Editor’s note: Of all the tricky ways a triple-A manager has told a minor-leaguer he has been promoted, this was the best …. Plus it is about James Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) Milwaukee Brewers [tching co-ordinator is four wins away from a World Seriess win …. and another reason — it is always good to have the productive, creatuve Alexis Brudnikci’s copy on our pages.

By Alexis Brudnicki

Canadian Baseball Network

You have no idea what’s happening.

The game is over and your manager has called a team meeting. Everyone is gathered in the locker room, waiting to find out what’s going on.

Apparently, the group of young women who were sitting behind the bullpen all game have brought forward a grievance. They’ve gone to the police and lodged a complaint against one of the relief pitchers.

The accuser has informed the authorities that she was being harassed by the Canadian. The police have asked your manager to help them out in solving the problem.

You stand up, and so does the other Canadian on the team. He’s the third baseman however, and he was not in the bullpen. Your manager tells you both that she named a tall player, so Taylor Green (Comox, BC), your Nashville Sounds teammate, sits back down.

“So what do you have to say for yourself?” your manager asks as he looks in your direction.

Jim Henderson didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t harassing anyone. He didn’t even talk to the ladies who were sitting by the bullpen. He was genuinely baffled by the situation. And he told his manager, Mike Guerrero, as much.

So how did Guerrero’s respond?

“Okay, you can tell all that to the lieutenant that’s going to come in,” he said. “He’s all pissed off because all of these young ladies said whatever they said. So you can explain that to him. And by the way, you’ve been called up to the big leagues.”

Guerrero wanted Henderson’s moment to be special. He wanted the nine-year minor leaguer to remember his call to the Milwaukee Brewers, and Guerrero also wanted his entire team to be a part of it.

As the manager’s eyes wandered around the stadium during the game, they landed and fixated near the bullpen. He had found his scenario and planned accordingly.

“It was incredible,” Guerrero said over the phone from Nashville. “It was a good moment. It was perfect. It caught him totally by surprise; it caught everyone by surprise. I got everybody. They didn’t catch me. I was totally serious and it was a really good moment for the team. They felt like they won 10 games in a row, they were so happy for Jim.”

The smile on Henderson’s face just over a week into his big league tenure is so wide that it doesn’t seem possible that anyone could be happier.

“It’s pretty amazing right now,” the 29-year-old said. “It’s a dream come true right now as far as making my debut last week and enjoying the first week right now. It’s been pretty incredible.”

The incredible journey by Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) began in 2003 when he was drafted in the 26th round by the Montreal Expos. Since then, he’s been affiliated with the Washington Nationals, the Chicago Cubs and the Brewers organizations.

He spent four of those seasons in Triple-A, where the bigs is always just a phone call away. But he never felt closer than he did this year, a factor that didn’t always play out to his advantage.

“This year I had a good year and stayed consistent,” Henderson said. “So I heard some whispers earlier in the season. It was almost a bad thing, kind of a distraction, so I tried not to think about it. But how can you not?

“I didn’t like the way I was going out there and it was distracting me, but I was able to get through it and be patient for most of the year.”

Through 35 appearances for the Sounds in the Pacific Coast League in 2012, Henderson was 4-3 with a 1.69 ERA out of the bullpen. He threw 48 innings, notched 15 saves, struck out 56 and held opponents to a .214 average.

In six games with the Brewers, Henderson has thrown five frames, allowed one run, walked none and struck out seven. Upon his arrival in Milwaukee, the right-hander also joined fellow Canadian John Axford in the bullpen.

Axford’s path to The Show was also a little unorthodox, not making his way into the minor leagues until he was in his mid-twenties. But he’s been incredibly impressed with what his new teammate has gone through to get to where he is.

Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) believes that their persistence – and perhaps even stubbornness – might be traced to their Canadian roots.

“We’re always trying to prove ourselves to a certain degree on a larger stage than where we believe we should be,” Axford said. “My path wasn’t the most-traveled path, that’s not the way you really want to go, but it’s the same with Jim, too.

“I think Jim started playing pro ball younger than I did but the persistency of him staying in the minor leagues for nine years, that’s hard, especially when you’re bouncing around as many different teams as he had, being released, trying to sign with another team, being released again; trying to sign with another team. It takes a lot to be able to keep going after it the way you want to and try and reach that fulfillment, that dream of playing in the big leagues.

“And after nine years, it’s got to be tough when you’re down there. I was in the minor leagues only for a few years but it was the matter of getting into pro ball that was the difficult part for me. I didn’t start playing until I was 24 and I couldn’t imagine being there for nine years, like certain people ...

“I don’t know if I would have lasted if it was nine years in the minor leagues. So that says something for Jim, that’s for sure.”

There is a lot to be said about the journey of Jim Henderson, from his time with John Ircandia’s Okotoks Dawgs through his 10 seasons in the minors to Milwaukee’s clubhouse, but Guerrero said it best:

“It’s a special moment, not only for him but for everyone in the organization, and in all of baseball,”

Guerrero said. “As long as you work hard and no matter how long you’re in baseball, if you have a uniform you have a chance. Your willingness to keep fighting and grinding it out, one way or the other, if you do the right things and you’re in the right place, you’re going to get a chance.”

* * *

Sequel: Axford made his debut Sept. 15, 2009 retiring Bobby Scales of the Chicago Cubs on a fly ball. He pitched in six other games as a call-up.

In 2010 he saved 24 games and the next year led the NL with 46 saves. And in 2012 he saved 35 more for the Brewers.

He also pitched for the Athletics, the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, the Blue Jays, Cleveland, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers.

In all, he pitched in 544 games with 144 saves and a 3.90 ERA, striking out 589 in 525 2/3 innings.

* * *

The first hitter Henderson faced, who turned 44 on Thursday,, was Washington Nationals Roger Bernadina, who he struck out on July 26, 2012. He pitched in 26 games picking up three saves. In 2013 taking over for Axford he had 28 saves. The next year he only pitched in 14 games before being sideline with and injury and in 2016 he worked in 44 games for the New York Mets. In all, he pitched in 155 games with a 3.61 ERA, striking out 177 in 137 innings.

And now Henderson is back sitting in the Brewers dugout as pitching coordinator. He worked in Milwaukee’s minor-league system in 2018, 2019 and 2021. In 2022 he was promoted to bullpen coach, assistant pitching coach and later assistant pitching and strategy coach.

October 22, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

He’s the first Canadian to play for the Milwaukee Brewers.

And though he only spent about a year in Toronto at the beginning of his life, Barry Cort happily refers to himself as Canadian in Dade City, Fla., where he now lives with his wife, Susan.

“We have the Canadians against the Americans in a golf tournament here. And all my buddies say, ‘Barry, are you going to play for the Canadians?’ And I say, ‘Yeah. I’m Canadian,'” he shared with a chuckle in a recent phone interview. “But I split it up, I’ll play one year with the Canadians and one year with the Americans. That way I’ll keep everyone happy, I guess.”

It’s been more than 49 years since Cort threw a pitch for the Brewers but he still feels a kinship with the club.

“I’m glad to see the Brewers get to the World Series,” said Cort. “They were having a good year and I was saying if everyone stays healthy they might get there. And I loved it when they swept the Dodgers.”

Cort posted a tidy 3.33 ERA in seven appearances for the Brewers in 1977 before shoulder woes and bone spurs ended his career prematurely.

Fittingly, his only big league win and complete game came against the Blue Jays in Toronto on May 3, 1977 with his father, George, present, recording parts of the contest on a Kodak Instamatic video camera.

Cort’s father emigrated to Toronto from England in 1953, following his brother, Ernie, to Canada in search of prosperity. Uncle Ernie was also on hand to see Cort’s first major league win.

Cort’s father got work as a house painter, but didn’t like the cold weather in Toronto, so he gathered up his family – his wife, Sally, and two sons George and Barry – and moved to Tampa Bay, Fla.

In the Sunshine State, Cort began playing baseball at age five.

“I used to love to hit more than I liked to pitch,” said Cort.

While at C. Leon King High School in Tampa, he grew to 6-foot-5 and by his senior year his fastball was being clocked at over 90 mph and he was dominating the competition.

Cort volunteers that discipline was sometimes an issue for him in high school, but fortunately his coach, Billy Howell, steered him in the right direction.

“Billy worked and worked and worked with me,” recalled Cort. “And I almost blew it. I was messing around . . . I missed 13 days of school. And my coach came up to me one day and he said, “Barry, listen, if you miss any more days of school they’re going to set you back a year and you might not get drafted.”

That set Cort straight and the Brewers ended up selecting him in the fourth round of the 1974 draft.

The Brewers dispatched scout Sandy Johnson to sign Cort, who received a $21,000 signing bonus, which he used to buy a Trans Am.

The then 18-year-old righty reported to the Brewers’ Class-A Short Season Newark Co-Pilots where he went 8-3 with a 2.27 ERA and tossed seven complete games in 14 starts.

“Back then, we might have had two people in the bullpen, so when you started, you had to go out there and do the best you could,” said Cort.

The hard-throwing hurler was promoted to the Class A Burlington Bees in 1975 where he continued to excel, finishing 14-9 with a 3.21 ERA in 24 starts. He threw 12 more complete games.

He was elevated to double-A Berkshire the ensuing year and completed the campaign with a 14-5 record and a 2.80 ERA in 25 games (24 starts).

With three excellent minor league seasons under his belt, Cort headed to Brewers’ camp in 1977 determined to crack the big league roster.

“I had a good spring training and [Brewers manager] Alex Grammas called me into his office and he said, ‘Hey, listen, I’ve got some good news and bad news for you,” recalled Cort. “I said, ‘Well, give me the bad news first.’ He said, ‘Well, the bad news is you’re not going to go back to double-A ball.’ And I said, ‘Well, what’s the good news?’ And he said, ‘Call your family because you’re going to Milwaukee.’ Man, the hairs on my arms stood up, just like they did now when I mentioned it to you. It was really something.”

Cort made his major-league debut on April 22, 1977 against the California Angels and allowed two earned runs in 1 2/3 innings in relief in a Brewers’ 7-4 loss. He made two additional relief appearances that month before getting his first start against the Blue Jays on May 3.

But even during his start against the Blue Jays, Cort could feel something was wrong with his shoulder.

“I remember after about the seventh inning, my arm was killing me. I remember putting a hot water bottle on my shoulder and I told Alex Grammas, ‘I don’t want to come out of this game. I want to finish it,’” recalled Cort. “And I did.”

The Brewers won 6-2 with Cort scattering nine hits and striking out five batters in his complete-game effort. That performance made him the first Toronto-born pitcher to register a win against the Toronto Blue Jays.

His father, who was so nervous during the game that he smoked a full pack of cigarettes, filmed parts of it, but only brought one roll of film.

“After the game, I said to him, ‘Hey, pop, you only brought one roll. You must not have expected I was going to go very far in the game?’” said Cort with a laugh.

Eleven days later, Cort made his second big league start and permitted just two runs in 7 1/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers, but he was saddled with a tough-luck loss in the Tigers’ 3-2 victory.

Four days later, he started against the Blue Jays again, this time in Milwaukee, but left after two innings when the pain in his shoulder became unbearable.

He’d make just one more relief appearance for the Brewers prior to undergoing surgery on his shoulder.

Cort has fond memories of the fans in Milwaukee and the city itself. He can recall living in a small apartment about a mile from County Stadium, going to a bar called Bootleggers downtown and driving around in a big car with his teammates.

“The guy at Balistreri Oldsmobile gave us this big old sled to drive around,” said Cort. “You could put eight people in that car. It was unbelievable . . . It was like a four-door Lincoln, or a big Cadillac, but it was an Oldsmobile Delta 88.”

Unfortunately, Cort was never able to regain the same arm strength after his shoulder surgery.

“I thought my shoulder was coming back and, of course, it didn’t,” said Cort. “The whole sad thing was I never had any therapy. After my surgery, they sent me home with a stretching book. I didn’t have anybody to train with or give me the therapy that I needed to get me back to where I needed to be.”

Cort threw his final professional pitch for the double-A West Haven A’s in the Oakland A’s organization in 1981 before hanging up his playing spikes.

The following year, Cort, just 26, was at home watching many of his former Brewers teammates play in the 1982 World Series.

“I was cheering for them, but you wouldn’t believe how much I wished I was part of that,” said Cort.

After his pitching career, he returned to the Tampa area where, like his father, he became a commercial painter.

“My dad taught me well because I did it for almost 40 years and I still do it every now and then,” said Cort, who turned 70 in April. “I paint cabinets in people’s houses. It has kept me busy.”

He also played slo-pitch for several years but he gave that up about 10 years ago after having surgery on his spine. That was one of 14 surgeries Cort has endured over the years. That list includes four shoulder surgeries, as well as operations on both knees and his neck. He also has three stents in his heart and a pacemaker.

“I’ve been through the mill,” said Cort. “I’m lucky to even be here . . . I wake up every morning saying, ‘Thank you, Lord.’ I don’t know what’s keeping me going. Maybe it’s just because I’m a fighter and I love golf.”

Ten years ago, he received a surprise in the mail from Major League Baseball. It was a notice informing him that from that point forward, he’d be receiving an annual pension payment of $563 from them.

“Hey, it’s better than nothing,” said Cort. “I get that and take my wife down to the beach and we spend the weekend there and live it up.”

Cort and his wife, Susan, will have been married nine years in February. She is the “love of his life” and he says he’s not sure what he’d do without her.

Cort is uncertain if he still has relatives in Toronto, but he still has the paperwork to prove he’s a Canadian citizen.

“I’m a permanent resident here, but I’ve never given up my Canadian status,” said Cort.

In 2021, his high school in Tampa retired his No. 13. It was a proud moment for Cort, who will be cheering on the Brewers, his former big league team, in the World Series.

“I told my wife earlier this year that I have a funny feeling the Brewers are going to go pretty far this year. And sure enough, they’re about to play on the big stage. They can’t go any further than they have now,” said Cort. “Man, that’s got to be a good feeling to wake up and know you’re going to the World Series. I’d have given anything for that.”

But while he wishes his major league career was longer, Cort is grateful for what he has – a beautiful wife, a daughter, two grandchildren and the warm memories of winning a major league game almost 50 years ago in the Canadian city he was born in, with his father there to witness it.

“I still have dreams about pitching. I miss it terribly. I just wish the old arm had held out and who knows what would’ve happened? I love the game of baseball. I just wish I’d had more time to play it, but the Good Lord had other plans . . . I like to think God’s got a plan for me. I’m not sure what it is, but I hope it’s not any more surgeries,” said Cort with a laugh.

October 22, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

It will be Ash versus Cash in this year’s World Series clash.

That first sentence sounds like it could’ve been written by Dr. Seuss, but I can assure you it was not.

It will be former Toronto Blue Jays general manager and current Milwaukee Brewers’ vice-president, baseball projects Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.) against former Blue Jays catcher and current Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash in this year’s Fall Classic, which will begin at American Family Field in Milwaukee on Friday night.

Adding further intrigue to this “clash” is that it was under Ash’s reign as Blue Jays general manager that the club signed Cash as an amateur free agent in 1999.

But this is just one Canadian angle to this year’s World Series, a showdown that will assure us of a first-time World Series champion. Neither the Brewers or the Rays have ever won the World Series.

The Rays have Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) - the only Canadian-born player left standing - while the Brewers have some prominent Canadian executives.

Both teams had the best records in their respective leagues, which should make for a long, hard-fought series.

So, without further ado, here’s a rundown of the Canadian content in this year’s World Series:

1. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are in the postseason for the 10th time, but this is the first year they have had a Canadian on their October roster.

The American League East division-winning Rays acquired catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3, and Hicks has been a key part of their offence. In 41 regular season games with the Rays, he had a .288/.379/.440 slash line with four home runs and 20 RBIs. And he had already been enjoying a breakout campaign with the Marlins.

In total, the Toronto Mets alum batted .284 with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs in 142 regular season games in 2026. He also finished the season as one of a select group of MLB hitters with more walks (56) than strikeouts (55).

After going just 1-for-10 in the Rays’ three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the ALDS, Hicks improved at the dish against the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS, going 5-for-17 (.294 batting average) with three RBIs.

Perhaps most impressive, however, has been Hicks’ game-calling behind the plate, which has drawn raves from his manager and veteran right-hander Freddy Peralta.

It has been a remarkable baseball journey for Hicks who less than two years ago was left unprotected by the Detroit Tigers in the Rule 5 draft and selected by the Marlins.

In March, he suited up for the Canadian national team for the first time at the World Baseball Classic.

Player: C Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.)

Minor league players: OF Slater de Brun (Bend, Ore., mom, Julie, lived in Toronto), C Nathan Flewelling (Innisfail, Alta.), INF Jack Lines (Okotoks, Alta.), INF Taj Marchand (Charleston, N.C., father, Hugo, from Montreal), OF Noah Myers (Wyoming, Ont.), OF Tom Poole (Winnipeg, Man.), LHP Jeremy Pilon (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que.)

2. Milwaukee Brewers

When Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.) was the general manager of the Brewers from 2002 to 2015, and Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.) was his assistant GM, the Brewers seemed to consistently have the most (or close to the most) Canadian players in their system. This changed under more recent regimes, but it has rebounded somewhat in the past five years when thanks to input from the club’s director of international scouting and player personnel, Taylor Green (Comox, BC), and area scout Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), the Brewers selected Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.) 33rd overall in the 2021 MLB draft and INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.) 102nd overall in 2022.

The Brewers also added catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) from the Guardians on August 1. Naylor played with the Brewers’ triple-A Nashville Sounds in August before being called up and going 2-for-7 in three games with the Brewers in September. With catchers William Contreras and Gary Sanchez ahead of him, Naylor is unlikely to be on the Brewers’ World Series roster.

Also, former Okotoks Dawgs right-hander and ex-Brewers closer Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) is the Brewers’ pitching coordinator.

The Brewers finished with 103 wins during the regular season - the most in MLB - and they swept the reigning World Series championship Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS to secure their first Fall Classic berth since 1982.

Player: Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.)

Minor league Players: INF Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.), INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.)

Coach: Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.), MLB pitching coordinator

Executives: Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.), special assistant to the general manager; Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.), vice-president, baseball projects; Taylor Green (Comox, BC), director of international scouting and player personnel, Brad McKay (Fredericton, NB) head strategist, skill acquisition

Scouts: Tyler Hollick (Calgary, Alta.), Doug Mathieson (Langley, BC), Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), Taylor Frederick (Ottawa, Ont.)

October 21, 2026

Baseball Canada

BOCA CHICA, Dominican Republic – Baseball Canada has named 20 athletes to the Junior National Team roster who will represent Canada at the 2026 WBSC Americas U-18 Pan American Championship, with Canada set to begin its pursuit of a berth at next year’s WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in China.

The championship runs from October 22-29 at the IPL Academy in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, with four World Cup qualification spots on the line.

Canada enters the tournament in Group C alongside Puerto Rico and Panama. The Juniors will open against Puerto Rico on Thursday, October 22 at 3:00 p.m. E.T. before facing Panama at 12:00 p.m. E.T. on Friday.

Opening Round play concludes Saturday with doubleheader action as Canada takes on Puerto Rico at 12:00 p.m. E.T. and Panama at 3 p.m. E.T. All four Canadian games will be played at IPL Academy Stadium 2.

The final roster was selected following Canada’s U-18 Pan American Championship Selection Camp in the Dominican Republic. It features a good mix of Junior National Team veterans refreshed by some new young talent.

Head Coach and Director of Men’s National Teams Greg Hamilton will lead the group alongside coaches Mike Johnson (Sherwood Park, Alta.), Jesse Hodges (Victoria, BC) and Chris Begg (Uxbridge, Ont.).

Canada’s 20-player roster

Pitchers: Calum Andersen (Calgary, Alta.), Caleb Dupuis (Georgetown, Ont.), Gabe Fink (Edmonton, Alta.), Max Nantais-Vlahovich (Mississauga, Ont.), Joseph Pereira (Etobicoke, Ont.), Ethan Reason (Stouffville, Ont.), Deven Simonovic (Victoria, BC), Johann Sternberg (Toronto, Ont.) and Desmond Tregaskis (Delta, BC).

Catchers: Taye Thierman (Calgary, Alta.) and Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC).

Infielders: Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC), Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.), Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.), Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.), Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.).

Outfielders: Maxime Blain (Repentigny, Que.) and Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.).

Utility: Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, Ont.) and Cohen Miller (Calgary, Alta.).

Tournament Format

Eleven countries are divided across three groups for the Opening Round. Group A features the United States, Dominican Republic, Brazil and Curaçao, while Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba and Nicaragua make up Group B. Canada, Puerto Rico and Panama comprise the three-team Group C

The top two teams from each group will advance to the six-team Super Round beginning October 25, while the remaining countries move into the Placement Round. Results from Opening Round games between teams that advance together will carry into the Super Round standings.

Because Group C contains only three teams, each country will play four Opening Round games. All four games will count towards the Group C standings, but only designated games will count toward a team’s Super Round record. For Canada, the October 23 meeting with Panama and the October 24 game against Puerto Rico are the two designated carry-over games should those opponents also advance.

Super Round play runs through October 28, with the top four countries earning qualification for the 2027 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in China and advancing to the tournament’s final day. The third- and fourth-place teams will meet in the bronze medal game at 10 a.m. E.T. on October 29, followed by the gold medal game between the top two teams at 2 p.m. E.T.

U18 PanAmerican Championship games will be streamed on Youtube.

ROSTER
SCHEDULE/RESULTS

October 20, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - The Ottawa Titans, the defending Frontier League champions, announced on Tuesday that they have signed field manager Bobby Brown to a multi-year contract extension.

The 52-year-old skipper guided the Titans to a franchise-record 57-44 record this past season, finishing second in the North Division and clinching their third playoff berth in the Club's five-year existence.

In the playoffs, he led the team to an 8-1 record, capped off by the first championship in team history. The team swept through the first two rounds of the playoffs – defeating the New Jersey Jackals and New York Boulders – prior to defeating the Evansville Otters in four games to capture the title.

In 2026, the Titans got off to their best start in team history, winning 10 of their first 14 games, becoming the first team in the loaded Atlantic Conference to reach 10 victories. Shortly after the All-Star break through mid-August, the team strung together a consecutive unbeaten streak of 10 series in a row. Returning several key contributors from the year’s past, Brown surrounded the veteran group of players with star-studded talent on both sides of the ball for a deep postseason run.

Offensively, Brown’s Club posted one of its best seasons in team history, with 99 home runs, 647 runs scored, 523 walks, 155 stolen bases, and a .382 on-base percentage. Pitching-wise, the team navigated their way through the regular season before tossing to a 2.02 ERA in the postseason. In the nine playoff games, Titans starters tossed at least six innings in five games, getting credit for quality starts in each appearance.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Sam, Regan, Martin, and the entire Titans organization for their continued trust and support,” said Brown. “Winning a championship is something everyone in this game works toward, and to accomplish that with this group in Ottawa makes it especially meaningful. Ottawa has become a special place for me, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together and excited to continue working toward bringing more success to our fans and this community for years to come.”

The 2026 resurgence followed an impressive run that capped off the 2025 campaign, in which the Club went 40-21 down the stretch, just missing out on the playoffs after an 11-24 start. That year, the Titans put together a franchise record with 13 consecutive series unbeaten.

Since taking the helm, Brown has guided the Club to multiple playoff appearances (2022, 2024, and 2026) – the most by one skipper in the modern era of Ottawa professional baseball.

Over five seasons at the helm in Canada’s Capital, the Titans own a 265-218 record under Brown – good enough for a .549 winning percentage, three playoff berths, and a championship.

Before accepting the Titans managerial position, Brown served as the hitting coach for the Pioneer League champion Missoula PaddleHeads in 2021 – guiding the team to the best record in all of professional baseball. Pre-pandemic, he managed seven seasons in the American Association with stops in Amarillo and Lincoln. Brown was tabbed as the American Association Manager of the Year in 2017, guiding the Saltdogs to a Central Division championship.

“Bobby has played a tremendous role in shaping the identity, culture, and success of the Ottawa Titans,” said Regan Katz, vice president and COO of the Ottawa Titans. “His leadership, competitive mindset, and commitment to building a winning environment have been instrumental in bringing a championship to our city. As our organization continues to grow, maintaining continuity in key leadership positions is essential to achieving sustained success. Bobby understands the expectations we have for this team and shares our vision for the future, both on and off the field. This extension reflects our confidence in his ability to lead the team forward, and we’re thrilled to have him committed to the Titans as we continue raising the standard for our organization, our fans, and our community.”

Originally from San Luis Obispo, Calif., Brown played collegiately at the University of Oklahoma before beginning a 10-year professional playing career. From 1996 to 2005, he suited up for nine different teams, spending parts of three seasons in the Northern League with Winnipeg. Over 637 career games, Brown compiled a .301 batting average.

“Bobby’s impact on this organization goes well beyond the on-field success,” outlined Martin Boyce, general manager of the Ottawa Titans. “His ability to recruit and develop players and bring a team together around a common goal has been a major part of our success. Having worked closely with Bobby over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication he brings to the job every day. I’m thrilled to have him leading our team for years to come, and I look forward to seeing what we can continue to accomplish together.”

Brown and the Titans are expected to announce their full 2027 coaching staff closer to the beginning of Spring Training in late April.

October 20, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball League News Release

London Majors’ Maikol Escotto won the John Bell Memorial Trophy as the Canadian Baseball League’s Most Valuable Player for 2026.

The 24-year-old Dominican flashed a combination of power and speed in his first season with the Majors. Escotto ranked fourth in the league in average (.396), slugging (.677) and OPS (1.097), which helped London contend for a regular season pennant until ultimately finishing third in a tiebreak.

The right-handed hitting shortstop launched 16 home runs, which was second in the CBL, and he drove in 52, which was sixth most in the league. He also swiped 15 bases – second on the Majors.

Hamilton pitcher Owen Boon was the league MVP in 2025.

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on October 20, 2026. You can read it here.

October 21, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

2026 will go down as a year of making memories for Reid MacDonald.

The 18-year-old was a key piece of a Dawgs Academy 18U Black team that won several major tournaments including the inaugural Morneau Cup before heading to the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

They were the kinds of experiences that the Long Point, N.S. product hoped for when he moved west to Okotoks three years ago.

MacDonald wanted to prove he belonged among the elite players in Canada and his performance showed he’s on the right path.

“It’s such a confidence boost,” he told Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast. “It’s awesome knowing that I can play with the best in the country and compete with them.”

Fresh off the Dawgs’ annual U.S. college trip, he’s looking to take his game to the next level and have an even more memorable 2027.

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Reid MacDonald here.

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CROSS-COUNTRY CALL

The son of well-known senior league player Sheldon MacDonald, the young athlete had an inkling not to follow in his father’s footsteps.

A fan of Justin Verlander, the right-hander says his attention went to the diamond by his first year of bantam baseball, where his talent became obvious.

Pitching for Nova Scotia at the Baseball Canada 15U Ray Carter Cup in 2022, MacDonald remembers pitching very well against Alberta, who was represented by the Dawgs.

That performance, along with his complete-game 2-0 shutout over Ontario in the fifth-place game, prompted a call from Dawgs coach Lou Pote to come to Okotoks the following spring.

“Going from a country lifestyle to a city lifestyle was a big change in itself,” MacDonald said. “New people, new everything, new school – I was really nervous but once I got settled in, I was good.”

A BIG BOUNCE-BACK

While it’s never easy to move across the country to keep chasing your baseball dreams, MacDonald faced an additional hurdle before his first summer in Okotoks.

While throwing a bullpen session, he felt something tweaked in his elbow, forcing him to the sidelines for a couple of months.

“I didn’t know if I’d be back for the start of the season or not,” MacDonald said. “My dad and I were debating on going back home, but I said I wanted to stay and just see it out.”

He stuck it out and it’s been nothing but smooth sailing since, including a return to playing for Nova Scotia at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

That set the table for his 2026 season, which culminated with The Road to Okotoks and a big win on home soil.

MacDonald pitched a total of five innings during the tournament, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out four.

“That was probably my favourite tournament I’ve ever played in,” he said. “We had a great group of guys, and everybody worked so hard towards that moment. It was awesome.”

Adding to the allure of the Morneau Cup, according to MacDonald, is how special it was to win the first one and to set the standard for future teams.

SUNNY DAYS AND COOL NIGHTS

Then it was off to Vancouver for the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

For pitchers, it’s a prescribed kind of tournament in that you know which games you’re likely to perform in and you’re only pitching for a couple of innings.

MacDonald was suiting up with a Team Grey that ended up playing in two nightcaps in two days, with his schedule appearance to be at the tail-end of the second.

Admittedly, it was a bit chilly with the sun already set and the evening dew starting to form.

“I was just walking around during all the games trying to stay warm,” MacDonald said about his preparation. “Going for jogs out of the bullpen towards the scoreboard and back a couple of times, just anything to stay warm.”

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound twirler closed out an 11-3 Team Grey loss to Team Red, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out four in two innings of work.

He’s happy with how he performed, including touching 89.9 miles per hour with his fastball.

INSPIRED BY HOME

After wrapping up their stateside trip, MacDonald says the Dawgs shut down their throwing programs to give pitchers a chance to rest their arms.

They have still been in the gym working on strength and conditioning and will continue to do that until ramping back up again in December.

When he gets to that point, the 18-year-old says he plans to work on a complimentary pitch to his fastball and curveball: a changeup.

“I can get my curveball over for a strike pretty much whenever I want to,” MacDonald said. “I’d like to be able to get that changeup dialed in just like that curveball.”

He’s also in the midst of a gap year and on the hunt for where he might take the next step in his baseball journey.

As a small-town Nova Scotia athlete, MacDonald is cognizant of how much of an impact he can have on players from his home province.

He says he was once “that kid” keeping tabs on how others were doing and now he’s the one being asked about his time on the diamond – it’s a point of pride.

“It reminds me that I’m doing it for them,” MacDonald said. “They want me to succeed and I’m going to succeed for them.”

October 20, 2026

Official Guelph Royals News Release

GUELPH, ONT. - After an extensive search, the Guelph Royals have appointed Brian Sewell as their new field manager for the 2027 season.

Sewell, who spent the last few seasons as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, replaces the legendary Dino Roumel, who retired at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

The former catcher, who previously played for a number of teams in the IBL, including the Royals, has also played for teams in Belgium, Greece, Austria and in the international friendlies as a member of the Great Britain National Team.

Royals General Manager Ryan Eakin said there were numerous reasons behind hiring Sewell.

"Between his experience in the league, knowledge of the game, passion on the field and familiarity with the team and myself, Brian was always someone I had in mind for this job. He is a natural leader with tremendous experience and someone who has a burning desire to win.

"I cannot wait to see Brian lead our staff for years to come."

Sewell said he cannot wait for this opportunity.

"I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Guelph Royals organization. I’m looking forward to working with such a talented group and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish this year. Guelph baseball has always had a gritty, hard-nosed identity, and the coaching staff intends to carry that forward. We will be a team that competes every night, plays for each other, and expects to win every time we take the field."

October 19, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball League News Release

Kitchener Panthers infielder Malik Williams has been named the CBL’s top Canadian.

The 27-year-old from Toronto spent parts of four seasons in Barrie before joining the Panthers in 2026.

In 2026, he led the Canadian Baseball League with a .417 average and was second among qualified batters with a 1.223 OPS.

