Ottawa

Russell Martin's legacy in Chelsea, Que., could live on at baseball field

The town of Chelsea, Que., where Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin spent some of his childhood years, wants to name its local baseball field after Martin.

Blue Jays Foundation donated $100,000 so western Quebec town could renovate baseball field

Russell Martin, seen here after the Game 1 loss, spent a few years of his childhood in Chelsea, Que., and the town wants to name its baseball field after him. (CBC)

The mayor of Chelsea, Que., wants to rename the town's baseball field after Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin.

Martin, 32, was born in the Toronto area but also grew up in Chelsea with his mother and in Montreal with his father after his parents separated.

"Everybody wants a piece of Russell Martin," said Chelsea Mayor Caryl Green, including her small town north of Ottawa.

The Blue Jays Foundation recently donated $100,000 so the town could rebuild its baseball field, Green said, and she now wants Martin's legacy to be shown proudly.

"We're hoping to have Russell Martin accept to have our baseball field named after him," Green said.

"There's a special link here. Baseball Chelsea is very, very excited. The municipality is, and we can't wait to fix our field because it is in much need of repairs."

RAW Chelsea mayor wants to name field after Russell Martin

9 years ago
Duration 0:41
The mayor of Chelsea, Que., says she wants to name the local baseball field after Martin, who spent some years of his childhood living there.

Martin and his Blue Jays teammates will look to win Game 2 on Friday afternoon and even up their series with the Texas Rangers.

You can follow also follow a Game 2 live blog here.