Well, did you think before agreeing to lead the LBMQ Warriors?
I thought about it for a long time. In fact, it took me two or three weeks before giving my answer. There was the schedule, that’s for sure, but I first had to ask myself a big question: am I capable of being a manager at this level? I have come to the conclusion that yes, I am capable. The schedule? It is certain that I will not play all the Indians matches, that the priority will be the Warriors. Also, honestly, I needed a new challenge and it was handed to me on a silver platter. Besides, the Indians guys know, this will be my last season at the helm of the team.
Have you seriously asked yourself if you have what it takes to lead in the LBMQ?
Absolutely ! Listen, we’re talking about big caliber, the best baseball in Quebec, with several players who have played at various levels among the pros. Let’s face it, there’s something intimidating about that. Although I am 25 years old coaching behind the tie, that guarantees nothing. But I know my baseball and I’m confident in my skills. I know that I am capable of doing job.
In everyday life, you work in the public sector. Do you sense enthusiasm for the coming of the LBMQ to Granby?
Yes sir ! People talk to me about it often, I get asked a lot of questions about the caliber, the players who will wear the Warriors colors, etc. There is interest in town, that’s clear.
Your first match is scheduled for Saturday May 11 at Stade Napoléon-Fontaine against the Acton Vale Castors. Are you looking forward to it?
I’m very, very excited. But we agree that facing the Castors, the reigning champions of the circuit at the start, it’s called: “Welcome to the LBMQ, the boys !” But that’s okay, we’ll have a good idea of what we’re worth quickly.
— Ben Gariépy
Exactly, let’s talk about it! We agree that fans should not expect the Warriors to win the championship in their first season…
Oh no ! Frankly, we would be dishonest to promise them that. What we want is to give people a good show. And I think we’re going to do it. I think we’re going to be solid on the mound and defensively. As we speak, it’s the stick that worries me the most.
You have signed two international pitchers, the Japanese Oscar Nakaoshi and the Venezuelan Carlos Naveda. You’re betting a lot on these two guys, aren’t you?
I’ve seen films of both guys and believe me, they are something. Guys who throw at 90-92 miles per hour in Quebec, you don’t see that often. I think that when Oscar and Carlos are on the mound, we will have an excellent chance of winning. We’re still waiting for them, but they’ll be here in time for the opening, guaranteed.
Ben Gariépy with the Indians, whom he led to four championships in a row. (Stéphane Champagne/La Voix de l’Est)
Everyone expects several Indians players to play with the Warriors. Are you afraid that the arrival of the LBMQ in Granby will weaken the Indians?
There won’t be that many Indians with the Warriors due to regulations. I can tell you that Yann Gauvin and the brothers Jonathan and Anthony Choquette will be full-time Warriors and that Jean-Sébastien Varney, Anthony Mirande and Simon Lussier will lend a hand. The idea is not to kill a team that has just won four championships in a row. Because I want a fifth before I leave!
During the winter, you lost your father. Did baseball, the plans you made with the Warriors mainly, help you get through it?
For sure. My mother passed away a few years ago and we saw this coming with my father. These are hard blows, but we must move forward. This is life and we have no choice but to look forward.
At 51, you are preparing to become a grandfather for the second time. Having seen you go, I know that you are a grandpa.
I love kids and even though I’m a baseball fanatic, my favorite role is that of grandfather. My little Zackary, there is nothing more important to me.
Your summer will be very busy. Are you excited thinking about the next few months?
I’m excited, I’m feverish. I can’t wait to experience the adventure of LBMQ baseball. And I can’t wait for us to introduce this to the people of Granby. Even if we’re going to have an expansion team, I think we’ll have some great evenings at the Stade Napoléon-Fontaine.
