June 25, 2022

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Andy Lawrence called him Mister.

Greg Cranker called him Mister.

So many Erindale Cardinals would say “Hello Mr. Cabot,” a newcomer would think that his first name was Mister ... not Ron.

Lawrence is a quiet man of great strength -- both with a bat in his hands or his inner strength -- who played four years in the New York Mets system and four more in the Montreal Expos organization, before going on to scout for the Mets and sandlot coaching.

Cranker is most comfortable watering the field, lining the diamond, coaching three Erindale teams who play their home games at Greg Cranker Field on 9th Line in Mississauga. When Cranker tells a baseball story, it could involve five people -- all nicknames, some I know, who they belong to, some I have zero idea -- and then the story screeches to a halt.

It’s like reading a book and finding two words written in bold, 48-point print rather than the normal book sized.

“And so Low Man, Spoiler, Alonzo and Sper are there ... then Mr. CABOT says ...”

As the cool kids say ... “respect.”

Mr. CABOT ... that is how much Cranker admired his former coach, the former Blue Jays scout, the former teacher and former mentor Mr. CABOT. When I first heard him say “Mr. CABOT,” back in the 1980s, I had to ask someone else what his first name was.

One of the most enjoyable afternoons I ever experienced a few years ago was when Cranker, Lawrence, Mr. CABOT and I went to a Buffalo Bisons afternoon game. It was a relaxing drive over. We ate in the second-floor restaurant and then moved into the seats. Then, we had a traffic-free drive home. It took me until about the second inning in the seats to comprehend how much I was learning.

When I returned from 16 days in Foothills Hospital in Calgary, one of the first visitors to check in were Cranker and Mr. CABOT.

Cabot was referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world” by COBA Major regulars at 9th Line as he continued to catch bullpens with his round mitt -- two hands son -- before retiring at age 80. Year after year, Cabot was named the MVP of the annual alumni game and that’s one of the million reasons you can see his name hanging from the centre field fence ... on the Cardinals own Level of Excellence.

Lawrence went down the road the farther than anyone else ... eight years as a minor-league pro: class-A Kingsport, class-A Columbia, class-A Little Falls, class-A Lynchburg and double-A Jackson with the Mets, then class-A West Palm Beach and double-A Jacksonville in Expos system, alongside future Hall of Famer Larry Walker.

Lefty Russ Brahms pitched at class-A Geneva, class-A Quad Cities and class-A Salinas in the Chicago Cubs system, before spending time with class-A Clinton, class-A Fresno and double-A Shreveport in four years.

Lawrence and Brahms went the farthest, but Cranker was Cabot’s most reliable.

We could go on ... yet we think at times like this it is best for the principal characters, who knew Ron Cabot best to tell the stories and memories about the man...

* * *

“Very sad news, he will be missed. Ron Cabot, a former Toronto Blue Jays scout, was a good friend and mentor. We can all relate and remember our very long talks on baseball and long lasting memories.

“I first met Ron at Huron Park in Erindale watching the Mississauga Sabres. I lived above Huron Park and would go to the ballpark to see the Sabres play and work out. One day Ron said ‘Hey kid come and field some ground balls.’

“Greg and the gang played for Ron. It was our “Field of Dreams. Ron was a great coach for the Mississauga Sabres and Erindale junior teams.

“I remember Greg and Ron at 9th Line Park, the clubhouse to so many players. Ron was a true players’ coach, we learned so much and from many great players copied on this email string. Ron was also my coach with the Seneca College Braves (Sponsored by the Toronto Blue Jays). We played in the NJCAA league in the USA.

“Ron and the Blue Jays asked me to play for the Brantford Red Sox in the Intercounty League. That’s how I was selected to play for Ontario in the Canada Games and signed with the Mets from that tournament.

“Ron had indoor/outdoor workouts at Lorne Park, hitting fungos. We accidentally threw balls through window doors, fielded and learned ‘the hop’ such technical training, the old timers ball, understanding Canadian baseball history, legendary players, glove repair, shining your shoes, working hard, etc.

“Ron introduced us to the Toronto Blue Jays and pro ball, Exhibition Stadium, SkyDome. Ron had Erindale players at the All-Star game for on field training.