Fourteen of his 68 hits were home runs, which was a career-high and tied for sixth in the CBL.

It’s the first time the league has recognized the top Canadian, an award sponsored by the Canadian Baseball Network.

October 19, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team battled back from an early deficit but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles FIL in U18 Pan American Championship Selection Camp action on Monday.

Box Score

After two scoreless innings, Baltimore opened the scoring in the third. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases before a two-run single gave the Orioles a 2-0 advantage.

Canada cut into the lead in the fifth. Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) drew a leadoff walk before Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) and Sam Ellis (La Peche, Que.) followed with singles to load the bases. Taye Thierman (Calgary, Alta.) then delivered a line-drive single to right to bring Jacob home and make it a one-run game.

The Canadian pitching staff kept the Orioles off the board over the next four innings to give the offence a chance to work its way back. Joseph Pereira (Etobicoke, Ont.) and Deven Simonovic (Victoria, BC) led the pitching staff effort, each with two scoreless frames and each collecting two strikeouts in their outings.

The Juniors pulled even in the bottom of the seventh. Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) opened the inning with a walk and advanced to third on an errant pickoff attempt and a wild pitch before Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) lined an RBI single to centre to tie the game, 2-2.

Baltimore regained the lead in the eighth, taking advantage of a pair of Canadian errors to push across an unearned run.

Canada threatened once more in the bottom half when MacDonald opened the inning with a double to left, but the Orioles retired the next three hitters to preserve the 3-2 win.

MacDonald finished with two hits, including the eighth-inning double, while Armitage and Thierman each drove in a run. Canada’s pitching staff allowed just three runs while keeping the Juniors within striking distance throughout the game.

The Canadians are back on Tuesday for their final game of the Selection Camp ahead of the U18 Pan American Championship set to start later this week.

October 19, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Sitting down alongside Larry Millson the first thing you noticed was his pencil case.

Then, he’d take out a piece of paper from its three-ring binder and a ruler.

He’d draw lines across the piece of paper for the hitter and vertical lines for each inning.

Most everyone else in the press box used the printed lineups provided by the home team.

It was unusual, but Larry scored games his way -- like he did everything else.

I remember asking someone in the 1970s, “What’s the best way to score?” The veteran ball scribe answered: “Score any way you want -- as long as when the game is over, you can explain what exactly happened in the second inning.”

And then there were his pencils inside his pencil case ... different colors for at-bats with men on base and who knows what else. I never asked. I thought it was like asking for someone’s PIN number.

Most people in the press box used a pen and had a back up Bic pen in their pocket. Larry used a pencil with an eraser so he could change his scoresheet if the scorekeeper changed a hit to an error ... or vice versa.

Larry saw more Blue Jays games than any other writer in the history of the franchise. He started in 1980 and was covered the team until the 2025 World Series. From start to finish, aside from a short step sideways to work on immigration when the Globe and Mail shrunk its Sports department in 1991.

* * *

Larry bounced back like a bad check, returning to sports in 1992 covering Toronto FC and again the Blue Jays. One afternoon at the park and he rushed over to tell us about an amazing game he had covered at Soldier’s Field in Chicago.

When he left after 10 minutes, I shook my head. My friend from Denver said, “Hey, at least he is enjoying it. If they took you out of sports and put you on something else you’d be sitting over in the corner . . . sulking.”

My friend from Denver was right of course. He always was.

* * *

When the press box was located behind home plate at SkyDome, I sat in seat No. 10. Larry was four seats to my right. He would time the anthems and kept a record.

Halfway through a slow-moving anthem I’d hear a whisper from my right. It was Larry: “We’ve got a chance for a record tonight.”

He did things his way. He timed hitters when they ran to first. He knew who hustled and who was going through the motions.

* * *

Someone once described Larry as a being a “contrarian.” I’m not sure about that. Argue? Yes. Debate? Yes. The ability to tell a club-authored cliche from what the player or executive really felt? Yes.

Yet zero debates and zero arguing during the game. Larry watched every pitch. Writers nowadays seldom do.

I’d say it is not their fault. Between assignments from bosses to be active on ‘X’, to check what is written on ‘X’ or Facebook, or Instagram and whatever news is going on in the world (and of course: “Are the Leafs winning?”) there is little time to watch each pitch.

* * *

In the old days when you could interview a player without a Rogers Communications screen behind him, Larry mingled ... from one locker to another.

Larry once told me the late John Cerutti was his best friend. He was very close to Tom Henke, George Bell, Ernie Whitt, Carlos Delgado, Pat Hentgen, John Olerud, Pat Borders, Todd Stottlemyre and others, as well as managers Bobby Cox, Jimy Williams, Cito Gaston and John Gibbons.

*For some reason Larry disliked every player from this one California school. One night in manager John Gibbons’ office he was in the midst of a soliloquy venting against the school, its program and the players it produced.

Late to the party was visiting broadcaster Steve Sparks of the Texas Rangers. Gibbons, who could tease with the best of them, introduced the announcer to everyone in the room.

It was quiet for a second and then Gibbons said, “Steve went to Larry’s favourite school.” Larry continued to list the players to a straight-faced Sparks. When we got upstairs we looked up Sparks. Sparks had pitched at Houston State. Score one for Gibbons.

* * *

One spring, Gibbons and Larry would argue daily about weapons of mass destruction. Sometimes it would go on 15-to-20 minutes.

That spring, the Jays played a day game at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg. I was going to a concert: Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and George Strait that night.

I asked Larry for a favor: “I have two questions, please let me go first before you two begin to argue ... it’s a package show which starts at 1 o’clock.” He said, “No problem.” We walked in and as I was going to ask a question ... Gibbons zinged Larry. The two went toe-to-toe in humorous manner.

Some 25 minutes later -- after the debate and my two questions -- I headed upstairs, filed and drove across the bridge to Raymond James Stadium for the concert.

* * *

Most springs after his work was done Larry would head to Eddie’s, a Dunedin bar, for a beer and a bite to eat.

The next day he’d show and give his a play-by-play on his Pop-A-Shot machine.

“Almost had a record last night Bobby, but someone bumped my arm on my last shot,” he would say.

It reminded me of working in Ottawa. The deskman would ask the boss if he had golfed that day. “Well, on the dog-leg left third hole, I blocked the ball really well ...” The deskman would get up and leave and come back to hear our boss say “and on 18 ...” For someone who did not golf it was painful.

One spring there was a championship fight on closed circuit TV. So, GM Pat Gillick, his assistant GM Gord Ash and Fran Brown, Gillick’s executive assistant headed to Eddie’s. They arrived before Larry had finished his work.

We’re not sure who figured it out -- but someone in the group noticed an electronic eye tabulated points when balls went through the hoop.

Someone grabbed a pool cue, deposited the money and moved the cue up and down. Guess what? A record score. They typed in FB -- Fran Brown as the new record holder.

Larry eventually arrived saw the threesome, stopped to say hello and off he went to the hoops machine. All three told us Larry did a double take that he was no longer the Eddie’s record holder ... Fran was best shooter ... so the machine said.

A few years ago, Mike Boon (TorontoMike) invited Dave Perkins, Larry and myself to his Etobicoke studio.

As the show was winding down Larry said, “I’d like to congratulate Bobby ... on being inducted into the Invisible Volleyball Referee Hall of Fame.”

There were stunned listeners all around. The background: One late night in Baltimore Larry, another writer and I emerged from a bar to find a beach volleyball court. Larry and the other writer played a game without a ball, while I sat in the referee’s chair.

Larry won every point. The other writer complained on our walk to our hotel. “How come?” he asked. I said, “Because Larry dove for every ball.”

* * *

Besides the Globe, Larry worked for the Toronto Telegram, The Canadian Press and Field Level Media. He authored two books: Ballpark Figures: The Blue Jays and the Business of Baseball and co-wrote, the wonderfully titled, From Hockey to Baseball: I Kept Them in Stitches with Ken Carson former Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Penguins trainer.

In 2016, he was presented with Jack Graney Award by Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys.

* * *

At the 1985 winter meetings in San Diego, we both had an open day before our flight home. We headed across the border to Tijuana, watched the races and found a sports book with dozens of TVs.

The first race we saw was a closed circuit from The Meadowlands in New Jersey. Eventually, I said, “Time to go.” Larry shook his head no.

“I just bet the first at Bay Meadows in San Mateo (Calif) ... I’ve never lost at 10 different tracks in the same day.”

In later years, we took turns explaining updates on our tickers (Larry knew more than I did). A doc put me on a lasik -- which I mistook for phenylbutazone (bute) and asked if I’d now be banned from racing in some States.

Larry said I would be OK “but the program would show a huge ‘L’ to tell bettors I was on the drug.” He knew his thoroughbreds.

* * *

Larry passed Oct. 6. Deepest sympathies to his wife, Diane, of almost 60 years, daughter Cara, grandson Benjamin and great granddaughter Elly.

We traveled together. We argued with each other. We shook our heads at the same time watching a bone-head play. Mostly we laughed together. And we were friends.

As Hall of Famer Bobby Cox said once: “Larry? Great guy. Hard worker. Knows the game.”

*This article was originally published on Saskatchewan Dugout Stories on October 14. You can read it here.

October 19, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Saskatchewan Dugout Stories

“I had a really good summer season this year.”

It seems like a bit of an understatement from Rhett Cawood as he took to social media to reflect on the summer that he had.

He has put his name on the baseball map in a big way, standing out in competition against players a year or two older for most of the season.

The 16-year-old thrived in his debut season in the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League’s ‘AAA’ season, winning a couple of major awards, and then performed well at the Baseball Canada Cup, starting it off by winning the tournament’s Home Run Derby.

Cawood credits “staying out of his own head” as he felt like he was really hard on himself in previous years.

“I did a good job this year of just letting myself play and trusting all the work I put in during the offseason,” he told Saskatchewan Dugout Stories. “I kept my approach at the plate simple and just trusted my swing to do its thing.”

And now he enters a new offseason with new goals, aspirations and even some new experiences in store.

RISING THROUGH THE RANKS

Growing up in North Battleford, Cawood remembers his dad introducing him to baseball with a plastic bat and ball set at a very young age.

His love of the game kept growing as he made his way through the hometown Beavers’ program, which took him to the Sask Five Giants program during his second year of U13 baseball.

That’s when Cawood earned his first spot on a Baseball Sask squad, playing in the 2023 Baseball Canada 13U National Championship in Woodstock, Ont.

He repped the green, yellow and white again at the Western Canada Prospects Series in 2024, then went to the 15U Ray Carter Cup in Summerside, P.E.I. in 2025.

The rising star went 4-for-11 with three singles, a double, a run batted in and three runs scored in that tournament, showing he can perform with the best in the country while realizing a dream.

“I remember being a young boy watching Team Sask at Nationals when it was hosted in Saskatoon,” Cawood recalled. “I had then made it my goal to represent my province one day and it’s a privilege getting to do it.”

WHAT A SUMMER

A big part of Cawood’s journey in baseball has been Going Yard Academy in Saskatoon.

He started with their fall ball program in 2019, making his way through their various teams before being named to their 18U team at the end of 2025.

The centre fielder/pitcher dedicated himself to getting stronger while experiencing all that Going Yard has to offer.

It paid off in a big way, as Cawood suited up with the Zone 7 Sun Devils, hitting an out-of-this-world .525 with 13 doubles, six triples, nine home runs and 39 RBIs en route to being named the SPBL’s Rookie of the Year and Hitter of the Year.

He then joined Team Sask for a return trip to Summerside for the Baseball Canada Cup, where his hot streak continued right away.

Taking part in his first-ever home run derby on the opening night of the tournament, Cawood fought through some nerves and the physical demand to win it all.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound slugger opened up the final round by hitting nine out of the park then admits he had to pace around watching his opponent take his round.

“Once the timer went off and I officially won it, it was amazing,” Cawood smiled. “It was such a surreal feeling – all my teammates on the field celebrating with me – I couldn’t believe I was the derby champ.”

During tournament play, he went 4-for-20 with three singles, a double, an RBI, five runs scored, four walks and a stolen base as Team Sask finished fifth.

BIGGER AND BETTER

Cawood put the wraps on his season by heading south to the Perfect Game WWBA Underclass World Championship in Fort Myers, Florida at the start of October.

Representing CBR Nation, he picked up three hits, two walks and two stolen bases while being lauded for having several quality at bats.

With the big year under his belt, Cawood enters the offseason with a renewed confidence that he can play with some of the best in Canada and across North America.

The 2028 grad says he will be hitting the weight room hard at Going Yard, where he likes how they design drills and exercises to improve his exit velocity, sprint speed and much more.

“I am really working hard to improve my arm from the outfield this offseason,” says Cawood. “I want to get bigger and stronger for next season so I can get better in all areas of my game.”

While 2026 might have been a year to remember, Cawood is hoping it was just a taste of what’s to come in the future.

October 17, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team mounted a late rally but came up just short in a 9-8 loss to the San Francisco Giants FIL in WBSC Americas U-18 Pan American Championship Selection Camp action on Saturday.

Canada jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first. Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) reached on an error before eventually coming around to score on a Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, Ont.) ground out. Maxime Blain (Repentigny, Que.) followed with an RBI single to left that brought Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) home.

San Francisco answered with four runs in the bottom of the second and added another in the fourth to take a 5-2 advantage.

The Juniors responded in a big way in the fifth. Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.) opened the scoring with a solo home run to right before Chung and Blain drew walks. A Giants throwing error brought Chung home, before Cohen Miller (Calgary, Alta.) capped the scoring with a two-run home run to left to put Canada back in front, 6-5.

Johann Sternberg (Toronto, Ont.) helped preserve the one-run advantage with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, striking out three and keeping San Francisco off the board in the sixth and seventh.

The Giants broke through in the eighth, however, scoring four times to turn the one-run deficit into a 9-6 lead.

Canada refused to go quietly. Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC) opened the ninth with a double and later scored on a Lascelles’ ground out. Armitage followed with a walk before Liske drove him home with a double to centre, cutting the deficit to one, but the comeback ended there.

Liske was at the centre of the Canadian offence, collecting a single, solo home run and an RBI double while also drawing a walk. Miller added the go-ahead home run in the fifth, while Blain drove in a run as part of Canada’s two-run opening inning.

The Junior National Team will work out on Sunday at the Giants facility before returning to action on Monday against the Baltimore Orioles.

October 18, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Some Canadian baseball news and notes:

Smith sets Canadian postseason strikeout record

On Thursday, Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) had two strikeouts and picked up the save in his team’s 3-2 win over Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.

With those two Ks, Smith has 33 MLB postseason strikeouts. This moves him past Nick Pivetta (Victoria, B.C.) for the most career MLB postseason strikeouts by a Canadian.

In seven appearances this postseason, Smith has permitted just one run in nine innings and has struck out 13 batters. He has two saves and opponents are hitting .069 against him.

The 6-foot-5 right-hander is in his third postseason with the Guardians. In the 22 postseason games the Guardians have played since 2024, Smith has appeared in 19 of them. Aside from his 33 Ks in those contests, Smith owns a 2-0 record and a 2.01 ERA. He has 33 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings.

Sabrowski picks up another hold

In the Guardians’ Game 3 win, left-hander Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) tossed a scoreless seventh inning to register his third hold of the postseason.

The Canuck southpaw struggled to start the 2026 postseason – permitting three runs in his first two outings in the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox – but he has since settled down and allowed just one run in his last four appearances.

On October 8, Sabrowski became the first Alberta-born pitcher to collect a postseason win when he did so in Game 4 of the ALDS against the White Sox.

34th anniversary of Sprague’s World Series home run

Thirty-four years ago today, Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston sent rookie Ed Sprague up to pinch-hit for reliever Duane Ward in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the 1992 World Series at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta.

The Blue Jays had lost the series’ first game and trailed this contest 4-3. With one out and Derek Bell on base with a walk, Sprague belted the first pitch he saw from Atlanta Braves closer Jeff Reardon over the left field wall to put the Blue Jays ahead 5-4.

Blue Jays closer Tom Henke held the Braves off the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth to record the save.

Sprague’s home run is one of the most important in Blue Jays’ history. It shifted the momentum in the series that the Blue Jays eventually won in six games.

Mattick took over as Blue Jays manager 47 years ago

Forty-seven years ago today, the Blue Jays hired Bobby Mattick to be their new manager to replace Roy Hartsfield who had guided the expansion club in its first three seasons.

One of the Blue Jays’ original employees, Mattick was hired as the club’s scouting supervisor in 1976 prior to his promotion to director of player development in 1978.

When he accepted the Blue Jays’ field manager position, Mattick was 64, which made him the oldest rookie manager to start a season in big league history.

He would compile a 104-164 record in two seasons in the dugout before he returned to the front office, first as executive coordinator of baseball operations and then as the Blue Jays’ vice-president of baseball.

In 2003, the Blue Jays renamed their Spring Training complex in Dunedin, Fla., in his honour.

Melvin closer to first World Series ring

Longtime MLB general manager and Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.) has been involved in professional baseball as a player or executive for more than 50 years. As a GM, he built teams in Texas (1996, 1998 and 1999) and Milwaukee (2008, 2011) that have advanced to the postseason, but the one thing that has eluded him is a World Series ring.

Melvin is currently a special assistant to the general manager with the Brewers who secured their spot in the World Series by completing a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

Born in 1952, Melvin pitched in the minors in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ and New York Yankees’ organizations from 1972 to 1978 then moved into the front office ranks.

He worked in a number of prominent posts, including as scouting director with the Yankees (1985) and as assistant GM and director of player personnel with the Baltimore Orioles (1988 to 1993) before landing his first general manager’s job with the Texas Rangers in 1994. During his time with the Rangers, he was named MLB executive of the year twice in 1996 and 1998.

After his tenure with the Rangers, he was named executive vice-president and general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 and was voted executive of the year in 2011 after the team won 96 regular season games and captured a National League Central Division title. Melvin stepped down as Brewers’ GM in 2015 but he remains a key voice in the club’s front office.

Happy Birthday to Willie Horton!

Happy 84th Birthday to Willie Horton!

As a Detroit Tiger, Horton was a four-time all-star and a World Series champion who hit 262 home runs in parts of 14 seasons from 1963 to 1976. For his efforts, his No. 23 was retired by the club and there’s a statue of him outside Comerica Park.

As a Canadian baseball fan, you’ve probably forgotten that Horton played 33 games for the last-place Blue Jays in 1978. Horton, himself, probably wishes he could forget his tenure with the Blue Jays. In his late-season stint with the team, he batted just .205 with three home runs in his 16th major league season.

Happy Birthday to Ben Onyshko!

Happy 30th Birthday to left-hander Ben Onyshko!

Selected in the 24th round of the 2018 MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners, the Winnipeg, Man., native posted a 4.75 ERA in 161 appearances (five starts) in parts of six seasons in the M’s organization. In 2025, he returned home to pitch for independent American Association’s Winnipeg Goldeyes, where he had a 3.51 ERA and struck out 29 batters in 33 1/3 innings in 34 relief appearances.

The 6-foot-1 southpaw was originally chosen by the Brewers in the 16th round of the 2014 MLB draft but he declined to sign and instead headed to Stetson University where he toed the rubber for four seasons, registering 165 strikeouts in 139 2/3 innings. As a collegian, Onyshko was twice named to the ASUN Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to his college career, Onyshko honed his skills with the Junior National Team and at the Vauxhall Academy. He also pitched for Team Manitoba in the 2013 Canada Games, going 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 13 2/3 innings. During that tournament, he tossed a no-hitter against Nova Scotia.

Onyshko has also toed the rubber for Canada’s senior national team on multiple occasions, including at the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics.

Former Winnipeg Goldeye Long dies

Former Winnipeg Goldeyes slugger Jeoff Long died in Elsmere, Ky., on September 25 at the age of 84.

Originally signed as a pitcher by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959, Long was converted into a first baseman in 1960.

He spent his first six professional seasons in the Cards’ minor league ranks. He enjoyed his greatest success north of the border, with the Class-C Goldeyes in 1961 when he put together a .299/.463/.571 slash line and a 1.034 OPS. He also had 14 home runs and 45 RBIs.

Two years later, he made his big league debut with the Cardinals. After going 1-for-5 in five MLB games in 1963, he returned the following year and hit .233 with a home run in 28 games for the Cards prior to being sold to the White Sox on July 7. He went 5-for-35 in 23 games with the White Sox to conclude the season.

Hampered by knee injuries, he initially retired from baseball in 1965 but he returned to play two more seasons in Cards’ organization in 1968 and 1969.

On top of his baseball prowess, Long was also an exceptional golfer. In 1975, he won the first National Open Long Driving Contest with a drive that travelled 322 yards and 28 inches.

Vancouver Canadians honoured by MiLB.com

The Vancouver Canadians have been named winner of the 2026 MiLB Organization of the Year Award for the High-A classification.

A Toronto Blue Jays’ affiliate, the Canadians won the Northwest League championship for the second time in four seasons. They also topped the league in attendance with an average of 4,324 fans per game.

In 2026, the Canadians celebrated the 75th birthday of Nat Bailey Stadium, while also successfully completing renovations on the facility.

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

There were 56 Canadians competing at the 128-team Perfect Game World Wood Bat championships in Jupiter, Fla.

Several of them caught the eye of evaluators ...

RHP Calum Andersen, Calgary, Alta. Brewers/Langley Blaze Scout (2027) Vauxhall Academy.

Andersen showed advanced present stuff and pitchability in a strong outing. The delivery is athletic and repeatable from a projectable frame, with room remaining for strength gains that should help the fastball play more consistently in the mid-90s and give the breaking balls even sharper bite. Andersen attacks with a live fastball that touched 96 mph a couple times and plays up in the zone, paired with a sharp, horizontal slider at 85 mph that tunnels well and generates swings and misses.. He mixed in a late-breaking 12-6 curve ball at 78 mph that induced weak contact and flashed a change up with good arm-speed deception that mirrored the fastball delivery. The combination of velocity, secondary feel, and sequencing allowed him to control the zone without relying on pure power. Committed to Oklahoma. Struck out eight while allowing two hits and one walk.

_ Scott Rankin, Perfect Game

* * *.

Calum Andersen, RHP

BA Star Rating: 3 stars

Commitment: Oklahoma

Andersen blends present stuff with considerable physical projection. The Oklahoma commit stands 6-foot-5, 195 pounds with a long, lean starter’s frame and ample room to add strength. Still just 16 years old and set to be 17 on draft day, Andersen is young for the 2027 class and has already made significant strides over the past year, including a notable velocity jump.

Andersen’s fastball sat 92-94 mph and touched 96 in Jupiter, showing consistent run-and-carry shape that allows it to play effectively throughout the strike zone. The pitch could reach plus quality as he adds velocity. His low-to-mid-80s slider features above-average spin and sweeping horizontal break, maintaining consistent shape throughout his outing and serving as his primary finishing pitch. A high-70s curveball offers more vertical depth and finish, giving him two distinct breaking-ball looks. Andersen also throws a firm, upper-80s changeup with fade, maintaining his arm speed and generating enough movement separation from his fastball to give the pitch a different look.

Andersen has an unconventional setup from the windup, turning his lead foot inward until his toes nearly point toward shortstop before moving into a high leg lift. He works through a short, quick arm action that stays behind his body and delivers from a three-quarters slot. An efficient mover with minimal effort in his operation, Andersen gets down the mound well and stays mostly direct despite a slightly closed-off, crossfire element. He repeats his delivery consistently, and his combination of arm speed, mechanical efficiency and remaining physical projection makes mid-to-upper-90s velocity a reasonable long-term possibility.

Andersen shows encouraging feel for his arsenal, attacking hitters on either side of the plate with all four pitches. He threw multiple right-on-right changeups in Jupiter and landed his slider for strikes against both lefthanded and righthanded hitters. His fastball and slider generated seven whiffs apiece during a five-inning, eight-strikeout outing. He threw nearly 70% of his pitches for strikes, demonstrating solid present control with room to refine his command.

Andersen remains a projection-dependent prospect who must continue adding strength while improving his precision, a process that could challenge his present delivery consistency as he incorporates more power. His pitch mix, athleticism and repeatability provide a promising foundation for a professional starter, though realizing that ceiling will require continued physical maturation and refinement. He has a chance to develop into one of Canada’s top exports in the 2027 draft.

_ Jacob Rudner, Baseball America.

* * *

RHP Caleb Dupuis (2027, Georgetown, Ont.) Canadian Premier, FieldHouse Pirates.

He turned in a dominant start to open up pool play action, tossing four shutout innings with seven punch outs and one base runner allowed. The 6-foot right-hander worked his fastball in all four quadrants of the strike zone, topping it out at 91 mph with heavy arm-side run and sink. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with tilt and late actions to it, successfully mistiming opposing hitters.

_ Anthony Gambardella, Perfect Game.

Jalen Jacob (2027, Maple, Ont.) Canadian Premier, Ontario Blue Jays.

One of the top power hitters in the 2027 class had a multi-hit game today that included his first home run of the tournament. A towering home run down the right field line that easily cleared the fence. One of the most intimidating physical presences while in the box at this tournament. Shows a disciplined approach and has been regularly getting to his power at events this month. Committed to Kansas State.

_ Blaine Peterson, Perfect Game.

Lucien Kovalcik (2028, Burlington, Ont.) Canadian Premier. FieldHouse Pirates.

He was intriguing in his start on the mound. The 6-4, 200-pound righty showed a lot of moxie after striking out three-consecutive batters at one point then hanging a slider to give up a two-run homer, he stayed on the attack and punched out the next hitter to end the threat. Kovalcik is long limbed with a loose delivery, loading the arm quickly before accelerating through a classic 3/4 arm angle. There is life to his fastball that lived in the upper-80s and reached the low-90s often. He is a high-level strike thrower and except for the one mistake, his low-80s slider was all but unhittable. There is still plenty of projection left for Kovalcik’s frame and delivery, so he has the look of a true starter at the nest level. The uncommitted arm did get touched up by soft contact at the end, finishing his outing with 2 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs, no walks and he punched out five batters all told.

_ Craig Cozart, Perfect Game.

RHP Richard Marshall (2028, Whitby, Ont.) Florida Burn, Vauxhall Academy, Ontario Yankees.

He put together an impressive start striking out six batters in four innings while allowing one hit and a walk. The 6-foot-2 right-hander worked his fastball on the edges of the strike zone, topping it out at 92 mph while sitting comfortably in the 90-91 mph range. He spun a late-breaking curve ball with tight spin to it, inducing multiple swings and misses from opposing hitters.

_ Anthony Gambardella, Perfect Game.

OF William Nolet (2027, Saint-Gilles, Que.) Canadian Premier, ABC.

Reached base in all three plate appearances on Thursday, driving in five runs on an early RBI triple as well as a loud pull-side grand slam. The 6-foot-3 right-handed batter swings one of the more consistent barrels up north with budding power to all parts of the field that is starting to show up more often.

_ Anthony Gambardella, Perfect Game.

LHP Ethan Reason (2027, Stouffville, Ont.) Canadian Premier, Toronto Mets.

Anytime you have a 6-foot-6 southpaw that runs it up to 94 in Jupiter, there will be a large contingent in attendance. Reason lived up to the billing. Executed well throughout 2 no-hit frames. Spins the overhand breaker with some bite at times and is more than capable of missing both sides of the bat. Tons of room to fill and polish on the mound.

_ Troy Sutherland, Perfect Game.

LHP Johann Sternberg (2027, Toronto, Ont.) Canadian Premier, Ontario Blue Jays.

Fantastic work in relief, attacked hitter with 86-89 throughout the look and has excellent feel to spin the overhand breaker for strikes in any count. The arsenal produced more whiffs than expected, and it was obvious that he felt opposing bats were not going to square him up even on the rare occasion that he was behind in the count. Bullish about the projection even with the present sturdiness of the build. Just scratching the surface of his potential, but his acumen on the mound is already well ahead of the game.

_ Troy Sutherland, Perfect Game.

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on October 16. 2026. You can read it here.

October 17, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

The smell of fresh-cut grass, the sound of baseballs slapping into gloves or meeting bats, the sights of fans cheering.

Every time Scott Gillespie stepped foot into a different Canadian Baseball League stadium in 2026, he was soaking the entire experience in.

After a solid college career and five years in the independent professional circuit formerly known as the Intercounty Baseball League, the Sherwood Park native knew it was time to move on.

It was quite a run for the young man who was once told that he might not be cut out for college baseball.

Gillespie kept going through the unknowns, including injuries in his final season, to live out his dream until it was time to hang up his spikes – on his own terms.

“Everyone has that idea in their head and that dream that they want to play as long as they can,” he told Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast. “You want to make it about you at the end and not let it be somebody else’s decision.”

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Scott Gillespie here.

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As Gillespie settles into what he calls “real life” in eastern Ontario, it gives him an opportunity to reflect on his journey while thanking baseball “for the wild ride, the memories and the best years of my life.”

THE DEFINING MOMENT

A product of Sherwood Park Minor Baseball and Absolute Human Performance in St. Albert, Gillespie’s first foray into college baseball was with the University of British Columbia.

He redshirted his first year, then was cut heading into his second season in a moment that forever changed him.

“I was told they didn’t think I could hack it at the college baseball level,” Gillespie recalled. “It drove me for the rest of my time playing as I wanted to be able to prove the doubters wrong.”

The sidearm right-hander returned to his home province to join Prairie Baseball Academy in Lethbridge for two years, earning himself a spot with the University of Arkansas-Monticello, where he went 2-1 with 18 strikeouts and an 8.05 ERA in 17 relief appearances over two seasons.

He was also a long-time member of the Edmonton Prospects, spending four summers with the Western Canadian Baseball League squad.

LIVING THE PRO DREAM

Believing he still had more in the tank, Gillespie started reaching out to professional teams across Canada and eventually found himself a home with the Welland Jackfish in 2022.

He went 2-1 with a 6.87 ERA in four games (three starts) in his first summer with the team, then came back in 2023 where the Jackfish collected their first of three championships in four seasons.

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Scott Gillespie back in 2023 here.

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The 6-foot-3, 235-pound twirler was moved to the bullpen and became a fixture there for two more seasons.

Coming into 2026, he was expecting more of the same until an injury derailed the start of his summer.

He managed to pitch in two games for the Jackfish but was ultimately released.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to throw a ball again,” Gillespie admitted. “Luckily, with rest and recovery, all things worked out.”

When the Hamilton Cardinals started battling some injury woes of their own, they called the 29-year-old to see if he was available.

He quickly said “yes” and made his triumphant return on July 24, putting up a 1-2-3 ninth inning of relief – including two strikeouts – to cap off a 13-1 win over Kitchener.

The Albertan made three more regular season appearances for the Cardinals, who made it all the way to the league championship before losing to the Jackfish in four-straight games.

‘REAL LIFE’ CALLING

While he didn’t make any postseason appearances with Hamilton, Gillespie says his season ended the way he wanted it to.

It could have closed out with his release, but he’s grateful to the Cardinals for giving him a chance to be with the guys for one more summer.

Gillespie says the outpouring of support from the Hamilton players, and even the players and fans in Welland who were watching in the final, was unbelievable.

Teammates and supporters have become close friends and he couldn’t have had any of it had it not been for his dogged determination.

“I’m proud of not giving up on anything and how I got to finish it out on my own terms.”

