“I was a young player who didn’t really care about baseball and in 5 years he made me the player and adult that I am proud to be. Thank you, Seb!” – Justin Coderre, baseball player

Professional athletes are often looked up to as inspirational figures in the sport community. In Ottawa, former professional baseball player Sébastien Boucher has established himself as an icon in the baseball community.

Boucher, born in Hull, Que., grew up in poverty in the Vanier area and used to go to the Ottawa baseball stadium to watch Ottawa Lynx games from the street through the mesh fences as his family couldn’t afford tickets. Less than 20 years later as the Ottawa Champions centerfielder, he set the all-time Can-Am League record for hits, on the very same field he admired as a kid.

At nine, Boucher started playing baseball to be just like his older cousins who played. Sports played a role in his development as a person, as well, providing him with valuable life lessons about teamwork, work ethic and perseverance, among others. As with many other young kids, sports were also a way to keep himself busy and out of trouble.

Boucher played six seasons of Minor League Baseball after being drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2004. He moved to the professional independent Can-Am League in 2009 and played for the Quebec Capitales until he joined the Ottawa Champions at their inception in 2015. He finished his illustrious Can-Am League career in 2018 and promptly moved into a new role as Manager in the team’s final season a year later.

Just like Boucher had his cousins as role models, it’s important for today’s young athletes to have someone to look up to. Boucher has now taken on that role in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, offering young baseball players inspiration and support.

“It is one of the best feelings to receive a thank you,” said Boucher, “but to know you made a difference in a young athlete’s life is very special. Seeing the success of a young athlete achieving their goals is very rewarding in itself.”

Boucher helps run the sport-study baseball program at the École polyvalente Nicolas-Gatineau and assists with various baseball camps, offering his coaching skills to young athletes.

One of these athletes is Justin Coderre, an 18-year-old baseball player who was attending the Gatineau Baseball Academy when he first met Boucher six years ago. Coderre credits his progression as an athlete and, more importantly, as a person to Boucher.

“For me, Seb is more than a trainer. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Seb,” said Coderre, who was invited by Boucher to assist the Champions as a bullpen catcher in 2019. “He guides me so much and he gave me so much good advice. He gave me responsibilities and taught me the game. For all these years I will always be grateful to him.”

Boucher can often be seen out in the Ottawa sport community helping out with anything involving baseball, giving back to the community that welcomed him as a kid.

“Sport leaders bring an impact mindset to elevate the opportunities for youth to grow and develop and make a difference in their own lives and Sébastien Boucher works hard to support community sport and the game of baseball,” said David Gourlay, former President and founder of the Champions. “I am proud to nominate him as a Community Sport Hero given his impressive set of credentials and commitment to our city, his family and our youth.”

“I never thought of being nominated for just sharing my passion of sports,” said Boucher. “I would say that I am honoured to be considered.”