“Ron trained so many players from Mississauga and surrounding areas to play in the USA and beyond. Many have taken the baton and are now great coaches to our youth.

“Going to Jamaica with Ron and Mets coaches to train youth in that country, 500 kids coming over a the hill to the park. Ron eating some jerk pork ... he almost didn’t make it back home.

“After pro ball, I coached with Ron for a select players from Ontario and we played in the USA. Sean Travers and many of the now elite coaches were on that team. We went 11-1 against the USA New York State Junior Colleges and working out at Huron Park.

“Marilyn was the family glue.

“Ron was a pro coach, scout, friend, mentor and ball player.

“We lost a great baseball man and mentor. Our hearts are broken.

“R.I.P. Mr. Cabot.”

_ Andy Lawrence

Former New York Mets farmhand (four seasons) and Montreal Expo minor leaguer (four years), Mets scout and Mississauga North Tigers coach.

* * *

Mr. Cabot passed away June 15 at the age of 91. Deepest sympathies are extended to his wife of 64 years, Marilyn and children: Pamela (Peter), Jeffrey (Inge) and Bruce (Brenda).

As well the seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Matthew, Melissa, William, Brandon, Finley, and Walter; relatives and friends. Born in St. Thomas, Ont., Ron later moved to Mimico and settled in Clarkson with Marilyn, where he became an active member of St. Bride’s Anglican Church and the sandlot community.

A Celebration of Life was held June 23 at St. Bride’s Anglican Church in Mississauga. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choosing.

Ron Cabot, circa 1952

* * *

“When we began to put our organization together in 1976, our head Canadian scout Bobby Prentice looked for the best baseball men he knew in the province. And one of first names he told me about was Ron Cabot. Ron helped the home-town, team gain a presence in the community. Ron quickly became one of the nicest people in our organization and one of the most respected.”

_ Pat Gillick

Former Blue Jays General Manager

Current Philadelphia Phillies executive/minority owner

* * *

“For me, there are far too many memories. A few years ago, he gave me the pitching manuals from the Cleveland Indians and two other teams. These weren’t the actual manuals, they were three-ring binders he had hand copied from the originals. He had hand drawn all the little diagrams. Amazing.

“He loved gong to Greg Cranker Field to watch the Cardinals. We spent so many hours down the right field line (I called it the season’s ticket holders box, between the clubhouse and the fence). We would go to Milton and Clarkson to watch. He was soooo funny. He’d say Brad ‘hitters can’t generate a good fart using a leg lift, I don’t know why they use it.’

“Too many memories. Even though his passing is very sad, I get a smile thinking of all the time we spent together amd all the fun we had. When my ex’s son Kevin played ball at Andy Lawrence’s dome (near the airport), he caught. Kevin used a catcher’s mitt from Mr. C. At the time Mr. C was on the advisory board for Cooper’s and it was a prototype Cooper catching mitt. I taught Kevin pitch sequencing. Everything I learned about pitching and catching was from Mr. C.

“I remember a game Kevin was catching. He called three straight breaking balls and the hitter walked to the bench with the bat on his shoulder. After, I said ‘Ron Cabot 101.’ He didn’t swing at the first two, so he didn’t time them. On the third pitch, he was expecting a fast ball.

“Mr. C and I broached the subject of catchers catching on one knee. Long story short he said something like “Any catcher who catches like that needs a brain. Same for any coach who teaches it.”

“He is sorely missed and the season ticket holder’s box is not the same without him.

Brad Foster

Former Erindale Cardinal, with 10 or more years experience

* * *

“This is heart-breaking news. Mr. Cabot was a one of a kind gem. Such a class guy.

“All of us can remember the many times he shared his stories, advice on the game and a few laughs with the guys.

“Nobody had a love of baseball and people who played it like him. Playing hard at alumni games, working out in the bullpen, legging out every hit and making every play the right way - even well into his twilight years when others had long hung up their cleats. He didn’t just teach the fundamentals of the game, he was instructing us on the fundamentals of life.”

Greg Zaritzky

Former Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“My time was short with the Cards, but my respect for all who participated was limitless. I’m particularly fond of the summer nights spent in the bullpen, with Mr. Cabot close by.

