Recently, Baseball Canada.ca spoke with Baseball Canada’s president, Ray Carter, to get his thoughts on various subjects in the baseball world. You can learn more about Carter by reading below.
BC: In light of the International Olympic Committee’s decision to remove baseball (and softball) from the Olympic program in 2012, what effect will this have on Baseball Canada?
Carter: I think it’s going to have a financial implication in that our (government) funding will be reduced. Furthermore, the Olympic dream starts with little kids aged 5-6 years old. I think the IOC’s decision will affect the dreams of the young players and that disturbs me.
BC: What excitement do you feel about the World Baseball Classic in March? Also, will it become Baseball Canada’s new main focus or priority?
Carter: I see the excitement is already there. People not directly involved with baseball have asked about it. I can see it really building up the profile of baseball not only in Canada but also throughout the world. … I think (an increased focus on the World Baseball Classic) is possible. That’s what happened to soccer. The World Cup is the pinnacle and Olympic soccer is a venue for the junior players. I don’t see that as out of the question for baseball.
BC: If you weren’t involved with baseball, what sport would you most want to be involved in?
Carter: Basketball. I played starting at age 5 and was still playing at age 55, and it was a fun environment. It was a big part of my life and I played with many, many teams.
BC: What is the most satisfying part of being Baseball Canada’s president?
Carter: To me, it’s being able to watch young people compete and enjoy this great game of baseball. As well, I get to watch people work together as a team to solve issues. Being the leader of that group is most gratifying to me.
BC: You’ve been president of Baseball Canada since 2000 and your current term expires next year. Will you seek re-election?
Carter: Nothing can go on forever. You must have new people with new ideas coming in and I think that’s very important. Having said that, I would not abandon the association if there were a need for my services. I really believe you have to keep things moving but I wouldn’t abandon the association and leave it flat.
Ray Carter serves as president of the consulting engineering company Robertson, Kolbeins, Teevan & Gallaher Associates, Ltd. In addition to his work as Baseball Canada’s president, he is the past-president and a director of Baseball B.C. He is also a representative on the police board in Delta, B.C., and serves many other community-related roles. He and his wife, Ida, live in Delta and have a daughter, Jennifer, who also resides in Delta with her husband Mike.
