FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement of condolence was issued today by Premier Blaine Higgs:
Marcia and I were saddened to learn of the passing of former major league pitcher Rhéal Cormier.
Originally from Saint-André-LeBlanc, Rhéal played for 16 seasons in Major League Baseball and pitched for Canada at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He was the first francophone to pitch in an opening game for the Montreal Expos.
Rhéal was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012 and to the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
He was a kind and generous man, proud of his Acadian origin. He is survived by his wife, Lucienne, son Justin and daughter Morgan.
On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I offer my sincerest condolences to Rhéal’s family and friends.
09-03-21