New Westminster's Justin Morneau is arguably one of the best baseball players on the planet – and his proud father George is more than happy to share stories about the successful start to his son's career.

The Minnesota Twins' slugging first baseman got his start at the ball diamonds at Moody Park in New Wesminster playing tee ball as a tyke.

"In the big leagues, I understand he still hits up to 200 to 500 balls everyday off the tee before the games," George said.

It's that habit that has allowed Justin to perfect his swing and become one of Major League Baseball's perennial hitters.

In his short but successful professional career, Justin has already captured some major league hardware.

In 2006, Justin won Most Valuable Player in the American League, becoming the first Canadian player to win the award.

Justin's big bat has opened the door for him to compete in several Home Run Derbies. Two years ago, Morneau beat out the Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton to win the 2008 Derby.

The first baseman has also been selected as an American League All-Star four times.

While his son is busy frustrating pitchers in the majors, George remains a mainstay at the local diamond, selling 50/50 tickets and conducting hitting clinics.

"I love working with kids, mainly because I like seeing kids succeed. You can never stop dreaming. If you stop dreaming you shouldn't play because what you get out of the game is how hard you work. And that is full proof of my own son. If you want it, go get it."

The City of New Westminster honoured Justin for his hard work and willingness to give back to his community by changing the name of diamond number five at Moody Park to Justin Morneau Field.

George says it was one of the proudest moments of his life.

"It just makes me gulp a bit … to see something with my son's name out there and him being recognized for how hard he worked."

It seems only fitting that for the next nine days, B.C.'s best little leaguers will be realizing their dreams and creating memories by playing in the B.C. Little Championship at the very same park where Justin and George created so many memories.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jason Pires