BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Humid, muggy weather and drenching downpours couldn't dampen
the spirits of those participating in the seventh annual Rick
McDonald Memorial Fastball Tournament this past weekend.
On July 28, 1999, while deploying a spike belt, Sgt. Richard
McDonald was fatally injured when a stolen vehicle, which was
fleeing police, struck him. A passenger in the suspect vehicle
was also killed and two other youths were subsequently
charged.  McDonald, 37, was a 12-year veteran of the
police force.
The tournament took place on the fields of Azilda and
Chelmsford and featured 22 fastball teams and 10 slo-pitch
clubs. The championship final for the fastball division pitted
the Garson Hounds versus the defending champions, Sagamok River
Dawgs. The game never ended up being contested as heavy rain
forced both teams out of action. The two squads were declared
co-winners of this year's tournament.
Top hitter for the tournament was the Hounds' Todd Parsons,
who went eight-for-14 with one home run and 10 runs batted in
for a .571 batting average.
In the slo-pitch division, the Greater Sudbury Regional
police team took the crown with MVP honours being awarded to
Jacques Seguin and Natalie Giomi.
Dan McDonald, Rick's younger brother and organizer of the
event, is always left in awe about the amount of support the
tournament receives each year.
"The tournament gets stronger every year," said Dan. "We had
to leave some teams out this year. This is a great legacy for
Rick, and he would definitely be smiling with all the people
out here this weekend."
Rick was much more than a brother to Dan.
"He was a father figure to me," said Dan. "He was seven
years older than me. When I was 16, I moved in with him...and
he took care of me. He meant a lot to me and it was a big loss
to me.
"Teams always say it's the best weekend of their summer and
can't wait to come back the following year. That amazes me. We
have teams as far away as Thunder Bay."
Proceeds from the event are used to maintain the Rick McDonald
fields in Azilda. Last year, some proceeds bought new uniforms
for the Rayside Balfour little league all-star team.
Part of the proceeds from this year's tournament will also
go towards the purchase of 25 to 30 new bikes for needy
children. This gesture is in honour of Rick who used to
purchase bikes, with money out of his own pocket, to give to
kids that had their bikes stolen.
Garson Hounds player Tim Thibault played ball against Rick
for 15 years. He remembers him as an outstanding pitcher who
played his heart out every game.
"Rick was a fierce competitor," said Thibault. "He loved to win and always came to play. What really stood out about him was his ability to never stop and quit, even if your team was down by five runs...He would be the one patting people on the backs and saying 'let's go'. Our team always has this weekend circled on the calendars. We always look forward to competing in this tournament in Rick's name. I know Rick would be looking down on this tournament with a big smile on his face."
Hounds player Rob Edwards has played in all seven tournaments.
He was close to Rick and loves to see hundreds of people out to
celebrate Rick's life year after year.
"Rick was a personal friend and a heck of an athlete," said Edwards. "This tournament gets more support each year.
This is a fitting way to honour his memory. It's special to
see so many people out sharing stories...Tears are shed and
people get emotional, but it's a great time."
Rick's athletic drive still remains a stark memory to many.
"When he was on the field...he played for keeps," said
Edwards. "He was intense and a super guy."
Even though it's been seven years since his tragic death,
Rick's spirit is still very much alive.
"He was such a great guy and guaranteed he's missed dearly," said Terry Jacques, who played ball with Rick for 10 years. "He meant so much to us and that's why we have this tournament. Rick would be happy to see us continue with this tournament and help other people."