“Just not taking ‘no’ for an answer and making it my own journey is definitely something that I love the most,” Gillespie said.

And now it’s time to settle into what’s next.

Gillespie just moved in with his girlfriend to a small town just north of Belleville, where he’s chasing his second passion: teaching.

He’s a substitute in the local school district, specializing in junior and senior high social studies and physical education.

“What I love about teaching is that it’s exactly like coaching, just in different aspects of life,” Gillespie said. “You get to coach these kids about their work ethic in school and on assignments, you get to help them improve in other aspects of their lives.”

And don’t be surprised to see him back at the diamond once everything is settled down with the move.

Gillespie would love the opportunity to share some of the wisdom he’s gained over the years and show young players that no two paths in baseball are ever the same.

“Everyone has this idea about playing at the major league level and everyone should have that dream,” he said. “But if that doesn’t work out, there are plenty of avenues to still chase after in the pros or semi-pros and continue living out your dream.”

As one chapter closes for Gillespie, another is about to begin.

October 16, 2026

Baseball Canada

BOCA CHICA, D.R. – The Junior National Team opened their WBSC Americas U-18 Pan American Championship Selection Camp against the Philadelphia Phillies organization with a 5–3 victory on Friday.

Box Score

Canada struck first with a pair of runs in the second inning. Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.) singled and Cohen Miller (Calgary, Alta.) walked before Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) drove both home with a two-run double to centre field, giving the Juniors an early 2–0 advantage.

On the mound, Calum Andersen (Calgary, Alta.) set the tone with two solid innings, permitting only a walk and striking out four to start the game.

The lead grew to three in the third when Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) singled and eventually scored on a Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) RBI single in the third.

Philadelphia responded with two runs in the bottom half to cut the deficit to 3–2, but Canada restored some breathing room in the fifth.

Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, Ont.) opened the frame with a triple to centre before MacDonald delivered his second run-scoring double of the game, extending the lead to 4–2. The Phillies answered with a run in the bottom of the inning to make it a one-run game once again.

Canada added an insurance run in the seventh. After Liske worked a walk, courtesy runner Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) came around to score on a Chung single, pushing the advantage to 5–3.

From there, the pitching staff and defence closed the door.

The Phillies were held scoreless over the final four innings, with Deven Simonovic (Victoria, BC) striking out three in the seventh and eighth innings, before the Ethan Reason (Stouffville, Ont.) induced a game-ending double play in the ninth.

MacDonald led the Canadian offence with three hits, including two doubles, and drove in three of the team’s five runs. Chung also collected three hits, including a triple, while adding an RBI and helping manufacture the final insurance run.

October 13, 2026

Baseball Ontario

CAMBRIDGE, ONT. – The Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) is thrilled to announce that Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Ashley Stephenson will be a featured speaker at the 2027 Best Ever Coaches Clinic, taking place January 15–17, 2027, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre.

Stephenson’s appearance will be a highlight of the clinic’s all-new Women’s Baseball Stream, an exciting addition for 2027 designed to provide enhanced education, development and networking opportunities while supporting the continued growth of women’s baseball and female leadership in coaching across Ontario.

One of the most accomplished and influential figures in Canadian women’s baseball history, Stephenson brings an extraordinary combination of international playing experience, coaching expertise and groundbreaking achievements to the Best Ever Coaches Clinic.

A native of Mississauga, Ont., Stephenson spent 15 seasons representing Canada as a member of the Women’s National Team, competing in eight World Cups and helping Canada capture seven international medals. A two-time Women’s National Team MVP, she was widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Canadian uniform.

Following her remarkable playing career, Stephenson continued breaking barriers in coaching. In 2022, she became the first woman to manage Canada’s Women’s National Team and was later named Baseball Canada’s Lionel Ruhr Elite Coach of the Year, becoming the first woman to receive the prestigious honour.

In 2023, Stephenson made history once again when she joined the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization as a position coach with the High-A Vancouver Canadians. She currently serves as the bench coach for the Dunedin Blue Jays, the Single-A affiliate of the Blue Jays, where she continues to make her mark in professional baseball while helping develop the next generation of talent.

Her extraordinary contributions to the game were recognized in 2024 when she was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a pioneer and ambassador for women’s baseball in Canada.

The introduction of the Women’s Baseball Stream marks an important step forward for the Best Ever Coaches Clinic, creating a dedicated space to share knowledge, encourage collaboration and inspire more women to pursue coaching and leadership opportunities throughout the sport.

The 2027 Best Ever Coaches Clinic will once again bring together outstanding speakers from across amateur, collegiate and professional baseball, offering coaches of all experience levels valuable insights and practical tools to take back to their teams and associations.

2027 Best Ever Coaches Clinic Details

Dates: January 15–17, 2027

Location: Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre

Featured Speaker: Ashley Stephenson, Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer

New for 2027: Dedicated Women’s Baseball Stream

Registration: Now Open

Additional speakers, session details and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks.

Coaches are encouraged to register early and be part of an exciting weekend dedicated to learning, leadership and growing the game.

October 15, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball League News Release

After finishing near the top of the Canadian Baseball League in several offensive statistical categories, Welland’s Daiki Abe won the Brian Kerr Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year for 2026.

The 27-year-old outfielder was second in the CBL with 77 hits, which contributed to a .397 batting average that ranked third among qualified batters.

Abe was a force atop the Jackfish lineup, reaching base at a .489 clip that ranked second in the league, and he led the CBL with 62 runs and 40 stolen bases. Abe tied Kitchener’s Rafael Gross atop the CBL with three triples, and he was tied for second in the league with 35 walks while only striking out 20 times.

Chatham’s Evan Morrison (Mitchell, Ont.) was the Rookie of the Year in 2025 and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in June.

October 15, 2026

Official Okotoks Dawgs News Release

OKOTOKS, ALTA. — Three current Dawgs Academy players recently committed to top NCAA Division I baseball programs, adding to a legacy of Dawgs graduating to the highest levels of college baseball.

Ethan Renaud committed to Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, N.C.), Brooks Froese to Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kan.) and Dallas Tanaka to Pepperdine University (Malibu, Calif.).

The commitments add to the Dawgs’ tradition of graduating players to leading NCAA Division I programs, including in the past few years:

- Kayden Armitage - Indiana University

- Taye Thierman, Josh Mills, AJ Rogers - Coastal Carolina University

- Will Labonte, LC Larouche, Leo Cote, Matthew Tran, Austin Collins, Xander Guedes – University of Portland

- Tim Piasentin, Max Poirier - University of Miami

- Jack Bello, Max Hartman – Washington State University

- Declan Spooner - St. John’s University

- Jerome Pare, Brandon Paez, Adam Beamin – North Dakota State University

- Eric Machej – Illinois State University

The college track record comes while Dawgs continue to enjoy success in the professional ranks. This past year former Dawg, Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.) was an MLB All-Star with the Chicago White Sox, Matt “Tugboat” Williamson (Ladner, B.C.) made his major league debut with the San Francisco Giants, and Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.) was named the No. 1 prospect of the Atlanta Braves.

Former Dawgs, Andrew Kittredge (Baltimore Orioles) and Kody Funderburk (Minnesota Twins) also had solid seasons in the majors. Original Dawg and former New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers closer and now Brewers Pitching Coordinator, Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.), is headed to the World Series with the club.

Ethan Renaud — Wake Forest University

Born and raised in Okotoks, Renaud has committed to Wake Forest University, a top ranked NCAA program. Renaud has been a Dawg since he was 12 when he joined the Dawgs’ 13U team. This past season, he was a key member of the Dawgs’ 18U Black team when the club captured the inaugural Road to Okotoks National Championship.

Brooks Froese — Kansas State University

A newcomer to the Dawgs Academy, Froese has accepted a scholarship to the nationally recognized, Wildcats of Kansas State University. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., Froese looked to take the next step in his baseball career by joining the Dawgs Academy this past fall. An outstanding middle infielder, Froese is projected to be an impact player on the Dawgs’ 18U Black as the club vies to repeat as Road to Okotoks National Champions.

Dallas Tanaka — Pepperdine University

Tanaka has accepted a scholarship to NCAA, Division 1, Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. Tanaka is an Okotoks native who joined the Dawgs Academy program as an 11-year-old. He enjoyed success on the Dawgs’ 13U and 15U teams before taking a huge step forward this past fall with the Dawgs’ 18U Black where he attracted the attention of several college programs. Dallas’ dad, Kevin Tanaka, was a collegiate player with Hawaii Pacific and continues to be a coach in the Dawgs Academy.

October 14, 2026

Official Rawlings News Release

ESPN to broadcast exclusive show unveiling Gold Glove winners Sunday, Nov. 1

ST. LOUIS, MO – Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., announced the finalists for the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award®, honouring the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League® and National League®.

The winners will be unveiled during a one-hour, special-edition “Baseball Tonight” broadcast on ESPN Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. E.T.

While the award originated in 1957, Rawlings first began highlighting the top three defenders at each position as finalists in 2011. This season, the Toronto Blue Jays led the AL and the Chicago Cubs topped the NL, with five finalists each. 

“Offense wins moments, but defense wins baseball games. A stellar defensive play can change an inning, shift the momentum of a game, or define an entire season. This year’s Rawlings Gold Glove Award finalists have consistently made that difference for their teams,” said Mike Thompson, chief marketing officer of Rawlings. “Rawlings has proudly honoured defensive excellence for nearly 70 years, and the talent on display continues to elevate the award. Each season brings a new level of competition, making it truly special to witness and be a part of this tradition.”

To determine the winners of the 18 defensive position Awards, each team’s manager and up to six coaches on his staff vote from a pool of qualified players in their League and cannot vote for players from their own team. In 2013, Rawlings added the SABR Defensive Index™ (SDI) to the Rawlings Gold Glove Award selection process, which comprises approximately 25 percent of the overall selection total, with the managers’ and coaches’ votes continuing to carry the majority. 

To identify the utility Award winners, Rawlings collaborated with the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) to create a specialized defensive formula separate from the traditional selection process for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award position winners. Utilizing the SABR formula and additional defensive statistics, Rawlings will select one utility winner from each League.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

P

• José Soriano (Los Angeles Angels/Toronto Blue Jays)

• Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers)

• Tanner Bibee (Cleveland Guardians)

C

• Brandon Valenzuela (Toronto Blue Jays)

• Austin Wells (New York Yankees)

• Dillon Dingler (Detroit Tigers)

1B

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)

• Christian Walker (Houston Astros)

• Vinnie Pasquantino (Kansas City Royals)

2B

• Michael Massey (Kansas City Royals)

• Chase Meidroth (Chicago White Sox)

• Cole Young (Seattle Mariners)

3B

• Nick Loftin (Kansas City Royals)

• Brooks Lee (Minnesota Twins)

• Caleb Durbin (Boston Red Sox)

SS

• Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)

• Andrés Giménez (Toronto Blue Jays)

• Taylor Walls (Tampa Bay Rays)

LF

• Cody Bellinger (New York Yankees)

• Wyatt Langford (Texas Rangers)

• Chandler Simpson (Tampa Bay Rays)

CF

• Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians)

• Ceddanne Rafaela (Boston Red Sox)

• Evan Carter (Texas Rangers)

RF

• Nathan Lukes (Toronto Blue Jays)

• Cam Smith (Houston Astros)

• Wilyer Abreu (Boston Red Sox)

Utility

• Zach McKinstry (Detroit Tigers)

• Ezequiel Duran (Texas Rangers)

• José Caballero (New York Yankees)

NATIONAL LEAGUE

P

• Nolan McLean (New York Mets)

• Michael McGreevy (St. Louis Cardinals)

• Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves)

C

• Freddy Fermin (San Diego Padres)

• Luis Torrens (New York Mets)

• Gabriel Moreno (Arizona Diamondbacks)

1B

• Ty France (San Diego Padres)

• Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)

• TJ Rumfield (Colorado Rockies)

2B

• JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis Cardinals)

• Brice Turang (Milwaukee Brewers)

• Brandon Lowe (Pittsburgh Pirates)

3B

• Max Muncy (Los Angeles Dodgers)

• Alex Bregman (Chicago Cubs)

• Javier Sanoja (Miami Marlins)

SS

• Masyn Winn (St. Louis Cardinals)

• Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs)

• Geraldo Perdomo (Arizona Diamondbacks)

LF

• Ian Happ (Chicago Cubs)

• Daylen Lile (Washington Nationals)

• Jackson Chourio (Milwaukee Brewers)

CF

• Andy Pages (Los Angeles Dodgers)

• Pete Crow-Armstrong (Chicago Cubs)

• Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves)

RF

• Corbin Carroll (Arizona Diamondbacks)

• Carson Benge (New York Mets)

• Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs)

Utility

• Ildemaro Vargas  (Arizona Diamondback)

• Mauricio Dubón (Atlanta Braves)

• Jared Triolo (Pittsburgh Pirates)

The 2026 finalists include 22 former Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners – nine in the AL and 13 in the NL. 

Following the Rawlings Gold Glove Award televised announcement special on ESPN, Sunday, Nov. 1, fans can vote for their favourite defensive player in each league to determine who will be named the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award™ winners. A combination of the national fan vote and the SDI will determine who takes home the honor.

Voting for the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award presented by SABR will begin online at www.Rawlings.com on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 9:30 p.m. E.T. and will remain open until Thursday, Nov. 5, at 11:59 p.m. E.T. The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winners will be unveiled at the Rawlings Gold Glove Award Ceremony in New York City, on Friday, Nov. 6. 

About the Rawlings Gold Glove Award®

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award® is a registered trademark owned by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. The award is correctly identified as the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The name should not be shortened, abbreviated, or otherwise misused. Proper identification of this service mark using the registration symbol and the Rawlings name is important to protect the integrity of the program and perpetuate this worthy tradition. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com. 

About Rawlings

Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, and protective headwear. Rawlings' unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. 

Rawlings is the official glove, baseball, helmet and faceguard, and base of Major League Baseball, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball and the official baseball and softball of the NCAA and NAIA, and the official softball of the NJCAA. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com. 

October 14, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball League News Release

Barrie Baycats all-star reliever Carlos Sano has been named the Canadian Baseball League’s top closer for the 2026 season.

The 33-year-old Dominican made the most of his 29 1/3 high-leverage innings for the Baycats, racking up eight wins to tie for the CBL lead. He started the season with six scoreless innings and earned wins in five of his first seven appearances.

Sano, a former San Francisco Giants farmhand in his third season with Barrie, collected three saves while posting a 2.15 earned-run average.

Much of Sano’s success was his ability to limit baserunners. His WHIP of 1.16 was second among relievers after yielding 25 hits and walking nine. He also showed an ability to finish off hitters, striking out 33 and averaging a career best 10.13 punchouts per nine innings.

London reliever Skylar Janisse was the 2025 winner.

October 14, 2026

Baseball Canada

OTTAWA – Baseball Canada has announced the 23 athletes selected to attend the Junior National Team Selection Camp from October 16 to October 20 in the Dominican Republic.

Players will compete for a spot on Canada’s final 20-player roster for the 2026 WBSC Americas U-18 Pan American Championship from October 22 to October 29 in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.

The five-day camp will include four games against professional academy teams from the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals.

The roster features a wealth of Junior National Team experience, with 17 of the 23 athletes having previously represented Canada as part of the program.

Returning to the Junior National Team are RHP Calum Andersen (Calgary, Alta.), INF Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC), OF Maxime Blain (Repentigny, Que.), RHP/OF Austin Blair (Victoria, BC), INF Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, Ont.), OF Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.), RHP Gabe Fink (Edmonton, Alta.), 1B Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.), INF Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.), 1B/RHP Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.), INF Cohen Miller (Calgary, Alta.), RHP Max Nantais-Vlahovich (Mississauga, Ont.), RHP Joseph Pereira (Etobicoke, Ont.), LHP Ethan Reason (Stouffville, Ont.), C Taye Thierman (Calgary, Alta.), RHP Desmond Tregaskis (Delta, BC), and C Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC).

Six players are set to make their Junior National Team debuts in RHP Caleb Dupuis (Georgetown, Ont.), 3B/2B Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.), OF Daril Rodriguez (Red Deer, Alta.), RHP Evan Shewfelt (Grimsby, Ont.), LHP Deven Simonovic (Victoria, BC) and LHP Johann Sternberg (Toronto, Ont.).

Head Coach and Director of Men’s National Teams Greg Hamilton will lead the coaching staff alongside former national team and professional players Chris Begg, Jesse Hodges and Mike Johnson.

ROSTER
SCHEDULE

October 14, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Some Canadian baseball news and notes:

Hicks comes through for Rays

Batting eighth and starting his first American League Championship Series game for the Tampa Bay Rays last night, Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) delivered a clutch, two-run single in the fourth inning off Cleveland Guardians’ left-hander Parker Messick.

Liam Hicks 🇨🇦 went just 20-for-104 (.192) against left-handed pitchers during the regular season. He went 2-for-2 off Parker Messick tonight with 99.6 and 96.9 mph singles. https://t.co/vocT88EKng

— Zach Worden (@Worden_Zach) October 14, 2026

Hicks’ single proved to be the difference in the Rays’ 3-1 victory, which evened the ALCS series 1-1.

The Toronto Mets alum also had a leadoff single in the third inning.

Hicks’ performance represented his first, two-hit postseason game.

The Canuck catcher was also effective calling pitches for Rays starter Freddy Peralta who struck out six in six scoreless innings before the bullpen took over.

11th anniversary of Bautista’s bat flip homer

To Toronto Blue Jays fans, it’s simply known as the “bat flip” and it happened 11 years ago today.

The seventh inning of Game 5 of the 2015 American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers was arguably the wildest and most exciting inning ever played at Rogers Centre.

After the Rangers took a 3-2 lead in the top of the inning when Montreal native Russell Martin’s throw back to the pitcher ricocheted off the bat of Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo allowing Rougned Odor to score, the Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the inning and then Jose Bautista stepped to the plate with two outs and Josh Donaldson and Ryan Goins on base in front of him. On a 1-1 count, Bautista launched a three-run home run into the left field bleachers and celebrated with a bat flip for the ages.

The Blue Jays went on to win the game 6-3 and take the series.

Blue Jays clinched first AL pennant 34 years ago

And the “bat flip” isn’t the only great moment in Blue Jays’ history that occurred on this date.

Thirty-four years ago today, the Blue Jays defeated the Oakland A’s 9-2 in Game 6 of the 1992 ALCS at Rogers Centre to advance to their first World Series.

Joe Carter and Candy Maldonado belted home runs for the Blue Jays and Roberto Alomar had three hits.

Right-hander Juan Guzman allowed just one run in seven innings to pick up the win.

58th anniversary of Montreal Expos participating in expansion draft

Fifty-eight years ago today, the Montreal Expos began building their inaugural roster through the 1968 MLB Expansion draft.

The Expos’ first pick was outfielder Manny Mota from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Among the other notable players the Expos selected were Mack Jones (fourth overall), Bill Stoneman (19th overall), Maury Wills (21st overall), Jimy Williams (32nd overall, yes, the later Blue Jays manager), Carl Morton (45th overall) and Coco Laboy (54th overall).

The expansion San Diego Padres also participated in the draft and with their last selection they opted for a 24-year-old outfielder named Cito Gaston.

Happy Birthday to Al Oliver!

Happy 80th Birthday to former Expos and Blue Jays first baseman Al Oliver!

Back on October 12, 2018, I posted on Facebook that it was the 33rd anniversary of the Oliver’s clutch two-run double in the top of the ninth for the Blue Jays in their 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the 1985 American League Championship Series. Oliver responded to that post, adding that that was his last major league hit.

Prior to his stint with the Blue Jays, Oliver also won a National League batting title with the Expos in 1982 when he hit .331. He batted .300 again the following season with the Expos.

In all, in an 18-year major league career, that also included stops with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, Oliver was selected to seven All-Star Games, recorded 2,743 hits and finished with a career batting average of .303.

Ash promoted to Blue Jays GM 32 years ago

It was 32 years ago today that Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.) was promoted to the position of vice-president and general manager of the Blue Jays after Pat Gillick had announced his retirement.

With that, Ash became the first Canadian GM in Blue Jays' history.

During Ash’s seven-year reign as general manager, the Blue Jays drafted future stars Roy Halladay (1995), Vernon Wells (1997), Michael Young (1997), Orlando Hudson (1997) and Alex Rios (1999). His finest season as GM came in 1998 when the team finished 88-74 and if the current post-season format had been in place, the club would’ve claimed a wild-card spot in the American League.

October 13, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball League News Release

Hamilton Cardinals owner and team president Eric Spearin was named the David E. Hastings Trophy winner as the Canadian Baseball League’s top executive in 2026.

Spearin, who bought the franchise in 2022, was instrumental in his hometown club winning its first regular season pennant in league history after going 31-17 in the regular season. The Cards’ success continued in the playoffs, as Hamilton advanced to the final for the first time since 2002.

This past season marked the fourth straight campaign with increased attendance at Bernie Arbour Stadium, with the Cardinals averaging 1,794 fans a game – 59 per cent more than in 2025. Those unable to attend were able to follow the club on Cable 14’s dynamic live broadcasts, which included commentating from Roger Lajoie and Brent Gunning from Sportsnet 590 The Fan.

Off the field, Spearin is part of the CBL’s executive committee and has dedicated countless hours to revamp the league’s website, making it more robust with additional sortable stats and information, a live scorekeeping app and the CBL TV platform.

Spearin is the first David E. Hastings award winner from Hamilton since Larry Wood in 2024.

October 14, 2026

By Mark Whicker

Canadian Baseball Network

Brice Turang is old enough to remember being overrated.

He didn’t buy it. Now that he is being discovered as some sort of hidden gem, by a world that doesn’t stop by Milwaukee very often, he isn’t likely to be swayed.

There’s a theory, often advanced by those who coach hockey defensemen, that if you can stay right where you are long enough, everything that’s wrong will fall back into place, thanks to the earth’s rotation, and you’ll get the acclaim and the satisfaction you deserve, as well as the puck. In eight years, Turang has gone from old hat to Gold Glove, and even though he’s bigger and stronger, his essence hasn’t changed a bit. There is no team in baseball that wouldn’t trade its second baseman for him.

At this writing the Brewers lead the Dodgers, 2-0, in the National League Championship Series and, for the first time all season, the Dodgers are not the book favourite to win the World Series. That might be a premature evacuation. The Dodgers still have two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow to confront Milwaukee in Games 3-4 at Dodger Stadium, where many an opposing eighth-inning lead disappears into the tumult.

But the Brewers have already faced Tarik Skubal and Yoshiburu Yamamoto in this series and have survived to talk about it. In those games they kept coming back to recapture leads, and Jake Bauers took Yamamoto through a 12-pitch walk that probably ruined his outing, and the Milwaukee bullpen retired the final 15 Los Angeles batters in Game 2. So their confidence is earned, particularly in the quiet second baseman who drove in 100 runs, compiled an .816 OPS, and is in line to win his second Gold Glove in four years, with five errors in 591 chances at his preferred position.

His readiness for the NLCS was evident by the way he handled the first batted ball, by Mookie Betts. Turang ranged far to his right, into the shortstop frontier that he used to patrol, to scoop it and retire Betts. The Brewers had one hit off Skubal in the first three innings, but Turang led off the fourth with a home run to left-centre out of nowhere, for a 1-1 tie.

“A sinker on 2-and-0,” said Skubal, appreciatively. “All I can do is tip my hat to that.”

The Dodgers ended the second and fifth innings with double plays in which Turang was the middleman, and eventually the Brewers won, 2-1.

Game 2 began with an L.A run in the first inning, and Yamamoto, who was impossible for the Brewers to solve in last year’s NLCS, had a lead. But he didn’t have it by the time the Dodgers batted again. Turang drove a one-out double and scored on William Contreras’ single. Then he walked and scored a go-ahead run, and in the eighth inning he had an RBI single and scored again. Milwaukee won that one, 7-4, and now the Dodgers have to win four of five to take the Series.

Things are so abnormal in Dodgerland that they openly discussed benching Shohei Ohtani for Game 3, at least until Ohtani informed them that he disagreed with the theory. Manager Dave Roberts reported that Ohtani was “adamant” about staying in the lineup, even though he is 1-for-7 in this series, 3-for-20 in the postseason, and has not had a home run since August 18.

Turang is only 26 but has been a prominent entry in every scout’s report since his sophomore year at Corona (Ca.) High. He played on the 16-and-under U.S. team that also featured Royce Lewis and Hunter Greene, who were 1-2 in the MLB draft. As a junior at Corona he only struck out once. But when you’re that good for that long, you’re vulnerable to the allure of the new kids in town. Scouts knew they couldn’t sound very profound if they kept repeating that Turang was a probable All-Star. He fell victim to “overscouting,” with everyone squinting to find a flaw, and he tumbled to 21st in the draft, where the Brewers stood, pounding their gloves and yelling I-got-it.

Except that Turang had already committed to LSU. It took some exasperating negotiation for Turang to get the $3.41 million bonus he felt he deserved. Although he says he doesn’t remember saying it, he doesn’t deny that he finally told then-general manager Dave Stearns, “Don’t let a million dollars keep you from signing a Hall of Famer.”

Failure didn’t occur to Turang because he was surrounded by so much excellence. His mother Carrie was an All-American softballer at Long Beach State. His father Brian played briefly for the Mariners, and owns a workout facility in which Brice practically lived. Brian recalls slow-pitch softball games, after he retired, in which Carrie would play the outfield and routinely stun baserunners by throwing them out. She, Brian says, is the one who deepened the gene pool.

Brice’s sister Clarissa was the offensive catalyst for an NCAA softball championship at Oklahoma. Three other sisters played softball, soccer and volleyball in college. Ask Reggie Miller, who grew up in nearby Riverside and got a daily basketball schooling from sister Cheryl. There’s nothing that heats up the competitiveness more than struggling to beat your sister. According to Baseball America, the Turangs’ compulsion to win was illustrated best on a cruise. Clarissa and her husband, former NFL punter Tress Way, were playing cornhole. The game involved four people at first. Pretty soon, all the ship’s guests were gathered around.

“We wound up challenging the whole boat,” Brian said.

Such competitiveness may win the Brewers a world championship that will invalidate all of Rob Manfred’s theories about the connection between payroll and winning, which would be nice because those theories are the foundation of the expected off-season lockout. But it also could cost the Brewers, because, under current rules, Turang could become a free agent after the 2028 season, and a deluxe one at that. By then Turang could be far more than almost famous.

Fortunately, he’s learned to ignore opinions, especially pertaining himself.

October 14, 2026

Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Since the Canadian Futures Series was not at the Rogers Centre, it didn’t mean we ignored the competitors ...

* * *

Name: OF Noah Corrente

Hometown: Squamish, BC

Team: Okotoks Dawgs Academy/Team Black.

Committed: Iowa Western Community College.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My dad, David. He played at a high level, including for Team Canada and getting drafted by the Blue Jays (Dave Corrente played for Team Ontario, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays and played for eight seasons at rookie-class Medicine Hat, class-A Charleston, class-A Auburn, class-A Lansing, class-A Dunedin, double-A New Hampshire and triple-A Syracuse, in 342 games). He taught me a lot about baseball and has always pushed me to work hard and get better.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life, beside your father, and why? “My Nonno, John Corrente. He has always supported me and been there for me. He’s always encouraging me and reminding me to work hard but also have fun with it. And whatever happens, happens.”

Your greatest day on the ball field? “Winning the Nationals with the Cloverdale Rangers in 2025. We weren’t really expected to win the whole thing, but we kept battling and ended up coming out on top.”

Your favourite player and why? “Bo Bichette. He’s been one of my favourite players over the last couple years. I’ve really enjoyed watching him play, and I think he’s super fun to watch. I like how he plays and competes every time he’s on the field.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want to have when you grow up? “A physical therapist. I like sports and working with people, so I think it would be a pretty good fit for me.”

What’s the most important life rule/thing you’ve learned playing ball? “Keep showing up and putting in the work. Baseball is a game where you’re going to fail a lot, so I’ve learned not to get too caught up in the bad days. Keep working and trust that it’ll pay off.”

What four people — dead or alive — would you invite to a mythical dinner to ask them questions? “Nolan Ryan to ask: how did you keep your arm healthy for so long? Bo Bichette to ask: how do you stay so confident when things aren’t going your way? Ken Griffey, Jr. to ask: what was your mindset like when you were playing in your prime? and Jackie Robinson, to ask: how were you able to keep your cool while facing so much pressure?”

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Futures bios - Bello, Morris, Reason, Whiteford

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Name: OF-1B Galen Hudel.

Team: Great Lake Canadians/Team New Blue.

Hometown: Waterloo, Ont.

Coach: Ron Oneson.

Previous teams: Waterloo Tigers, Riverside Royals.

Previous coaches: Brock Kjeldgaard, Jeff Helps, Derek Bloomfield, Matt Bowden, Jody Brown, Scott Ballantyne.

Born: Waterloo, Ont.

Committed: Wright State.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why?: “Jamie Romak (former Tip O’Neill award winner presented by Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys in 2020). He’s someone who has been a cornerstone in all aspects of my development. He’s someone who I take great pride in listening to and learning from, not only hitting and general baseball conversations, but also with everyday life. Not to mention that he’s practically molded my swing and approach.”

Your greatest day on the ball field? “This year I had a two-homer game including a game tying grand slam with two outs and two strikes, in the top of the final inning (against Fieldhouse Pirates). Bonus points that both home runs were off friends.”

Your favourite player and why? “Currently my favourite player is Munetaka Murakami. I admire his ability to step into a new environment with many doubts rumoring about his ability and dominate so quickly. He’s also a pretty funny guy.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want to have when you grow up? “I’d love anything regarding baseball - whether that be scouting, coaching, or becoming an analyst. With all of those jobs, I get to be around the game every day, and if that’s the case then it’s never truly a job.”

What’s the most important life rule/thing you’ve learned playing ball? “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, don’t rush it.”

What four people -- dead or alive -- would you invite to a mythical diner to ask them questions and what would you ask: “1. Jesus - How to be a better man? 2. Barry Bonds - What went through your mind on an 0-2 count in the 2001 season? 3. Terry Fox - How to wake up with that level of discipline every single day? 4. Joey Votto - How did analytics affect your career and how did you utilize them within your training and in game?”

Name: INF Dayne Liske

Hometown: Drayton Valley. Alta.

Teams: Sylvan Lake Gulls Prep, St. Joseph High School/Team Royal.

School: Uncommitted.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My brother Carter (who committed to Southwestern Oregon Community College). Watching him play through his career and seeing his hard work pay off and watch him succeed.”

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life, beside your brother and why? “I would say my mom, Raelene, because she always is there supporting me even if she doesn’t want to be at the ball field.”

Your greatest day on the ball field? “Making the Morneau Cup final on The Road to Okotoks.”

Your favourite player and why? “Ernie Clement because he’s a gamer — not flashy or anything. He plays the game.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want to have when you grow up? “I would say a coach or a firefighter.”

What’s the most important life rule/thing you’ve learned playing ball? “To have fun and enjoy because you can’t do it forever. So appreciate little things in life.”

What four people -- dead or alive would you invite to a mythical diner to ask them questions: “Adam Sandler, Ernie Clement, Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. They are some of my favourite people to watch and would think that they would have good stories to share.”

Name: SS Cohen Miller

Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

Teams: Webber Wildcats/Team New Blue.

