Global Fastener News

July 20, 2004 FIN – 27-year-old rivet salesperson from Canada will be playing on the Greek national baseball team in the 2004 Olympics, Torontos National Post reported.
How could you ever even dream of this?’ Mel Melehes of Rivets Unlimited of Ontario asked. A Canadian kid playing for the Greek national team. This is an opportunity that fell into my lap and Ive been thankful for it every day.'”
Greece has been recruiting North Americans whose ancestors were born in Greece and who thus could qualify for Greek citizenship. Melehes late father was born in a village north of Athens.
Greek interest in the games grew when the defending champion U.S. team was knocked out of Olympic contention by losing to Mexico in a qualifying round.
As the host nation, Greece automatically qualifies for the Olympic baseball competition. The left-hander had been drafted out of high school by the New York Yankees and plays part-time for the Guelph Royals in Southern Ontario.
He played for Greece last years European championships in the Netherlands. He gave up just one unearned run in a 1-0 loss to Spain.
Rivets Unlimited has been great about supporting me, giving me time to go to Holland and everything,’ Melehes said. ©2004-2015 GlobalFastenerNews.com