By Diane Stanley
February 7 2003

The week our subject in "Meet the fans" is a special friend of mine, Christine LeBlanc. I'm sure you will all enjoy learning a little more about this lovely lady. Over to you Christine!

How old were you when you first became interested in baseball?
I have been interested in baseball since my childhood, but got hooked for good about 2 years before the Jays won the World Series in '92.

Did you ever play little league, or softball now that you are older?
I started with little league baseball at the age of 8. I was one of 2 girls on a mostly boys team. I then switched to softball in junior high and went on to play varsity softball.

Are other members of your family as interested in baseball as much as you are?
My parents are both avid baseball fans and I think it is mainly my fault. When I played softball, they followed me throughout the Maritimes.

Do you think there will ever be a woman playing in the Major Leagues? Please give your reason for your answer.
Although, I would love to see it...I don't think it will ever happen. It's just that baseball is so very competitive and dominated by muscle power now. She would have to be a very physically strong person. But, you never know!

Have you ever been to a Major League game? If so how many games would you say you have been to?
I have seen about 10 major league games.

If yes to above which stadiums did you visit to see these games?
I have been to Toronto Skydome 4 times for about 9 games and then in New York, at Shea Stadium to see the Mets.

If you could visit any stadium which would it be?
Probably one of the newer ones or the Green Monster in Boston. I would visit them all if I could. It would have to one of my dreams to be able to spend a summer to see all the parks.

If you could do an interview for Top Of The Ninth with any active player who would it be?
I would say Shawn Green, then Brad Fullmer.

Why did you choose these players?
I chose Shawn because I have followed his career since the beginning. I also added Brad because he has a passion with training that intrigues me (I weight train myself).

Have you ever written a fan letter to a player? If so did he reply?
I have written many letters to baseball players requesting autographs and many have replied back which is awesome because being from New Brunswick; I would not normally get a players autograph at a game.

Do you collect baseball memorabilia?
I do collect baseball memorabilia like baseball movies and Jays stuff.

Have you ever asked a player for an autograph only to be refused?
About 30% of the players I have written to have not replied, so I guess the answer would be yes. I have never asked a player personally.

How do you feel about players who won't take the time to sign for fans?
I feel that they should try to accommodate fans as much as possible. I do understand that they have lives and need privacy, but we do pay their salary!

Who do you think is the best baseball announcer and why? Also who do you think is the worst? Why?
I have always loved the Buck Martinez and Dan Shullman team from TSN. Buck now manages the Jays and I miss listening to him. I learned so much about the game through these 2 guys. The worst Brian Williams.

Who is your favorite all time player, and what is the reason for your choice?
Paul Molitor. He just seems so classy and his talent is evident. I read his autobio and thought even more fondly of him. He had to overcome obstacles and became an amazing player!

What is your favorite baseball memory, and what is your worst?
Seeing the Jays win in '92 and '93 was the best memory. My worst is probably seeing the Jays get swept by the Red Sox in a 4 game series in June of '01. I in town for that series and was so disappointed to see them lose like that.

How many times a week do you visit baseball related websites?
About 4-5 times a week.

Do you ever watch baseball related movies? If so which is your favorite and why?
I try to watch every movie that comes out. I loved Field of Dreams!

Are you happy that the Diamondbacks won the World Series or were you hoping that the Yankees would win again? Please explain your answer.
I was quite happy that the Diamondbacks win! I just feel like the Yankees win to much and it was time to crown new Princes of baseball.

Do you think there will be contraction of the Major Leagues? If so how do you feel it will effect the future of the game?
I think it will happen. I don't really have an idea as to how this will affect baseball. I do know it saddens me to see the Expos may be one of the teams gone.

Thank you so much for your time Christine. Moreso thanks for your friendship buddy:)

If you would like to be the next interviewee,
please contact me (Diane Stanley) at greenfan@shawngreen.net