Committed: Kansas State University.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My hitting coach Cole Armstrong. He has taken an approach of teaching that allows me to identify my problems by myself and be able to work on fixing it myself.”

Your greatest day on the ball field? “Success early on in a game such as a hit or a nice play in the field leading to extra confidence I can build off throughout the rest of the game. Although, of course, this doesn’t always happen but it makes it a lot easier when it does.”

Your favourite player and why? “Bobby Witt, Jr. because he is the player any shortstop would want to emulate. He has all the traits that make the game exciting, great fielding, speed, and some pop behind it.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want to have when you grow up? “A pro golfer. It would be a great job as an alternative. It is typically played in fantastic locations and good weather and is a job where your monetary rewards are directly linked to your successes. Like baseball. It also has a very similar technical element to it with swing analysis etc. that would be very transferable.”

What’s the most important life rule/thing you’ve learned playing ball? “Being able to look forward past failures and understand that it is part of a process. The skill of taking your mind off of a conflict that is causing you stress is one of the most useful I have taken from the sport.”

What four people -- dead or alive would you invite to a mythical diner to ask them questions: “My two grandfathers (Jim, who I never met and Les, who passed when I was very young), Bobby Witt and (comedian) Theo Von.”

* * *

(We emailed roughly 20 players during the Canadian Futures Showcase ...but apparently not many people read their emails. Check your emails and answer away ... if you have time. DM to CDNBaseballNet … we have the room. Thanks.)

October 13, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Some Canadian baseball notes from the past couple of days:

Smith closes out Guardians’ win in Game 1 of ALCS

Last night, Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) needed just six pitches to retire the Tampa Bay Rays in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the Guardians’ 7-3 win at Tropicana Field.

Smith has appeared in all six of the Guardians’ postseason games this year. I believe the record for most consecutive postseason games appeared in by a reliever is seven by Oakland A’s left-hander Darold Knowles in the 1973 World Series against the New York Mets.

With his scoreless inning on Monday, Smith now owns a 1.17 ERA in his six appearances this postseason. He has 11 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings and opponents are hitting .080 against him.

Sabrowski earns hold

Guardians lefty Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Ont.) allowed a solo home run to Rays outfielder Cedric Mullins, the first batter he faced in the eighth inning last night, but settled in to retire the side.

He struck out outfielder Victor Mesa Jr., got outfielder Joey Deluca to line out to right and then retired second baseman Ben Williamson on a ground ball to first.

That performance was good enough to earn Sabrowski his second hold of the postseason before handing the ball over to Smith for the ninth.

Hicks enters Game 1 in sixth inning

With left-hander Foster Griffin starting Game 1 for the Guardians, left-handed hitting Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) did not start Game 1 for the Rays.

Hicks entered the contest as a pinch-hitter for Nick Fortes in the bottom of the seventh inning and lined out to first base. He remained in the game and grounded out to second against Smith with one out in the bottom of the ninth.

Hicks is now 1-for-12 in four games this postseason.

The Toronto Mets alum may find himself on the bench again to begin Game 2 tonight when southpaw Parker Messick starts for the Guardians.

Stairs became a hero in Philadelphia 18 years ago

When Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) walked to the plate to face Los Angeles Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton for the Philadelphia Phillies with two outs in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the 2008 National League Championship Series - 18 years ago today - his heart rate was the same as it always is.

He was calm and focused, even though the game was tied 5-5 and there were more than 50,000 fans at Dodger Stadium cheering against him.

“My heart rate was the same,” Stairs told me in an interview at Seaman Stadium in Okotoks, Alta., in 2024. “People that know me know I’m very down to earth, low key. My heartbeat never changes.”

In that at bat, Stairs can recall everything being in slow motion.

“I didn’t hear anything,” said Stairs. “My heart rate was as low as ever. I knew Broxton was good, but I knew he missed his spots sometimes. And I was very fortunate that he threw a 3-1 fastball into my zone and I hit the snot out of it.”

That home run deep into the right field bleachers catapulted the Phillies to a 7-5 lead and a Game 4 victory, and the Dodgers never recovered in the series.

Stairs hasn’t had to buy a beer in Philadelphia since.

October 11, 2026

Official Brock Badgers Athletics News Release

The Brock Badgers baseball team have reclaimed supremacy atop Ontario University Athletics (OUA).

Completing an undefeated 3-0 OUA championship campaign, the Badgers have captured their fifth provincial title and first since 2014, besting the Laurier Golden Hawks 2-0 in the OUA Gold Medal Game on Sunday at Welland Stadium.

Right-handed pitcher Evan Marks was untouchable on the mound, going the distance while blanking the Golden Hawks across all nine innings. The veteran hurler rose to the occasion, striking out eight batters without allowing a single walk.

Marks navigated through early trouble, stranding a runner on third base in the first inning with a clutch strikeout of Laurier's cleanup hitter.

With the game still scoreless entering the bottom of the third, catcher Jack Shannon provided a spark as he drew a leadoff walk. After advancing to third on a throwing error, shortstop Gavin Taylor drove a hanging breaking ball over the wall in left centre field to drive in the only runs of the game.

Laurier continued to threaten as the game progressed, putting runners on first and second with one out in the 7th inning. However, Taylor turned hero once again, snagging an infield line drive that he turned into an inning-ending double play.

With his 91st pitch of the contest, Marks finalized the victory with a swinging strikeout, capping a dominant complete-game shutout to secure provincial gold for the Badgers.

OUA CHAMPS! 🏆 #WeAreBadgers https://t.co/I3Pu8M0pl4

— Brock Baseball (@brockbaseball) October 11, 2026

The Badgers championship title brings a dominant season to a fitting close, as they finish their season with a 15-3 record between the regular season and playoffs.

Within their three OUA Championship matches, the Badgers outscored their opponents 33-6, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball and firmly establishing themselves on top of the OUA mountain.

October 10, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball League News Release

The Canadian Baseball League announced a trio of awards from the 2026 regular season.

Hamilton’s Luis Bernardo won the Troy May Memorial Trophy for Manager of the Year. Bernardo led the Cardinals to a 31-17 record and their first pennant in franchise history.

Bernardo is the first Cards skipper since Dean Castelli in 2019 to win the award named after the former field manager of the Oshawa Dodgers.

Hamilton’s Hector Yan earned the Ted Earley Memorial Trophy awarded to the pitcher with the lowest earned-run average. The 27-year-old Dominican posted a 2.60 ERA after allowing 21 earned runs in 72 2/3 innings. He went 7-1 over 15 games (14 starts), struck out 112 and walked 31.

Yan became the second straight Hamilton pitcher to win the award after Owen Boon won in 2025.

Kitchener’s Malik Williams (Toronto, Ont.) won the Reid Buck Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player with the highest batting average. Williams hit .417 after collecting 68 hits in 163 at bats in his first season with the Panthers after four campaigns in Barrie.

He finished seven points ahead of Toronto’s Yasiel Puig.

October 11, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Back when all us kids listened to hockey games, broadcaster Foster Hewitt would often say, “The score was not indicative of play.”

As the SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028 beat Canadian Premier 6-1 in the round of 32 at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat championships, “the score was not indicative of play.” Each team won its respective pool.

SBA held onto the slimmest of leads -- 2-1 -- before scoring four unearned runs in the top of the seventh.

Canadian Premier managed only four hits -- two by William Nolet (Saint-Gilles, Que.), a solo homer by Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) in the fourth and a single by Clark Heimbecker (Guelph, Ont.).

RHP Alex Wallace (Oakville, Ont.) started and pitched two innings allowing two runs -- one earned -- on two hits, while fanning a pair.

RHP Evan Shewfelt (Grimsby, Ont.) was next, working three scoreless. He allowed one hit and fanned three.

Then it was Peyton Markwood (Puslinch, Ont.) who worked 1 1/3 innings allowing three unearned runs on two hits. He struck out one.

RHP Max Covriga (Markham, Ont.) recorded the final two outs as he was touched up for one unearned run on one hit and two walks.

Jacob led off the fourth, hitting a 3-2 pitch over the right field fence.

On the trip over-all Canadian Premier went 6-3 oncluding exhibition play.

Besides 14 players with Brewers Langley Blaze, other Canucks on rosters included:

Baseball U

LHP Evan Lawson L/L 2027 6-3 195 Lawrence Park Collegiate Toronto, Ont.

Canes National 18U/New York Mets Scout Team

LHP-1B Jeremie Sabourin 6-0 170 R/L 2027 Northern Pre-University Vaudreuil, Que.

Chicago White Sox Scout Team

LHP Antoine Boucher L/L 2029 6-0 170 Northern Pre-University Montreal, Que.

Ghost National

OF-1B Jayden Duchaine 6-1 190 R/R 2027 Northern Pre-University St-Bruno, Que. Seminole State College

INF Maxime Lamarre 5-10 160 L/R 2027 Terrebonne, Que.

OF Nathan Roy 6-4 205 R/R 2027 Beauce, Que.

Ohio Warhawks

RHP Gabe Fink R/R 2027 6-2 175 Edmonton, Alta. Southern Cal

Royals Scout Team 2027

SS Ethan Borovilos R/R 2027 6-1 170 Richview Collegiate Toronto, Ont.

OF Josh Holden L/R 2027 6-4 210 Huron Heights Mount Albert, Ont.

Team Elite - Southeast Alliance

SS Zackary Molinaro R/R 2027 6-0 185 Woodstock, Ont.

Team Georgia

C-OF Zachary Lepine 6-3 190 R/R 2027 P27 Academy Candiac, Que. C-Texas Tech

USG/Elev8 Rawlings National

3B Christian Heffernan R/R 2027 6-3 190 Centennial Puslinch, Ont.

Wow Factor/Toronto Blue Jays Scout 18U

RHP Stiaan Henning R/R 2027 6-4 171 Acellus Academy Oakville, Ont.

October 11, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

And then there were four.

The American League and National League Championship Series are set.

And of the four teams still alive in the MLB postseason, two are certain to have Canadian players on their rosters, while the other two have Canucks working prominently in their organizations.

Here’s a summary of the remaining Canadian content in the MLB postseason:

Cleveland Guardians relievers Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC) and Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) celebrate together after the Guardians clinched the AL Central title. Photo: Erik Sabrowski\X

1. Cleveland Guardians

In 2024, the Guardians became the first major league team to have four Canadians on a postseason roster.

Since then, Josh and Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) have moved on, but the Guardians will still have two Canucks suiting up for them in the American League Championship Series — and those two are arguably the team’s best relief pitchers.

It was fitting that Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC) recorded the save for the Guardians in their American League Division Series clinching 2-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday night. Smith, who struck out four of the five batters he faced, pitched in every game of that series and has been dominant.

In five 2026 playoff appearances, he has permitted just one run on two hits and has fanned 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings.

If you couple that with his outstanding 41-save regular season, there’s an argument that Smith is now the best closer in the majors.

Left-handed reliever Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) hasn’t been as overpowering in the postseason. But he was excellent in the last two games of the ALDS for the Guardians.

He earned his first postseason win - and the first-ever by an Albertan - on Thursday when he tossed a scoreless inning in relief in his club’s 9-5 victory over the White Sox in Game 4 and then he followed that up by registering a hold in the Guardians’ series clincher on Saturday. Sabrowski was summoned into the game with two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth inning and struck out Munetaka Murakami, the only batter he faced, in the Guardians’ 2-0 win.

In all, Sabrowski has appeared in four of the Guardians’ five games this postseason after his strong regular season in which he went 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and had 76 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings in 60 appearances.

The Guardians will begin the American League Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday at 8 p.m E.T.

Players: LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.), RHP Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC)

Minor league players: RHP Will Hynes (Mississauga, Ont.), C Deiten Lachance (Sherbrooke, Que.), 1B Riley Nelson (Toronto, Ont.), LHP Adam Tulloch (Toronto, Ont.), RHP Jacob Zibin (Richmond Hill, Ont.)

Executive: Dr. Stephen Osterer (Ottawa, Ont.), director of pitching developmen

2. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are in the postseason for the 10th time, but this is the first year they have had a Canadian on their October roster.

The American League East division-winning Rays acquired catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3, and Hicks has been a key part of their offence. In 41 regular season games with the Rays, he had a .288/.379/.440 slash line with four home runs and 20 RBIs. And he had already been enjoying a breakout campaign with the Marlins.

In total, the Toronto Mets alum batted .284 with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs in 142 regular season games in 2026. He also finished the season as one of a select group of MLB hitters with more walks (56) than strikeouts (55).

Though he went just 1-for-10 in the Rays’ three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in the ALDS, he was excellent defensively behind the plate.

It has been a remarkable baseball journey for Hicks who less than two years ago was left unprotected by the Detroit Tigers in the Rule 5 draft and selected by the Marlins.

In March, he suited up for the Canadian national team for the first time at the World Baseball Classic.

Player: C Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.)

Minor league players: OF Slater de Brun (Bend, Ore., mom, Julie, lived in Toronto), C Nathan Flewelling (Innisfail, Alta.), INF Jack Lines (Okotoks, Alta.), INF Taj Marchand (Charleston, N.C., father, Hugo, from Montreal), OF Noah Myers (Wyoming, Ont.), OF Tom Poole (Winnipeg, Man.), LHP Jeremy Pilon (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que.)

3. Milwaukee Brewers

When Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.) was the general manager of the Brewers from 2002 to 2015, and Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.) was his assistant GM, the Brewers seemed to consistently have the most (or close to the most) Canadian players in their system. This changed under more recent regimes, but it has rebounded somewhat in the past five years when thanks to input from the club’s director of international scouting and player personnel, Taylor Green (Comox, BC), and area scout Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), the Brewers selected Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.) 33rd overall in the 2021 MLB draft and INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.) 102nd overall in 2022.

The Brewers also added catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) from the Guardians on August 1. Naylor played with the Brewers’ triple-A Nashville Sounds in August before being called up and going 2-for-7 in three games with the Brewers in September. With catchers William Contreras and Gary Sanchez ahead of him, Naylor is not on the Brewers’ National League Championship Series roster.

Also, former Okotoks Dawgs right-hander and ex-Brewers closer Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) is the Brewers’ pitching coordinator.

The Brewers finished with 103 wins during the regular season - the most in MLB - and they will play the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National Championship Series starting tonight at 8 p.m. E.T.

Player: Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.)

Minor league Players: INF Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.), INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.), LHP Rob Zastryzny (Edmonton, Alta.)

Coach: Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.), MLB pitching coordinator

Executives: Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.), special assistant to the general manager; Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.), vice-president, baseball projects; Taylor Green (Comox, BC), director of international scouting and player personnel, Brad McKay (Fredericton, NB) head strategist, skill acquisition

Scouts: Tyler Hollick (Calgary, Alta.), Doug Mathieson (Langley, BC), Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), Taylor Frederick (Ottawa, Ont.)

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

The two-time reigning World Series champion Dodgers don’t have a player born in Canada on their roster, however, first baseman Freddie Freeman’s parents were born north of the border, and he played for Canada in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics.

Prior to the 2022 season, Freeman inked a six-year, $162-million contract with the Dodgers. And he certainly hasn’t disappointed. He has been an All-Star in each of his five seasons with the club and a huge contributor in the postseason. This year, he socked two home runs in the National League Division Series to help the Dodgers eliminate his former team, the Atlanta Braves, in four games. With that, Freeman has 19 career postseason home runs - which is tied for seventh all-time - heading into the National League Championship Series against the Brewers.

The Dodgers also employ Beeton, Ont., native Ellen Harrigan, who is one of Major League Baseball’s most respected executives. After beginning her career with the Blue Jays as an administrative aide in player development in 1981 and later becoming the general manager of the club’s New York Penn League affiliate in St. Catharines, Harrigan moved on to the Dodgers and has risen through the organization’s ranks to hold a number of key executive positions. Now in her 27th season with the club, she is currently the team’s vice-president, baseball administration.

Player: Freddie Freeman (Villa Park, Calif.), WBC eligible

Executive: Ellen Veronica Harrigan (Beeton, Ont.), vice-president, baseball administration

Minor league players: OF Charles Davalan (St-Bruno-De-Montarville, Que.), RHP Cam Leiter (Bayville, N.J., lived for part of his youth in Vancouver, BC), RHP Lucas Wepf (Georgetown, Ont.)

Doctor: Dr. Keith Pyne (Niagara On The Lake, Ont.), medical consultant

October 11, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Some Canadian baseball news and notes:

Smith dominating for Guardians in postseason

It was fitting that Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) recorded the save for the Cleveland Guardians in their American League Division Series clinching 2-0 win over the Chicago White Sox last night.

Smith, who struck out four of the five batters he faced, pitched in every game of the series.

In five 2026 playoff appearances, he has permitted just one run on two hits and has fanned 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings.

As Zach Worden, of Sportsnet, pointed out with Smith’s two-inning performance in the Guardians’ 9-3 win over the White Sox in Game 3 on Wednesday, the 6-foot-5 righty moved into second among Canadians for most innings pitched in the MLB postseason. Including last night’s performance, Smith has now thrown 20 postseason innings.

He trails only Nick Pivetta (Victoria, B.C.) who has tossed 26 1/3 innings.

Smith and the Guardians will face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series set to begin on Monday at 8 p.m. E.T.

Pivetta sets another Canadian postseason record

Speaking of Pivetta, when the Victoria, B.C., native started for the San Diego Padres in the Game 3 of their National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, it represented the fourth postseason start of his career. According to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, that moved Pivetta past Jeff Francis (North Delta, B.C.) and James Paxton (Ladner, B.C.) into first place for most postseason starts by a Canadian.

Pivetta allowed two runs on five hits, while striking out four, in 4 1/3 innings for the Padres in their 4-3 victory. The win kept the Padres alive in the series, but they were eliminated the following day.

In all, Pivetta permitted three runs in 7 2/3 innings in two starts for the Padres this postseason and struck out eight batters.

The Victoria Eagles and Junior National Team grad also holds the Canadian MLB postseason record for most strikeouts with 31.

Peters named to MLB All-Rookie First Team

White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.) was named an outfielder on MLB Pipeline’s All-Rookie First Team on Tuesday.

The White Sox couldn’t have predicted how good Peters would be in his first full big league season after they purchased him from the Rays on December 18. Peters had a reputation as an excellent fielder, but the Okotoks Dawgs grad quickly showed he could also handle himself at the plate. He finished the regular season with a .265/.337/.437 slash line with 12 home runs, 31 doubles, four triples and eight stolen bases.

On top of that, the Canuck outfielder had hits in six of seven postseason games for the White Sox. In total, he went 6-for-21 (.286 batting average) with two RBIs this postseason.

Sabrowski earns first postseason win

Guardians reliever Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) earned his first postseason win on Thursday when he tossed a scoreless inning in relief in his club’s 9-5 victory over the White Sox in Game 4 of the ALDS.

According to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Sabrowski became the 11th Canadian to register a win in the MLB postseason, the others are his teammate Smith, Jeff Francis (North Delta, B.C.), Matt Brash (Kingston, Ont.), Ron Taylor (Toronto, Ont.), John Hiller (Toronto, Ont.), Rich Harden (Victoria, B.C.), Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.), James Paxton (Ladner, B.C.) and Pivetta.

Sabrowski is also the first Albertan to record a postseason win.

The Canadian southpaw also registered a hold in the Guardians’ series clinching win over the White Sox last night. Sabrowski was summoned into the game with two outs in the sixth inning and struck out Munetaka Murakami, the only batter he faced.

Millson third Graney Award winner we’ve lost in 2026

One of my volunteer roles with the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame is to chair their Jack Graney Award committee. The Hall presents this award annually to a member of the media who has made significant contributions to baseball in Canada through their life’s work.

To say 2026 has been a devastating year would be an understatement.

When longtime Globe and Mail reporter Larry Millson died on Tuesday, he became the third Graney winner that has passed away this year. Beloved Montreal Expos broadcasters Rodger Brulotte and Jacques Doucet died on March 20 and August 27 respectively.

They were all legends in the Canadian baseball media and I will miss them dearly.

Forty-one years ago, Brett almost single-handedly beat Blue Jays

George Brett was a Blue Jay killer.

Any longtime Toronto Blue Jays fan is likely to tell you that.

And of the seemingly countless games in which the Hall of Fame third baseman teed off on Blue Jays’ pitching, Game 3 of the 1985 American League Championship Series – played 41 years ago today – stands out the most.

In that contest, the three-time American League batting champion almost single-handedly defeated the Blue Jays. With Toronto up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, the Royals were desperate for a victory. And while Brett had smacked a solo home run down the right field line in the first inning and a double off the right-centre field wall in the third, the Blue Jays still led 5-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth at Royals Stadium.

With 17-game winner Doyle Alexander on the mound, the Blue Jays seemed poised to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the series. But Brett had other plans. After Willie Wilson singled to start the Royals’ sixth inning, Brett walloped a fastball from Alexander over the left-centre field fence to tie the game.

“He had hit three different pitches to three different locations of the ballpark,” recalled Buck Martinez, in his 1985 book, From Worst to First, of Brett’s first three at bats in that playoff game.

For good measure, Brett singled to lead off the eighth inning and came around to score the winning run in the Royals’ 6-5 comeback win. For the night, Brett was 4-for-4, with four runs and three RBIs. The Royals, of course, went on the win the ALCS and the World Series.

Freeman rising up postseason homer ranks

Freddie Freeman socked two home runs in the National League Division Series to help the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminate his former team, the Atlanta Braves, in four games.

Freeman, whose parents were born in Canada, now has 19 career postseason home runs, which is tied for seventh all-time.

Manny Ramirez has clubbed the most MLB postseason home runs (29). He’s followed by Jose Altuve (28), Kyle Schwarber (24), George Springer (23), Bernie Williams (22) and Derek Jeter (20).

Four players are tied with Freeman with 19: Max Muncy, Corey Seager, Albert Pujols and Alex Bregman.

Freeman and the Dodgers are set to face the Brewers in the National League Championship Series beginning tonight at 8 p.m. E.T.

34th anniversary of Alomar home run

Almost any longtime Blue Jays fan can tell you exactly where they were 34 years ago today when Roberto Alomar walked to the plate against Oakland A’s closer Dennis Eckersley in the top of the ninth inning in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum and belted a two-run home run to tie the game at six.

The Blue Jays had trailed 6-1 until the eighth inning. Alomar’s home run sent the game into extra innings and the Blue Jays eventually won 7-6 in 11 innings when Derek Bell scored on catcher Pat Borders’ sacrifice fly.

Hicks off to first ALCS

Tampa Bay Rays catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) is off to his first American League Championship Series.

Though he went just 1-for-10 in the Rays’ three-game sweep of the Yankees in the ALDS, he was excellent defensively behind the plate.

It has been a remarkable baseball journey for Hicks who less than two years ago was left unprotected by the Detroit Tigers in the Rule 5 draft and selected by the Miami Marlins.

The Rays acquired the Toronto Mets grad from the Marlins on Aug. 3, and he has been a key part of their team ever since. In 41 regular season games with the Rays, he had a .288/.379/.440 slash line with four home runs and 20 RBIs.

In total, Hicks, who also played for Canada in the World Baseball Classic in March, batted .284 with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs in 142 regular season games between the Marlins and Rays in 2026.

Rogers tossed a shutout to propel Expos to NLCS 45 years ago

Forty-five years ago today, Steve Rogers pitched a shutout for the Montreal Expos against Steve Carlton and the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 5 of the National League Division Series.

With their 3-0 win, the Expos advanced to the NLCS against the Dodgers.

It was the second time that Rogers outpitched Carlton in the series. The Expos right-hander also allowed just one run in 8 2/3 innings in Game 1 to lead the Expos to a 3-1 victory.

Estrada saved Blue Jays season 11 years ago

Eleven years ago today, with his team down 2-0 to the Texas Rangers in the best-of-five ALDS and facing elimination, Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada pitched a gem. He held the Rangers to one run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings at Globe Life Ballpark in Arlington. Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning to help secure the 5-1 win and keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.

Hartman named Braves’ top hitting prospect by MLB Pipeline

Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.) has been named the Atlanta Braves’ Minor League Hitting Prospect of the Year by MLB Pipeline.

The announcement was made on Wednesday.

This is just the latest accolade for the 20-year-old Okotoks Dawgs alum.

Earlier this month, he was named the Braves’ Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America and Breakout Prospect of the Year by MiLB.com.

The 20-year-old Albertan put together a .249/.350/.456 slash line and had 26 home runs and 56 stolen bases in 128 games between the High-A Rome Emperors and double-A Columbus Clingstones.

Selected in the 20th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Braves, Hartman is proving to be the steal of that draft.

On Canada Day this year, he belted his 20th home run of the season to become the first player in the history of the High-A Emperors to club 20 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season. And he did it in just 71 games.

The 2026 campaign represented Hartman’s second in pro ball. In 2025, he batted .240 with five home runs and 48 stolen bases in 90 games between the FCL Braves and the class-A Augusta Green Jackets.

Remembering Cory Lidle

Please take a moment to remember former Blue Jays pitcher Cory Lidle who died 20 years ago today when the small plane he was in crashed into an apartment building in New York City.

He was just 34 years old.

The 5-foot-11 right-hander made 31 starts for the Blue Jays in 2003 and posted a 12-15 record and a 5.75 ERA.

In all, he recorded 82 big league wins and a 4.57 ERA in 277 appearances in parts of nine seasons with the New York Mets, Rays, A’s, Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, Phillies and Yankees.

Caissie hit longest home run of season for Marlins

Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.) hit the longest home run of the season for the Miami Marlins.

It was a three-run shot off Colorado Rockies right-hander John Brebbia in the eighth inning on June 30 at Coors Field that travelled 453 feet.

It was one of 14 home runs Caissie clubbed for the Marlins in 2026.

The Fieldhouse Pirates and Junior National Team grad was in his first season with the Marlins after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs as part of the package for right-hander Edward Cabrera on January 7.

October 10, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Back in the glory days of the Toronto Blue Jays, we would have seven or eight writers at each World Series game.

Some nights there were not enough story lines to go around. And other games there were so many turning points/ideas/performances to write about some guys would have to double up.

The editor assigning stories after Canadian Premier edged Elite Squad Scout 18U 6-5 on Saturday would have had his hands full. Let’s see ... what to write about Canadian Premier?

_ The four-run, two-out rally in the first?

_ The two-run rally in the fourth to break a 4-4 tie?

_ A lead-off double to begin Elite’s final at-bat and then a 1-2-3 ‘warm up the bus. We’re outta here,’ inning by the reliever with the tying run 90 feet away?

_ The three key doubles?

_ The starter who gave his team a chance to win?

_ Advancing to the round of 32 in the 120 tournament.

* * *

Canadian Premier jumped on Elite with four runs in the first as Samuel Ellis (La Pache, Que.) led off reaching on a three-base error. Evan Walker (Ajax, Ont.) bounced out to knock in a run. After a walk and a Galen Hudel (Waterloo, Ont.) single, Gino De Santis (Chatham, Ont.) lined a single to centre. Two wild pitches — as the Elite pitcher stayed away from the dangerous Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.) — then increased the lead to 4-0.

Now, even at 4-4 in the fourth inning, Batiste led off with a double to left and scored on a single by Alex Wallace (Oakville, Ont.). Two batters later, Ellis doubled to right, brining home Wallace.

Canadian Premier starter RHP Lucien Kovalcik (Burlington, Ont.) pitched 2 2/3 innings allowing four runs -- two earned -- on five hits. He struck out five in his 51-pitch performance (33 strikes). LHP Korbin Greaves (Ajax, Ont.) recorded the final out of the third.

Then skipper Romak went to RHP Owen McKinstry (Port Elgin, Ont.), who faced three hitters in the fourth, then had plenty of traffic in the fifth: an error, a walk, an out, a run-scoring fly ball and then someone showed McKinstry he could throw a strike too: catcher Ludovic Therriault (Saint-Malo, Que.) gunned down the runner attempting to steal second. Hang with ‘em.

Yet Elite would not go quietly into the Jupiter night. A lead-off double to left put the tying run into scoring position.

First McKinstry retired the No. 3 hitter on a pop up to Wallace in foul ground. A grounder moved the tying run 90 feet away.

Now, McKinstry was facing the man that Canadian Premier came to the park hours ago to get out. The final out. 2B Juan Cruz (Mississauga, Ont.) grabbed the pop up.

De Santis had two hits, including a double and an RBI, while Batiste and Ellis also hit doubles.

* * *

Richmond burning: The Richmond Braves 18U Platinum beat the Brewers Langley Blaze 7-1. Rilen Niclai homered for the Blaze’s only run.

LHP Caleb Miller (Delta, BC) worked an inning, allowing four runs -- three earned -- on three hits and two walks. He threw 33 pitches (42% strikes) and hit 87 MPH.

Sam Craven (Victoria, BC) was next, pitching 2 1/3 innings giving up one run on four hits and three walks. He threw 48 pitches (57% strikes) and was clocked at 86 MPH.

Then came RHP Benjamin Dartnell (Vancouver, BC) who tossed a scoreless inning, giving up one hit. He only needed 11 pitches (72% strikes) as he hit 92 MPH.

* * *

And another Canuck: Christian Heffernan (Puslinch, Ont.) singled in two runs for USG/Elev8 Rawlings National.

October 10, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Left-hander Rob Zastryzny has elected to become a minor league free agent.

His decision was announced on the MiLB.com transactions page on Thursday.

The Milwaukee Brewers designated Zastryzny for assignment on September 17. Two days later, he was assigned to the Brewers’ triple-A Nashville Sounds.

The Brewers’ decision to DFA Zastryzny came after he completed a rehab assignment with the Sounds. He did not pitch for the Brewers this season due to a shoulder strain that he first suffered while pitching for Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

In total, the 34-year-old Zastryzny posted a 1.93 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Sounds this season. He had nine strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings.

In 26 games with the Brewers in 2025, Zastryzny went 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA and struck out 20 batters in 22 innings.

The Edmonton-born southpaw has pitched in parts of seven major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates and Brewers.

For his MLB career, he owns a 6-1 record and a 3.84 ERA in 80 appearances (six starts).

He earned a World Series ring with the Cubs in 2016.

Thanks to a growth spurt and a lot of hard work, Webber Wildcats catcher Lucas Carroll (Calgary, Alta.) has vaulted up the Canadian baseball prospects’ ranks this year. Photo: Blue Jays Academy

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on October 6, 2026. You can read it here.

October 10, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

There’s a growth spurt and then there’s Lucas Carroll.

Standing next to the 6-foot-1, 201-pound backstop at his first Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase, you’d never imagine that just a couple of years ago, he was a 5-foot-8, 150-pound prospect trying to make it with Webber Academy.

Yet here he was, suiting up with Team Red and facing some of the most talented high school players in Canada.

College coaches have taken notice of his ascent up the national depth charts as he’s suited up at a variety of other big events over the past year, including the Prep Baseball Senior Future Games and the Baseball Canada Cup.

And they are clearly noticing his expanded frame.

“I’ve come a long way over the last couple of years and gained a lot of weight and power,” Carroll said. “I think overcoming that challenge has really helped me shape the player I am today and helped me with all my success.”

He’s just getting started as well with a few more events before the year is out and then getting himself bigger and better heading towards high school graduation next spring.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Lucas Carroll here.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

SECOND HOME

It’s been nearly five years since Carroll first stepped foot in Webber Academy on Calgary’s western outskirts.

