Nelson (Choppie) Branchaud
Sport: Softball
Year Inducted: 1974
Nelson “Choppie” Branchaud was born in Cornwall in 1903.
In 1926, Choppie was an immediate softball star as a catcher and long ball hitter with Howard Smith Paper Mill’s team. For the next 10 years, this team won several district and tournament Championships.
In the late 1930’s, Choppie organized his own team, and as a player/coach/manager, entered and won the North End League title in their first year.
During the late 1940’s, he coached a strong Howard Smith Ladies team. This team won the City and Eastern Ontario Championships.
Choppie also played organized baseball with teams operating in leagues in Eastern Ontario and Quebec.
An ardent sportsman, Choppie played soccer, hockey, and curling with great success, winning many medals and trophies in Ontario and Quebec.
Also, during this time he became noted as a fisherman, capturing several trophies.