David Gourlay steps down as president of Ottawa Champions

David Gourlayhas stepped down as president ofthe Ottawa Champions, six years after he signed on to the volunteer position.

"I have been humbled to be a part of the baseball fabric as a passionate advocate for our city," Gourlaysaid in a statement released Friday. "It's a role I have valued and am proud ofmany collaborations and partnerships with community leaders, businesses, charities and fans from across Ottawa."

In a brief interview, Gourlaysaid he was proud to get the team off the ground and that the decision to leave the position was "bittersweet."

I have been humbled to be a part of the baseball fabric as a passionate advocate for our city.- David Gourlay

But hesaid that he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Danielle McGee, who works in Mayor Jim Watson's office, and their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

He is currently an independent business consultant, but said he's looking to beinvolved in the community in a different way.

Gourlay began campaigningin 2012 to bring professional baseball to the city by creating a groupcalled Champions for Ottawa Baseball.

Champions lived up to name

Ottawa was awarded a franchise in the Can-Am league in2014. The teamwould play its first game as theOttawa Champions in 2015. Theywould live up to their name by becoming champions of the Can-Am league in 2016. The franchise hosted the league's all-star game in the 2017 season.

In a statement, the team's majority ownerMiles Wolffcredited Gourlay'sdetermination for bringing professional baseball back to Ottawa.

"David Gourlay is the reason that professional baseball is in Ottawa today," Wolff said. "For the last six years, his dedication and passion have brought about the revival of RCGT Park and made it the centre for baseball in the National Capital Region."

Gourlay also helped establish theMiracle League of Ottawa,a non-profit organization thatworked to build a baseball field and playground for children with disabilities.

The team confirmed Gourlayhas given up his minority ownership stakebut will remain on the board of directors for the Ottawa Champions Foundation.

There is no word yeton who may replace him.