When Dr. Steve Nantel isn’t teaching, mentoring, or advancing care in the Division of Hematology, you might find him on a baseball field, where he has been making an equally meaningful impact for more than three decades.
A Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine and former Head of the Division of Hematology for over 11 years, Dr. Nantel has been a dedicated coach with Vancouver’s Little Mountain Little League for 31 years. Remarkably, his commitment to the sport continued even after all three of his children, Sarah, James, and Emily, moved on from the league. His leadership has shaped hundreds of young athletes, fostering not only their skills on the field but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
This summer, Little Mountain Little League made headlines by securing the Canada Region’s spot at the 2025 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the team’s third appearance at the international tournament and a proud moment for the Vancouver community.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Nantel shared:
“Having this opportunity is a dream come true for any Little League coach. Thanks to this talented team of ballplayers and my fellow coaches, I have been gifted with a rare opportunity to represent my country in an international tournament. It has been a great ride and an amazing experience.”
While the players take the field in front of a global audience, Dr. Nantel’s decades of leadership and mentorship behind the scenes remain a defining part of the league’s success. His ability to inspire, whether in a medical setting or on the baseball diamond, reflects a passion for building up the next generation, wherever he’s working.
We congratulate Dr. Nantel and the Little Mountain Little League team, and we celebrate his remarkable contributions both to medicine and to the community!