Grape growers get a jolt of positivity from Pinball
By Luke Edwards
In a room full of people who had homes flooded and crops on the verge of ruin thanks to a series of summer storms, it was perhaps no better time to have a Pinball pep talk.
And that’s exactly what attendees to the annual Grape Growers of Ontario celebrity luncheon got last month. With his trademark smile, impeccable style, and Energizer Bunny energy, Michael “Pinball” Clemons bounced from table to table, sharing stories of inspiration and infecting the crowd with his unique positivity.
“Sometimes you’ve got to lose enough to win,” he said, taking lessons he’s learned from a lifetime in the Canadian Football League, and applying it to grape growers who often face economic and weather challenges beyond their control.
“You are subject to all this stuff and you’ve got to figure it out,” he said.
And much like how each member of a football team must rely on their teammates, farmers do the same.
“We are better together, and you get that,” he said.
At times Pinball’s presentation seemed more like a huddle between plays as he wrapped an arm around the shoulder of someone and offered words of encouragement. At other times he got the entire audience in on the act, having them give themselves a standing ovation, or shouting a call and response.
Clemons, who grew up in a single family home and later became a CFL legend, said his success is the result of the people around him, like his mom, family, friends and teammates. He’s been on Grey Cup winning teams as a player and in management, has won several awards and holds a few records, but despite that his humbleness shone through.
“I owe my success to the many people around me,” he said, often making jokes about his diminutive size.
For Clemons, though, success isn’t measured by awards, wealth, fame, or power.
“If you want to show me a truly great person, show me what that person has done for someone else,” he said.
And as grape growers face what could be a challenging year depending on how the rest of the fall plays out, Clemons was reminded of some of his own professional trials and tribulations. For instance, the last two Grey Cup victories for his Toronto Argonauts, in 2024 and 2022, came after regular seasons where they struggled at times, barely playing over .500. Yet those losses weren’t just losses, they were learning experiences.
The GGO celebrity luncheon kicked off the annual Grape and Wine Festival, now in its 75th year. The day also featured the installation of new Grape King Steve Pohorly.
Organizers also honoured Sandra Easton and Gary Zalepa, outgoing mayors of Lincoln and Niagara-on-the-Lake, respectively, for their advocacy of the grape and wine sector. They additionally made a donation to Community Crew, while Clemons offered to pay for 31 kids to go to camp. His number during his playing days was 31. NM Bartlett, who has come on as Grape King sponsor this year, doubled down, offering to pay for another 30 kids to go to camp.
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