‘Angels in the Outfield’ honours the late Jeff Lees of Port Hope
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First-ever fundraising baseball tourney to honour Jeff Lees’ community spirit
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Honouring a long-time leader who dedicated much of his life to community in Port Hope will be the focus of a first-time fundraising baseball tourney on Saturday, Aug. 15.
Jeff Lees wore many hats in the Municipality of Port Hope, including as a devoted servant on council for 25 years. He passed away suddenly in January 2025.
But in addition to his councillor and deputy mayor positions, he is remembered as a family man, a huge sports advocate, and a dedicated volunteer – so much so, he was also the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Citizen Civic Award in recognition of his 30-plus years of community service.
Whether helping through the Kinsmen or Lions, to Santa Claus parades and Canada Day fireworks, along with beloved traditions like Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny, those who knew him often remember Lees as a man with an unwavering willingness to help others and a huge Port Hope supporter.
Over the decades, his fingerprints can be found on several other projects – from helping with sports, to the arts and Big Brothers Big Sisters or at the HBIA, Port Hope Fair, and Highway of Heroes Ride, to name just a few of the causes close to his heart.
Now, this Saturday, two friends have come together to organize the first-ever “Angels in the Outfield – the Jeff Lees Memorial Baseball Tournament” in his honour.
“We just were sitting together one day, and we decided that we were going to do something in memory of Jeff, and we knew he did a lot (in the) community … so we thought what better way than to do a tournament and give back to the community, which is what he enjoyed doing,” Tracey McBride told the Independent.
McBride and Melony Gilmour are leading the charge for the inaugural tournament, which will be hosted at Alex Carruthers Memorial Park (3625 Ganaraska Rd.) in Garden Hill this Saturday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Both McBride and Gilmour worked on fundraisers and community events with Lees over the years. And for Gilmour, in addition to also playing ball together and working on committees, she considered him a long-time close family friend.
What started as a business friendship quickly blossomed into more of an “everyday friendship” where he became like an uncle to her kids, she shared.
“They knew him as Uncle Jeff, so he was in our lives consistently – at least three times a week. So we – myself and my kids – got to see firsthand what that man gave to this town.”
Simply put, this tournament is to honour his memory, his lifetime of service, his love for sports and his dedication to bringing community together and giving back, explained the organizers, adding they also just miss their friend.
All proceeds raised through this year’s tournament are going to Port Hope Challenger Baseball and Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Durham and Northumberland. These organizations were close to Lees’ heart and chosen by his family, noted Gilmour.
On Saturday, the Lions Centre will also be dishing up food, and there will be a fundraising raffle with lots of prizes. (Attendees are encouraged to bring cash for both.)
Eight teams will play three games each on two diamonds, with the championship round at the end.
Even if you’re not a baseball fan but want to honour Lees and contribute in another way, all are welcome, whether to take in a game or show the Lions some love or take part in the raffle, said organizers.
And with respect to prizes, McBride noted the community has been “fantastic” stepping up with sponsorships and donations, including people from Port Hope, Garden Hill and Cobourg.
Next year, the tournament will still be in Lees’ honour, but the duo plans to choose another member of the community who has passed away and dedicate a year to them.
After his passing, council colleagues also called Lees’ many years of service invaluable, saying he had a tremendous influence in shaping Port Hope.
“As a life-long resident, Jeff took immense pride in his community and consistently placed the well-being of Port Hope residents at the forefront of all of his efforts and incredible volunteerism,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “His dedication was not only professional but deeply personal, reflecting his love for the place he called home.”
Former Mayor Bob Sanderson worked closely with Lees during their time on council and called him a “true pillar of our community.”
“During my years as mayor, I came to trust and deeply appreciate his counsel,” said Sanderson. “He never sought the spotlight – his focus was always on what was best for Port Hope.
“In his heart and in his actions, Jeff lived for this community. He was practical, thoughtful and brought a steady balance to the council table. His door was always open, and he was someone the community knew they could depend on.”
Sanderson added that his quiet strength and unwavering dedication touched countless lives.
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