Brantford Red Sox Sold

Brantford Red Sox sold — Paul Aucoin has transferred ownership to Lee Delfino and Jeff Hamilton

Originally Appeared in Brantford Expositor by Brian Smiley, Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Brantford Red Sox have been sold.

Former owner Paul Aucoin announced on Wednesday that he has transferred ownership of the six-time defending Intercounty Baseball League champions to local residents Lee Delfino and Jeff Hamilton.

"I have mixed emotions," said Aucoin. "I've enjoyed the last 13 years with the ball club. It's been fun.

"At the Brantford level it's fun. I just don't need the hassles or the politics of the league."

Delfino has been an integral part of the Red Sox championship seasons. He has been with Brantford as the team's shortstop since 2005.

During his tenure, the Red Sox have won seven of the past eight IBL championships. He is a former Toronto Blue Jays draft pick.

"Lee has got a business mind," said Aucoin. "He's very good with people. You've seen it at the park."

Delfino and Hyung Cho, Brantford's third baseman since 2005, run Oppotaco, which produces baseball-themed clothing.

Aucoin also confirmed that as well as being the new owner, Delfino will return to play for the Red Sox in 2014.

As for Hamilton, he has a long history as a volunteer within the Brantford Church Hockey League. Delfino is engaged to Hamilton's daughter, Rebecca.

"I know of Jeff," said Aucoin. "Everything that I hear about Jeff, he's obviously been good for minor hockey. He's been there for years. He understands the running of day-to-day operations."

Both Delfino and Hamilton were not available for comment on Wednesday.

When Aucoin announced he would be selling the team, the offers didn't pour in. It's an expensive proposition -- equipment, travel and other items can make the budget number balloon -- so that may have been one drawback.

Another reason for people not jumping at the chance to own the team might have had something to do with its success.

Aucoin wonders if prospective owners were turned off because of the pressure to continue a winning tradition.

Regardless, now that Aucoin is out, he hopes the community and local businesses remain in.

"Hopefully the sponsors support them," he said. "I know I'm going to take a sponsorship package out with them.

"Hopefully it will be a smooth transition and they won't miss a beat."

After building the Red Sox back up to the storied franchise they once were, Aucoin will be around to help the new owners if need be.

"I've told them that I'll be there if they need anything, if they need advice or they want to run anything by me, absolutely I'll be around," he said.

"But I won't have anything to do with the ownership of the team."

And one last footnote. Asked what the sale price of the team was, Aucoin didn't want to say publicly what a record-setting ball club is worth.

Aucoin was never in the baseball business to make money, it was always about giving Brantford a product to be proud of. That means it will be up to those with a long enough memory to fill others in on what Aucoin paid Mike Calbeck years ago for the franchise.

The only clue is that there weren't many zeros behind the number one.

"I sold it for the same price I got it for," Aucoin said, with the hint of laughter in his voice.