The undersized backstop was determined to follow in his dad’s path in the game, which included collegiate baseball.

Under the guidance of Chris Reitsma, Cole Armstrong and the Wildcats coaching staff, he focused on his diet (a lot of chocolate milk, he laughs) and hitting the weight room.

“It’s been quite unreal having them and the other guys there every day,” Carroll said. “I love being in there – it’s truly a blessing to be able to go there and just feel like it’s another home.”

Little by little, he started putting on more weight and, more importantly, muscle to compete for prime spots in the Webber lineup.

CATCHING FIRE

All of Carroll’s hard work started paying off over the past year as he started getting invited to major events.

It all started with an invite to play for Team Alberta at the Western Canada Prospects Series in 2025.

Then he suited up for Canada at the Prep Baseball Senior Future Games this past July, followed by another stint with Alberta at the Baseball Canada Cup.

There, Carroll hit .167 with a single, double, run scored and four runs batted in to help the province claim its first medal at the event in 14 years.

“We wanted that one bad,” said the 17-year-old. “Some of us had been there before and we wanted it more than anybody else. We didn’t get first, but a medal is a medal and it’s a big step for Alberta, for sure.”

2027 C/1B Lucas Carroll 6-1/200Ibs @wildcats_ab 60 - 7.24 C Velo - 72 Max EV (Avg EV) - 97 (89.3) Uncommitted #TBJFutures https://t.co/v0tRtBfSnW

— Blue Jays Baseball Academy (@BlueJaysAcademy) September 17, 2026

SENSE OF BELONGING

Then came the call Carroll was hoping to get.

The Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase saw 150 players were invited to Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium in September and Carroll’s name was among them.

He performed well during Scout Day with a top exit velocity of 97 miles per hour and a max distance of 362 feet.

Then with Team Red, he went 0-for-6 with three walks and two hit-by-pitches, working some long at-bats while playing solid defensively.

“In the box, I felt comfortable and put some good swings on balls and challenged pitchers into long at-bats,” Carroll said. “Behind the plate, I was happy with my performance and was happy to catch such a variety of top pitchers in the country.”

More importantly, he says he felt like he belonged with Canada’s best by the end of the tournament, adding playing at “The Nat” will definitely go down as one of his career highlights to this point.

Carroll says the showcase was also a great time getting to hang out with his Webber teammates and other Alberta players, seeing all their Blue Jays gear and just soaking in the moments together.

MORE TO COME

If Carroll has it his way, a few more moments are still on the horizon.

He just put the wraps on a visit to Phoenix for the Arizona Fall Classic and will soon be heading to Jupiter, Florida for the Perfect Game WWBA Championship with the Brewers Langley Blaze.

Considered to be one of the top uncommitted catchers in the country, Carroll says the recruitment process has been going well and that he’s confident something will be coming down the pipe soon.

He’s not in a big rush, though.

“We’re just looking at different opportunities, seeing what we’ll get, and then what definitely fits best for me,” Carroll said. “Where I want to go, what I like, how the team does, the coaches – I think that all has to be taken into perspective.”

Through everything he’s experienced in the last year or so, the young left-handed hitter keeps one thing in mind: just have fun.

“This sport has taught me a lot of different things about discipline, hard work and how to deal with failure,” Carroll said. “I have really carried those attributes in my life and it’s kind of shaped the player I am today … I’m excited to see where it’s going to take me.”

October 9, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Canadian Premier arrived in Jupiter, Fla. without a nickname.

After nine-run innings in back-to-back games ... how about coach Jamie Romak’s Jumpin’ Jacks?

Each time a player jacks a home run the dugout empties with all the players jumping into the air in celebration.

Or Jamie’s Wallbangers, a la Harvey Kuenn’s Milwaukee Brewers Wallbangers from the 1980s. Or maybe the Bash Brothers of the Oakland A’s in the 1990s.

Yet to clinch its pool, Canadian Premier relied on an old-fashioned pitching gem, scoring a 3-0 win over Canes West National 2027.

LHP Ethan Reason (Stouffville, Ont.), Johann Sternberg (Toronto, Ont.) and Connor Brown (Oakville, Ont.) combined on a one-hitter.

Reason started things off by working three scoreless innings, without allowing a base hit. He walked two and struck out five. He threw 49 pitches in the first three innings (26 strikes). He threw 34 pitches (55% strikes).He was clocked at 94 MPH.

Next was Sternberg who pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing two base runners (one hit, one walk), while fanning six. In his 52-pitch outing, he thew 67% strikes.

Brown needed only four pitches to get the final out.

ABC’s William Nolet (Saint-Gilles, Que.) doubled for Canadian Premier.

William Nolet (Saint-Gilles, Que.) doubled home Evan Walker (Ajax, Ont.), who had doubled with one out in the first.

Both Nolet and Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) walked with one out in the third. After a ground ball, Nolet scored on a wild pitch and Galen Hudel (Waterloo, Ont.) singled home Jacob.

* * *

Northeast Pride over Langley: Collecting hits for Brewers Langley Blaze in a 4-1 loss to Northeast Pride 27 National were Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC), Brett Rienguette (Val Caron, Ont.) and Fox Ferguson (Surrey, BC).

Scouting reports

Calum Andersen, RHP, Calgary, Alta. Brewers/Langley Blaze Scout. Vauxhall Academy Jets.

Andersen showed advanced present stuff and pitch-ability in a strong outing. The delivery is athletic and repeatable from a projectable frame, with room remaining for strength gains that should help the fastball play more consistently in the mid-90s and give the breaking balls even sharper bite. Andersen attacks with a live fastball that touched 96 mph a couple times and plays up in the zone, paired with a sharp, horizontal slider at 85 mph that tunnels well and generates swings and misses.. He mixed in a late-breaking 12-6 curve ball at 78 mph that induced weak contact and flashed a change up with good arm-speed deception that mirrored the fastball delivery. The combination of velocity, secondary feel, and sequencing allowed him to control the zone without relying on pure power. Committed to Oklahoma. Struck out eight while allowing two hits and one walk.

_ Steve Doherty

Caleb Dupuis (Georgetown, Ont.) Canadian Premier/Academy Baseball Canada.

Dupuis turned in a dominant start to open pool play action on Thursday, tossing four scoreless with seven punch outs and just one base runner allowed. The 6-foot right-hander worked his fastball in all four quadrants of the strike zone, topping it out at 91 mph with heavy arm-side run and sink. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with tilt and late actions to it, successfully mistiming opposing hitters.

_ Anthony Gambardella

1B Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) Canadian Premier/Ontario Blue Jays.

Jacob is a Perfect Game All-American and Kansas State commit, yet I still think he is being undervalued both in the public and pro space as a draft prospect right now. The prep first base demographic has admittedly not been a hotbed recently, as there have been eight total selected this decade. It’s an understandable demo to have precaution with, as you are totally buying into the offensive profile when you pay a prospect here. As for Jacob, I am convicted on this bat and would pay good coin for it if I was a decision maker. He can bop, as the raw power is real and he gets to game power frequently. It is all fields impact and carry, with an innate ability to backspin the baseball. He’s got baseball twitch that translates to big bat speed, and pairs that with a quiet left-handed setup in the box. What impresses me the most about him though is the bat to ball ability and approach. He has a very measured, calculated approach in the box, consistently displaying quality swing decisions paired with damage ability and good contact rates in the zone. I’m convinced of the ability to hit for average and juice at the big league level. Looking elsewhere, he is more than capable at first base with good feet around the pillow and hands to match. He’s shown plenty to like and project on in front of the Canada PG staff time and time again, and will look to do it stateside. He will still be 17 years old on draft day.

_ Michael Albee, Perfect Game.

Gabriel Lehouillier (Levis, Que.) Canadian Premier/Academy Baseball Canada.

He hit a no-doubt shot on Cardinals quad. High-end D1 hitter through and through. Real dude. These are pro swing mechanics. Lehouillier drives to straight away CF and burns him for a bases clearing double. Coaches/scouts need to be on this profile during Jupiter. Long history of performance with a swing built to last long-term.

_ Michael Albee, Perfect Game.

William Nolet (2027, Saint-Gilles, Que.) Canadian Premier/Academy Baseball Canada.

He reached base in all three plate appearances on Thursday, driving in five runs on an early RBI triple as well as a loud pull-side grand slam. The 6-foot-3 right-handed batter swings one of the more consistent barrels up north with budding power to all parts of the field that is starting to show up more often.

_ Anthony Gambardella

October 8, 2026

Official Regina Red Sox News Release

Regina, Sask. - The Regina Red Sox are pleased to announce the return of Jason Veyna as the club’s director of baseball operations and field manager for the 2027 Western Canadian Baseball League season.

Veyna returns to the Red Sox with extensive experience at both the WCBL and collegiate levels, along with a long-standing connection to the organization. He previously served as an assistant coach with Regina in 2018 under then-field manager Mitch MacDonald before taking over as the club’s field manager for the 2019 season. Veyna also served as the Red Sox field manager in 2022.

In his first season as Regina’s field manager in 2019, Veyna guided the Red Sox to a 41-15 record, producing the best winning percentage in the WCBL at .732. Regina advanced through the playoffs and represented the Eastern Division in the 2019 WCBL Championship Series before falling to the Okotoks Dawgs. Following the season, Veyna was named the WCBL Eastern Division nominee for Coach of the Year and was selected to coach the East Conference at the WCBL All-Star Game.

Veyna also brings experience from outside Regina, having served as the field manager and general manager of the Swift Current 57s in 2024.

His connection to the Red Sox dates back even further. As a player, Veyna suited up for Regina in 2009 and 2011 and was a member of the 2011 WMBL Championship team. During the championship season, Veyna hit .277 with 25 RBIs while posting a .968 fielding percentage.

A native of Lamar, Colorado, Veyna played his collegiate baseball at Trinidad State Junior College, Georgia College & State University and Colorado State University Pueblo before beginning his professional career, which included stops with the Abilene Prairie Dogs and Trinidad Triggers.

Veyna currently serves as the head baseball coach at Trinidad State Junior College, where he has continued to develop collegiate players and build a successful program. Among his accomplishments are leading Trinidad State to the 2022 Region 9 South Division Championship, while four Trinidad State players advanced to NCAA Division I programs following the 2023 season. Under Veyna’s leadership, the program has also continued its focus on developing players for four-year collegiate baseball opportunities.

“We are excited to have Jason back with the Regina Red Sox,” said Red Sox General Manager Mitch MacDonald. “Jason possesses a strong baseball mind with managerial experience in the WCBL and at the collegiate level, and he understands our league and our organization intimately. Having been a player, assistant coach and head coach with us previously, Jason knows what it takes to be successful in the WCBL, having reached the league final in all three capacities. He also understands the type of players and people our organization values. We are looking forward to having Jason back at Currie Field this summer.”

“This isn’t just a new opportunity, it’s the beginning of a new era built on a proud tradition of excellence and success,” said Veyna. “I’m honoured, grateful and incredibly excited to lead the Regina Red Sox. Having been both a player and a coach within this organization, this opportunity carries an even deeper sense of pride and responsibility for me.

“I’m committed to building on the legacy of those who came before us while adding another chapter to the Red Sox tradition. The work has already begun, and roster construction is underway. I’m excited to get back to Regina, reconnect with this great baseball community and help lead an organization and a city that expects and embraces winning. The next chapter starts now.”

The Regina Red Sox are looking forward to welcoming Jason Veyna back to Currie Field for the 2027 WCBL season.

October 8, 2026

By Jason Young

Winnipeg Goldeyes

WINNIPEG, MAN. – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced their 2027 regular season schedule on Thursday, featuring 51 home games at Blue Cross Park, beginning with the Home Opener Friday, May 14 against the Sioux City Explorers.

The team’s return to Blue Cross Park will come after a memorable summer in 2026, when they tied the franchise record with 34 home wins. That success included a team-record 12 consecutive home victories from July 25 through August 13, giving fans plenty to celebrate at the ballpark.

The American Association will feature two five-team divisions in 2027. The Goldeyes will join the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Lincoln Saltdogs, Sioux City Explorers, and Sioux Falls Canaries in the West Division. While the East Division will include the Chicago Dogs, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Kansas City Monarchs, Lake Country DockHounds, and Milwaukee Milkmen.

Winnipeg opens the 102-game season Friday, May 7 on the road against Kansas City. Following three games against the Monarchs and three in Fargo against the RedHawks, the Goldeyes return to Blue Cross Park for their Home Opener Friday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m.

The Home Opener launches a schedule featuring nine full weekends of baseball in downtown Winnipeg. Each Friday home game will conclude with a fireworks display, giving fans nine opportunities to enjoy Fireworks Fridays throughout the summer.

“Opening night is always a special occasion, and starting our home schedule on a Fireworks Friday will make it even more memorable,” said Goldeyes General Manager Andrew Collier. “With nine full weekends at home, games on Father’s Day and Canada Day, and fireworks after every Friday home game, there are plenty of opportunities for families, friends, and groups to plan a summer visit to Blue Cross Park.”

The 2027 Fireworks Fridays are May 14 and 21, June 4 and 18, July 9, 23, and 30, August 13, and September 3.

Standard home game times are 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Friday, 6:00 p.m. Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

Three school-day matinees are scheduled for 11:00 a.m.: Thursday, May 20 against Sioux City, Thursday, June 10 against Kansas City, and Wednesday, June 16 against Gary SouthShore.

The Goldeyes will once again celebrate Canada Day at home, hosting Sioux City Thursday, July 1 at 4:00 p.m. Winnipeg also welcomes Sioux Falls for a Father’s Day afternoon game Sunday, June 20 at 1:00 p.m.

All nine American Association opponents will visit Blue Cross Park for at least one series in 2027. Winnipeg will play 72 games against West Division opponents and 30 against East Division clubs.

Winnipeg’s longest homestand runs May 14 to 23, featuring nine games against Sioux City and Fargo-Moorhead. The club’s longest road trips also span nine games, taking place May 25 to June 3 and August 20 to 29.

The Goldeyes conclude the regular season with six home games against Lincoln from August 31 to September 5. The finale is scheduled for Sunday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m.

2027 Winnipeg Goldeyes Schedule Breakdown

Total Games: 102

Home Games: 51

Away Games: 51

Home Games by Day of the Week

Sunday: 9

Monday: 0

Tuesday: 8

Wednesday: 8

Thursday: 8

Friday: 9

Saturday: 9

Home Game Times

Tuesday–Thursday: 6:30 p.m.

Friday: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday: 6:00 p.m.

Sunday: 1:00 p.m.

Home Game Time Exceptions

Thursday, May 20: 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, June 10: 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, June 16: 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, July 1: 4:00 p.m.

Games vs. West Division

Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks – 18

Lincoln Saltdogs – 18

Sioux City Explorers – 18

Sioux Falls Canaries – 18

Games vs. East Division

Chicago Dogs – 6

Gary SouthShore RailCats – 6

Kansas City Monarchs – 6

Lake Country DockHounds – 6

Milwaukee Milkmen – 6

The complete schedule can be accessed at Goldeyes.com/Schedule. All home game times are Central Daylight Time and are subject to change.

October 8, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Canadian Premier was listed as a “dark horse,” to win its pool prior to the 28th annual, 120-team, Perfect Game Wood Bat tournament.

Three games in, Jamie Romak’s team is like a feature performer at Woodbine facing $25,000 claimers.

Canadian Premier scorched Premier 2027 Scout 11-0 with its second nine-run inning in as many days at Jupiter, Fla. Just as impressive were Caleb Dupuis and Alex Wallace who combined on a one-hitter.

Leading 1-0 in the second inning, Gino De Santis (Chatham, Ont.) led off with a single to right. An error and a single by Samuel Ellis (La Peche, Que.) loaded the bases leading to a bases-loaded walk by Evan Walker (Ajax, Ont.).

William Nolet (Saint-Gilles, Que.) fouled off four straight pitches. As usual, the longer an at-bat goes the advantage goes to the hitter. Nolet hit the fifth pitch over the left field fence for a grand slam, making it 6-0.

Three straight walks loaded the bases again. Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) scored on a wild pitch and Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.) hit a two-run single to left. After a wild pitch Batiste scored on a balk.

FieldHouse Pirates RHP Caleb Dupuis (Georgetown, Ont.) dominated for Canadian Premier

Dupuis (Georgetown, Ont.) had the upper hand, allowing the one hit, while whiffing seven. He threw 51 pitches (37 strikes). Wallace (Oakville, Ont.) struck out two of the three men he faced in the 11-pitch fifth.

Nolet also tripled to right in the first, giving him a five-RBI day.

Walker added a double and two RBIs for Canadian Premier who have outscored the opposition 29-7 in its first three games. Canadian Premier benefited from 11 walks.

If Canadian Premier wins its final round-robin game against Canes West National it would advance to the playoff rounds.

* * *

RHP Callum Andersen owned the mound, pounding the strike zone throughout five scoreless innings, yet his Brewers Langley Blaze lost 5-2 to Team USA-Team Nike.

Anderson (Calgary, Alta.) allowed two hits and a walk. Clocked at 96 MPH, he struck out eight in his 73-pitch outing (67% strikes).

The five unearned runs came in 1 1/3 innings on five hits. LHP Santiago Acosta (Maple Ridge, BC) retired the final two outs of the game, hitting 86 MPH.

Fox Ferguson (Surrey, BC) led Langley with a pair of hits, while Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC), Evan Maloney (Chilliwack, BC) and Jake Carriere (Abbotsford, BC) were the other Canucks with hits.

October 7, 2026

By Ian Wilson

WCBL

The top performers in the Western Canadian Baseball League have been made official.

The summer collegiate circuit that calls Alberta and Saskatchewan home has named its Rookie of the Year, Most Outstanding Canadian, Most Outstanding Pitcher, Top Relief Pitcher, Coach of the Year, Mitch Ball Memorial Award winner, All-Star Teams and Most Valuable Players from the regular season and postseason.

Here is a summary of the WCBL’s major 2026 award recipients, presented by Insightrix:

Most Outstanding Canadian

There was no mystery to what Ethan Murdoch did on the diamond this year.

The outfielder with the Saskatoon Berries was the picture of consistency during the 2026 WCBL regular season.

Through 278 plate appearances and 55 games, the Swift Current native posted a .358 batting average, .453 on-base percentage and a 1.069 OPS (on-base plus slugging).

He finished among the WCBL batting leaders in hits (82), doubles (17), home runs (14), RBIs (62), walks (36) and at bats (229).

Numbers aside, Murdoch was a leader in the clubhouse and a reliable veteran with the Berries.

The league took notice of his performance and have rewarded the 6-foot-2 righty batter with the 2026 Most Outstanding Canadian award … read more

Top Relief Pitcher

Every bullpen has a fireman, but the Sylvan Lake Gulls have the top cop in the Western Canadian Baseball League.

While the fireman role typically sees relievers enter the game at crucial moments to put out fires, Brayden Stewart of the Gulls was handcuffing hitters all summer long.

As a result of his sworn duty to protect leads and maintain order on the scoreboard, Stewart has been named the 2026 Top Relief Pitcher in the WCBL.

“It’s a great award to get. It was a very tough league this year, so I feel honoured to get that award,” said the 6-foot-3 righthander from Warsaw, Kentucky.

“When I go on the mound, I’m not going to think anyone else is better than me. So, I just went out there with that type of confidence and just believed that my stuff was better than what the hitter could do against it. So, I just trusted myself and my team that they’re going to make plays for me and just go out there and do my thing.”

The results in the regular season saw Stewart produce a 1-2 record, five saves, a 2.32 earned run average (ERA) and 55 strikeouts over 31 innings pitched … read more

Most Outstanding Pitcher

He’s been a mound monster for the Miller Express.

Westin Walls, a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher, was both a workhorse and a strikeout artist when he took the bump for Moose Jaw.

The towering Texan led the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) in earned run average (minimum 54 innings pitched), with a 4.04 ERA during the 2026 regular season.

He also led the circuit in innings pitched (82 1/3), posted a 6-1 record, and set a new single-season record for strikeouts, with 92.

As a result of his diamond dominance, Walls was selected as the Most Outstanding Pitcher in the WCBL. He received 18 first-place votes on 22 ballots, which were submitted by head coaches and media members who cover the league … read more

MVP & Rookie of the Year

It was a powerhouse performance that ripped up the record book.

Jake Hiromoto, third baseman with the Swift Current 57’s, had a season for the ages in the WCBL.

When it was all said and done, the product of Honolulu, Hawaii set impressive new single-season records for home runs (22) and runs batted in (77).

In recognition of the outstanding campaign, Hiromoto has earned a pair of major WCBL awards in the form of Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year (ROY) honours.

“Looking back on the summer, it’s still kind of like I’m on cloud nine. I feel like it’s just unbelievable that I was able to accomplish what I accomplished and I just had such a great support staff and I felt so welcomed,” said Hiromoto … read more

Postseason MVP

He was a purple people eater for the Saskatoon Berries.

Righthander Wesley Shackelford denied opposing batters any satisfaction throughout the WCBL postseason.

The Belleville, Texas product made four impactful appearances against the Regina Red Sox, Moose Jaw Miller Express and Sylvan Lake Gulls on Saskatoon’s run to their first championship in franchise history.

The results were eye popping … three saves, one win, 14 strikeouts and zero runs allowed against the 30 batters that Shackelford faced. The most he conceded was one hit and one walk through nine innings of bullpen duty.

For his efforts Shackelford was named the WCBL Postseason MVP, although he was quick to give credit to the teammates that helped the Berries go 6-1 in pursuit of the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy.

“The bond that we had just straight off the bat was incredible. And I just knew that when we got things going, it would result in something like this. So to see it all come together, I mean, it was a total team effort,” said the Odessa College student … read more

Coach of the Year

It was full steam ahead for the Moose Jaw Miller Express.

The WCBL team underwent some major coaching changes entering the 2026 season.

Head coach Eric Marriott, who guided the club to two WCBL championship appearances, took a position as third base coach with the Ottawa Titans, a move that paid off when the team won its first Frontier League title in franchise history.

Stepping up as the new skipper at Ross Wells Park in Moose Jaw was long-time Millers assistant coach Michael Gonzalez.

“Becoming the head coach of the Millers has been a dream of mine since I became a part of the organization in 2022. Being able to maintain what Marriott and I built means a lot to me,” said Gonzalez when he was named the head coach in December of 2025.

“Taking the next step in my coaching career, with this community behind me, is very comforting. I know they expect great baseball, and with the roster coming along nicely, I feel we will be in for an exciting summer.”

His words proved prophetic.

Gonzalez steered the Miller Express to a 41-15 regular season record that was boosted by a 14-game winning streak. The streak and the wins total were both franchise records and Moose Jaw finished atop the East Division standings.

Players in Moose Jaw also experienced success along the way.

Shortstop Thomas Soto set WCBL single-season records for stolen bases (49) and runs (75).

Westin Walls established a new league high for single-season strikeouts, with 92, and the right-handed pitcher also led the circuit with 82 1/3 innings pitched. He was rewarded with the Most Outstanding Pitcher award for his stellar season.

Other Miller Express pitchers turned in memorable summers, as well. Lefty Jacob Glazener was tops in the WCBL in wins with an 8-2 record, while Nathan Pisio led the league in saves after closing out seven games.

For those achievements and more, Gonzalez has earned the title of 2026 WCBL Coach of the Year … read more

Mitch Ball Memorial Award

He’s been a long-serving and dedicated umpire in the Western Canadian Baseball League for several years.

Whether he’s calling balls and strikes, checking on outfield catches or rendering verdicts on close plays at first base, Jeff Chipley has honed his umpiring craft to the point that observers have taken notice.

The result of his years of ballpark service have led to Chipley being named the recipient of the 2026 Mitch Ball Memorial Award, given annually by the WCBL to the top umpire in the league.

“Jeff has worked tremendously hard on improving his game over the past few years and his work this past year shows his hard work and dedication to umpiring is paying off,” said WCBL Supervisor of Umpires Rob Allan.

“He did over twenty games for us this year, including the WCBL championship series. He is a true leader in our league on and off the field. Congratulations to Jeff on a fantastic season.”

Chipley called it a “tremendous honour” to be selected as the winner of the Mitch Ball Memorial Award … read more

WCBL All-Star Teams

The WCBL has also named its regular season all-star team selections for the 2026 campaign.

The announcement includes First Team, Second Team, Third Team and Honourable Mention rosters consisting of pitchers, catchers, infielders, outfielders and designated hitters.

Here are the picks, as selected by WCBL coaches and members of the media who cover the league:

FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS

Catcher: Garryn Plummer (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Infielders: Jake Hiromoto (Swift Current 57’s); Thomas Soto (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Gael Salinas (Saskatoon Berries); Carter Roth (Medicine Hat Mavericks)

Outfielders: Ethan Murdoch (Saskatoon Berries); Cal Gates (Okotoks Dawgs); Elijha Hammill (Sylvan Lake Gulls)

Designated Hitter: Nash Crowell (Okotoks Dawgs)

Starting Pitchers: Westin Walls (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Logan Lynch (Weyburn Beavers); Jacob Glazener (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Relief Pitchers: Brayden Stewart (Sylvan Lake Gulls); Nathan Pisio (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS

Catcher: Rob Gurney (Weyburn Beavers)

Infielders: Brady Bye (Regina Red Sox);Johnboy Rittenhouse (Sylvan Lake Gulls); David Simmons (Energy City Cactus Rats); Ricardo Sanchez (Okotoks Dawgs)

Outfielders: Chris Franks (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Charlie Collins (Sylvan Lake Gulls); Hudson Unger (Swift Current 57’s)

Designated Hitter: Eduardo Saenz (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Starting Pitchers: Kaegan Baker (Regina Red Sox); Brody Forno (Okotoks Dawgs); Michael Sall (Saskatoon Berries)

Relief Pitchers: Brooks Jones (Saskatoon Berries); Lucas Huynh (Lethbridge Bulls)

THIRD TEAM ALL-STARS

Catcher: Cardel Dick (Lethbridge Bulls)

Infielders: Brock Laird (Saskatoon Berries); Connor Crowson (Okotoks Dawgs); Kalem Haney (Lethbridge Bulls); Maddox Shaver (Sylvan Lake Gulls)

Outfielders: William Edwards (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Landon Kauffman (Okotoks Dawgs); Steven Fermin (Energy City Cactus Rats)

Designated Hitter: Keagan Knowler (Swift Current 57’s)

Starting Pitchers: Noah Bourgeois (Sylvan Lake Gulls); Derek Archer (Medicine Hat Mavericks); Saul Mata (Energy City Cactus Rats)

Relief Pitchers: Jacob Quiles (Moose Jaw Miller Express); David Gordon (Regina Red Sox)

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Catcher: Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks Dawgs)

Infielders: Frankie Giacalone (Medicine Hat Mavericks); Josh Henson (Saskatoon Berries); Erick Ballenilla (Brooks Bombers); Ben Waliczek (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Outfielders: Asahi Nakano (Brooks Bombers); Evan Morrison (Medicine Hat Mavericks); Ian Montz (Regina Red Sox)

Designated Hitter: Gavin Panks (Saskatoon Berries)

Starting Pitchers: Kingston Besuijen (Energy City Cactus Rats); Zachary Desylva (Swift Current 57’s); Owen Fernandes (Brooks Bombers)

Relief Pitchers: Reid Madriaga (Okotoks Dawgs); Gabe Smitherman (Fort McMurray Giants)

Ontario Blue Jays slugger Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.) hit a grand slam for Canada Premier

October 7, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

As Blue Jays talented broadcaster Jerry Howarth used to say “they have their hitting shoes on today,” or “Dr. Longball has come to the SkyDome.”

Canadian Premier managed five home runs in a 13-5 win over the Kansas City Royals 2027 17U on Wednesday at the 28th annual 120-team World Wood Bat championship in Jupiter, Fla.

And if that was not enough, Canadian Premier opened with a 5-2 win over Canes National, thanks to a two-run homer by Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) in the bottom of the seventh when trailing 2-1.

Canadian Premier was dominant from the start: an Evan Walker (Ajax, Ont.) single, two walks and two hit-by-pitches had Canadian Premier up 2-0 with the bases loaded.

One out later, up came Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.). The former Home Run Derby winner took a 2-2 pitch over the right field fence for a grand slam.

He was not the only one of coach Jamie Romak’s lads to go deep: after an out and two more hit batters Sam Ellis (La Peche, Que.) hit a three-run homer for a nine-run first.

Batiste singled in the third and Gino De Santis (Chatham, Ont.) hit a two-run homer to right making it 11-2.

And in the fourth, Gabriel Lehouillier (Levis, Que.) hit a 3-1 pitch out to right. He was followed by Galen Hudel (Waterloo, Ont.) who also took a 2-1 pitch over the fence in right.

On the mound RHP Evan Wallace (Oakville, Ont.) started and pitched two innings allowing two runs on one walk. He fanned a pair in his 26-pitch outing (19 strikes).

RHP Owen McKinstry (Port Elgin, Ont.) pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing three runs -- two earned -- on three hits and two walks. He threw 38 pitches (23 strikes).

RHP Gabriel Lavoie (Mascouche, Que.) had a scoreless outing.

* * *

To paraphrase Yogi Berra, it was getting late real early down there.

Canadian Premier trailed Canes National 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh.

And mighty Casey strode to the plate ... hold on a second it was actually Evan Walker. Walker (Ajax, Ont.) hit a 3-2 pitch for a triple and the sun was shining brightly for Canadian Premier.

An out later Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) hit a 1-2 pitch to right for a homer, a one-run lead and make it even brighter. Then William Nolet (Saint-Gilles, Que.) doubled and scored when Gabriel Lehouillier (Levis, Que.) did the same for a 4-2 lead.

Alex Wallace (Oakville, Ont.) tripled in the eighth and scored on a single by Samuel Ellis (La Peche, Que.).

Lucien Kovalcik (Burlington, Ont.), Max Covriga (Markham, Ont.) and Peyton Markwood (Puslinch, Ont.) combined on a three hitter while striking out 12.

Kovalcik started and worked three innings, allowing one run on two hits and a walk. He struck out four in his 37-pitch outing (25 strikes).

Next was Covriga who worked two scoreless without allowing a base runner as he struck out three. He threw 26 pitches (16 strikes).

Markwood pitched the final three innings, giving up a run on one hit and two walks. He fanned five as he threw 49 pitches (30 strikes).

* * *

Canes National 18U knocked off Brewers Langley Blaze 8-4.

Evan Maloney (Chilliwack, BC), had the best day for Canadians with the Blaze. He hit a line drive up the middle, stole two bags and scored a run.

Fox Ferguson (Surrey, BC) a 10th grader from Cloverdale, had two good barrels, while Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC) singled and knocked in a run.

RHP Lucas Sproule (Collingwood, Ont.) pitched one inning, allowing three runs -- two earned -- on four hits and three walks. He threw 44 pitches (61% strikes).

Other Canucks in action ...

LHP Antoine Boucher (Montreal, Que.) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless for the Chicago White Sox/New York Mets Scout Team. He allowed two hits and one walk. Boucher fanned three as he threw 33 pitches (19 strikes).

October 7, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Legendary Canadian baseball writer Larry Millson has died at the age of 83.

