Chatham-Kent’s Intercounty Baseball League team is paying tribute to its ambassador.
Bill Atkinson played with the Montreal Expos from 1976 to 1979, and was honoured at the Barnstormers’ June 8th home game at Fergie Jenkins Field, including a ceremony to retire his number.
Atkinson was on hand to throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch and was joined by his family on the mound as a banner with his number 42 was unveiled in right field.
He says the honour was a total surprise, and very humbling.
“It’s a nice honour to be able to see a picture with your number on it and your name on the bottom and say hey, I’m respected.”
Atkinson signed with the Expos on his 17th birthday and threw 98 games at the major league level.
Atkinson says he knew he wanted to be a major league ball player from a young age, and has some advice for other young players – don’t give up on your dreams.
“If you’ve got the heart for it, go after it, go get it. It’s there to take, but you have to have the heart and the determination to go out and do it.”
Atkinson says he’s enjoying watching the Barnstormers play in his hometown, and looks forward to seeing the team come together.