By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—Now 80 years old, Jim Lawrence may not be as spry as he was when he played local league baseball in Caledonia as a teen, but he continues to love the game just as much as always. His hometown honoured him on June 11, 2019 by naming the baseball field at Henning Park in recognition of his success in the sport.
Growing up, Lawrence took every chance he could to play catch or practice his batting skills, having found a love for the sport from seeing his dad and older brother play. He joined his first local team at age 13, cementing his love of the game and playing in various positions as needed. In 1954 Lawrence joined his older brother and some other boys who were heading to Tillsonburg for a tryout camp for the Cleveland Indians; only 15 at the time, Lawrence was only going to watch. When no one tried out for catcher however, he stepped up to cover that position. He took his chance at bat as well and ended up being the only boy of the group who was asked to stay.
Lawrence was required to have four years of high school before he could officially sign with the team, but he spent summers in Cleveland being coached and one season with the Hamilton Junior Cardinals. After he graduated, he finally signed with the team, which included a $175 salary each month and a $4,000 signing bonus, which he would only get in full if he made the actual team. In the meantime, he would be playing for various minor league teams throughout the United States to hone his skills as a backup catcher.
In 1963, now 24, Lawrence got the chance to start and really prove his worth. On May 27 he got the call he’d been waiting for all his life after the Cleveland Indians needed a temporary replacement for their catcher who had been injured. Lawrence played May 30 against the Chicago White Sox and June 1 against his favourite team, the New York Yankees. Lawrence will never forget having to the chance to catch behind his childhood hero, Mickey Mantle. Unfortunately, Lawrence’s shoulder was already injured from his years in the sport and that was the end of his major league career. He spent some time as a player-coach and eventually settled back in Caledonia to raise a family. He opened Lawrence’s Sporting Goods in 1975 with his wife, Dorothy. While no longer run by the family, the store is still open today under the name Off The Bench Sports Excellence.
Lawrence threw out the first pitch on June 11 and was presented with a Chicago White Sox jersey. John Uildersma presented Lawrence with a plaque that was attached to the dugout of one of the diamonds. Uildersma said, “Jim has been a cornerstone to youth in sports for 40 years through his sporting goods store, sponsoring local sports teams.”
“I want to say how much I appreciate having my family here,” said Lawrence. “I know my wife Dorothy would have cherished this, and I know my family will cherish this name on the field for years to come. Hopefully my grandson can one day play on a diamond named after his grandfather.”
Caledonia Minor Hardball Association funded and saw through a major overhaul over the last five years at Henning Park. This year’s season is fully booked on all six diamonds.
With files from Jillian Zynomirski.
