We are the Legionaires, a name that carries a weight of history and unity, connecting us with the past, present, and future.

We play in Kinsmen Civic Memorial Stadium, a place steeped in its own history and stories, with a plaque of honour and dedication to the men and women who fell in WWII. This is our heritage, our pride, and our shared commitment.  

What does Military Appreciation Week mean to Baseball Oshawa? 

Everything

Having our players honour our troops from the past and present reminds them of why they get to play this game.  It puts a face and a uniform of the real person, right next to them in the dugout, who keeps their freedoms intact.  I hope it teaches them that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back. 

Eighty years after the Canadian troops liberated Normandy, only a few remain. Unfortunately, that number will keep diminishing.

But through our observance of MAW, we keep their memory alive in our hearts. We show our appreciation for all the sacrifices they made so that we could step in between those beautiful white lines and do what we love to do. It's our duty, as Baseball Oshawa, to remember and honour them.

Jayson DesLauriers, 16U Elite Legionaires coach, has been the driving force behind Military Appreciation Week for more than 10 years.