McLEISH, BALISTA
Ballista McLeish is an all-round dedicated player and leader. He started his cricket journey while attending Duhaney Park Secondary School, Jamaica, W.I., where he played for two years, 1976-1978 before he was invited to the national trials in 1978 and 1979. McLeish played Senior Cup Cricket as a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club from 1980 through 1983. His excellent sportsmanship and athleticism made him an outstanding player in the Jamaica Senior Cup Division.
He migrated to the United States of America in 1983. Within one year, he was drafted to play for the Westbury Cricket Club. He has been the most successful captain for the club in the last 11 years, harnessing five years of consecutive championships that also included two double championships within that five-year run.
Westbury cricket team with the leadership of McLeish has gotten in total 10 championships, three double championships and 180 wins from 200 (90%) in the Metropolitan Cricket League. His unique leadership skills and his inability to lose have brought Westbury Cricket Club and Metropolitan League national attention. McLeish has a passionate love for the game of cricket. He is an important facet to his club, his league and to New York.
In 19895, he played for the U.S. All-Star Team against the West Indies team that had the likes of Clive Lloyd, Curtly Ambrose, Jeffrey Dujon and Roger Harper. His debut score was 45 runs. He was also a member of the New York and Metropolitan District Cricket League since 1984 to present, serving in the capacities of captain and vice-captain. McLeish has also been a regular member and captain of the Jamaica team that participates in the annual Caribbean Cup competition in New York.
McLeish is currently assisting New York region Women’s Cricket Committee with its program. He has received numerous awards for MVP, sportsmanship, leadership, humanitarian and outstanding service and contribution. In 1007, he received a citation from the New York State Assembly and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives.
McLeish is the founder and president of Ballista Cleaning and Maintenance LLC and is also a member of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI).
McLeish is happily married to Lorraine McLeish and they have three wonderful children, Stephanie, Kamar and Stephen.