a lifelong passion for the game, I’m delighted to dive into the fascinating topic of Quebec’s enduring love affair with baseball.
Our text highlights a truly inspiring story, the remarkable journey of Benoît Rioux, whose dedication to covering the sport in Quebec has been nationally recognized with the prestigious Bob Elliott Media Recognition Meritas Award.
this honour not onyl celebrates Rioux’s commitment but also shines a light on the vibrant tapestry of baseball woven throughout the province.
From the legendary Montreal Expos, despite their absence, to the powerhouse Capitale-Nationale de Québec dominating the Frontier League, the passion for the game burns luminous.
Just as the Remparts and the Rouge et Or of Laval University symbolize pride in their respective fields, the Capitale-Nationale embody the same unwavering spirit for baseball.
And let’s not forget the invaluable contributions of journalists like Benoît Rioux, who tirelessly chronicle these stories, keeping the flame of baseball alive and well in Quebec.
This rich history and passionate community are a testament to the enduring power of baseball in Quebec.
Tonight, I invite you to share your thoughts. What are your fondest memories of baseball in Quebec?
Let’s celebrate the legacy of the Expos, the thriving present of the Capitale-Nationale and the future of Quebec baseball, together.