“Rest well you legend.”

_ Alex Schmitz

Former Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“I always thought it was cool was when you’d see him in the outfield hitting himself pop-ups with his fungo, then grabbing his catcher’s mitt off the small belt hook he’d fashioned for himself to catch it!

“The man sure loved his baseball.

“Rest in peace Mr. Cabot”

Chris (Will) Dubnyk

Former Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“Sad news. Great man, great person, amazing baseball mind and teacher!

“RIP Mr. Cabot.”

Al Gorrill

Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“So sorry to hear, but so many great memories!

“May Mr. Ron Cabot rest in peace.

“What a great man which we all learned so much from.

“Him hitting fungos to himself is a classic ... I am sure none of us knew that drill existed until Mr. Cabot came along.

“I remember that Mr. Cabot did not need a ball diamond to practice. Since normal diamonds with a backstop were in great demand, he would find an open field, set up the bases including his home plate that he brought along and away we would go.

“Specifically, since it was local, the hydro fields in Lorne Park behind the school and through the forest was a popular practice area for the Mississauga Sabres in the 1970s.”

Ed (Sper) Howell

Former Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“Very sad to hear! In terms of stories, I imagine mine isn’t much different than most. Just total amazement at what he did and what he knew. Back when I was younger, I threw pretty hard (mid-80’s). I remember when I first saw him at the park, I couldn’t make sense of who this ‘old guy’ was.

“I’m getting loose, and the next thing I know, he’s putting on all his old catcher’s gear (it was, however, in perfect condition). This guy was going to be catching the pen. I’m dubious, to say the least.

“I’m hesitant to throw anything too hard, until he calls me out; ‘Come on, throw the ball!’ So I let it rip. Bounced it about a foot in front of the plate. In my head I’m thinking, ‘I’ve killed this man.’ But he dropped to his knees with a casual complacency and blocked it. He grabbed the ball, threw it back and was down in the crouch before I was even back on the mound.

“Next pitch I threw about mask-high over his left shoulder. It seemed he didn’t react until the ball was past him. I figured he just missed it and kept going. I eventually started spotting my pitches, but every time it got up over his left shoulder, it would go past him. I asked someone about this later and they told me he only had about 60% vision in his left eye.

“I was continually dumbfounded at how ingrained the game was in this man. After that, whenever he spoke, with almost militant respect, I (and all the other pitchers on the team) listened and took in everything he had to offer. Not sure how old he was when this happened, but it was when I first started with the Cards, so it had to be around 20-25 years ago

“He was a true legend.

“Not sure if this is of any use, but to be honest, I enjoyed telling the stories. Reliving it in my head put a smile on my face - so thanks for that.”

Steve (Bull) Gallant

Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“Very sad news, he will be missed. I remember throwing a bullpen with him, he was probably around 75 years of age and I threw one of my usual 55-foot curve balls. It bounces off the dirt hitting him in the ear and there was blood everywhere. I run off the mound to see if he is OK. He waives his hand and says ‘My fault Danny, I shouldn’t have turned my head.’

“He cleaned up the blood, put his mask back on and started catching again.”

Dan Gardiner

Ex-Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“Sad news indeed. He was a great, great man. And I remember that moment Spoil’s! Classic! Even when he stopped catching pen’s for us, it was nice to see him down there by the bullpen on a Monday night at the Ninth.

“He always had some little tidbit of coaching for you. I’ll miss most him telling stories of ‘how it was in his day and how today everyone was a bunch of (weaklings).’ And stories of whatever relic he pulled out of his bag to show off, no matter what it was, it was always freshly saddle soaped.

“Rest In Peace Mr. Cabot.”

Ian Bala

Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“This is heart-breaking news. Mr. Cabot was a one of a kind gem. Such a class guy. All of us can remember the many times he shared his stories, advice on the game and a few laughs with the guys.

“Nobody had a love of baseball and people like him. Playing hard at alumni games, working out in the bullpen, legging out every hit and making every play the right way - even well into his twilight years when others had long hung up their cleats. He didn’t just teach the fundamentals he was instructing us on the fundamentals of life.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Gregory Zaritzky

Erindale Cardinals

* * *

“Sorry for your loss Cranks. I always loved talking shop with Mr Cabot.

