Bob "Bongo" Baird passes
October 8, 2009
Stoney Creek, ON
We have received the very sad news that our good friend Bongo passed away this morning at 10am (October 6, 2009)
BAIRD, Robert John “Bongo”
It is with sadness, Sandy and Colin announce the peaceful passing of their husband and father on Thursday, October 6, 2009. Predeceased by his parents William and Margaret and siblings Jim and Jean. Survived by sister Marian and several nieces and nephews. Loved son-in-law of Phyllis Marshall. Our thanks to Dr. T. Salter, Liz and Liz of St. Joseph’s Hospital and the 4E staff of Joseph Brant Hospital for their care and compassion. Friends will be received at the DONALD V. BROWN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Lake Avenue Dr., Stoney Creek on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations to 4 East Palliative Care of Joseph Brant Hospital or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.donaldvbrown.ca
Monkton, ON
A very sad day for the fastball World:
It is with very heavy hearts that we, the "fastball family" to which Bob "Bongo" belonged have learned of his passing, and myself, along with the entire Executive of the World Fastball Invitational Inc want to express our deepest condolences to Sandy, Colin and family. Our hearts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.
Our game - but more importantly the world, has lost one of the most caring, compassionate, thoughtful and loving men we could have known. His devotion to family, and his 'extended" family in which he plied his craft were the priorities in his life. Always offering to help and assist in any way possible - for the good of others are how we shall always remember Bob by. He will be greatly missed by many.
God Bless you Bongo.
Brian Baillie
World Fastball Invitational
Monkton ON Canada
With so much chatter on various fastball websites about the stateof the game, the sniping of players and teams, the finger pointing about the haves and have nots of the game, I think it appropriate that we all step back afew paces and give some thought to the loss of one of true icons of our game.
Bob Baird, probably known by most people as simply “Bongo” was as much a part of the game for the past 2 decades as any player, coach or owner. He was not always loved but he was a pro at his craft and he was certainly respected just the same. If you were lucky enough to have him on your bench he was the tape that held many great teams together. He was ubiquitous; on the bench, in the locker room , at his table, in the laundry room. When games were on he was front and centre looking after his players taping, stretching and icing. When the game was over he was washing uniforms, prepping for the next day, offering his opinions and listening to players . He was the middle man between player and management, and he was respected by everyone on either side.
He was a winner. As the “cut man” with the great teams like the Gators, Tiremen, Smokers and Team Canada to name a few he has probably earned more rings than anyone in the game. Some say he only went to the big teams, there was a reason for that. Ask Undie, Z, Nuts, Brownie, O’B; he kept them in the lineup when they should not have even been on the bench. He was a craftsman , and he was good .
I have competed against his teams for my entire career, never having the privilege to have him with my club. When we had need of his services , he was always there without hesitation. That was the kind of pro he was.
If our game is losing ground it is because we have los tanother guy who made it great.
We will all miss you Bongo, you were a champion.
Deepest sympathy to Sandy, Colin and all of those who calledhim family or friend.
Sincerely,
Larry Lynch,
Twins Fastball
1987 - 2009
Diamond Dirt article on Bongo from 2007 with picture