The news of his passing was shared by a number of his media colleagues and the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of legendary baseball writer and 2016 Jack Graney Award winner Larry Millson,” said the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in a statement. “Larry’s career in Journalism spanned more than 60 years. This included working the Blue Jays beat for The Globe and Mail for close to three decades where he established himself as one of our country’s most respected and authoritative sports writers. Last year, at the age of 82, Larry could still be found in the Blue Jays’ press box covering the club’s postseason run. Larry was a true baseball writing legend and it’s believed that no one has written more articles about the Blue Jays than him. We would like to extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Born in Toronto in 1943, Millson, a Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) graduate, got his start in the newspaper business with the Hamilton Spectator in 1964. He’d also write for the St. Catharines Standard, the Toronto Star and the Toronto Telegram prior to joining The Globe and Mail in November 1971.

At The Globe and Mail, he established himself as a valuable and versatile reporter who, on top of baseball, also wrote about hockey, football, the Olympics, soccer, basketball and horse racing. In 1981, he won a Sovereign Award for best thoroughbred-racing story of the year. He also covered the Green River murders while he was in Seattle on a baseball assignment in 1984.

Millson was assigned to the Blue Jays beat in 1980 and worked full-time in that capacity for 26 years. He was in the Blue Jays’ press box for both World Series triumphs and has likely written more articles about the club than any other reporter.

In 1987, he penned his first book, the groundbreaking Ballpark Figures: The Blue Jays and the Business of Baseball. It was one of the first books to examine the complex business side of the sport. He also co-wrote ex-Blue Jays trainer Ken Carson’s memoir, From Hockey to Baseball: I Kept Them in Stitches, which was published earlier this year.

After leaving The Globe and Mail in 2009, Millson covered baseball for MLB.com, The Canadian Press, Baseball America, The Sports Xchange, Field Level Media and various other newspapers.

For his efforts, he was the recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Jack Graney Award in 2016. The St. Marys, Ont.-based shrine presents this award annually to a member of the media who has made significant contributions to baseball in Canada through their life’s work.

“I’ve been lucky enough already, having played as an 11-year-old with John Hiller, having sold programs at old Maple Leaf Stadium, having watched Sparky Anderson in his early managing days with the Leafs, having interviewed Casey Stengel in the dugout at Shea Stadium in the early, comical days of the Mets and, on the same day receiving advice from Yogi Berra, who found out I made the trip on train: ‘Take the plane next time, kid, it’s faster.’” Millson said in November 2016 after he was announced as the Graney winner.

“I feel blessed to have covered the Expos at Jarry Park and the Blue Jays in the friendly confines of Exhibition Stadium and it goes on. More than that, there are the people who work at the ballparks in various cities that you get to meet and eventually know over the years, the elevator operators, ushers, press box attendants. To have had all of that and then get this award, it’s kind of overwhelming.”

In recent years, on top of continuing to be a regular in the Blue Jays’ press box, Millson could often be spotted at Toronto Maple Leafs games at Christie Pits.

“Even after stepping away from full-time beat coverage, Larry remained a familiar and welcome presence in the Rogers Centre press box, continuing to share his love of baseball through his writing, his stories, and the friendships he built throughout the game,” wrote the Toronto Blue Jays in a statement this aftenoon.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Larry’s family, friends, and former colleagues. His contributions to baseball journalism and the Canadian baseball community will be remembered.”

October 6, 2026

By Ian Wilson

WCBL

He’s been a long-serving and dedicated umpire in the Western Canadian Baseball League for several years.

Whether he’s calling balls and strikes, checking on outfield catches or rendering verdicts on close plays at first base, Jeff Chipley has honed his umpiring craft to the point that observers have taken notice.

The result of his years of ballpark service have led to Chipley being named the recipient of the 2026 Mitch Ball Memorial Award, given annually by the WCBL to the top umpire in the league.

“Jeff has worked tremendously hard on improving his game over the past few years and his work this past year shows his hard work and dedication to umpiring is paying off,” said WCBL Supervisor of Umpires Rob Allan.

“He did over 20 games for us this year, including the WCBL championship series. He is a true leader in our league on and off the field. Congratulations to Jeff on a fantastic season.”

Chipley called it a “tremendous honour” to be selected as the winner of the Mitch Ball Memorial Award.

“For me to be considered as one of the top umpires in the league, especially this year, is a major highlight of my career so far, and I can only thank my colleagues for their support and drive to improve alongside them every time we go out to umpire a game,” he said.

“I was fortunate to be one of the many umpires that Mitch mentored in all aspects of umpiring … since I was a teenager just getting into umpiring in Central Alberta when Mitch was living in Rocky Mountain House, to when I moved to Lethbridge for university in 2011, until his unfortunate passing in 2021.”

Added Chipley: “He was always so positive, calm, relaxed, and just always happy, and no matter what, Mitch always brought me back to reality and taught me to not sweat the small things and have fun with life. It is something I strive to do every single day in my personal, professional, and umpire life. To be given this recognition that is named in his honour makes me feel like he is still there making me, and many others, better people through his inspiration and positivity, which I am forever grateful for.”

Chipley got into umpiring in 2005 following what he describes as a “less than Hall of Fame playing career.”

His parents urged him to get a summer job at the time and he had little interest in working in the hospitality industry.

“I saw a flyer at my high school that they were looking for baseball umpires in Sylvan Lake, where I grew up, so I signed up,” he recalled.

“I became hooked then and 22 years later one of my favourite things to do is head to the ballpark, more so when I am actually umpiring or mentoring other umpires, but even just watching a game and the umpires work.”

Known simply as “Chip” to players, coaches and other umpires, he has been working in the WCBL since 2010.

“The WCBL has grown tremendously over the past decade and a half,” noted the 36-year-old Lacombe resident.

“I see players like Erik Sabrowski, Kody Funderburk and Tristan Peters now playing in the majors and can say, ‘It was cool to umpire those guys in the WMBL/WCBL.’”

Chipley thoroughly enjoyed the WCBL postseason this summer, including the opportunity to take the field for the championship final.

“Working the WCBL Championship Series between the Gulls and the Berries was an absolute thrill this past August, and it also prepared me to work at the 2026 Baseball Canada Men's National Championship in Miramichi, New Brunswick just days later,” he said.

“Being out on the field working a league championship with the crowds packed and intense in both Sylvan Lake and Saskatoon was outstanding. I was also fortunate to work all three rounds of the WCBL postseason this year, including working the plate in elimination games during each of the first two rounds, so this season has been nothing except memorable.”

In addition to his time in the WCBL, Chipley has umpired in the West Coast League, the Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC), and at nine national championships, as well as the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

He has also won Baseball Alberta’s Junior Umpire of the Year and Senior Umpire of the Year awards and conducted umpiring courses for Baseball Canada.

“In short, baseball is a large part of my life,” said Chipley.

“Working games in the WCBL also has became a bit of a personal affair, as I see many family and friends in the stands wherever I work.”

October 7, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

While folks in Ontario might be packing for the sunny shores of Florida with the winter months on the horizon, Tampa Bay Rays backstop Liam Hicks has been holding down the state from both sides of the coast this past season.

The Toronto native landed in Miami in 2025 as a Rule 5 Draft selection after being plucked from the Detroit Tigers’ farm system. Hicks not only lasted the entire season on the Marlins’ roster, but became a regular in the lineup, splitting time behind the plate, at first base and in the DH spot.

That momentum carried into 2026 when Hicks was named to Team Canada’s World Baseball Classic roster before joining his Marlins teammates for the start of the campaign. Hicks had gotten familiar with fellow Canadian Otto Lopez (Montreal, Que.) the previous season, but another familiar face joined him at LoanDepot Park in Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.), who was acquired during the offseason.

The start of the season was strong for Hicks, who posted a .941 OPS with three doubles and seven home runs through his first 29 games as a regular in Miami’s lineup. He cooled off somewhat in May, hitting .224 with six extra-base hits and a .692 OPS across 114 plate appearances before landing on the injured list in mid-June with a low-back strain.

Hicks made a quick trip to the injured list, returning to the big-league roster after the minimum 10 days. However, his time in Miami was coming to an end.

Boasting a surplus of catching depth, the Marlins dealt Hicks to the other side of the state, with the Tampa Bay Rays acquiring him in exchange for three prospects.

The Rays were thin at the catcher’s spot, with veteran Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia serving as the club’s primary catching duo before Hicks arrived. Tampa Bay also paid a significant price for the Canadian, sending infielder Brayden Taylor (No. 10 on the Marlins’ top prospect list), right-hander Jacob Kisting (No. 21) and infielder Adrian Santana (No. 22) to Miami.

The move made sense for both sides.

The Marlins had handed the keys to Joe Mack for everyday catching duties, while the Rays acquired a catcher who could remain in Tampa Bay for years to come, with Hicks under team control through 2030 and slated for free agency in 2031. The left-handed hitting Hicks had already shown that his 2025 season was no fluke, giving the Rays enough confidence to dip into their prospect pool to bring him in.

The move paid off.

Hicks posted a .288/.379/.440 slash line down the stretch, collecting seven doubles, four home runs and 20 RBIs while producing a .819 OPS. He logged 258 innings behind the plate for the Rays and threw out 19.2% of would-be base stealers.

Overall, Hicks shook off any concerns about a sophomore slump and established himself as a reliable option, whether at first base, the DH spot or behind the plate.

He finished the season with a .284/.367/.434 slash line and an .801 OPS, belting 18 home runs and driving in 82 runs while appearing in a career-high 142 games. He ranked in the 98th percentile in Whiff% at 11.4% and the 97th percentile in strikeout rate at 9.9%.

Hicks also squared up the baseball at a 33.2% rate, good for the 93rd percentile, while posting an impressive 11.0% walk rate. That combination helped him maintain an on-base percentage in the mid-.300s and finish the season with a 126 OPS+.

The left-handed hitter also posted a 123 wRC+, a .352 wOBA and 2.5 bWAR, finishing the year ranked ninth among MLB catchers.

Now, Hicks finds himself in his first postseason run with the Rays facing the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series.

Tampa Bay currently holds a 2-0 series lead over the Bronx Bombers and is heading to the Big Apple looking to put the series away under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium.

Hicks has started both games behind the plate, collecting one hit, one RBI and one walk in six at-bats without striking out. His lone hit came in Game 1, when he turned around a 96.9 mph Gerrit Cole fastball and sent it 383 feet to right field for a double.

His RBI came in Game 2, when a ground out to the right side brought Jonathan Aranda home from third to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead.

Hicks is one of five Canadian-born players on an ALDS or NLDS roster this postseason, joining Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.) of the Chicago White Sox, as well as Cleveland Guardians pitchers Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) and Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.). Freddie Freeman, whose parents are Canadian, represents the lone Canuck connection on the National League side with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The move to the west side of Florida marked the second trade of Hicks’ career, and it appears he may have found a long-term home with the Rays.

Tampa Bay does have two highly regarded catching prospects who could compete for playing time in the near future: Caden Bodine, ranked No. 3 in the organization, and fellow Canadian Nathan Flewelling (Innisfail, Alta.), ranked No. 4.

For now, though, the job behind home plate appears to be Hicks’ to lose.

October 6, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

The two Canadian teams are not co-favourites in the 28th annual Perfect Game World Wood Bat championship in Jupiter, Fla.

Yet, both the Canadian Premier and the Brewers Langley Blaze are considered dark horses in their respective pools. Going back to my race track days, that’s a compliment.

No less than 120 teams -- and maybe more than 500 golf carts, occupied by pro scouts and recruiters -- are competing, including Jamie Romak’s Canadian Premier and the Blaze coached by Doug Mathieson and Jamie Bodaly.

In all 55 Canadians are on rosters

* * *

The Blaze, with some US pickups, are in Pool J with the Northeast Pride 2027 National (Pa.), the Richmond Braves 18U Platinum (Va) and the USA Scout – Team Nike US (Ga.).

Dark Horse: Brewers Langley Blaze

With lots of focus going to Leo Nockley, the Brewers will walk into this pool with a chip on their shoulder. This is a squad who could very well make plenty of noise themselves, featuring five 90+ arms on the roster with two T100 prospects and four in the T300. This is a well-balanced team with no real weaknesses to be found, and is going to be a headache for opponents on both sides of the field. The offense will be driven by LSU commit Bryan Ravelo and ASU commit Rilen Niclai, both flashing high end bat speed with Niclai expected to create chaos on the bases as a 6.53 runner. Oklahoma commit and #82 ranked prospect Calum Andersen will join #53 Issac Vidal at the top of the rotation for Brewers, giving the boys a 1-2 punch that not many other rosters have. It’s clear that this squad has the star power to make a run, and is certainly not going to be a fun matchup for opponents who run into them.

_ AJ Denny, Perfect Game.

Canucks on roster

LHP Santiago Acosta L/L 2029 6-1 160 Home School Maple Ridge, BC

RHP Calum Andersen L/R 2027 6-5 195 Vauxhall Academy Calgary, Alta. C-Oklahoma

OF Jake Carriere L/L 2028 5-11 165 Yale Secondary Abbotsford, BC

C Lucas Carroll L/R 2028 6-1 203 Calgary, Alta,

RHP Sam Craven R/R 2027 5-11 170 Oak Bay Victoria, BC

RHP Benjamin Dartnell R/R 2027 5-10 175 Vancouver, BC

SS Fox Ferguson R/R 2029 5-10 160 Surrey, BC

3B Sawyer Gelling R/R 2027 6-3 170 Lambrick Park Academy Victoria, BC

OF Oscar Leah L/L 2027 5-11 185 Maple Ridge, BC C-Kansas State

SS Evan Maloney L/R 2026 6-0 168 GW Graham Chilliwack, BC

LHP Caleb Miller L/L 2028 6-2 185 Delta, BC

OF Brett Rienguette L/R 2027 5-11 210 Val Caron, Ont.

RHP Jonathan Slogocki R/R 2027 6-3 170 Surrey, BC

RHP Lucas Sproule R/R 2027 6-3 180 Collingwood, Ont.

C Rhys Whiteford L/R 2027 6-2 190 Okotoks Dawgs Academy Duncan, BC

* * *

Canadian Premier is in Pool S with Canes West National (Calif.), Elite Squad Scout Team (Fla.) and Premier 2027 Scout (Tex.).

Dark Horse: Canadian Premier

While they catch the “Dark Horse” designation in this exercise, this Canadian Premier group has the proper expectation that this is a pool they need to win. Let’s break it down: offensively, the speedy Sam Ellis is a dynamic table-setter for a host of power bats in this lineup, including Mikey Batiste, Jalen Jacob, William Nolet, Gino De Santis, and Gabriel Lehouillier. On the mound, the staff is headlined by Lucien Kovalchik, an uncommitted 2028 grad who should have every chance to head back north from the WWBA Worlds with several Power 4 offers. Down the rotation, there’s a healthy blend of lefties vs. righties as well as stuff vs. polish. The big southpaw Ethan Reason will assuredly draw a start and can jam up 0s for the club. Look for the uncommitted arms of Will White, Johann Sternberg, and Marshall Schwoob to also provide good innings in their opportunities. If you’re a college coach heading down to Jupiter next week, this roster is packed full of impact uncommitted players and could very well be playing deep into the event.

_ Steve Doherty, Perfect Game.

Canadian Premier Roster

Name Ht Wt B/T Grad School Hometown Commitment

OF Mikey Batiste 6-4 235 S/R 2028 Port Credit Mississauga, Ont.

RHP-3B Connor Brown 6-2 195 L/R 2027 Abbey Park Oakville, Ont.

RHP-OF Max Covriga 6-2 185 R/R 2027 Bill Crothers Markham, Ont. C-Cincinnati

INF Juan Cruz 6-0 160 R/R 2027 Saber Academy Mississauga, Ont. C-Bradley

C Gino De Santis 6-2 220 L/R 2027 John McGregor SS Chatham, Ont. C-Cincinnati

RHP Caleb Dupuis 6-0 175 R/R 2027 Georgetown, Ont. C-Utah

OF-INF Samuel Ellis 6-1 175 R/R 2027 Blyth Academy La Peche, Ont. C-North Dakota State

LHP Korbin Greaves 6-3 190 R/L 2027 Ajax, Ont. C-Xavier

INF Clark Heimbecker 6-1 205 L/R 2027 Guelph, Ont. C-Bryant

OF-1B Galen Hudel 6-0 190 L/R 2027 Waterloo, Ont. C-Wright State

INF Jalen Jacob 6-3 248 L/R 2027 St Joan of Arc Maple, Ont. C-Kansas State

RHP Lucien Kovalcik 6-4 200 R/R 2028 Ecole Elementaire Catholique Sainte-Trinite Burlington, Ont.

RHP-1B Gabriel Lavoie 6-2 190 L/R 2027 Félix Lecler Mascouche, Que.

OF-1B Gabriel Lehouillier 6-1 208 L/R 2027 Levis, Que.

LHP-OF Eliott Malo 5-10 175 R/L 2027 Ecole Secondaire De Mortagne Contrecoeur, Que.

FieldHouse Pirates RHP Peyton Markwood (Puslinch, Ont.) of Canadian Premier

RHP-INF Peyton Markwood 6-4 215 L/R 2027 Puslinch, Ont. C-Odessa College

RHP Owen McKinstry 6-2 215 R/R 2028 Port Elgin, Ont.

OF William Nolet 6-3 195 R/R 2027 Saint-Gilles, Que. C-Weatherford College

LHP-1B Ethan Reason 6-6 195 L/L 2027 Stouffville District Stouffville, Ont.

LHP Marshall Schwoob 6-3 175 L/L 2027 Hamilton, Ont.

RHP Evan Shewfelt 6-1 185 R/R 2027 Blessed Trinity Grimsby, Ont. C-Louisiana Tech

LHP Johann Sternberg 6-5 200 R/L 2027 Riverdale Collegiate Toronto, Ont. C-Kansas State

C Ludovic Therriault 6-0 176 R/R 2027 Antoine de St-Exupéry Saint Malo, Que.

INF Evan Walker 6-0 175 L/R 2027 Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic HS Ajax, Ont. C-Valparaiso

INF Alex Wallace 6-2 190 L/R 2027 Garth Webb SS Oakville, Ont.

RHP Evan Wallace 6-2 194 L/R 2027 Garth Webb SS Oakville, Ont. C-Missouri State

OF Will White 6-3 195 R/R 2027 Perth, Ont.

* * *

There are other Canucks scattered among the other rosters including;

Baseball U

LHP Evan Lawson L/L 2027 6-3 195 Lawrence Park Collegiate Toronto, Ont.

Canes National 18U/New York Mets Scout Team

LHP-1B Jeremie Sabourin 6-0 170 R/L 2027 Northern Pre-University Vaudreuil, Que.

Chicago White Sox Scout Team

LHP Antoine Boucher L/L 2029 6-0 170 Northern Pre-University Montreal, Que.

Ghost National

OF-1B Jayden Duchaine 6-1 190 R/R 2027 Northern Pre-University St-Bruno, Que. Seminole State College

INF Maxime Lamarre 5-10 160 L/R 2027 Terrebonne, Que.

OF Nathan Roy 6-4 205 R/R 2027 Beauce, Que.

Ohio Warhawks

RHP Gabe Fink R/R 2027 6-2 175 Edmonton, Alta. Southern Cal

Royals Scout Team 2027

SS Ethan Borovilos R/R 2027 6-1 170 Richview Collegiate Toronto, Ont.

OF Josh Holden L/R 2027 6-4 210 Huron Heights Mount Albert, Ont.

Team Elite - Southeast Alliance

SS Zackary Molinaro R/R 2027 6-0 185 Woodstock, Ont.

Team Georgia

C-OF Zachary Lepine 6-3 190 R/R 2027 P27 Academy Candiac, Que. C-Texas Tech

USG/Elev8 Rawlings National

3B Christian Heffernan R/R 2027 6-3 190 Centennial Puslinch, Ont.

Wow Factor/Toronto Blue Jays Scout 18U

RHP Stiaan Henning R/R 2027 6-4 171 Acellus Academy Oakville, Ont.

By Ian Wilson

WCBL

The Western Canadian Baseball League has chosen its regular season all-star team selections for the 2026 campaign.

The announcement includes First Team, Second Team, Third Team and Honourable Mention rosters consisting of pitchers, catchers, infielders, outfielders and designated hitters.

Here are the picks, as voted on by more than 20 WCBL coaches and members of the media who cover the league:

FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS

Catcher: Garryn Plummer (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Infielders: Jake Hiromoto (Swift Current 57’s); Thomas Soto (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Gael Salinas (Saskatoon Berries); Carter Roth (Medicine Hat Mavericks)

Outfielders: Ethan Murdoch (Saskatoon Berries); Cal Gates (Okotoks Dawgs); Elijha Hammill (Sylvan Lake Gulls)

Designated Hitter: Nash Crowell (Okotoks Dawgs)

Starting Pitchers: Westin Walls (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Logan Lynch (Weyburn Beavers); Jacob Glazener (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Relief Pitchers: Brayden Stewart (Sylvan Lake Gulls); Nathan Pisio (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS

Catcher: Rob Gurney (Weyburn Beavers)

Infielders: Brady Bye (Regina Red Sox); Johnboy Rittenhouse (Sylvan Lake Gulls); David Simmons (Energy City Cactus Rats); Ricardo Sanchez (Okotoks Dawgs)

Outfielders: Chris Franks (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Charlie Collins (Sylvan Lake Gulls); Hudson Unger (Swift Current 57’s)

Designated Hitter: Eduardo Saenz (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Starting Pitchers: Kaegan Baker (Regina Red Sox); Brody Forno (Okotoks Dawgs); Michael Sall (Saskatoon Berries)

Relief Pitchers: Brooks Jones (Saskatoon Berries); Lucas Huynh (Lethbridge Bulls)

THIRD TEAM ALL-STARS

Catcher: Cardel Dick (Lethbridge Bulls)

Infielders: Brock Laird (Saskatoon Berries); Connor Crowson (Okotoks Dawgs); Kalem Haney (Lethbridge Bulls); Maddox Shaver (Sylvan Lake Gulls)

Outfielders: William Edwards (Moose Jaw Miller Express); Landon Kauffman (Okotoks Dawgs); Steven Fermin (Energy City Cactus Rats)

Designated Hitter: Keagan Knowler (Swift Current 57’s)

Starting Pitchers: Noah Bourgeois (Sylvan Lake Gulls); Derek Archer (Medicine Hat Mavericks); Saul Mata (Energy City Cactus Rats)

Relief Pitchers: Jacob Quiles (Moose Jaw Miller Express); David Gordon (Regina Red Sox)

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Catcher: Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks Dawgs)

Infielders: Frankie Giacalone (Medicine Hat Mavericks); Josh Henson (Saskatoon Berries); Erick Ballenilla (Brooks Bombers); Ben Waliczek (Moose Jaw Miller Express)

Outfielders: Asahi Nakano (Brooks Bombers); Evan Morrison (Medicine Hat Mavericks); Ian Montz (Regina Red Sox)

Designated Hitter: Gavin Panks (Saskatoon Berries)

Starting Pitchers: Kingston Besuijen (Energy City Cactus Rats); Zachary Desylva (Swift Current 57’s); Owen Fernandes (Brooks Bombers)

Relief Pitchers: Reid Madriaga (Okotoks Dawgs); Gabe Smitherman (Fort McMurray Giants)

October 6, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor underwent surgery on his right wrist on Saturday.

The Mariners reported that Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) is expected to be recovered in time for spring training.

The procedure performed on Naylor is called triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair surgery. It was done by Dr. Jerry Huang at the University of Washington Medical Center on Saturday.

Naylor was hampered by the injury for much of the 2026 season and it contributed to a decline in his power numbers. He belted 10 home runs in 2026 compared to 20 the previous season.

In total, Naylor played in 152 games in 2026 and hit .261 with 58 runs, 23 doubles, 57 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.

Those 30 stolen bases made him the first major league first baseman to have back-to-back 30-stolen base seasons since George Sisler did it for three straight campaigns with the St. Louis Browns from 1920 to 1922.

Originally selected in the first round (12th overall) by the Florida Marlins in the 2015 MLB draft, Naylor just completed his eighth MLB season. Combining his tenures with the San Diego Padres (2019-20), Cleveland Guardians (2020-24), Arizona Diamondbacks (2025) and Mariners (2025 to present), the Ontario Blue Jays and Junior National Team grad has batted .268 with 114 home runs, 492 RBIs and 85 stolen bases.

Naylor was dealt to the Mariners by the Diamondbacks on July 24, 2025 in exchange for left-hander Brandyn Garcia and minor league right-hander Ashton Izzi.

Naylor excelled with the Mariners down the stretch in 2025 to become just the fourth first baseman in MLB history and the second Canadian to record 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season (Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, B.C.) was the first with the Colorado Rockies in 1997).

In 12 games in the 2025 postseason, Naylor batted .340, with a .966 OPS and led the Mariners with 16 hits and to within one win of a World Series berth.

He also set several Canadian postseason records, including becoming the first Canuck to have four, three-hit games in the same postseason. In Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, he belted a two-run home run to become the first Canadian to homer against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada in the postseason.

On November 17, 2025, Naylor signed a five-year, $92.5-million contract to remain with the Mariners.

October 5, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Evan Walker and Gabriel Lehouillier each homered for Canadian Premier on Monday in Jupiter, Fla.

Yet, while Canadian Premier won the home run contest, they fell 6-4 to the Elite Squad Scout in the second day of the two-day WWBA round robin tournament. It was a tune up to the start of the 28th annual Perfect Game World Wood Bat championship at Roger Dean Stadium and surrounding diamonds.

Walker (Ajax, Ont.) hit a solo shot in the first and Lehouillier (Levis, Que.) hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.

‘27 Evan Walker (CAN) unloads on this solo shot out to RCF. Geared for the FB & doesn’t miss. Good spot to launch when the front foot gets down. #Valparaiso commit. @pg_int1 #WWBA https://t.co/WRUzP1UA59

— Perfect Game Florida (@Florida_PG) October 5, 2026

First bomb 💣 in Jupiter https://t.co/wNWDSWjCtY

— Gabriel Lehouillier (@GabLehou) October 5, 2026

Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.) and Lehouillier had two hits apiece.

LHP Johann Sternberg (Toronto, Ont.) pitched three innings, allowing one unearned run. He permitted one hit and struck out one in his 38-pitch outing (28 strikes).

RHP Evan Shewfelt (Grimsby, Ont.) also had a good day on the mound, pitching three innings and also allowing one unearned run. He gave up three hits and a walk, while striking out two in his 62-pitch outing (36 strikes).

LHP Korbin Greaves (Ajax, Ont.) pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs -- three earned -- on six hits and three walks. He fanned six as he threw 49 pitches (34 strikes).

The other hits went to Galen Hudel (Waterloo, Ont.) and Ludovic Therriault (Saint Malo, Que.).

The real action begins later this week with the Brewers Langley Blaze also competing, as well as a few Canadians scattered among other rosters.

Ontario Blue Jays INF Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) had three hits in Canadian Premier’s pre-tourney win in Jupiter, Fla. Photo: Ontario Blue Jays

October 4, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

When one door closes ...

OF Will Henderson (Mississauga, Ont.) was all set to head to Florida with the Canadian Premier team this week. Instead, he signed as an undrafted free agent last week and is now in the Atlanta Braves’ camp in the sunshine state at North Port, Fla.

Coach Jamie Romak added Galen Hudel (Waterloo, Ont.). Both Clark Heimbecker (Guelph, Ont.) and Hudel homered as Canadian Premier beat the Elite Squad 13-3 in Jupiter. Fla.

Canadian Premier opened with a 10-8 loss to Canes National in the two-day WWBA round robin tournament before the start of the mamooth 28th annual Perfect Game World Wood Bat championship at Roger Dean Stadium and surrounding diamonds. The tournament draws more scouts and recruiters than any other event.

Ontario Blue Jays Clark Heimbecker (Waterloo, Ont.) drove in a pair or runs. Photo: Ontario Blue Jays

Heimbecker knocked in two runs, while Hudel hit a solo shot, but the man who carried the heaviest lumber was Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.), who went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Gabriel Lehouillier (Levis, Que.) doubled in three runs, while Samuel Ellis (La Peche, Ont.) and William Nolet (Saint-Gilles, Que.) drove in a pair apiece.

LHP Marshall Schwoob (Hamilton, Ont.) was dominant on the mound, working three innings, allowing an unearned run on two hits while fanning a pair. He threw 35 pitches (21 for strikes).

* * *

Canadian Premier Roster

Name Ht Wt B/T Grad School Hometown Commitment

OF Mikey Batiste 6-4 235 S/R 2028 Port Credit Mississauga, Ont.

RHP-3B Connor Brown 6-2 195 L/R 2027 Abbey Park Oakville, Ont.

RHP-OF Max Covriga 6-2 185 R/R 2027 Bill Crothers Markham, Ont. C-Cincinnati

INF Juan Cruz 6-0 160 R/R 2027 Saber Academy Mississauga, Ont. C-Bradley

C Gino De Santis 6-2 220 L/R 2027 John McGregor SS Chatham, Ont. C-Cincinnati

RHP Caleb Dupuis 6-0 175 R/R 2027 Georgetown, Ont. C-Utah

OF-INF Samuel Ellis 6-1 175 R/R 2027 Blyth Academy La Peche, Ont. C-North Dakota State

LHP Korbin Greaves 6-3 190 R/L 2027 Ajax, Ont. C-Xavier

INF Clark Heimbecker 6-1 205 L/R 2027 Guelph, Ont. C-Bryant

OF-1B Galen Hudel 6-0 190 L/R 2027 Waterloo, Ont. C-Wright State

INF Jalen Jacob 6-3 248 L/R 2027 St Joan of Arc Maple, Ont. C-Kansas State

RHP Lucien Kovalcik 6-4 200 R/R 2028 Ecole elementaire catholique Sainte-Trinite Burlington, Ont. 243

RHP-1B Gabriel Lavoie 6-2 190 L/R 2027 Félix Lecler Mascouche, Que.

OF-1B Gabriel Lehouillier 6-1 208 L/R 2027 Levis, Que.

LHP-OF Eliott Malo 5-10 175 R/L 2027 Ecole Secondaire De Mortagne Contrecoeur, Que.

RHP-INF Peyton Markwood 6-4 215 L/R 2027 Puslinch, Ont. C-Odessa College

RHP Owen McKinstry 6-2 215 R/R 2028 Port Elgin, Ont.

OF William Nolet 6-3 195 R/R 2027 Saint-Gilles, Que. C-Weatherford College

LHP-1B Ethan Reason 6-6 195 L/L 2027 Stouffville District Stouffville, Ont.

LHP Marshall Schwoob 6-3 175 L/L 2027 Hamilton, Ont.

Great Lake Canadians LHP Marshall Schwoob pitched three innings allowing on unearned run.

RHP Evan Shewfelt 6-1 185 R/R 2027 Blessed Trinity Grimsby, Ont. C-Louisiana Tech

LHP Johann Sternberg 6-5 200 R/L 2027 Riverdale Collegiate Toronto, Ont. C-Kansas State

C Ludovic Therriault 6-0 176 R/R 2027 Antoine de St-Exupéry Saint Malo, Que.

INF Evan Walker 6-0 175 L/R 2027 Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic HS Ajax, Ont. C-Valparaiso

INF Alex Wallace 6-2 190 L/R 2027 Garth Webb SS Oakville, Ont.

