Bailey Durocher.
A new scoreboard is going to be installed at Tom Williams Park in Owen Sound in honour of a late local baseball player who was tragically killed in a collision two years ago.
City council approved a committee recommendation at its meeting Monday to accept a donation for a new Tom Williams Park scoreboard, and to include the project in the city’s 2024 capital plan so it can be completed this year.
The scoreboard will include a commemorative message: “In Honour of Bailey Durocher, #BD 23”
Durocher died on June 17, 2022 after being struck by a pick-up truck while riding his motorcycle on Highway 6 north of Durham. He was 24-years-old. The man who was driving the truck, Luciano Da Silva, is due to be sentenced in October after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death, and admitting he had alcohol in his system.
Durocher was an avid baseball player and a member of the Owen Sound Baysox senior team in the North Dufferin Baseball League.
Bailey’s mother Christina Durocher attended the July community services committee meeting to speak about the immense impact baseball and sports had on her late son, and the need for a new, working scoreboard at Tom Williams Park.
Tom Williams Park is home to the Baysox and several Owen Sound minor baseball teams. The Durocher family, minor baseball and the Baysox provided a $20,000 donation to the city to get the scoreboard built.
“The overwhelming support of the community Bailey built through baseball is immeasurable,” Durocher says, fighting back tears. “As a member of the Baysox, Bailey had such a profound impact on the team. As an organization, they retired his number and hold an annual memorial game in his honour.”
“We know and appreciate the value of the community that baseball builds,” she continues. “And as such, even something as simple as a working scoreboard demonstrates to the players that our community cares and values their participation in the sport. As an ongoing tribute, and to keep our son Bailey in the game, we are willing to personally donate in honour of (Bailey).”
