The Cats Claws Fan Club had it’s start in 1988 as a small but loyal fan base who, through a grass roots movement lead the charge to prevent then team owner Harold Ballard from moving the team out of the city. A march through city streets to City Hall served as an indicator to city politicians, particularly then mayor, Bob Morrow, to help find a resolution to Mr. Ballard’s threats of taking the team out of Hamilton. Consequently on March 1, 1989 local businessman David Braley bought the team from Mr. Ballard.

The group met to determine what they could do, as fans, to help keep the team in town. The team needed money and with the largest source of income being from season ticket sales, the group pooled their resources to purchase additional season tickets, which they decided would go to underprivileged children in the community. The additional tickets served two purposes, firstly it put more money in the team coffers and secondly it would provide a means to start building the next generation of fans ensuring an ongoing fan base for the team.

This continues to be the mandate of the Fan Club. For over 20 years the club has been supporting the team through this initiative. Through community groups such as City Kidz, Big Brothers, church groups and other local agencies the club currently sends 40 kids to each Ti-Cats home game.

With the formalization of the club, it was determined that to increase the commitment to the team, the club would hold various events that would not only generate the revenue to meet the commitment to the team, but also bring the team closer to the community. For a number of years the club would host “The Quarterback Club” - held once a month during the season, it would bring current players, coaches and management out to a local establishment where fans could meet and get a chance to talk with team representatives in a casual setting.

One particular fan, Charlotte Simmons would attend each game in her “Tiger Lady” costume and became a friend of the organization. As Charlotte’s health deteriorated the team came together to support her as she had always supported them. In appreciation for the team’s generousity Charlotte’s family established a tradition with the 1st Annual Charlotte Simmons Humanitarian Award, which the club proudly carries on to this day. Each year the Fan Club awards the Charlotte Simmons Humanitarian Award to a current player who devotes much of their time & energy to the betterment of the local community. A complete history of award winners, will be available on our Awards page.

The Fan Club also annually recognizes alumni with the Walk of Fame honour. The “Walk” is located on the exterior wall of Ivor Wynne Stadium along Beechwood Avenue. To date there have been 36 inductees. A complete history of Walk of Fame honourees, will be available on our Awards page.

The Annual Walk of Fame/Charlotte Simmons Award Dinner is held just prior to the opening of training camp each year.