RHP Evan Wallace 6-2 194 L/R 2027 Garth Webb SS Oakville, Ont. C-Missouri State

OF Will White 6-3 195 R/R 2027 Perth, Ont.

October 5, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

For any professional pitcher, words such as inflammation and strain involving the throwing arm can be unsettling.

For Canadian Jameson Taillon, they were all too familiar.

Taillon, a product of Lakeland, Fla., with connections to Canada through his parents, has faced more than his share of adversity throughout his professional career.

In 2014, he underwent Tommy John surgery, keeping him sidelined for the entire season. He then missed the 2015 campaign following hernia surgery.

In 2017, Taillon was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He ultimately returned to the mound and was declared cancer-free in 2019.

Later that same year, he underwent another UCL surgery, causing him to miss all of the shortened 2020 season while he recovered.

Now, at 34 years old and once again facing a significant arm injury, Taillon was staring down the possibility of another procedure on his throwing arm.

His answer made one thing clear: he isn't ready to walk away.

According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, Taillon is scheduled to undergo surgery with Dr. Keith Meister, with the procedure focused on repairing the flexor muscle in his throwing arm. An internal brace of the ligament in his elbow is also a potential option. The recovery could keep Taillon out for a significant portion of the 2027 season.

Under normal circumstances, that would represent another major obstacle for a veteran pitcher trying to secure his next contract, but there is a window of opportunity for Taillon to go through the procedure and potentially not miss any time on the mound.

Major League Baseball's current Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire in early December, creating uncertainty around the 2027 season.

The players' union and owners have plenty of issues to negotiate and hammer out, and there is no guarantee that the two sides will reach an agreement without disruption to the start of the next season.

For Taillon, an extended recovery could therefore come at a particularly interesting time.

If games are delayed, his rehabilitation timeline could overlap with a work stoppage rather than costing him additional time on the mound. He would be waiting for a deal to come to fruition while recovering but not losing ground on those who are also in the free agent pool with the negotiations ongoing.

Regardless, Taillon is attempting to buck a trend that has seen MLB increasingly turn toward younger players.

According to Baseball-Reference, the average age of a starting pitcher in 2026 was 29.1 years old. This is a mark that has trended around the 28-30 year mark for years.

At 34, with multiple significant surgeries already behind him and another looming, Taillon could easily choose a different path. Instead, he's choosing to bet on himself.

There is no guarantee of what his next contract will look like. It will almost certainly be different from the four-year, $68 million deal he signed with Chicago.

While also staring down the barrel of a medical procedure, Taillon is coming off one of the toughest seasons of his pro career from a statistical standpoint.

Through 76 innings with the Cubs, Taillon posted a 5.92 ERA and a 6.73 FIP, allowing 50 earned runs while carrying a 1.355 WHIP. He then finished the year in Toronto after being designated for assignment for the first time in his career, making three starts for the Jays while allowing just four earned runs through 10 innings before the elbow ailment finished his season early.

But Taillon still believes there is something left in the tank. The right-hander knows the road back will not be easy. He also knows it is a road he has travelled before.

For Taillon, the next chapter will begin in a familiar place: the operating room. What comes after that remains to be seen.

But one thing appears certain — Jameson Taillon isn't ready to put an end to his baseball career just yet.

October 4, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Some Canadian baseball news and notes:

Hicks makes postseason debut

It was a memorable MLB postseason debut for Tampa Bay Rays catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees last night.

Not only did Hicks almost catch a no-hitter, he also had a double and a walk in the Rays’ 1-0 victory at Tropicana Field.

The 27-year-old catcher called the pitches for right-hander Drew Rasmussen who had a no-hitter with two outs in the eighth inning before Yankees catcher Austin Wells doubled.

Batting cleanup for the Rays, Hicks hit a double in the third inning and walked in the eighth.

The Toronto Mets alum is the first Canadian to play for the Rays in the postseason.

The Rays acquired Hicks from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3, and he has been a key part of their offence ever since. In 41 regular season games with the Rays, he had a .288/.379/.440 slash line with four home runs and 20 RBIs.

In total, Hicks, who also played for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, batted .284 with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs in 142 regular season games between the Marlins and Rays in 2026.

Smith sets record for most postseason appearances by Canadian pitcher

When Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) pitched a scoreless ninth inning in the Cleveland Guardians’ 3-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) yesterday afternoon, it was his 13th postseason appearance.

The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame pointed out that this moves Smith past right-hander John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) for the most career appearances by a Canadian pitcher in the postseason.

Smith posted a 3.60 in nine postseason games for the Guardians in 2024 and he appeared in three more playoff games last season. He is a combined 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings in postseason action.

The Guardians and White Sox have today off before resuming their series tomorrow at 5 p.m. E.T.

Healthy Pivetta key to Padres’ postseason hopes

If the San Diego Padres are going to make a deep postseason run, they will need right-hander Nick Pivetta (Victoria, B.C.) to be healthy and at the top of his game.

And so far, so good.

On Wednesday, Pivetta started Game 2 of the Padres’ Wild-Card series against the Chicago Cubs and allowed just one run, while striking out four, in 3 1/3 innings in the Padres’ 4-1 win.

The 6-foot-5 Canuck will likely start Game 3 of the Padres’ National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday.

As Zach Worden, of Sportsnet, noted on X, Pivetta is the all-time leader among Canadian MLB pitchers in postseason innings pitched (22) and strikeouts (27).

In four regular season starts after being activated from the 60-day injured list on September 7, Pivetta went 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA, with 19 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. He had been sidelined since April 14 with right elbow inflammation.

The Victoria Eagles and Junior National Team grad is in his 10th major league season. In 2021, he made three postseason appearances (one start) to help the Boston Red Sox advance to the American League Championship Series. Last season, he started Game 1 against the Cubs in the Wild Card Series and was saddled with the loss, despite permitting just two runs in five innings.

Peters makes some Manitoba baseball history

Canadian baseball historian Tyler Partridge noted on X that when White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.) singled in the top of the fifth inning in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, he became the first Manitoban to record a postseason hit since Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) had two for the Minnesota Twins in Game 3 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees on October 8, 2004.

It should also be noted that Peters is the first Canadian to play for the White Sox in the playoffs since right-hander Kirk McCaskill (Kapuskasing, Ont.) made three scoreless relief appearances for the Sox in the 1993 ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Peters is now patrolling the outfield for the White Sox in their Division Series against the Guardians. In Game 1, he pinch-hit for left fielder Randal Grichuk in the top of the sixth inning and singled. He is now 3-for-9 this postseason and has a hit in his first three playoff games.

The White Sox couldn’t have predicted how good Peters would be in his first full big league season after they purchased him from the Rays on December 18. Peters had a reputation as an excellent fielder, but the Okotoks Dawgs grad quickly showed he could also handle himself at the plate. He finished the regular season with a .265/.337/.437 slash line with 12 home runs, 31 doubles, four triples and eight stolen bases.

Robinson played final game for Montreal Royals 80 years ago today

Eighty years ago today, in his last game for the Montreal Royals, Jackie Robinson helped his club to a 2-0 win over Louisville Colonels at Delorimier Stadium to secure the Royals’ first Junior World Series title.

After Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey signed Robinson on October 23, 1945 to break baseball’s modern color barrier, he assigned Robinson to the triple-A Royals in 1946. Rickey chose Montreal because it had a reputation as a culturally accepting city and Rickey wanted Robinson to play his home games in a peaceful environment.

Robinson proceeded to hit .349 and lead the Royals to a 100-54 regular season record and to unprecedented postseason glory.

Along the way, Robinson captured the hearts of Montrealers. After the Royals clinched the championship at Delormier Stadium, 80 years ago today, the fans chanted Robinson’s name, urging him to return to the field one last time. Robinson reluctantly agreed and the fans, who had rushed on to the field, hugged and kissed him. Robinson tried to explain to them that he had a plane to catch, but the fans wouldn’t let him out of their grasp.

“Finally Jackie was able to burst free,” writes Roger Kahn, in his 2014 book, Rickey & Robinson. “He ran through an exit and down a street to a car that would carry him off. The crowd ran after him, shouting and cheering breathlessly.”

As Robinson was running, he began to cry.

“I’ll tell you what made me cry,” Robinson would later tell Kahn. “I realized here was a big white crowd chasing after a lone Negro, not with lynching in their hearts, but love.”

Young improving, but still feeling effects of concussion

New York Mets first baseman Jared Young (Prince George, B.C.) told MLB.com reporter Anthony DiComo that he’s still feeling the effects of the concussion he suffered in the sixth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 17.

On top of the headaches, he told DiComo he also has a stiff neck (due to whiplash) and hearing issues.

The collision occurred with one out in the sixth inning when Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford hit a slow roller to first base. There was some confusion between Young and Mets pitcher Nolan McLean about who was going to field the ball. As Young knelt down to field it, McLean sprinted towards first and his knee hit Young directly in the head and knocked him unconscious.

Young did regain consciousness on the field and was able to move his arms and legs before being carted off on a stretcher. The 30-year-old first baseman remembers nothing about the collision.

Young is now at his home in Phoenix, Ariz. He goes for walks, stretches and practices yoga, reports DiComo. He also spends time reading books and doing crossword puzzles but he limits his screen time.

The Canadian slugger, who batted .266 with nine home runs and 39 RBIs in 103 games for the Mets this season, hopes to be ready for spring training.

10 years ago, Encarnacion belted walk-off, Wild-Card game winning HR

It was 10 years ago today that Edwin Encarnacion belted a walk-off, three-run home run off Ubaldo Jimenez in the bottom of the 11th inning to propel the Blue Jays to a 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Wild Card game.

Devon Travis and Josh Donaldson were on base in front of Encarnacion.

Soroka would like to return to Diamondbacks

Right-hander Michael Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) told reporters that he’d like to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks next season.

Playing on a one-year, $7.5-million contract in 2026, Soroka went 9-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 22 games (21 starts) and had 114 strikeouts in 116 innings for the D-Backs. That performance should earn him a multi-year deal and a significant raise.

It was Soroka’s best season since his rookie campaign in 2019 when he finished 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA in 29 starts.

In all, Soroka has pitched in parts of seven major league seasons. In 113 games (90 starts), he owns a 29-31 record and a 3.76 ERA. He has struck out 493 batters in 531 2/3 innings.

Happy Birthday to Bill Atkinson!

Happy 72nd Birthday to former Montreal Expos pitcher Bill Atkinson!

Born in Chatham, Ont., Atkinson was signed as an amateur free agent by the Expos on October 4, 1971. The 5-foot-7 right-hander made his MLB debut with the club on September 18, 1976 and tossed three scoreless innings in relief.

Armed with a curveball that Gary Carter once called the best he ever caught, Atkinson was one of the National League’s best rookie relievers in 1977 when he went 7-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 55 appearances.

In total, Atkinson toed the rubber for parts of four seasons for the Expos and completed his career with an 11-4 record and a 3.42 ERA in 98 games.

Anniversary of Quantrill’s first MLB save

Thirty four years ago today, right-hander Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) recorded his first major league save.

Relieving left-handed starter Joe Hesketh in the sixth inning for the Red Sox, Quantrill threw four scoreless innings against the Yankees to secure an 8-2 win for his club at Fenway Park. Quantrill permitted just one hit and struck out two batters.

It was his first of 21 big league saves.

Nicholson to be inducted into Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame

Former San Diego Padres infielder Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, B.C.) has been elected to the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame.

The announcement was made on Thursday.

The Cape Cod Baseball League is an elite summer collegiate circuit that’s widely recognized as the best of its kind.

In 1996, Nicholson batted .316 with three home runs and 23 RBIs for the Wareham Gatemen in the circuit. He also topped the league with 18 doubles, which remains the second-most in a season in league history.

Nicholson’s summer tenure in the Cape Cod League came after a strong spring at Stetson University where he was a standout switch-hitting shortstop. Following his summer in the Cape, he returned to Stetson and was named Conference Player of the Year the ensuing spring.

In June 1997, he was selected 27th overall by the Padres in the MLB draft. He’d play 37 games with the Padres in 2000.

Nicholson also competed for the Canadian national team on several occasions, including at the 2004 Olympics, where he almost hit a game-tying three-run home run in the semi-finals against Cuba.

Nicholson is now a head coach and director of player development for the Abbotsford Cardinals.

He will be inducted into the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame in a ceremony on November 15 at the Wequassett Resort in Harwich, Mass.

11 years ago, Francis pitched final MLB game

It was 11 years ago today that left-hander Jeff Francis (North Delta, B.C.) pitched in his final big league game when he threw a scoreless ninth inning in relief for the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field in the club’s 12-3 loss to the Rays. The last big league hitter Francis faced was Mikie Mahtook who flied out to right field.

25th anniversary of Raines and Raines Jr. playing together

Twenty-five years ago today, Tim Raines played in the Baltimore Orioles outfield alongside his son Tim Raines Jr. in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The Montreal Expos made this possible by dealing the elder Raines to the O’s the previous day. The younger Raines started in centre field and led off for the O’s and went 1-for-4 with a run and, to his father’s delight, had two stolen bases. The senior Raines, who started in left field, batted sixth and went 0-for-4 but had an RBI ground out in the ninth in the Orioles’ 5-4 loss.

In suiting up together, they became the second father/son duo to play in the same game for the same team, joining the Griffeys who played together with the Seattle Mariners multiple times in 1990 and 1991.

Naylor not on Brewers’ NLDS roster

Catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) is not on the Brewers’ National League Division Series roster.

Not surprisingly, the Brewers have opted to go with veteran catchers William Contreras and Gary Sanchez behind the dish in their series against the Padres.

The Brewers added Naylor in a trade with the Guardians on August 1. The 26-year-old catcher played with the Brewers’ triple-A Nashville Sounds in August before being called up and going 2-for-7 in three games with the Brewers in September.

Naylor had been the Guardians’ regular catcher in 2024 and 2025, but after an early season slump this season he was demoted to triple-A.

An Ontario Blue Jays and Junior National Team graduate, Naylor was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the Guardians in 2018. He has played parts of five MLB seasons.

Taylor recorded save in first NLCS game 57 years ago

Fifty-seven years ago today, Ron Taylor (Toronto, Ont.) recorded a save for the New York Mets in the first National League Championship Series game ever played.

He pitched the final two innings in the Mets’ 9-5 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Prior to 1969, the top teams from the AL and NL went straight to the World Series.

September 3, 2026

Official CPBL News Release

KINGSTON, ONT. – The Canadian Premier Baseball League (CPBL) is pleased to announce that the Kingston Jr. Ponies Baseball Organization will join the CPBL Prospect Division, marking an important step in the continued growth of high-level player development opportunities throughout Eastern Ontario.

The addition of the Kingston Jr. Ponies brings an organization with deep roots in the Kingston baseball community into the CPBL. With a baseball tradition that can be traced back to 1899, the Jr. Ponies have built a longstanding commitment to developing local athletes and providing opportunities for players to compete at higher levels while pursuing their academic and post-secondary goals.

Joining the CPBL Prospect Division will provide Jr. Ponies players with the opportunity to compete alongside and against many of Ontario’s leading developmental programs and prospects. The move will further strengthen the organization’s development pathway while providing Eastern Ontario athletes with increased access to high-level competition, exposure and post-secondary recruitment opportunities.

TJ Burton, CPBL director of strategy and growth, said the addition of the Jr. Ponies represents an important step in the league’s commitment to creating greater developmental opportunities for players throughout the province.

“Expanding meaningful development opportunities into Eastern Ontario is an important part of the continued growth of the CPBL,” said Burton. “There are talented players, coaches and programs throughout this region, and bringing the Kingston Jr. Ponies into the Prospect Division provides another strong pathway for those athletes to develop and compete at a high level. We want players across Ontario to have access to environments that challenge them, prepare them for the next level and allow them to pursue their baseball goals. Kingston is an important step in continuing to expand that opportunity.”

For the Kingston Jr. Ponies, joining the CPBL represents an important milestone for both the organization and baseball throughout the region.

“This is an exciting day for baseball in Kingston and throughout Eastern Ontario,” said Sean Adamson, head coach of the Kingston Jr. Ponies. “Joining the CPBL is a tremendous step for the Jr. Ponies and for baseball opportunities across Kingston and the surrounding Eastern Ontario communities. Having the opportunity to compete in the CPBL against tremendous competition is going to create an environment for development at the highest level. We are thrilled about what this means for our players, our program and the future of baseball in our region.”

The organization’s leadership views the move as a natural progression in its ongoing mission to elevate competitive baseball opportunities while providing local athletes with the ability to pursue high-level baseball close to home.

Jim Hunt, of the Kingston Jr. Ponies, highlighted both the significance of joining the league and the long-term impact the opportunity can have on future generations of players.

“Simply put, the CPBL is the benchmark for elite baseball development throughout Canada,” said Hunt. “We are extremely grateful for this opportunity, which will allow our players and organization to grow, develop and compete against some of the very best talent in the province. This will have a lasting impact on baseball in Kingston and throughout Eastern Ontario.”

The addition of the Kingston Jr. Ponies also reflects the continued evolution of the CPBL Prospect Division, which is designed to provide organizations and athletes with a highly competitive environment focused on long-term player development and creating pathways toward higher levels of the game.

For the Jr. Ponies, competing in the Prospect Division will strengthen an already established development model while enhancing Kingston and Eastern Ontario’s presence within the provincial baseball landscape.

As the organization prepares for its inaugural CPBL season, excitement continues to build among players, coaches, families, alumni and supporters. The move represents more than a new chapter for the Kingston Jr. Ponies — it is an investment in the continued growth and development of baseball throughout Eastern Ontario.

About the Kingston Jr. Ponies

The Kingston Jr. Ponies are one of Eastern Ontario’s established baseball organizations, dedicated to player development, competitive excellence and community leadership. With roots connected to Kingston’s rich baseball history dating back to 1899, the organization continues to provide athletes with opportunities to develop their skills, compete at high levels and pursue post-secondary baseball and academic opportunities.

October 3, 2026

By Patrick Kennedy

Canadian Baseball Network

What a difference a year makes.

Take the fortunes of Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for example.

Poor Vladdy. Around this time last year he was the Toast of Toronto, the player who almost single handedly put the boot to the Seattle Mariners in the American League pennant-clinching saw-off. He earned series MVP laurels, then led his Blue Jays to within a planted cleat-mark of a World Series title.

You'll recall that if Los Angeles Dodger catcher Will Smith's right foot had been a split-second late in re-touching the plate on a bottom-of-the-ninth force play at home – Smith had briefly lifted his foot off the plate while stretching for second baseman Miguel Rojas' throw – the Jays would've won their third World Series in the most excruciatingly exciting fashion in the best Game 7 in baseball history. Guerrero, as well, would likely have added World Series MVP kudos to his post-season resume. Instead, well, we all know how it all turned out.

Guerrero blasted eight home runs during his spectacular 2025 playoff run. That was more four-baggers than any other Blue Jay had ever hit over their entire Jays playoff careers. He knocked in 15 runs (in 18 games), batted a hair under .400, and posted a staggering 1.289 OPS. Indeed he was the Hero of Hogtown, a deserving recipient of the lavish 14-year, $500-million (U.S.) contract that he'd signed early in the 2025 campaign.

On the heels of that phenomenal playoff, no one could've predicted the dispiriting 2026 season. Production-wise, Guerrero, the team's franchise player, rode the express elevator from top to bottom, from “the penthouse to the outhouse,” as the saying goes. Over the course of the season – and particularly near the end – he went from hero to zero in the eyes of the harshest Jays fans and even fostered doubt in the minds of many MLB pundits. He batted a respectable .263 but “slugged” a sluggish .360. He drove in only 57 runs and, most telling of all, hit just nine home runs, only one of them in his home playpen, the Rogers Centre. All were career lows for a full 162-game season.

Vladdy's woes at the plate (and far too often in the field for a Gold Glove first baseman) was viewed as a pivotal reason for the club's lost season.

Recently, he unintentionally added fuel to a growing fire of fans' discontent. In a Spanish-language interview with Dominican broadcaster Verónica Batista shortly before the Jays were mathematically ousted from playoff contention, Guerrero commented that players such as him are “paid for what they’ve already done . . . not what they will do.” The remark took flight on social media and ignited a firestorm of controversy.

The question now is: How does Guerrero fix things? How does he right a wrong and restore at least a portion of the fans' teetering faith in him?

Of course the easiest and best way is for him to tear the cover off the ball next year, post career-best numbers and power the Jays to a playoff berth. Fans have notoriously short memories if they're given ample reason to forgive and forget.

In the meantime, here's another way: Perhaps Vladdy could borrow a page from the great St. Louis Cardinal Stan Musial's “mea culpa” guidebook. In his way of saying “sorry” he could ask – better yet demand – that his $40-million annual salary be slashed. If, for instance, his 2026 statistics were down on average, say, 20 percent, Guerrero could ask his yearly pay cheque be trimmed accordingly – which would mean an $8-million clawback. Then, as unfathomable and difficult as it sounds, the 27-year-old slugger would need to get by on just $32 million per year.

The requested deduction is a novel idea, although not a unique one. Which brings us to Musial.

To baseball aficionados, “Stan the Man” needs no introduction. In a splendid 22-season career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Musial hit .331 with 475 home runs and 1,951 RBIs. His 3,650 hits sit fourth on the all-time list, an even split of 1,815 at home, 1,815 on the road. He won seven batting titles and ranks Top-5 all-time in doubles, runs, extra-base hits and total bases. He led the Redbirds to three World Series championships. Remember Guerrero's .360 slugging percentage in 2026? Musial's career average was .559. Yeah, Stan could play a bit.

In 1959, after a disappointing season late in his career, Musial, then 39, asked for and received a $20,000 cut from his $100,000 annual salary, which at the time was the National League's lone six-figure player contract. The Cardinals icon was dismayed over the fact that he batted just .255 in what was his 18th big-league campaign, even though it marked the first time his season average had dipped below .300. Musial, a principled, clean-living, widely admired player, told The Sporting News, “The Cardinals have been generous to me the past few years, so I thought I'd be kind to them.”

If Stan made such a statement in today's era of greed and grandiose tastes, his agent – he never had one, folks – would have him gagged and quietly whisked off for a psychiatric assessment.

As for Vladdy's $8-million pay cut, the player could give the money back to the club owners, who of course would then turn it down only at gunpoint. Or he could donate it to charity. He could build a few homeless shelters. He could give it to the Good Sisters of the Infield Fly Rule, for all I care. Mind you, he'd likely take plenty of flak from teammates and the players' union, but his legion of fans would salute the gesture as an apology from a humbled superstar. Odds are Vladdy'd be back in their lovin' arms in no time – or at least until the 2027 season got underway.

Or he could do this: He could bet the whole $8 million. Go double-or-nothing with ownership based on future production. Why not? We live in an era perverse with gambling, anyway. A-list celebrities and athletes shill without compunction. Such a wager would fit right in and even find favour with today's sports gamblers, who can probably place a bet on how many times in one plate appearance a batter tugs at his crotch. So why not indeed? Double down, Vladdy.

One final note on the incomparable Musial. Stan the Man bounced back from that off-year. In his penultimate MLB season, the 41-year-old batted .330, with 19 home runs and 82 RBIs. Unlike Vladdy, Musial didn't have to win back any fans; none had ever left him.

Patrick Kennedy is a retired Whig-Standard staff writer whose big freelance contract is based on what he did in the past. He can be reached at pjckennedy35@gmail.com

September 24, 2026

Official CPBL News Release

The Canadian Premier Baseball League (CPBL) is pleased to announce that the Midwestern Ontario Bearcats will join the CPBL Prospect Division for the 2027 season, adding another established Ontario baseball organization and contributing to the continued growth of the CPBL Prospect Division.

The addition of the Bearcats continues an active offseason of growth for the Canadian Premier, as the league continues to bring together organizations committed to providing athletes with high-level competition, development opportunities and increased exposure.

For the Bearcats, joining the CPBL Prospect Division represents an important next step in the continued growth of the organization and provides its players with a structured competitive environment that includes a full league schedule, standings, playoffs and high-level events.

“We’re extremely excited about the opportunity to join the CPBL,” said Mark Couch, president of the Midwestern Ontario Bearcats. “This is an important step forward for the Bearcats and, most importantly, for our players. The CPBL provides the consistent competition, meaningful schedule, standings, playoffs and high-level events we’ve continued looking for, while creating even more opportunities for our athletes to compete, develop and gain exposure.

“We believe this partnership aligns perfectly with where we’re taking the Bearcats organization and our long-term commitment to player development.”

“We are extremely excited to welcome the Midwestern Ontario Bearcats to the CPBL and look forward to working closely with their group both on and off the field,” said TJ Burton, director of strategy & growth, CPBL. “Their commitment to strong infrastructure, quality facilities, and a clear focus on player development aligns directly with the areas we believe are critical to the long-term success of organizations within our league.

“The Bearcats are another outstanding addition to what has been an exciting offseason of growth for the CPBL. We’re proud of the organizations that have joined the league and look forward to seeing the Bearcats, along with all of our new groups, compete and continue to raise the standard this season.”

The addition of the Midwestern Ontario Bearcats further strengthens the CPBL Prospect Division and expands the Canadian Premier’s footprint across Ontario, while providing another pathway for players to compete in a structured, highly competitive environment.

Additional details regarding the Bearcats’ participation in the CPBL Prospect Division and the 2027 season will be announced in the coming months.

About the Canadian Premier Baseball League

The Canadian Premier Baseball League brings together high-performance baseball organizations committed to player development, elite competition and creating opportunities for Canadian athletes to advance to the collegiate and professional levels.

October 2, 2026

By Ian Wilson

WCBL

It was full steam ahead for the Moose Jaw Miller Express.

The Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) team underwent some major coaching changes entering the 2026 season.

Head coach Eric Marriott, who guided the club to two WCBL championship appearances, took a position as third base coach with the Ottawa Titans, a move that paid off when the team won its first Frontier League title in franchise history.

Stepping up as the new skipper at Ross Wells Park in Moose Jaw was long-time Millers assistant coach Michael Gonzalez.

“Becoming the head coach of the Millers has been a dream of mine since I became a part of the organization in 2022. Being able to maintain what Marriott and I built means a lot to me,” said Gonzalez when he was named the head coach in December of 2025.

“Taking the next step in my coaching career, with this community behind me, is very comforting. I know they expect great baseball, and with the roster coming along nicely, I feel we will be in for an exciting summer.”

His words proved prophetic.

Gonzalez steered the Miller Express to a 41-15 regular season record that was boosted by a 14-game winning streak. The streak and the wins total were both franchise records and Moose Jaw finished atop the East Division standings.

Players in Moose Jaw also experienced success along the way.

Shortstop Thomas Soto set WCBL single-season records for stolen bases (49) and runs (75).

Westin Walls established a new league high for single-season strikeouts, with 92, and the right-handed pitcher also led the circuit with 82 1/3 innings pitched. He was rewarded with the Most Outstanding Pitcher award for his stellar season.

Other Miller Express pitchers turned in memorable summers, as well. Lefty Jacob Glazener was tops in the WCBL in wins with an 8-2 record, while Nathan Pisio led the league in saves after closing out seven games.

For those achievements and more, Gonzalez has earned the title of 2026 WCBL Coach of the Year.

“It's such an honour to be Coach of the Year in this league because of the calibre of coaches around the league, and I just want to thank the organization for giving me a chance to be the skip,” said Gonzalez.

“I keep coming back and it's something that I want to share with my team and my organization because I couldn't have done it without them, especially (assistant coaches) Geoff Freeborn and Michael Hunt. They really make my life easier when it comes to the everyday tasks that we have to do before the game. I just have to make a lineup and the guys went out there and gave it their all. It was amazing.”

More than 20 WCBL coaches and members of the media submitted ballots for the league’s major awards and 10 skippers received votes for Coach of the Year, with six of them getting first-place nods. Gonzalez came out ahead of Joe Carnahan, the 2025 Coach of the Year with the Saskatoon Berries, for the honour.

“I don't think I did much differently from when I was with Eric, but we had a good group of seniors and a good group of incoming guys that wanted to be there and they really made my life easy,” noted Gonzalez, who also works as an assistant coach at Felician University in New Jersey.

“We had a 14 game-winning streak which was impressive we went 11-1 versus the Western Division, so we really took pride in going into the West and showing them that the East is a very good division.”

Ace pitcher Westin Walls applauded his coach for a job well done this year.

“I was really happy that we were able to get the win record for Coach Gonzo. It was hard saying goodbye to Coach Marriott for everybody in Moose Jaw, for the players, coaches and fans,” said Walls.

“To put together the run that Coach Gonzo did with that kind of pressure, and in his first year as head coach, was really special.”

Gonzalez has signed on to coach again in Moose Jaw next season and he has a simple message for Miller Express fans: “Let’s pack the park and let’s play Miller baseball.”

It will once again be full steam ahead for the Miller Express.

October 1, 2026

By Ian Wilson

WCBL

He’s been a mound monster for the Miller Express.

Westin Walls, a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher, was both a workhorse and a strikeout artist when he took the bump for Moose Jaw.

The towering Texan led the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) in earned run average (minimum 54 innings pitched), with a 4.04 ERA during the 2026 regular season.

He also led the circuit in innings pitched (82 1/3), posted a 6-1 record, and set a new single-season record for strikeouts, with 92.

As a result of his diamond dominance, Walls was selected as the Most Outstanding Pitcher in the WCBL. He received 18 first-place votes on 22 ballots, which were submitted by head coaches and media members who cover the league.

“I’m honoured and proud,” said Walls of receiving the award.

“I was able to spend several seasons in the WCBL and I’m very thankful for the opportunities it gave me to grow as a player and a person.”

Walls credited “newfound mentor” Geoff Freeborn – the pitching coach with the Miller Express - for much of his success this summer.

“We discussed everything that could happen between the foul lines and he challenged me to try new things. I was lucky to have him and I’m happy to call him a friend,” said Walls.

“I also had the pleasure of being on the best all-around staff that I’ve ever competed with, and they helped me to keep my head on a swivel each and every day.”

Heading into his final WCBL campaign, Walls approached the coaching staff about pitching every five days, similar to how Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers set their schedule.

“That's something that is not usual for this league, but since he was a senior and he wasn't going back to school he trusted his body and he trusted that he could go every five days and give our bullpen a rest and help the other pitchers with their schedules as well,” said Michael Gonzalez, head coach of the Miller Express.

“He said he wanted to do that and with the way he goes about the weight room and the recovery after pitching, I knew that it wouldn't be a problem for him.”

Added Gonzalez: “I think Westin's work ethic was something that carried over to the rest of the pitching staff.”

Walls’ pitching helped set the tone for the Millers this summer.

Moose Jaw produced a 14-game winning streak that helped lift their overall record in the regular season to 41-15, which put them in first place in the East Division. The streak and the wins total were both franchise records.

“Just knowing that he was our guy and having the trust in his teammates and everyone oozing confidence in him, because he knew it was his last ride and so did the boys, so they wanted to go out there and give their best every time he was on the mound,” said Gonzalez.

“His personality is great. He's an older guy on our team, but he's like a kid, you know. He's just a big kid that wants to play the game and that's something that I appreciate from him.”

The high innings totals for Walls and the strikeout record – which eclipsed the mark of 91 strikeouts recorded by Josh Tucker of the Sylvan Lake Gulls in 2022 – saw the Central Methodist University student build on his previous summers in the WCBL.

