Q&A: London Majors gear up for first home game of the season

The London Majors are set to take on Guelph Royals for their first home game of the Intercounty Baseball League season on Friday.

The Majors won their first game against the Brantford Rex Sox on Sunday 6-5. Slugger Cleveland Brownlee is back for his 15th season with the London Majors.

London Morning host Andrew Brown met him at Labatt Memorial Park to talk about his love for the game.

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Andrew Brown: Cleveland, how's the swing feeling?

Cleveland Brownlee: You know what, it's coming along. As a 41-year-old, you've got to loosen up a lot of those body parts first. But I feel good this year — a lot better than last year. I battled some injuries early on last season that lingered throughout. But this year, I'm feeling good, feeling confident again, and I'm back having fun.

AB: We're having this conversation in early May, sitting here looking at Labatt Park. What do you think about when you look at a baseball diamond like this?

CB: This right here — that feeling you have as a kid — dreaming of becoming a big leaguer. The grass is freshly cut, the birds are chirping … it's just beautiful out here. You can't ask for anything better. It's like waking up in a dream. You see all the banners, the sponsors. It's just beautiful. Even though the bases aren't in yet, you can visualize yourself trotting them in midsummer.

AB: You're 41 now. This is your 15th season with the Majors. What keeps you coming back?

CB: The love for the game. They always told me you've got to enjoy what you do, and I honestly love what I do. London's embraced me. My family loves coming out to see me play. My son is a die-hard Majors fan. He loves being out on the field with the guys. And you know what? Manager Roop Chanderdat has given me a chance and said as long as I can compete, he wants me here. That's what I want to do: leave a legacy. I don't just want to be here for my name. I want to be here because I made the team, because I'm competing with all the guys. I want to show them I can still do it. That's my biggest motivation — showing everybody I still have it, fueled by the love of the game and the love London has shown me.

AB: How do you see your role on the team this year?

CB: This year, I've taken a step back. I'll be in more of a DH [designated hitter] role, but also helping with coaching, hitting fungoes, throwing batting practice, whatever Roop needs. I'll be ready to step in if someone gets hurt or we're short in the lineup. If they need a hit or a timely at-bat, I'll be there for the guys.

AB: The league looks interesting this year. Hamilton's got Fernando Rodney, one of the greatest closers in MLB history. Toronto has a female star pitcher. What do you think of the league this year?

CB: The league is changing fast and in a great direction. We're bringing in Major League and international stars. People are taking notice of the IBL and the talent that's always been here. It used to be whispered about, but now everyone's talking. Players are coming from all over. I love what the organizations are doing. It's a great atmosphere for baseball.

AB: How much are you looking forward to getting some cuts on Fernando Rodney?

CB: I already had a dream about it, like a little league dream. If I hit a home run off him, or even just the game-winning run, I'm gonna point that ball right at him. I hope this message gets to him! It's that competitive spirit in me. And it's for the fans. They pay to see us play. I want to put on a show. He's one of the best ever, no doubt, but when you come to London, it's a whole different story.

AB: Do you still dream about baseball?

CB: Every single day. I had a dream I came back to the Majors and became a base stealer. Roop used me just to get on and steal bases. I've still got that kid in me. I love being out here. I dream about this sport all the time.

LISTEN: Cleveland Brownlee is back swinging with the London Majors

AB: Your swing still looks good in the cage. How do you prepare to play baseball now? What kind of training are you doing to get a 41-year-old body ready?

CB: Honestly, 90 per cent of it is mental. You've got to look in the mirror and say, "We're probably not supposed to be out here, but we're gonna do it anyway." It's about proper stretching. I won't lie and say I've drastically changed my eating habits — but it's about having heart. Kids are looking up to me, and my son is watching. I want to compete at my best.

AB: Your son is playing ball now?

CB: Yeah, he's 10, playing for the Tin Caps in West London, and I'm the head coach. I promised the parents I'd dedicate my time, and I am. It gives the kids extra experience. I can bring them to games, they can meet the guys, shag balls on the field. They're getting experiences most 10-year-olds won't get until much later.

AB: Do you ever see Cleveland Jr. playing on this field?

CB: He told me he wouldn't play for the Majors — said he's too good! And you know what? I couldn't even be mad. I cheered him on. That's the spirit I want him to have. Just keep working hard. He's a die-hard baseball fan. I never had to push him into it. He's out here during practice, taking ground balls and catching fly balls with the guys. He loves it.

AB: I've met you a couple of times now, and whenever I mention I'm talking to Cleveland, people always say how positive you are. Where does that come from?

CB: I came from a place where we saw our ups and downs. A lot of people didn't give back to our community. So, being in London, I love being able to give back, to share my time doing something I love. One day, this will all stop. While I'm out here, I'm giving it my all. You never know how much a smile or a kind word can change someone's life. The world's tough, but positivity can change someone's outlook.

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AB: The other thing I always hear is that you can hit the ball into the river. Can you still do that?

CB: Of course I can. I keep telling the guys I'm just waiting for the Thames Conservation Authority to tell me the river is low, and then I'll start launching a few more over there. Let's build that riverbank back up!

AB: A home run into the river, how far is that? Five hundred feet?

CB: Yeah, I'd say about 450 to 500. Get a good windy day and a few extra pushups — and I drink whole milk, not 2%. The real stuff. You just need a little extra weight behind it. But seriously, the guys will tell you, I can still swing with the best of them. I can still elevate a ball and get it out of here.

AB: It's great to see you, Cleveland. Have a great season.

CB: Hey, thanks a lot.