Jack Graney Day in St. Thomas officially kicked off this morning with the formal dedication of the Hometown Heroes baseball sculptures at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Bill Martyn Parkway.
City councillor Steve Peters documented the back story of the sculptures to those gathered, including members of the Graney family.
The day celebrates Graney’s 14-year career on the diamond and 21 years off the field as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Cleveland Indians.
He was born in St. Thomas in 1886 and this past weekend Graney was posthumously awarded the Ford C. Frick Award presented annually by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for major contributions to baseball.
Peters attended the ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y.
At that ceremony, his granddaughter Perry Smith noted Graney described his career in this fashion.
“I always tried to give the fans an honest account. It was a tremendous responsibility. And at all times I kept in mind that I was the eyes of the radio audience. I just tried to do my best and I hope my best was good enough.”
A full schedule of events are planned for this evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Emslie Field.
6:30 p.m. – Evening event opens to the public as both the St. Thomas Cardinals and the Sarnia Brigade get warmed up (food trucks, games and activities, live music from the Heavyweights Brass Band, photo area, meet and greet with Paralympian James Dunn and more).
Location: Emslie Field – parking available off of Parkside Drive by the tennis courts and in Pinafore Park.
7:40 p.m. – Teams off the field into dugouts, dignitaries gather behind the stands at Emslie Field.
7:45 p.m. – Players and coaches from both teams to be introduced by the announcer and line up on the baselines.
Dignitaries piped in by the St. Thomas Police Pipes and Drums Band and then introduced by the announcer.
Performance of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems by local musician, Justin Maki.
Unveiling of the “Jack Graney Broadcast Booth.”
Ceremonial first pitches (simultaneous)
Players to take their positions and dignitaries leave the field.
“Play Ball” announcement by Perry (Mudd) Smith, granddaughter of Jack Graney
8:00 p.m. – Game between the U14 St. Thomas Cardinals and Sarnia Brigade.
(each batter will be announced and the Heayweight Brass Band will play music during inning transitions)
End of the 3rd inning – Heavyweight Brass Band to play “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” for our version of the seventh inning stretch
10:00 p.m. (following game) – Players exit the field and watch the first ever Drone Show in St. Thomas
Written by Ian McCallum
