Here's a story posted by the Phillies:
Cormier was a big leaguer, but he never acted like one. He was unassuming off the field. He once told a story about going to one of his children’s Little League practices. He noticed his daughter stepping on first base with the wrong foot. He politely instructed her how to catch the ball properly.
A coach looked at Cormier funny, perhaps thinking he was just another dad getting involved.
Afterward, a few parents took batting practice. A few fathers hit a few balls hard. Then Cormier stepped into the box.
Cormier hit .188 in 228 plate appearances in the big leagues, which is tied for the 49th highest batting average in baseball history among pitchers with 225 or more plate appearances.
Cormier started launching baseballs like Babe Ruth.
“Did you play before?” a parent asked Cormier.
“Yeah, I play in the big leagues,” Cormier said.
During his time in Philadelphia, Cormier made contributions to Phillies Charities and visited patients in area hospitals. While with the Expos, he worked with several school programs in New Brunswick. He was a spokesman for teenage anti-suicide and anti-drug campaigns.
If you ever met Rheal he was the nicest most down to earth guy you'd ever meet despite his fame, he never lost his small village friendly charm.