Many parents in Bradford West Gwillimbury volunteer because their kids are involved in minor sports, or other activities in the community.
John McBeth has three children, ranging in age from eight to 12, who are involved in a lot of activities: swimming, piano, baseball, hockey.
“It keeps the kids busy,” McBeth said. “We’re a busy household!”
And he has become involved as a volunteer – but only with the Bradford Storm, BWG’s minor softball and baseball association.
McBeth coached the Atom baseball team for two years, managed his son’s rep baseball team for a year and a half, and has served on Bradford Minor Baseball Association executive for the past two years.
“It definitely keeps you busy,” he said.
So, why baseball and not hockey, which two of his children also play?
It's because of McBeth's personal connection to the sport. “I have a love of the game. I used to play baseball,” he said, playing minor ball in the 1990s in Markham, where he grew up.
During his first year on the Bradford Storm executive, McBeth served as Sponsorship Director for the association’s 40-plus teams. Among the changes he introduced: tiered sponsorship, providing sponsors with the flexibility to provide a range of support for the teams.
Last October, when the president of the Bradford Storm stepped down, “I threw my name on the table,” he said. “Some parents want to make a difference, and I’m one of those parents.”
As president, McBeth calls himself “a gatekeeper for information,” whose role involves working with his fellow executive members, as part of a team.
“We don’t do it for recognition. We don’t do it for the pay, because there is no pay!” he said.
The volunteers step up for the kids, and because “it’s a great experience. You’ll never feel better about a season, win or lose, because you contributed to the team and how the game is played,” he said.
Between volunteering, and taking the kids to various activities, McBeth has a hectic schedule – but no regrets. “It’s easy to get involved. The most difficult thing is definitely the time,” he noted.
Although his heart is in baseball, McBeth does volunteer elsewhere, including his work. He also "unofficially" volunteers with Bradford Minor Hockey, as “team DJ.”
He plays the music, in between the action on the ice, “just to give the kids a better experience,” and make them feel as if they were in the big leagues.
By keeping his kids active and involved, and by showing them that “mom and dad are giving back to the community in some small way,” McBeth hopes to provide inspiration – not only for his own children, but for other parents, who might be thinking about stepping up to the plate and giving their time as a volunteer, a coach, or a member of the executive.
“It doesn’t matter what role you have on the executive. We are all on the same team,” McBeth said. “It’s about putting the product on the field for the kids.”
