At a diamond ceremony during the London Baseball Tournament, on July 6th, Baseball Ireland President Sean Mitchell and the members of the Irish National Baseball Team and Irish Development Team presented Mike Kindle with the highest accolade any ballplayer could receive - his #45 jersey was officially retired.

A surprised and elated Kindle said afterwards, 'This is absolutely fantastic. I knew you guys appreciated me but couldn't you have just given me some serious cash like the politicians get. Does this mean I don't have to buy any rounds again?'

Sean Mitchell paid tremendous thanks to Mike's commitment towards Irish Baseball and was heard later in the evening to remark, 'Thank God, he's gone for good. Now we don't have to take him on anymore of these trips abroad!'

As the recipient of this award and the webmaster of this site, I am going to take this moment to say thanks to all of those involved in Baseball Ireland who made this possible. As any ballplayer or Manager knows, annual awards, special recognition and even the occasional groupie are most welcome. But to have your number retired is the ultimate honour.

This award means a great deal to me and ultimately, makes all the difficult times seem so far away. I never got involved in Irish Baseball for the praise, but this one gesture is the greatest thanks I could receive.

Mike Kindle #45