Q&A: London Majors gear up for first home game of the season

The London Majors are set to take on Guelph Royals for their first home game of the Intercounty Baseball League season on Friday.

The Majors won their first game against the Brantford Rex Sox on Sunday 6-5. Slugger Cleveland Brownlee is back for his 15th season with the London Majors.

London Morning host Andrew Brown met him at Labatt Memorial Park to talk about his love for the game.

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Andrew Brown: Cleveland, how's the swing feeling?

Cleveland Brownlee: You know what, it's coming along. As a 41-year-old, you've got to loosen up a lot of those body parts first. But I feel good this year — a lot better than last year. I battled some injuries early on last season that lingered throughout. But this year, I'm feeling good, feeling confident again, and I'm back having fun.

AB: We're having this conversation in early May, sitting here looking at Labatt Park. What do you think about when you look at a baseball diamond like this?

CB: This right here — that feeling you have as a kid — dreaming of becoming a big leaguer. The grass is freshly cut, the birds are chirping … it's just beautiful out here. You can't ask for anything better. It's like waking up in a dream. You see all the banners, the sponsors. It's just beautiful. Even though the bases aren't in yet, you can visualize yourself trotting them in midsummer.

AB: You're 41 now. This is your 15th season with the Majors. What keeps you coming back?

CB: The love for the game. They always told me you've got to enjoy what you do, and I honestly love what I do. London's embraced me. My family loves coming out to see me play. My son is a die-hard Majors fan. He loves being out on the field with the guys. And you know what? Manager Roop Chanderdat has given me a chance and said as long as I can compete, he wants me here. That's what I want to do: leave a legacy. I don't just want to be here for my name. I want to be here because I made the team, because I'm competing with all the guys. I want to show them I can still do it. That's my biggest motivation — showing everybody I still have it, fueled by the love of the game and the love London has shown me.

AB: How do you see your role on the team this year?

CB: This year, I've taken a step back. I'll be in more of a DH [designated hitter] role, but also helping with coaching, hitting fungoes, throwing batting practice, whatever Roop needs. I'll be ready to step in if someone gets hurt or we're short in the lineup. If they need a hit or a timely at-bat, I'll be there for the guys.

AB: The league looks interesting this year. Hamilton's got Fernando Rodney, one of the greatest closers in MLB history. Toronto has a female star pitcher. What do you think of the league this year?

CB: The league is changing fast and in a great direction. We're bringing in Major League and international stars. People are taking notice of the IBL and the talent that's always been here. It used to be whispered about, but now everyone's talking. Players are coming from all over. I love what the organizations are doing. It's a great atmosphere for baseball.