In 2015, the Association established the Bob Stewart Award, in honour and memory of Bob Stewart who was the longest serving ESSA/ESL team Captain. Bob’s philosphy of playing was: don’t criticize, cheer each other on, and most of all have fun. The award is given each year to people who, through the years, have been a wonderful teammate and demonstrated what the Association is all about. The honoree(s) must have been involved with the Association for at least 5 years.

2015 Honoree

Howard Hall (“Howie”), a long-time player and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner.

2016 Honoree

Glen Shields, a long-time player, Captain, member of the League Executive and umpire.

2017 Honorees

Mike Forestell, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner; instituted the player packages.

Paul Booth, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner; handled all sponsorship for many years.

Bob Goddard, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Commissioner; instituted the playoff tiebreaker format.

Herm Dyck, a long-time player, Captain and member of the League Executive, including Treasurer and Commissioner; arranged Fall Banquets for many years.

Anne Colhoun, founder of the League in 1994, long time supporter of 55+ sports in Etobicoke while working for City of Toronto Parks and Recreation, and when retired.

2018 Honorees

Bob Weston, first Commissioner, Captain for 5 years and played for 11 years (1994-2003); then took up score keeping until he could no longer come to the games; along with others, was instrumental in organizing teams for the Bobcageon Tournament, and also for Huntsville and Richmond Hill.

Ralph Currie, played 22 years (1994-2015), also Commissioner, Captain for four years; retired a few years ago from playing softball, but kept playing hockey.

Ken Ward, played 2001-2015; he was a rules and tournament guy; organized very competitive teams for tournaments in Keswick, Oshawa, Scarborough, and the Ontario and Canada 55+ Games; also involved in player rating and creating balanced teams.

Alan Rouse, a long-time player and still going; Equipment Manager for many years, Rules and Business Committee, Captain for 3 years.

Vic Leonard, a long-time player and still going; Equipment Manager for many years.

2019 Honoree

Nick Hnatiuk, played in the Association/League for many years and still going, long-time Board/Executive member, keeps Association/League records, assists with Player Draft.

2022 Honoree

Rolf Bjordammen, played in the Association/League for many years and still going, TwinPro Graphics team sponsor for 5 years (2005-2009). Also played for Mississauga Legends tournament team including Huntsman World Senior Games, Oakville Mens Master Slo Pitch League, Oakville Senior’s Slo Pitch League (still going too!), 3 Score Softball Club (Florida), and a huge Blue Jays fan.

2023 Honoree

Graeme Swift, played in the Association/League for many years and still going. Always very helpful with setting up the equipment on the diamond, cheerleading and pitching batting practice even when he couldn’t play due to injury.

2024 Honoree

Barry Thompson, played in the Association/League for many years and still going. Served in several capacities on the Board of Directors for a long time, including Treasurer and Team Captain.

2025 Honoree

Jerry Phippard, has played (and still playing) in the Association/League for many years. He has stood out as a shining example of what it means to be a teammate, whether it’s offering an encouraging word, showing respect to opponents, or lending a hand when needed.