LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSBy RON SMITHIt’s hard to believe it was 50 years ago that the Brockville team captured the Canadian Little League baseball championship and competed in the World Series.But, for those that enjoyed the whirlwind summer of 1971, the memories make it seem like only yesterday.The talented team of 11 and 12-year-olds strolled through the District playdowns, handily won the Ontario championship and then persevered for the Canadian crown to deservedly earn its spot at Williamsport, Pennsylvania.In a stretch of more than six weeks away from home, the Brockville team made history as the lone city representative to ever […]

LARRY ROBINSONBy Ron SmithIf it was a movie script that was offered to Hollywood directors, they probably wouldn’t believe it.But, it was certainly a Cinderella story when the St. Louis Blues went from last place in the National Hockey League in early January to hoisting the Stanley Cup in mid-June.And, for Larry Robinson, the most accomplished player to ever wear a Brockville Braves uniform, it marked an impressive milestone achievement.As a senior consultant/assistant coach for the Blues, this is the 10th time … six as a player with the Montreal Canadiens, three as a coach with the New Jersey Devils […]

Text contentPETER HOY ANNIVERSARYBy RON SMITHTime seems to be flying by. It’s been 30 years since Peter Hoy was in the major leagues.On April 4, 1992, the 25-year-old rookie relief pitcher appeared in the opening game of the season for the Boston Red Sox in Cleveland against the Indians in front of more than 65,000 fans. The sinkerball pitcher gave up a couple of hits and got himself out of trouble with a double play in his inning of work in what ended up being an 18-inning marathon game.“It’s hard to believe it was such a long time ago,” said […]

RAMONA BRAGANZABy RON SMITHRamona Braganza has experienced a great deal of fame and success in Canada and the United States.And, she credits what she learned in growing up in Brockville as providing the background and basics for making it all happen.After leaving Brockville at the tender age of 21, the 57-year-young Braganza has been an NFL cheerleader for 10 years, a fitness contestant, appeared on the cover of fitness magazines and shows and enjoyed appearances on television.She’s probably most famous now for making a strong career as a fitness trainer to some high-profile Hollywood actors and actresses while promoting her […]