Paul Quantrill Honorary Chairman of Canadian Little League Championships

Paul Quantrill spent 14 years playing Major League baseball, his prime years with the Toronto Blue Jays. But it is his younger days, much younger, that Quantrill says provided his favorite memories. The Toronto Star reports:

"I probably have more memories playing ball as a kid than I do of any big-league games," said Quantrill. "When you're 13 and 14, baseball's all and everything."

Quantrill's love of the game has not faded. And he is now giving back to the youth leagues that he played in long before his big league career. Quantrill has been named as honorary chairman for next summer's Canadian peewee championships.

"This is something right up my alley," said Quantrill, coaching the peewee team – and son, Cal – in hometown Port Hope. "I do want to give something back.

"I never got the opportunity to play in something like this but I guarantee you, 13-year-old kids will absolutely never forget it."

This is a story that we just don't see often enough. Too many ex-athletes take their millions and fade into oblivion, or try to make more money in the coaching or broadcasting arena. Guys like Quantrill that give back to the next generation are far more important to the game than guys that hit home runs.