Braves History

The Burlington Braves organization came into existence in 1958 as the result of the efforts of a number of dedicated local businessmen. The original executive and support staff consisted of President: William Hourigan, Vice President: Frank Frieday, Treasurer and Team Manager: Al Lambert, Recording Secretary: Agnes Jones, Art Cready, Ray Jones, John Wiseman, Don Campbell, Chas O’Meara, Dr, Kenny, G. Adamson, Ross Sanderson, Jim Bonner, Bill Davidson, Head Coach: Dick Brown. Director Harry Lunn was also an Assistant Coach the first year. This group was later joined by Bill Rupka. Over the years the executive has changed with some joining and others leaving. Ken Allen, William Cutler, Stew MacDonald, Lou Mattiacci, Dan Higgins, Lou Ryan, Doug Spencer, John Bosanac and Larry Irish are just a few that have made an impact on the clubs decisions and direction over the years.

 In 1958 and 59 the Braves played in the Ontario Rugby Football Union (ORFU) but in 1960 under Head Coach Bobby Dawson they moved to a more local league, the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) The OFC is now affiliated with the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) During the early years the Braves struggled hard to establish themselves. It was in 1965 when former Hamilton Tiger Cat Great Bernie Custis took over as Head Coach that the fortunes of the Braves took an upward turn. In 1967, 1970 and 1971 the Braves represented the east in The Canadian Final. Unfortunately the Braves were unable to win the Big Game. In 1996 Bernie Custis was elected into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in the Builder Category. Throughout these early years the dream of playing in the CFL became reality for some Braves. Burlington first success story in the CFL was Al Schlosser who was a player on the Braves first team in 1958. Others that followed were John Michaluk, Tony Gabriel, Peter Dalla Riva, Ian Sunter, Dave Lee, Billy Harrison, Marv Allemang and John Bonk. Dalla Riva, Gabriel and Bonk went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Also there is David Braley, the owner of The BC Lion’s, Dave Hutton, who is now a respected CFL official and Ron MacVinnie who actively officiates in the CIAU. The original playing field in Burlington was at Central High School on Brant Street. As time went on the team played its home games at M.M.Robinson High School in North Burlington. In 1967, Brave executive Ken Allen spearheaded a campaign to build a state of the art clubhouse and football complex. His energetic leadership inspired the Braves executive and the result is Nelson Stadium today. A lighted field, which is home, not only to the Braves but also the Burlington Minor Football Association and the Nelson High School football teams.  As the seventies continued the Braves had some limited success reaching the Eastern Canadian Final on a few occasions but never making it to the National Final. Moving into the 80’s the Burlington Braves Organization continued but changed the name of the team to the Burlington Junior Tiger Cats. In 1988 and 89 under Head Coach Doug Trimble the Junior Ti-Cats reached the Canadian Final again but failed to bring home the National Championship. Some of the players that continued on into the CFL from this era include, Derek Noble, Orvil Dixon, Curtis Bell, Lee Knight, Joe Sardo, Bruce Dickson and Dave Dinnall. As the 1990’s began, the old name of the Burlington Braves returned to the team as did a former head coach Grant MacDonald (1976-80).  MacDonald had limited success but worked hard to continue the Braves tradition. Most recently, players O’Neil Wilson and Hakeem Kashama have graduated into the pro ranks and Kelly Hugh’s is presently the quarterback at Mount Allison University. Just recently the Braves Organization has formed a partnership with the Burlington Minor Football Association. It was of the opinion of the present executive that The Brave organization will only continue to grow with this newfound partnership.Sincere gratitude goes out to all former coaches and executive. Because of these committed individuals, the Braves offered a tremendous opportunity for local youth to develop life long skills and friendships. This has not only enabled them to excel on the football field but also in the business world and future endeavours.