The whole gang attends the nationals at Moncton, N.B. From left, Jim McGarry, Ayla Sprott, Tristan McGarry Doyle, Sheelah McGarry, Megan McGarry, Claire Wilson, Noel McGarry Doyle, Kirk Wilson, Monica McGarry, Steve Doyle, Aileen Sprott, Brock Wilson, Zara Sprott, Caelan Wilson and Mackenzie McGarry Arnesen.

January 15, 2024

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Now we move on to Part III of the Canadian Baseball Network loyal subscriber series.

Of course, we are looking for the individual subscribers -- not underappreciating the likes of busy academies/schools/teams like the Okotoks Dawgs, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and the Terriers.

Elliott, Subscriber Series Part I, Joanne Brunner

Elliott, Subscriber Series, Part II: Noah Anderson

Name: Monica and Noel Sr. (aka Steve) McGarry Doyle

Hometown: Maple, ON

When did your love of baseball begin? “In the 1980’s for Monica as a kid playing grow up playing ball through high school. In his early 20s for Steve. When arriving to Canada from Jamaica. Riding his bike in downtown Toronto and stumbling across this sport he’d never seen. He had only played cricket and tennis. When invited to play, he adjusted his swing and fell in love. He has been playing slo-pitch ever since. This became a serious relationship when Monica invited Steve to play on her work slo-pitch team. Our children’s home-away-from-home was at a baseball diamond.”

What is your association with baseball? “Father and mother of Noel McGarry Doyle and fans.”

What is your most memorable moment with your favourite player? “Our favourite player is Noel McGarry Doyle (Toronto Met; Junior National Team player; Ontario Youth Team champ; T12 team champ; Intercounty - Barrie Baycats; and currently playing for Mid-America Christian University Evangels in Oklahoma). So hard to choose one most memorable out of so many incredible moments.

“Early moments we shared as parents stemmed from attending a Honda camp at the Rogers Centre. This is where we discovered the impact other people can have to validate and motivate young baseball players towards their goals and dreams. Candy Maldonado came up to us and told us that Noel is a piece of gold and said, “God Bless him.” Devon White coming to one of Noel’s ‘little league’ games when he played with Vaughan Vikings. Also during this time, you Mr. Elliott, stepping into the elevator with us, Noel and his brother Tristan at the Rogers Centre. You guessed, correctly that our sons are 18 months apart. All these moments help to inspire and drive Noel’s passion towards baseball.”

What do you like most about the Canadian Baseball Network site? “We, including Noel, like to stay up to speed with baseball in Canada and as it relates to around the world. We enjoy reading articles about, not only Noel, but his teammates and their achievements over the years. This information helps to assist in Noel’s continued aspirations of playing professionally.”

What is your favourite regular feature on the Canadian Baseball Network site? “Not a cop-out answer, just the truth - all of the above!”

How did you initially hear about the Canadian Baseball Network?” We believe it’s been over five years ago. Not exactly sure, but likely Toronto Mets or T12.”