ATLANTIC

Matt Stairs to be inducted into N.B. Sports Hall of Fame

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, March 1, 2012 11:02AM AST

San Diego Padres' Matt Stairs watches the path of his home run against the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning during a baseball game Saturday, May 22, 2010, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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FREDERICTON - Retired baseball slugger Matt Stairs is being inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame.

The 44-year-old native of Saint John, N.B., holds Major League Baseball's record for pinch-hit home runs with 23.

Known for his grit and clubhouse leadership, Stairs retired last season after a 19-year career with a record 13 teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos.

He had a .262 career batting average, belted 265 home runs and 899 RBIs, and in 2009 won the World Series while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Field hockey player Sarah Forbes, boxer Jacques LeBlanc, paralympian Hal Merrill, skier Milaine Theriault and William Tracy, who is already in the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, are also being inducted.

The ceremony is June 9.