The Legacy of the Quebec Capitals: A Reflection on Success and Talent
Memories That Define a Team
Karl Gélinas (pitcher from 2007 to 2019)
Reflecting on his time with the Quebec Capitals, Karl Gélinas reminisces about the unforgettable moments that shaped his career. From intense games to camaraderie off the field, the memories made with the team will always hold a special place in his heart.
Goefrey Tomlinson (outfielder from 2004 to 2011)
For Goefrey Tomlinson, the Capitals were more than just a team – they were a family. The bond forged through victories and defeats, the shared passion for the game, and the unwavering support from fans made his time with the team truly memorable.
Olivier Lépine (receiver from 1999 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2006)
Olivier Lépine reflects on the sense of belonging and pride that came with wearing the Capitals jersey. The team’s rich history and tradition of excellence inspired him to give his best on and off the field, leaving a lasting impact on the organization.
Michel Simard (pitcher from 2007 to 2010)
Michel Simard cherishes the memories of his time with the Capitals, where he honed his skills and forged lifelong friendships. The lessons learned and the experiences shared with teammates and coaches have shaped him into the player and person he is today.
Unveiling the Most Dominant Player
Karl Gelinas
“The most talented, I have no choice but to say the Cuban Yurisbel Gracial. If it hadn’t been for the fact that he had to leave his country illegally, I’m sure he could have played a few years in major league baseball. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. Defensively, he was excellent. We could use it almost everywhere. And I rarely like right-handed hitters’ swings, but his was special. No matter how good a pitcher he faced, he was capable of having a quality at-bat. After leaving the Capitals, he was named Japan’s Most Valuable Player twice. It says what a baseball player he was.”
“I didn’t play with him, I was the hitting coach at the time, but that’s Balbino Fuenmayor. We called him Balbino, remember? I was impressed with his batting approach, he had the best swing I have ever seen. Otherwise, I had the chance to see Jonathan Malo and his arm that could throw so far. Another one that impressed me, and not only on the field, is Pierre-Luc Laforest. In 2009, we dominated during the season, but we hadn’t won since 2006. And Pete brought leadership that we didn’t have. He was known, respected and he made sure everyone was at their best on the field.
“In all of baseball, I would say Miguel Cabrera. And when you played with him, it’s difficult to find such an impressive player afterwards. But with the Capitals, I would go with Michel Laplante. We had a special relationship because he was a pitcher and I was a catcher. I found it impressive how much in-depth knowledge he had of his art, of his role as a pitcher. He wasn’t just a ball grabber.”
«Goefrey Tomlinson. He was second to none when it came to having “baseball instincts.” As soon as the ball was hit, this guy knew exactly where to stand and how to catch it. And seeing him run the bases was incredibly fluid and beautiful. Goof going around second base to get to third, it was a work of art. If I had to teach young people how to do it, I would use him as an example.”
The Secret to Success
Karl Gelinas
“It is a culture which has been installed almost forever. It started from Michel Laplante and subsequently, Patrick Scalabrini took over. Pat does an incredible job recruiting not only great baseball players, but good humans. This results in close-knit teams, which play collective baseball with players who all pull the cover from the same side. Even today, there is Michel Laplante in all of this, but it also comes from Scal, in his way of managing and recruiting.
“It’s a combination of a lot of things. Michel Laplante offers players a very nice place to play. I played elsewhere before joining the Capitals, and even in the minor leagues, it wasn’t the same. The Capitals take very good care of their players, it is very impressive. There is also camaraderie on the field. In my time, the players were very close. From 2004 to 2010, we went to the restaurant, to the bar after the matches, we did activities together. Plus, everyone likes to come and play in Quebec, for the atmosphere, for the city.”
Olivier Lépine
“It’s a philosophy, which perhaps started with Michel Laplante and which we combine with the atmosphere in the stadium, which is incredible. The players are happy to be part of this team. I’ve played elsewhere, in the United States, and it’s not like that everywhere. Also, Patrick Scalabrini always strives to recruit players who are basically good people and it seems that this is reflected in the way of playing. Everyone gets on board, everyone is happy when someone makes a good shot.”
Michel Simard
“The Capitals are capable of taking everything that benefits them and creating success with it. For example, they play in Quebec, a pleasant city, where there is action, where the people are beautiful. The word is getting around: in my time, players wanted to come and play in Quebec. Here you are well treated, the organization takes care of you. Then they were able to modernize the stadium and make it user-friendly, despite its age. Then there are the supporters.
*Answers have sometimes been shortened for clarity.
The Quebec Capitals: A Legacy of Excellence
Reflecting on the Past
As the Quebec Capitals gear up to kick off their 25th season against the Florence Y’alls, it’s a time for reflection and celebration. In a special feature, four veterans of the team, Karl Gélinas, Goefrey Tomlinson, Olivier Lépine, and Michel Simard, share their best moments and insights into what has made the Capitals such a dominant force in baseball.
Memorable Moments
Karl Gélinas reminisces about the Cuban player Yurisbel Gracial, highlighting his exceptional talent and versatility on the field. Meanwhile, Goefrey Tomlinson praises the innate baseball instincts of his teammate and the artistry of his base running.
Olivier Lépine and Michel Simard both emphasize the importance of team culture and camaraderie in the success of the Capitals. They credit the organization for creating a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
Key Players
From the powerful swing of Balbino Fuenmayor to the leadership of Pierre-Luc Laforest, the Capitals have seen a roster of exceptional talent over the years. Each player bringing their unique skills and contributions to the team.
Building a Winning Team
According to the veterans, the Capitals’ success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including strong leadership, a supportive environment, and a deep-rooted team culture. The emphasis on recruiting not only talented players but also individuals of character has been a key driver of the team’s consistent performance on the field.
As the Capitals continue to uphold their legacy of excellence, it is clear that their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive team environment sets them apart in the world of baseball.
The Legacy of the Quebec Capitals: A Story of Success and Unity
The Quebec Capitals, a team with a rich history and a tradition of excellence, are set to kick off their 25th season against the Florence Y’alls near Cincinnati. To commemorate this milestone, four veterans – Karl Gélinas, Goefrey Tomlinson, Olivier Lépine, and Michel Simard – share their insights on the team’s success and the players who have left a lasting impact.
Memorable Moments and Dominant Players
Reflecting on their time with the Capitals, each veteran recalls their best memories and the players who stood out. Karl Gélinas praises the talent of Cuban player Yurisbel Gracial, highlighting his versatility and skill on the field. Goefrey Tomlinson reminisces about the instinctive prowess of his teammate, while Michel Simard emphasizes the importance of leadership and camaraderie in the team.
The Secret to the Capitals’ Success
When asked about the team’s consistent competitiveness, the veterans attribute it to a strong team culture and a sense of community fostered by the organization. Karl Gélinas credits the leadership of Patrick Scalabrini in recruiting not only talented players but also individuals who embody the values of the team. Olivier Lépine and Michel Simard echo this sentiment, emphasizing the positive atmosphere within the team and the support from fans.
Overall, the Quebec Capitals’ success can be attributed to a combination of talent, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. As they embark on their 25th season, the legacy of the Capitals continues to inspire players and fans alike, showcasing the power of unity and dedication in achieving greatness.
