Looking to hit a home run with your friends and family this summer?  Then how about a trip to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in St. Marys, Ontario?

Located adjacent to the Quarry, Canadaís largest outdoor swimming pool, the Hall is a short, 30-minute drive from London, Ontario.Housed in a century-old building, the shrine pays homage to 86 inductees who have left their mark on Canadian baseball.

Through an exclusive collection, the Hall tells the story of Fergie Jenkins, a courageous, black man from Chatham, Ontario who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds and racial barriers to become one of the most dominant major league pitchers of his era.Also shared is the inspiring and heart-wrenching tale of the Vancouver Asahi ñ a team of Japanese Canadians who won five Pacific Northwest Championships before being interned during World War II.And if you are interested in current Canadian-born big leaguers such as Jason Bay and Eric Gagne, they are also well represented in the museum.

For a glimpse into Canadaís baseball future, you can also wander around the picturesque, 32-acre site and view what will be ìThe Great Canadian Dream Park.îWith three ball fields already constructed, the Hall is progressing towards its goal of becoming the official home of baseball in this country.The vision for the site includes an education centre, walking trails, picnic grounds, a new museum, a stadium, and a dormitory. The dorm will be used to host everyone from the Canadian Olympic Baseball team to kids attending the Hallís innovative ìKids On Deckî summer camps.

Initiated in 2003, the ìKids On Deckî program aims to instill a passion for baseball in Canadaís youth. The camps use baseball as a medium to teach cultural awareness and social justice.With instruction from some of Canadaís best baseball coaches, the weeklong camps provide 10 to 15-year-olds (boys and girls) with the opportunity to hone their baseball skills with similar kids from across the country.Even more important than learning about baseball is the chance to make lasting friendships and learn about life.

If youíre thinking about making the trip to the Hall of Fame this summer, donít forget to pack a bathing suit so you can have a dip in the Quarry.Also, keep the Hall in mind if youíre planning a trip to Stratford, Ontario ñ the museum is only 15 kilometres from the festival town.

For more information about the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, please call us at  (519) 284-1838 .