Over the years, the London Majors have become consistent contenders for the IBL championship. A large part of the team’s success has been that of their infield defence, and since the summer of 2015 Chris McQueen, a Brantford native who grew up in London, has been protecting the right side of the infield and helping the Majors’ lineup grow with his knowledge of the game.
The versatile McQueen is now a staple on the infield and at the top of the batting order. Between his speed, bunting skills and great eye at the plate, teams are having trouble handling him. Even if a third baseman or first baseman gets to a well-placed McQueen bunt, his speed frequently helps him get on base. And that’s where the fun starts for McQueen – and the Majors’ fans. His specialty on offence is stealing bases, and at the time of this writing his 12 stolen bases were second in the IBL.
At the plate, McQueen recorded his 100th hit in his 100th career game in the IBL on July 14, 2017. And he has shown that he knows how to read a pitch, as he was third in walks this year with 18 at the time of this writing. Through his first 88 at-bats this season, McQueen posted an impressive .330 average and 14 RBI. But not only has McQueen been productive at the plate, he has saved the team runs in the field with his tremendous range and vertical.
On his off-time, the 23-year-old McQueen finds himself early in the mornings out in the bushes, trading his baseball bat for a crossbow. Every player has their way of enjoying their time and relaxing, and for McQueen that means doing some hunting (he even has a full-sleeve tattoo on his left arm that displays his two passions).
Truly a team player who loves the game, McQueen also has a big heart, and he appreciates the fans, always staying to make sure every fan leaves with a smile. On Canada Day, McQueen was even found alongside some of his teammates helping clean up the diamond – with leaf blowers and rakes – after a big rainfall threatened to wash away the traditional July 1 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As a young boy, Chris grew up with his younger brother, Cohen, who is currently a baseball player for the London Tecumseh Mosquitoes. The elder McQueen played baseball and hockey until he was 18, along the way playing for London Tecumseh and the London Badgers. He also played in college with the St. Clair Saints. And he even stays on the diamond during the Majors’ offseason, serving as an associate coach for the Fanshawe College baseball team.
www.londonmajors.com
By Matt Hiscox and photo by Matt Hiscox Photography
