Robertson’s Midgets brought the community of Antigonish into national sporting prominence in August, 1984, with their supremacy at the 11-team Canadian Midget Softball Championships held on the Canada Games Diamond in Halifax. Eighteen teenagers, under the guidance of the successful coaching duo of Ron “Miller” MacDonald and the late Hughie Smith, a winning combination for many years, doubled Quebec 4-2 in the gold medal game. Trailing 1-0 in the fourth frame, Robertson’s rallied for four runs in their half of the inning. The crucial hit, a bases-loaded double, came off the bat of established hitter Lorin MacKay. At the time MacKay suggested “that was the biggest hit I’ll ever get.”

Dave MacDonald, the tournament’s top pitcher, earned the win and was 5-0 in tournament competition. MacDonald was MVP of the playoffs with battery mate Kevin Burke meriting a berth on the all-star team. The title was the culmination of many years of teamwork and friendship by two volunteer coaches and the dedication of their young and talented charges. Together the group displayed the skill and chemistry to accomplish the remarkable feat. The majority of team members had hit the diamonds together since their inaugural playing days and in the process had captured numerous provincial and Eastern Canadian titles. At the national tournament, the Nova Scotians boasted a 6-1 record, also securing wins over PEI (2-0), BC (5-2), Alberta (4-2) and Quebec (3-0) in preliminary round play. Newfoundland fell 4-0 to Robertson’s in playoff action thus sending the Antigonishers to the gold medal game.

Their only loss came at the hands of Ontario reps from St. Catharines. Smith, who coached at the midget level for five seasons, was full of praise for all team members. “They came through with the big plays when they had to,” he offered. “There were some lean years, when we came close to representing the province, but fell short. This, however, will quickly wipe out all the other memories. I just can’t say enough about the boys.” MacDonald felt the key components to Robertson’s success were pitching and defense. The veteran coach noted the team played with poise throughout the event, and appeared pro-like with some of the outstanding plays that were displayed. “They performed well under pressure, and there was certainly a lot of that,” MacDonald emphasized. “We had some big double plays, but the biggest thing was execution. They just did things so darn well.” Local softball fans, who followed Robertson’s on Antigonish diamonds throughout the course of the season, journeyed to Halifax through the week to support their boys of summer. They witnessed the first national softball crown won by a local team-the culmination of both the coaches’ and players’ dream. 

The Canadian championship team was comprised of: Robert Bekkers, Mike Broussard, Blaine Burke, Kevin Burke, Tom Chisholm, John Fraser, Doug Grant, Kent den Heyer, David MacDonald, Donald R. MacDonald (manager), Gerald MacDonald, Paul MacDonald, Ron MacDonald (Coach), Ian MacIsaac, Lorin MacKay, Ken MacNeil, Kevin MacQuarrie, Graham Morash, Paul Richardson, John Robertson (Sponsor), Stuart Robertson (Sponsor), Jerry Smith, Hugh Smith (Coach).

Bio courtesy of by Gail MacDougall