Barrie Red Sox

DETERMINATION PERSONIFIED - 11 year old captures OBA Player of the year honours. Every year the OBA recognises excellence in handing out a junior (Peewee and below) and senior player of the year award. This year’s junior player of the year had a year like none other – he had a year that would be difficult to duplicate and when you consider all that happened – you can only hope that it doesn't happen again. Cain Monaghan was named the OBA's junior player of the year and it was an amazing feat that he even took steps on a ball field, never mind return to play for the “AA” minor mosquito Southwest London Optimist Hurricanes. On August 3, 2004 Cain Monaghan suffered a debilitating brain aneurysm that would leave him in a wheelchair and unable to speak. Yet as the 2005 season rolled around Cain pushed himself to return. The following is an excerpt from Bob Elliott’s article in the Toronto Sun:

"We had to wait at the end of the month [Auguast 2004] for the blood to settle before surgery could be performed," his mother Cathy Monaghan said. Like John Olerud, stopped by the same unfair, life-altering blow, Monaghan's season was over. He went through a 10-hour surgery. Like Olerud, Monaghan battled back, digging in, determined as a hitter facing an 0-2 pitch with the bases loaded and two out, battling tougher obstacles than Olerud faced. Doctors didn't think Monaghan would play again. Yet, there he was in the 2005 season opener able to bat -- but not run the bases -- for coach Fred Blake's Hurricanes as they played North London. Roughly seven months before, the North London team had sent Cain an autographed ball and get-well-quick wishes. For Monaghan's courage Baseball Ontario gave the 11-year-old its junior player of the year honour at its annual general meeting in Toronto. The senior honours went to Grimsby's Kevin Long of the West Niagara Warriors. Greg Shillington, 21, of the London Southwest juniors, was presented the Ferguson Jenkins pitcher of the year award by the Hall of Famer himself. Shillington was impressive, going 11-1 with 106 strikeouts in 82 innings, but he didn't have to overcome the hurdles Monaghan did. After surgery, Monaghan wasn't able to speak and initially couldn't walk. He had re-programming to do after damage to his cerebellum. "One doctor compared it to entering a brand new forest, having to find a new path and make it into a superhighway," his mother said. Cain underwent therapy at Bloorview in Toronto for a few weeks and still goes for therapy a couple of times a week in London. Playing baseball was down the road. It was a goal, but first Cain had to re-learn to talk and walk. Gradually his balance returned, although he did wear a helmet in the field a la Olerud and initially he needed a pinch-runner upon reaching base. Gradually he improved and by the end of the season was the Hurricanes' third baseman. "Cain re-gained his co-ordination to hit and field, but balance was a problem when it came to pitching," his mom said. Next time you hear someone complain about a sprained ankle or a sore elbow costing them a start, tell them about Cain Monaghan's season. "It hasn't been until Cain won this award that you look back and sort of go: 'Wow!' It was scary at first," his mom says, "but he has been so amazing. "This put things into perspective."