Hometown hero has won World Series with Philadelphia Phillies

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canadaeast news service

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FREDERICTON - He was born in Saint John. He's spent the past 16 summers in 11 different cities and may yet return to a 12th. He winters in Bangor.

"But this is home," said Matt Stairs, the 41-year-old former World Series champion who was honoured with the unveiling of a street sign which will be mounted at the top of Morrison Street in front of Royals Field which will proclaim the throughway "Matt Stairs Way."

Two other signs were also unveiled -- one in the shape of a pennant -- which will be mounted on the press box reading "Welcome to the Home Of World Series Champion Matt Stairs" and the other, a billboard-sized sign with photos of his famous home run in the eighth inning of the fourth game of the 2008 National League Championship Series against Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jonathan Broxton which helped propel the Phillies to the World Series.

"Not one thing stands out," said Stairs, accompanied to the celebration by his wife Lisa and daughters Nicole, Alicia and Chandler.

"The signs that go on Royals Field, the street signs, you work your whole career to win a World Series," said Stairs. "You win a World Series and all of a sudden this happens to you. The World Series is second, that's for sure. To have a street that's named after me, it's probably the best honour that's ever happened to me.

"I'm a Frederictonian. I absolutely love this city."

The feeling is mutual, as Mayor Brad Woodside, city councillor Mike O'Brien, and some 150 people, including his parents, former coaches, teammates and fans conveyed at a reception, with the proceeds in support of minor baseball last night.

Mayor Woodside proclaimed today Matt Stairs Day. The street sign will be officially unveiled at a ceremony this morning.