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The Home of Champions has lost one of its sports pioneers.  Early February 19, 2008 Andy Beilesky, Trail's baseball icon, passed away at the age of 88 from cancer. Andy Bilesky's Little league exploits and accomplishments are legendary not only in Trail but also thoughout Canada. He coached Trail teams to 12 Provincaial Championships and five Canadian titles, including back-to-back years in 1980 and 1981. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984 and the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. Hew was Trail's Sportsman of the Year and Citizen of the Year.* But for Bilesky, baseball was more than a sport - it was his life. And even last spring he was already thinking ahead to the 2008 season. "He was going to stay on one more year because there were a couple of good young pitchers coming up," said close friend Bob Moffat. Bilesky coached several generations of players, fathers, sons and daughters, dating back to his first involvement with Trail baseball back in 1952. "They were looking for coaches and it was just something to do," he said in a 1999 interview.
Craig, wh had his tow children go through the program, said the legend had "a heart of gold." You see the man on the field at the provincials all rough and gruff. Then you see the man throwing batting practice for hours. He loved being out there. "There was no magic formula (to his success)," he added. "He had the time and patience." And Bilesky was more than just a coach, recalled Moffat. "He taught the kids respect" he said. Bilesky's rough ecterior always hid a soft spot he had for the kids which often went unnoticed by outsiders who saw him as a stern disciplinarian. "Years ago I remember the sports store downtown went out of buisness," said Moffat. "Andy went and bought all the gloves and shoes with his own money. Then when a kid went to play ball or made the tournament team and didn't have shoes, Andy would give them a pair."* The scope of respect for Andy Bilesky can not be messured by awards and accolades only but by how many people have had their lives enriched by knowing this icon of the Home of Champions. There will be one more chance for the citizens of Trail, players, coaches and friends to recognize Andy Bilesky. A service will be held on February 28th, 2008 at 7 pm at the Cominco Gym in the Trail Memorial Centre. For those of you that read this article and are members of Facebook.com there is also a group called "In Loving Memory of Andy Bilesky" when last I checked their was 165 members to this group. (Information &# sorced from Trail Daily Times Feb 20, 2008) Related items
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