History of the Brockville Bunnies

 

The Brockville Bunnies are a baseball team rich in heritage and tradition. They were founded in 1965 by the late Richard (Bunny) Bradfield, hence the name “Bunnies”. The original players on that first team were insistent on being “Bunnies” to show their loyalty to their respected Mr. Bradfield, much against his wishes. Bradfield stressed dedication and discipline, but had a heart as big as any baseball park. He spent a countless amount of money from his own pocket, so that a player would not go without proper shoes or the appropriate glove. For the past 39 consecutive years Mr. Bradfield’s “Bunnies” have continued in their pursuit to bring excellence to the game of baseball.

In the late 60’s, Jack Giffin came on board brining not only his guidance, but became the pulse of the team. After the death of Mr. Bradfield in 1976, Jack continued to carry the Bunnies dream of the game. He gave his total dedication to each detail, building excellent ball players from the inside out. Jack’s knowledge of the game, his patience and understanding touched all who were blessed enough to have known him. His passing in 1995 hit not only the Bunnies, but his community with a huge loss. All those who had the honor of meeting him still fondly remember him and his legacy remains the soul of the Bunnies.

The early ‘70’s brought Gord Duff to the organization, as business manager, providing much needed financial stability to the organization. His personal foresight and ingenuity helped the Bunnies immensely to grow.

Realizing that the initial intent of the Brockville Bunnies Baseball Club was to help athletes achieve their goals in life by setting a higher standard both on the field and in their personal lives, the existing management continues relentlessly to ensure that the guidance of Bradfield, Giffin and Duff is instilled in each player. They still encourage the practice that if a young man betters his life each day, the baseball will take care of itself, making the game count both on and off the field. Bunny Bradfield’s dream is still very much alive.

​

About The Current Brockville Bunnies

​

Presently the Bunnies organization will see 45-60 games including tournaments starting in late April until early August.

Our coaching staff is made up of former pro’s, college players, college coaches and former Bunnies players. We have a wealth of extremely focused background people whose efforts and time although invisible are crucial to our program, and without them we would not be as strong. The Bunnies are privileged to enjoy a loyal fan base with constant encouragement from our local sports writers and financial support of our community.

Our playing facility is second to none. Jack Giffin Field at the Fulford Park is home solely to the Bunnies giving us the liberty to have access to the field whenever the team needs it. Our team enjoys the luxury of its own club house and newly added canteen facility, which makes our ball park both comfortable and efficient.

The past records taken from the Bunnies history books speak volumes as an organization capable of moving players upwards. Proudly players from this organization have gone on, not only to be college players, but experience the pro level. Bunnies graduates have gone on to schools in California, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Louisiana, South Carolina and North Carolina. Players have also turned pro from college (Head Coach Brian McCrobie), and two players went directly to the major leagues from the Bunnies organization, namely Pete Hoy (Boston) and Andy Stewart (Kansas City and Toronto)

Our current player base pulls talented athletes from Brockville,Ottawa,Cornwall,Morrisburg,Lombardy,South Mountain and Northern New York State. But all wear Brockville across their chest proudly.

If you are 19 or under, in need of quality coaching, athletic discipline and wish to raise the quality of your competition perhaps you should consider the Brockville Bunnies as your next step.