.:: IBL - Intercounty Baseball League ::.

2004-02-25 --

London Majors under New Ownership

After 27 years as an owner and player of the London Majors Baseball Club, Arden Eddie has sold the franchise to Scott Dart of London.

Arden presents Jersey and Hat to Scott

The conference started off with a flurry of activity with the NewPL, the London Free Press, CJBK radio, and other members of the press present.

Arden Eddie has been involved with the London Majors for the past 37 years, 10 as a player, and 27 as a player/owner. "I'm going to miss it, but contrary to popular belief I have a number of things on the go. I plan on attending (Majors) games in the future. I would like to thank all of our sponsors, players, and managers that we have had the pleasure of knowing and working with for the past 27 years! I wish Scott and his family all the best."

Arden reflected on a large list of names too numerous to thank individually, and said he was filled with many positive memories with the team. Arden has been a large part of baseball in London, and holds several records in the league during his play.

His wife Shelly met him on July 31st, 1980. Arden had taken over ownership of the team in 1977, and was soliciting door-to-door to raise funds for the team when Shelly answered the door. "Baseball brought us together, and here we are 24 years later!"

It was a family run team with his mother attending as many games as she could. Joy recalled Arden in little league baseball in Wallaceburg, and watching him advance through to the Junior Intercounty League in Lambton. Arden's father, Bill, was a pitcher. One of Joy's most memorable events was when Arden "Hit in the winning run for his Junior Intercounty Team in the Championship game in 1969."

Arden's daughter, Ashley (now 15), first recalled her father playing in the IBL when she attended a game in St. Thomas in 2000. She has been active with the team helping with their concession, and working on the Majors program.

The great game of baseball brings families together, and provides a wonderful venue that families can enjoy together. The IBL would like to thank the Eddie family for their contributions to baseball, and wishes them the best in the future!

Scott Dart is a mortgage consultant with the Ontario Mortgage Action Centre Ltd. Dart, a former Intercounty baseball player, is excited to take his wife Kym and son Mason to see their new team at historic Labatt Park.

"My first task is getting a team manager. We are hoping to win 20 games this season or better. I know I have some big shoes to fill, and look forward to building relationships with sponsors and fans. I wish Arden and his family well."

Scott is planning a big push to promote their home opener on May 24, with a yet to be determined opponent. The Majors have launched a tentative website at www.londonmajors.com

Picture gallery below...

The Eddie Family and friends

Scott Dart talking with the NewPL

Norm Alderidge (former Majors Coach) and Ashley Eddie

Shelly Eddie

Shelly and her Daughter Ashley

The Eddie family, Shelly, Arden, Ashley, and Joy

Arden and Scott at the start of the conference

Representing the league, Tim Smart and Bill Ross