Addendum to Chapter 5

Addendum to Chapter 5

The morning after posting the chapter called Bailey at the Office I received an email from Maryanne Sturley. Maryanne is the receptionist at the Toronto Blue Jays, where I had the honour of working for six years. She is also possibly the kindest person I have ever worked with. More importantly, Maryanne was one of the people who had a soft spot for Bailey and claimed at least a partial ownership stake in him.

Maryanne’s email stated:

What do you mean Rob and Bailey???????? It was Bailey and Rob. If you need anything let me know.

M

In writing about my time with Bailey there are so many memories. Some come to mind immediately and others require the gentle nudge of a good friend like Marryane. Her email to me reminded me of a time that I got on a packed elevator at the Rogers Centre before a Blue Jays game. As the people stood shoulder to shoulder I saw one person lean over to her friend while gesturing at me. “That’s Bailey’s Dad,” she said quietly. I smiled at them and then got off the elevator.

Another time when I was feeling particularly ambitious, Bailey and I decided to walk from my apartment in Yorkville to the Rogers Centre—roughly a 2.5-mile walk. About half a mile from our destination Bailey and I passed a bike courier who looked at both of us and said, “Hi Bailey”.

Bailey often sat with Maryanne behind the reception desk at the Blue Jays head office. When he wasn’t there he would often be outside for a walk with my colleague and friend Erik Grosman. As a result, Bailey was known and loved by people I did not know. It gave me a great sense of pride and inner warmth to know that others could see just how special Bailey was. To these many people whose names and faces I do not know—I wish I could share these memories with you too. Bailey had an impact on the lives of so many. I know if Bailey could talk he would say that he cherished every encounter with every person he ever met—even if only for a few moments.