Don resided over the Essendon Baseball Club as President for a total of 12 years from 1988/89 to 1992/93, in 1995/96 and then from 2002/03 to 2007/08, when he handed over the reins to his son Tony who remains President to this day.
His Presidency included overseeing a tumultuous time for the club when it was forced to move from the Glen Street Reserve; a decision that Don took in his stride, ensuring the best possible long-term outcome for the club, including the foresight to gain a foothold on a new home with the capacity for future growth.
In retrospect, he was also a ‘lucky charm’ for EBC. In his first year as President, the Division 1 team won its first pennant since 1966. He also oversaw the 1995/96 championship win in a one year ‘cameo’ stint as President.
Don was made a Life Member of EBC in 2005; an honour he also previously achieved with the Newport Baseball Club in 1976. He was the joint winner of the Best Clubperson Award in 1992/93 alongside his very close friend and staunchest ally, Gary O’Brien. The main diamond at Boeing Reserve is named after him – surely the greatest recognition a club volunteer can be given.
Don was renowned for his dry humour, his strong handshake and his habit of talking from the side of his mouth as if everything was a secret! He loved his family, his politics, his community and his Essendon Baseball Club.
He will be sadly missed by all who had the fortune to be his friend and all those who continue to reap the benefits of his contribution to Victorian baseball.
Baseball Victoria extends its deepest sympathies to Don's family, and the Essendon and Newport Baseball Clubs.
CORNISH. The Funeral Service for Mr Donald (Don) Edwin Cornish will be held at
St Thomas Anglican Church,
756 Mount Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds
WEDNESDAY (Feb. 5, 2014) commencing at 11 a. m.
Private Cremation to follow
We encourage all that new Don to come along.
