“Greg Cranker has a very large family. Most of its members are not relatives.

Cranker, 66 and widely known as “Cranks,” is the long-time coach, administrator, groundskeeper and “father figure” of the Erindale Cardinals community in Mississauga, Ont.

He can appear to be gruff and straightforward at times, quiet and reserved, comfortable in the background at other times and fun-loving and respectful of baseball and ball players all the time. But it is his actions, more than his words, that create a positive example for his players to follow on the field and off.”