“I have never met anyone who loved the game more than him.”

Jason Woodford

Erindale Cardinals

* * *

“Thanks for writing that piece on Mr. Cabot. I was only around him for a couple years but what an amazing person and baseball mind!!

”I love remembering all these amazing times. I was blessed to have been around some pretty awesome people.

”I’m coaching my little guy Michael. I try and tell the boys, how special the game is and the people you meet will stay with you forever. You may lose touch but baseball will always bond you for life!

Fraser Vernon

Former Erindale Cardinal

* * *

“Ron Cabot was a legend . I loved him. He taught me a ton about life.

“The first person I wanted to call was my dad, it sucks that I could not.”

Kevin Morris

Former Erindale Cardinal

* * *

Very nice article and short accounts from the guys … he will be missed.

Dan Mullin

Erindale Cardinals

* * *

Very nice article on Mr Cabot.  Sorry to hear about his passing.

He was certainly a legend in the early 80s when I played Intercounty.

Scott Mann (in picture with Andy Lawrence and Larry Walker) played with Greg Cranker and myself on 1982 Cambridge Terrrier team.

Ed Howell {Sper) played with Cranker and myself on 1983 Terrier IBL Champs team.

Peter Rywak

Ottawa, Ont.

* * *

Great article about Ron Cabot and all those guys mentioned, most of whom were a part of my journey too.

I must though, relay one memory that stood out to me upon meeting Ron, the teammate. In 1995, apart from coaching Jake in T-ball after hanging them up from Intercounty ball, I was recruited to play Oldtimers ball by Richie Knight of the Oakville A's. I was 38 and Ron was 64 I believe. In my first oldtimers experience, I was in left field and Ron was at second base.

With an opponent runner on first, the batter hits a sharp two-hop "single" to me in left. Ordinarily, at the pace of oldtimers ball, I would lob it into the infield ... but I noticed Ron make himself available with his foot on the bag stretching out like a first baseman inviting me to fire the ball at him to beat the runner...which occured. I don't think anyone else would have had the wherewithal to propose such an instinctive possibility as Ron did.

Of course, he was aware that, in spite feeling old and slow in the Intercounty league, I was young and fast in this new league I had found.

I love guys like Ron, who pray at the altar of baseball. He left it all on the field.

Thanks again for a wonderful glimpse at his life.

Jim Eliopoulos

Ron Cabot’s former teammate

* * *

“Ron Cabot taught me a lot about catching the few times I worked out with him in the 1970s. One day he had me take infield with the Toronto Blue Jays before a game. Here I am throwing to the bases probably in front of 20,000 at Exhibition Stadium. I made just this horrible throw to third base. I’m throwing it as hard as I possibly can ... and it’s in the dirt ... Roy Howell picks it out of the dirt, like nothing and throws to second. Ron said I did well.”

Bill Byckowski

Three-time Canadian champion coach

(Brampton bantams 1992, Georgetown peewees 2007, Georgetown bantams 2009)

Cross-checker Cincinnati Reds.

^ ^ ^

 It is amazing with all the negative stuff that goes with youth sport that there are folks like Mr Cabot who inspired so many.

Is there a way that the article could posted on the Erindale website without a link to the Baseball network?  Hoping folks have the opportunity to read about Mr Cabot without having to pay a subscription fee.

Anne Dundon

Former president Erindale Little League

* * *

“I never met Mr. Cabot unfortunately. I’ve heard a lot of good things about him over the years. First of all, he really tried hard to help get Bill Slack in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. He went to the library and found tons of articles on Slack and I actually have them here because Stan gave them to me.

“Anyway the Slack family was grateful for his efforts. Also many Toronto area guys I played with like Mike Steed said he was an outstanding coach and person. On a side note, his brother Jack pitched for London and St Thomas in late ‘40s.”

Dan Mendham

Dorchester, Ont.

Former London Major

Anyone else have a Ron Cabot memory to add ? Drop us an email: bobelliott@canadianbaseballnetwork.com