Definitely, tributes are pouring in for the former pitcher of the Montreal Expos organization, Denis McSween
The ball field located in the Saint-Timothée sector will be named after the former Montreal Expos pitcher, Denis McSween from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
A few months after receiving the Medal from the National Assembly of Québec, the 70-year-old from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield will see his name forever associated with the baseball field in the area where he grew up with his family. The Southwest Voice has learned that Parc Charpentier, located in the former municipality of Saint-Timothée Village (before the merger), will be named after Denis McSween. This information will be validated at the next meeting of the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Municipal Council.
This recognition comes at an opportune time since the baseball diamond must benefit from a makeover with improvements estimated at more than $2 million. The park in the Saint-Timothée neighbourhood must be equipped with a new shelter for the players, a drainage system for the field and a new fence.
Nearby sidewalks will also be renovated, thereby improving the look of the entire area. In total, the works amount to $3 million.
Exceptional career
The first Quebec player hired by the Montreal Expos in 1969, Denis McSween celebrated his 70th birthday on May 16 and in July, he was rewarded for his exceptional career. The left-handed pitcher who made a career in the network of Montreal training subsidiaries was awarded the Medal of the National Assembly of Québec by MP Claude Reid. This honour is awarded by Quebec MPs as recognition to individuals who have followed an extraordinary path in their lives.
The former Carnavals de Québec color bearer at the AA level also received from Guy Bourassa, organizer of a party, an Expos shirt with his name on the back and the number 14 he wore during his 6 years in professional baseball.
In 1963 and 1964, Denis McSween led the Valleyfield All-Star team to two Canadian baseball championships (11-12 years old) and as many participations in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
In the Canadian final in 1964, the great left-handed pitcher engineered a narrow 1-0 victory in the final, recording the shutout on the mound and hitting a resounding home run to produce the only run of the game played at the Parc Delpha-Sauvé stadium.
