Pierce, Alfred

Alfie Pierce, an athlete and Queen's sports icon, was born in Kingston in May 1874 to Albert Pierce and Margaret McCaghey. After attending Gordon Street Public School, he was employed as a general laborer, at the Locomotive Works, and as a liveryman. At the age of 15, Alfie was recruited by Guy Curtis to work as a waterboy and masseur for the Queen's football team. Over time, Alfie was treated as somewhat of a mascot and good luck charm by the team, eventually becoming involved in pregame rituals by throwing the ball to the captain before each game. After his mother passed away in 1903, Alfie would eventually live under the stands at Richardson Stadium in the summer, and winter in the boiler room at Jock Harty Arena, where he would also serve as caretaker and night watchman. Alfie suffered a stroke in 1948, and again in 1951 when he passed away.