This past weekend Michelin Bridgewater employees current and old met up for one final game at John MacLean field which is located right next to the plant.
The field is set to be demolished in the coming weeks.
A statement from Michelin explained the reasoning behind that decision, “The placement of the new highway interchange means relocating one of our parking lot entrances and there are very limited options in terms of where that can occur,”.
In its heyday the field hosted a plant baseball league that featured 12 full teams, however, that became untenable once the plant transitioned from eight to twelve-hour shifts.
Throughout its lifespan, the field has also been made available to local teams when it’s not in use by Michelin employees.
On Sunday John MacLean field in Bridgewater, NS saw Michelin employees past and present play one final game as the field is set to be demolished. Photo: Michelin Social Club.
The field was named after John MacLean who was a former plant employee that died at an early age. He was a passionate baseball fan and player who also captained the plant team at one time.
Don Dodson manager of the Michelin Social Club says one of the main reasons they wanted to put on a final game was for MacLean’s family. “They were all able to make it out which was great, John’s son Trevor was there with his little kid who actually got on base a few times thanks to some of the poor fielding from us old timers,” Dodson said. “At the end, we gave the field sign to Trevor who wanted it as a memory of his dad,”.
MacLean’s son Trevor was disappointed to learn the field is to be demolished as he says that is where he goes to remember his father, however, he understands the need for expansion and says Michelin handled the situation appropriately, communicating with him throughout the process.
“I got the sign and will hang that around my house where me and my son play sports as a memory of my dad and all the great times we had with baseball,” MacLean said.
Michelin Club president Justin Smith presents the John MacLean Memorial Ball Field sign to his son Trevor. Photo: Michelin Social Club.
The turnout was strong with enough people in attendance to field a full game.
Although many will be sad to see the field go Dodson says Michelin employees understand the need for expansion in order for the company to continue to be successful in the region.
Demolition work is expected to start immediately so the new parking entrance can be ready for the completion of the new highway exit.
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