Walls worked mainly out of the bullpen during the 2024 season, but two of his 10 appearances were starts. That year, he went 2-1 with four saves, a 3.80 ERA and 24 Ks in 23 2/3 innings.

In 2025, he embraced the role of a workhorse and an ace with the Millers. Through 72 1/3 innings, Walls was 4-5 with 89 strikeouts and one complete game.

As a member of the Eagles at Central Methodist University this year, the righty produced a 6-2 record, four complete games and 62 Ks in 67 2/3 innings.

Walls said the push to chase down the WCBL’s single-season K record was inspired by his father, Winston.

“The strikeout record was something that was really important to my dad,” he said.

“After getting so close last year, we both shared the understanding that it was achievable. However, he was convinced that having another season to chase it was all I needed. I don’t focus as much on result-based goals, but I didn’t have to. Halfway through the season, he had already calculated how many I needed each game, given that I stay healthy and continue to take the ball every fifth day.”

In claiming Most Outstanding Pitcher honours in the WCBL, Walls beat out Logan Lynch (Weyburn Beavers), Noah Bourgeois (Sylvan Lake Gulls), Kaegan Baker (Regina Red Sox) and Brody Forno (Okotoks Dawgs).

Previous award winners include Levi Abbott (Lethbridge Bulls), Colton Anderson (Regina Red Sox), Tyler Boudreau (Sylvan Lake Gulls) and Josh Tucker (Sylvan Lake Gulls).

Walls was not content to sit around at the conclusion of the 2026 WCBL season. He inked a deal to pitch in Lithuania and put together and impressive run for Kaunas Lituanica on their way to a championship title. Walls went 4-0 with four complete games, 52 strikeouts and a 0.67 ERA in his 27 innings, while holding opposing batters to a .044 batting average.

"It was a phenomenal experience. The people welcomed me with open arms and treated me like family," said Walls, who was able to set a personal high with 19 strikeouts in one game.

Walls is now back home and is set to put his workhorse skills in action at the Walls Family Farm.

October 2, 2026

Baseball Canada

OTTAWA – Baseball Canada is pleased to announce that Brian Morris will join the organization as senior director of operations, beginning October 13.

Morris brings more than 20 years of experience in sports management and organizational leadership to Baseball Canada, including five years working in professional baseball.

“Brian brings a tremendous amount of experience, leadership and perspective to Baseball Canada, and we’re excited to welcome him to our team,” said Jason Dickson, CEO of Baseball Canada. “His background across professional and amateur sport, major events and organizational leadership will be a valuable addition to our organization.”

A former executive with the Ottawa Senators and Canadian Tire Centre, Morris has been involved in the planning and delivery of several major sporting events, including two NHL outdoor games, an NHL All-Star Game and a Women’s World Hockey Championship.

His international experience includes serving as a team executive with Team Sweden through the Swedish Hockey Federation at both the World Cup of Hockey and the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Morris has also provided consulting services to sports, community and public-sector organizations and has taught sport business management at Algonquin College.

In addition to his professional experience, Morris remains actively involved in grassroots sport. He has volunteered as a convenor and coach with the Kanata Baseball Association, Kanata Minor Hockey Association and West Ottawa Soccer.

Morris currently serves on the board of directors of Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice. He lives in Kanata, Ont., with his wife, Annie, and their two sons, Connor and Cameron.

“I’m thrilled to join Baseball Canada and grateful for the opportunity to support the game at every level across the country. Baseball has been an important part of my family’s life, which makes joining the organization especially meaningful,” said Morris. “I’m looking forward to working with the staff, provincial associations and broader baseball community to help the sport grow and thrive in Canada.”

October 2, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

And then there were eight.

The MLB Division Series are set.

And of the eight teams still alive in the MLB postseason, four are certain to have Canadian players on their rosters, while the other four have Canucks working prominently in their organizations.

Here’s a summary of the remaining Canadian content in the MLB postseason:

Cleveland Guardians relievers Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC) and Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) celebrate together after the Guardians clinched the AL Central title on Saturday. Photo: Erik Sabrowski\X

1. Cleveland Guardians

In 2024, the Guardians became the first major league team to have four Canadians on a postseason roster.

Since then, Josh and Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) have moved on, but the Guardians will still have two Canucks suiting up for them in the American League Division Series — and those two are arguably the team’s best relief pitchers.

On Sept. 22, Guardians closer Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC) became the first Canadian to record 40 saves in a season since John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) had 46 with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011. Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) is the only other Canuck to accomplish this feat, doing it for three consecutive seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2002 to 2004.

In 69 appearances in his first full season as the Guardians closer, Smith was 6-1 with a 1.95 ERA and had 107 strikeouts in 74 innings. For his efforts, he earned his first All-Star Game selection.

But it’s unlikely Smith would’ve been able to rack up 41 saves this season (tied for the AL lead with Tampa Bay Rays’ closer Bryan Baker) without the assistance of left-hander Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.). A key middle reliever for the Guardians, Sabrowski was 1-0 with a 0.63 ERA in his final 15 regular season appearances. During that span, he permitted just four hits and fanned 19 batters in 14 1/3 innings.

Overall, in 60 relief appearances this season, Sabrowski was 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and had 76 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings, while picking up 28 holds.

The Guardians will begin their AL Division Series against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field at 1 p.m. E.T. on Saturday.

Players: LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.), RHP Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC)

Minor league players: RHP Will Hynes (Mississauga, Ont.), C Deiten Lachance (Sherbrooke, Que.), 1B Riley Nelson (Toronto, Ont.), LHP Adam Tulloch (Toronto, Ont.), RHP Jacob Zibin (Richmond Hill, Ont.)

Executive: Dr. Stephen Osterer (Ottawa, Ont.), director of pitching development

2. San Diego Padres

No big-league team has drafted more impact Canadian big league players over the last decade than the Padres.

How’s this for a list of Padres’ draft selections?

- RHP Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), first round 2016

- LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.), 14th round 2018

- RHP Matt Brash (Kingston, Ont.), fourth round 2019

- OF Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.), second round, 2020

And they added to this list when, on the recommendation of Canadian scout Chris Kemlo, they selected infielder Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) in the second round this summer.

On top of all of this, their Opening Day starter was right-hander Nick Pivetta (Victoria, BC), whom they signed to a four-year, $56-million contract prior to the 2025 campaign. The 6-foot-5 Canuck went 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA, with 19 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings, in four regular season starts after being activated from the 60-day injured list on September 7. He had been sidelined with right elbow inflammation.

Pivetta started Game 2 of the Padres’ Wild Card series against the Chicago Cubs and allowed just one run, while striking out four in 3 1/3 innings. The Padres won 4-1 to complete a sweep of the Cubs.

The Canuck righty will likely start Game 3 of the Padres’ NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, which begins on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. E.T. at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Player: Nick Pivetta (Victoria, BC)

Scouts: Chris Kemlo (Bowmanville, Ont.), Lou Pote (Okotoks, Alta.), Geoff White (Kelowna, BC)

Minor league players: RHP Garrett Hawkins (Biggar, Sask.), C Lamar King (Vancouver, BC), INF Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.), RHP Brandon Langley (New Glasgow, PEI), RHP Jack Pineau (Thunder Bay, Ont.), RHP A.J. Rogers (Dartmouth, N.S.).

3. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are in the postseason for the 10th time, but this will be the first year they will have a Canadian on their October roster.

The American League East division-winning Rays acquired catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3, and Hicks has been a key part of their offence ever since. In 41 regular season games with the Rays, he had a .288/.379/.440 slash line with four home runs and 20 RBIs. And he had already been enjoying a breakout campaign with the Marlins.

In total, the Toronto Mets alum batted .284 with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs in 142 regular season games in 2026. He also finished the season as one of a select group of MLB hitters with more walks (56) than strikeouts (55).

In September, Hicks regularly batted cleanup behind slugger Junior Caminero, who socked 41 home runs this season.

The Rays, who finished with a 98-64 record, will battle the New York Yankees in their American League Division Series that’s set to begin on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. E.T. at Tropicana Field.

Player: C Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.)

Minor league players: OF Slater de Brun (Bend, Ore., mom, Julie, lived in Toronto), C Nathan Flewelling (Innisfail, Alta.), INF Jack Lines (Okotoks, Alta.), INF Taj Marchand (Charleston, N.C., father, Hugo, from Montreal), OF Noah Myers (Wyoming, Ont.), OF Tom Poole (Winnipeg, Man.), LHP Jeremy Pilon (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que.)

4. Atlanta Braves

It was just over 11 years ago that Blue Jays fans were chanting “Thank you, Alex!” to their GM, Alex Anthopoulos, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, as the Blue Jays clinched their first American League East division title since 1993. The Montreal native has since moved on to the National League and his Braves have won a World Series (2021) and seven division titles (2018 to 2023, 2026) during his reign as general manager and president of baseball operations.

Though they don’t have a Canadian on their major league roster, the Braves are well-stocked with Canucks in their organization.

On Thursday, they eliminated the Philadelphia Phillies in a best-of-three Wild-Card Series that went the distance. Their reward is to play the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in a National League Division Series that will begin on Saturday at 4 p.m. E.T. at Dodger Stadium.

Executives: Alex Anthopoulos (Montreal, Que.), president, baseball operations and general manager; Mike Shaw (Oakville, Ont.), vice-president, team travel.

Minor league players: OF Carter Beck (Carnduff, Sask.), C Archer Brookman (Pointe-Claire, Que.), RHP Cedric De Grandpre (St-Simon, Que.), RHP Cole Dorland (Langley, BC), OF Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.), RHP Ryan Heppner (Richmond, BC), RHP Adam Maier (North Vancouver, BC), INF David McCabe (Oshawa, Ont.)

Minor league coaches: Mike Steed (Beamsville, Ont.), pitching coach, double-A Columbus Clingstones

Off-field Canadian talent: Michael Copeland (Whitby, Ont.), lead developer, baseball systems

5. Chicago White Sox

The last Canadian to play for the White Sox in the postseason was Kirk McCaskill (Kapuskasing, Ont.) when the right-hander made three scoreless relief appearances in the club’s 1993 American League Championship Series’ loss to the eventual World Series champion Blue Jays.

That changed when Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.) started in centre field for the Sox in their Wild Card series against the Houston Astros. Peters went 2-for-7 and scored a run in the White Sox sweep of the Astros.

The White Sox couldn’t have predicted how good Peters would be in his first full big league season after they purchased him from the Rays last December. Peters had a reputation as an excellent fielder, but the Okotoks Dawgs grad also quickly showed he could handle himself at the plate. He finished the regular season with a .265/.337/.437 slash line with 12 home runs, 31 doubles, four triples and eight stolen bases. Statistician Neil Munro also points out that Peters did not ground into a single double play in 491 plate appearances this season.

On July 10, he became just the second Canadian big leaguer - joining George Kottaras (September 3, 2011 with the Milwaukee Brewers) - since 1900 to hit for the cycle when he accomplished the feat against the A’s. That same month, Peters was selected to play in the All-Star Game.

Peters and the White Sox will begin their ALDS against the Guardians on Saturday at 1 p.m. E.T. at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Player: Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.)

Scout: Josh Krstulovich (Brampton, Ont.)

6. Milwaukee Brewers

When Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.) was the general manager of the Brewers from 2002 to 2015, and Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.) was his assistant GM, the Brewers seemed to consistently have the most (or close to the most) Canadian players in their system. This changed under more recent regimes, but it has rebounded somewhat in the past five years when thanks to input from the club’s director of international scouting and player personnel, Taylor Green (Comox, BC), and area scout Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), the Brewers selected Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.) 33rd overall in the 2021 MLB draft and INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.) 102nd overall in 2022.

The Brewers also added catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) from the Guardians on August 1. Naylor played with the Brewers’ triple-A Nashville Sounds in August before being called up and going 2-for-7 in three games with the Brewers in September. With catchers William Contreras and Gary Sanchez ahead of him, Naylor is unlikely to be on the Brewers’ postseason roster when it is announced on Saturday morning.

Also, former Okotoks Dawgs right-hander and ex-Brewers closer Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) is the Brewers’ pitching coordinator.

The Brewers finished with 103 wins this season - the most in MLB - and they will play the Padres in a Division Series that will begin on Saturday night.

Player: Bo Naylor (Mississauga,Ont.)

Minor league Players: INF Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.), INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.), LHP Rob Zastryzny (Edmonton, Alta.)

Coach: Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.), MLB pitching coordinator

Executives: Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.), special assistant to the general manager; Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.), vice-president, baseball projects; Taylor Green (Comox, BC), director of international scouting and player personnel, Brad McKay (Fredericton, NB) head strategist, skill aquisition.

Minor league coaches: Brad McKay (Fredericton, N.B.), lead strategist, skill acquisition

Scouts: Tyler Hollick (Calgary, Alta.), Doug Mathieson (Langley, BC), Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), Taylor Frederick (Ottawa, Ont.)

7. Los Angeles Dodgers

The two-time reigning World Series champion Dodgers don’t have a player born in Canada on their roster, however, first baseman Freddie Freeman’s parents were born north of the border, and he played for Canada in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics. Prior to the 2022 season, Freeman inked a six-year, $162-million contract with the Dodgers. And he certainly hasn’t disappointed. He has been an All-Star in each of his five seasons with the club. In 2026, he batted .288 and had a .362 on-base percentage with 16 home runs and 70 RBIs in 153 games.

Freeman will face his former team - the Atlanta Braves - in a National League Division Series that will commence on Saturday afternoon.

The Dodgers also employ Beeton, Ont., native Ellen Harrigan, who is one of Major League Baseball’s most respected executives. After beginning her career with the Blue Jays as an administrative aide in player development in 1981 and later becoming the general manager of the club’s New York Penn League affiliate in St. Catharines, Harrigan moved on to the Dodgers and has risen through the organization’s ranks to hold a number of key executive positions. Now in her 27th season with the club, she is currently the team’s vice-president, baseball administration.

Player: Freddie Freeman (Villa Park, Calif.), WBC eligible

Executive: Ellen Veronica Harrigan (Beeton, Ont.), vice-president, baseball administration

Minor league players: OF Charles Davalan (St-Bruno-De-Montarville, Que.), RHP Cam Leiter (Bayville, N.J., lived for part of his youth in Vancouver, BC), RHP Lucas Wepf (Georgetown, Ont.)

Doctor: Dr. Keith Pyne (Niagara On The Lake, Ont.), medical consultant

8. New York Yankees

There isn’t a Canadian on the Bronx Bombers’ postseason roster, but there’s no shortage of Canucks working in the organization. The club employs a trio of Canadian scouts in Steve Wilson (Victoria, BC), Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) and Denis Boucher (Lachine, Que.). They also boast a Canadian broadcaster in Nancy Newman (Toronto, Ont.), who works for the YES Network and sits in the same chair Mel Allen once sat.

And this year they added another Canuck to their organization in left-hander Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC), a Langley Blaze and Junior National Team grad, whom they selected in the second round of the MLB draft in July.

Duncan marks the fourth Canuck player added to the Bombers’ organization over the past two years. In 2025, the Yankees chose infielder Core Jackson (Wyoming, Ont.) and right-hander Blake Gillespie (Arva, Ont.) in the fourth and ninth rounds of the MLB draft respectively. They also signed right-hander Tyler Boudreau (Sylvan Lake, Alta.) as an amateur free agent.

The Yankees outscored the Boston Red Sox 18-2 in their two-game Wild Card Series sweep earlier this week. They will now face the Rays in an American League Division Series that will begin on Saturday evening at the Trop.

Minor league players: RHP Tyler Boudreau (Sylvan Lake, Alta.), LHP Kyle Carr (father, Darcy, is from Sydney, N.S.), LHP Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC), RHP Blake Gillespie (Arva, Ont.), INF Core Jackson (Wyoming, Ont.), OF Tyler Wilson (father, Steve, is from Victoria, BC)

Scouts: Steve Wilson (Victoria, BC), Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.), Denis Boucher (Lachine, Que.), Cory Melvin (Doug Melvin’s son)

Broadcaster: Nancy Newman (Toronto, Ont.) New York Yankees Magazine, host, YES Network

Off-field Canadian talent: Jessica (Lack) Ventura (Calgary, Alta.), class-A Tampa Yankees, director, partnership and community activation; Isiah McDonald (Kelowna, BC), minor league strength and conditioning coach

October 1, 2027

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - The National Association of Professional Baseball (formerly known as the Frontier League), a Major League Baseball partner league, and the Ottawa Titans have announced the 2027 regular season schedule.

2027 Ottawa Titans Schedule

As announced on April 22 of this year, the Frontier League has undergone a brand transformation and will henceforth operate under the name National Association of Professional Baseball (NAPB), effective immediately.

The reigning Frontier League Champions are set to begin the campaign at home once again – starting on Friday, May 7, against Canadian rivals, the Trois-Rivières Aigles.

Once again in the regular season of 2027, the National Association of Professional Baseball will have a 102-game schedule, with the Club hosting 51 home games.

Fresh off yesterday’s announcement by the National Association, the League will now consist of 20 teams – with the Cleburne Railroaders and Kane County Cougars joining. Also, the League has reshuffled Divisions, outlined below.

The Titans will once again play out of the North Division of the Atlantic Conference alongside Brockton, Québec, Tri-City, and Trois-Rivières. The East Division of the Atlantic Conference consists of Down East, New Jersey, New York, Sussex County, and Washington.

The Midwest Conference will see Evansville, Florence, Kane County, Lake Erie, and Schaumburg align the Central Division – while Cleburne, Gateway, Joliet, Mississippi, and Windy City form the West Division.

Of the 87 contests within the Conference, the Titans will play all teams 12 times, except for New Jersey, whom they will see nine times, while the Club will face Down East, Sussex County, and Washington six times each.

As for their fellow Canadian rivals, the Titans will play six at home and six on the road against Québec and Trois-Rivières.

With days off scheduled for each Monday over the course of the season, there is one exception. The Titans will open a series with the Brockton Rox on Monday, May 24, at 1:00 p.m., to mark Victoria Day. That week, Thursday, May 27, will be a scheduled day off.

For the fourth straight season, the team will be at home for Father’s Day weekend against the Washington Wild Things from June 18-20. It will be Washington’s first visit to Ottawa Stadium since the inaugural 2022 season.

Once again, the Titans are home on Canada Day, Thursday, July 1, at 12:00 p.m., hosting the New Jersey Jackals.

Next year, the Titans will play cross-Conference games, playing three Midwest Conference teams at home and two on the road. The Titans will embark on a six-game road trip August 24-29, visiting the Florence Y’alls for the first time since 2022 and the Lake Erie Crushers for the first time since the 2024 campaign. For the first time, the Kane County Cougars will head to the Nation’s Capital for a three-game series May 18-20. Also from the Midwest, the Schaumburg Boomers and Gateway Grizzlies are in town for a six-game homestand from August 10-15.

Fan Appreciation Week will see the Titans entertain the Brockton Rox and Québec Capitales to open the month of September, with the final regular-season home game scheduled for Sunday, September 7.

Once again, eight teams (by winning percentage) will qualify for the postseason: four from the Atlantic Conference and four from the Midwest Conference.

It will be formed by the four division winners (by winning percentage) and then two wild card spots per conference (by winning percentage), regardless of division.

A best-of-three Wild Card will be followed by a best-of-five Conference Championship Series – between each division winner to determine the participants in the best-of-five League Championship Series, which will see the Midwest Conference have home-field advantage. As of 2024, home-field advantage in the League Championship Series alternates between conferences each season.

Fans can expect the postseason to begin as early as Wednesday, September 8.

Standard game times at home are 6:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Thursday), 7:00 p.m. (Friday), 6:00 p.m. (Saturday), and 1:00 p.m. (Sunday).

Exceptions for home games include:

Wednesday, May 19, Thursday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m.

Monday, May 24 (Victoria Day), Thursday, June 10, and Thursday, July 1 (Canada Day), at 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 30 and Saturday, September 4, at 7:00 p.m.

All game times for road games are to be announced later.

The Promotional Schedule is also in the works and will be announced in the coming months.

2027 Ottawa Titans Schedule Breakdown:
Total games: 102
Home games: 51
Road games: 51

Home Games by Day of the Week:
Monday: 1
Tuesday: 8
Wednesday: 8
Thursday: 7
Friday: 9
Saturday: 9
Sunday: 9

Home Games by Month:
May: 12
June: 11
July: 13
August: 10
September: 6

Total vs. Midwest Conference: 15
Cleburne Railroaders: 0
Evansville Otters: 0
Florence Y’alls: 3
Gateway Grizzlies: 3
Joliet Slammers: 0
Kane County Cougars: 3
Mississippi Mud Monsters: 0
Schaumburg Boomers: 3
Lake Erie Crushers: 3
Windy City ThunderBolts: 0

Total vs. Atlantic Conference: 87
Brockton Rox: 12
Down East Bird Dawgs: 6
New Jersey Jackals: 9
New York Boulders: 12
Québec Capitales: 12
Sussex County Miners: 6
Tri-City ValleyCats: 12
Trois-Rivières Aigles: 12
Washington Wild Things: 6

October 1, 2026

By Ian Wilson

WCBL

It was a powerhouse performance that ripped up the record book.

Jake Hiromoto, third baseman with the Swift Current 57’s, had a season for the ages in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL).

When it was all said and done, the product of Honolulu, Hawaii set impressive new single-season records for home runs (22) and runs batted in (77).

In recognition of the outstanding campaign, Hiromoto has earned a pair of major WCBL awards in the form of Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year (ROY) honours.

“Looking back on the summer, it's still kind of like I'm on cloud nine. I feel like it's just unbelievable that I was able to accomplish what I accomplished and I just had such a great support staff and I felt so welcomed,” said Hiromoto.

“Everybody welcomed me with open arms and my billets were amazing, and I think that goes into play for how well I was able to compete on the field. When you feel comfortable and they make you feel at home that goes a long way, and it's just like the mental part of the game that people don't see behind the scenes.”

The long ball record topped the previous mark of 20 homers, which was set by Brooks Bombers catcher Riley MacDonald in 2018, while the RBI total blew past the 66 that were recorded by Kaleb Warden of the Lethbridge Bulls in 2019, and later tied by William Edwards of the Moose Jaw Miller Express in 2025.

“When I broke the record, I was always saying that any big achievement, any big award is really, really cool, but I really want those team awards. I really wanted to win a championship. I really wanted to have more wins,” said Hiromoto, who is a sophomore studying finance at the University of San Francisco.

“I also just wouldn't be here without any of my teammates. For me to get the RBI record they still had to get on base so that I could drive them in and they had to do their part for me to have success, so I give a lot of credit to them too.”

Hiromoto described setting the home run record as an unforgettable experience and “one of the coolest moments in my baseball career.”

In addition to the record-smashing feats, the Mitchell Field masher also displayed a well-rounded toolbox at the plate. He led the league in OPS (1.227) and hits (89), while batting .394 with 65 runs, 17 doubles and 11 stolen bases in 56 games.

“When I came my freshman year to San Francisco, I probably had only a handful of at bats. And I was coming into the summer just wanting to have fun and get a lot of ABs and just compete and play baseball like how I did growing up and I've checked all those boxes,” said Hiromoto, who admitted to tinkering with his batting stance throughout the WCBL season.

“Baseball is just a game of failure and a game of just changing and adapting and sometimes your body is going to change, you're going to get more tired, you're going to make changes that you don't even mean to make just because you have to compensate for your body being tired. You are playing so many games in a week, you're traveling and I think that that's the cool part. You go out there and you compete and if you have a bad day, you're back out there the next day, and my coaches believed in me and they helped me through it all, so that was really amazing to see.”

Hiromoto was a landslide winner of both the WCBL MVP and ROY awards, which were voted on by league coaches and select members of the media. He received 17 first place votes on 22 ballots in each category.

For the MVP honours, he came out ahead of Saskatoon Berries outfielder Ethan Murdoch and Moose Jaw Miller Express shortstop Thomas Soto, whose own record-breaking campaign established new highs in stolen bases (49) and runs (75).

The Rookie of the Year voting placed Hiromoto ahead of Okotoks Dawgs outfielder Cal Gates and Saskatoon Berries infielder Gael Salinas.

Previous regular season MVP winners include Ethan Menard (Saskatoon Berries), Cooper Ciesielski (Sylvan Lake Gulls), Jonah Weisner (Sylvan Lake Gulls) and Ricardo Sanchez (Okotoks Dawgs).

Recent ROY winners include Zane Skansi (Okotoks Dawgs), Carter Beck (Saskatoon Berries), Eric Rataczak (Brooks Bombers), Diego Aragon (Regina Red Sox) and Tristan Peters (Okotoks Dawgs).

“There’s just mutual respect through the whole league, and I really appreciate that, and I think that this summer was super competitive and anybody in the East (Division) could beat anybody on any given day and that's what was super cool about it. But I mean, I really appreciate that and I'm very thankful to have these awards,” said Hiromoto, adding he would love to return to Swift Current in 2027.

“I love it there … there's no doubt, they know I love it there and I love my billets, and there were tears when I had to leave and that's how much it meant to me. If I if I was to go back to the WCBL, I would definitely go back to Swift. I wouldn't change it. I wouldn't trade that for nothing.”

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on October 1, 2026. You can read it here.

October 2, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

He was on the brink of being an afterthought during the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.

Eric Hartman has made the Atlanta Braves look really good by taking a chance on him with their 20th round selection.

611th overall … when there were only 615 players who heard their names get called.

Just two years later, the St. Albert native and Dawgs Academy product has been named the Braves’ Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Player of the Year and the MILB Breakout Player of the Year.

The numbers speak for themselves: a .249 batting average with 26 home runs, 74 runs batted in and 56 stolen bases in 128 games split between High-A and Double-A.

Hartman also became the first minor leaguer since Andruw Jones in 1995 to put up a 25-homer, 50-swipe season.

“Every day I wake up and just take it a day at a time,” the high-flying prospect said during an interview on the MiLB Awards Show.

“Baseball is a great sport to play and a great opportunity all around.”

Hartman is now the Braves’ top prospect and, if he keeps going at this rate, could be on the cusp of a big-league call-up sooner rather than later.

SPEED DEMON

Coming into the 2026 season, everyone knew that Hartman’s biggest tool was his speed.

His first season of professional baseball saw him steal 48 bases in 90 games to go along with a .240 batting average, five homers and 42 RBIs, mostly with the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets.

“Learning to pick your times and picking your battles is really important, but also not losing sight of being aggressive,” said Hartman, who also had to battle some injuries during the year.

“I think being aggressive on the basepaths can help a team win and I think stolen bases are starting to become underappreciated, but I love doing it.”

Determined to be more than just a “speed guy,” the 6-foot-1, 185-pound outfielder entered the offseason looking to become stronger.

POWER BOOST

Earning a promotion to the High-A Rome Emperors out of Spring Training, Hartman quickly got to work refining his swing.

“I think I’ve always been a strong guy and I love getting after it in the weight room,” he said.

Crediting Emperors hitting coach Connor Justus, the former Okotoks Dawgs outfielder started seeing his work payoff almost immediately, hitting three home runs in his first seven games.

Against the Greensboro Grasshoppers on April 21, Hartman had his first pro three-homer game on his way to finishing the month with eight roundtrippers.

He added five more in May, six in June and another five in July.

“Just cleaning up my misses most of all so that my misses can be home runs instead of ground balls,” said Hartman, who had also registered 38 stolen bases by mid-summer to have a 20-30 season with more than a month to go in the season.

MOVING ON UP

With a new crop of prospects looking to move up the Braves’ depth charts and having proven himself in High-A, Hartman earned a promotion to the double-A Columbus Clingstones on Aug. 4.

He struggled in the early going, hitting around .200 through the first couple of weeks and not hitting his first double-A homer until Aug. 22.

However, Hartman was still drawing walks and stealing bases, finishing his time with the Clingstones with a .182 average, two dingers, 10 RBIs and 18 swipes in 34 games.

The accolades and recognitions keep piling up for the 20-year-old, who now enters the offseason knowing what to expect at the double-A level and aspirations to keep moving up the Braves’ depth chart.

The buzz is also creating some expectations, with some analysts thinking he could become a 40/40 player in the big leagues one day.

For now, Hartman is staying where his feet are at, soaking in the moment and happy with how his 2026 season turned out.

“It’s been a grind, a lot of games, but I’m grateful,” he said in an interview with the St. Albert Gazette. “I’m grateful to be able to play all of them and have a healthy body, healthy mind.”

September 30, 2026

Official CPBL News Release

The Canadian Premier Baseball League (CPBL) is proud to announce that Diamond Baseball Academy has officially joined the league’s Prospect Division, becoming just the second organization from outside Ontario to earn membership in the CPBL.

The addition represents another significant step in the CPBL’s continued growth and further strengthens the league’s presence in Quebec, while welcoming an organization that has demonstrated a strong commitment to player development, competitive excellence and long-term organizational growth.

Under the leadership of president Benoit Blais and Roch Seguin, Diamond Baseball Academy has emerged as a program on the rise, building a development model focused on preparing its athletes to compete at increasingly higher levels of the game.

For Diamond Baseball Academy, entry into the Prospect Division provides an opportunity to continue that progression within the CPBL’s structured and highly competitive environment.

“Joining the CPBL is a direct reflection of our mission to provide our players with the highest level of development and competition,” said Benoit Blais, president of Diamond Baseball Academy. “We are honoured by the trust shown by the CPBL leadership, and we approach this new chapter with great ambition and enthusiasm.”

Competing in the CPBL will provide Diamond athletes with regular opportunities to test themselves against high-level programs and players from across the league while gaining increased exposure to collegiate programs and professional scouts.

The CPBL has established itself as an important development pathway for Canadian players. At the most recent Canadian Futures Showcase, more than 70 percent of the players selected to participate came from CPBL organizations, highlighting the significant presence of league-developed athletes at one of the country’s premier amateur showcase events.

The addition of Diamond Baseball Academy also represents another step toward the CPBL’s goal of strategically expanding beyond its traditional Ontario footprint while maintaining the standards that have driven the league’s growth.

“We can’t reiterate enough how excited we are about the league’s expansion and the number of new organizations, teams, and players we’ve welcomed,” said TJ Burton, CPBL director of strategy & growth. “We’ve raised a bar that was already set extremely high, and welcoming Diamond Baseball Academy to our Prospect Division is another important step as we continue expanding our footprint in Quebec.

“Growing the league north, south, east, and west — where it makes sense and with the right organizations — has been an important goal for us. Diamond has been a program on the rise over the past two to three years, and under the leadership of Benoit Blais and Roch Seguin, they’ve taken significant steps forward.

“We’re very fortunate to welcome them to the league and look forward to supporting their continued growth in any way we can.”

Diamond Baseball Academy joins the CPBL during a significant period of expansion for the league, with several new organizations entering the CPBL and creating additional competitive and developmental opportunities for players across a growing geographic footprint.

The CPBL looks forward to welcoming Diamond Baseball Academy’s players, coaches, and families and seeing the organization begin the next chapter of its development as a member of the CPBL Prospect Division.

October 1, 2026

Official Okotoks Dawgs News Release

OKOTOKS, ALTA. — Baseball Canada and the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Club are pleased to announce that Okotoks and the Seaman Stadium Complex will remain as the host site for the Road to Okotoks National Championship through 2029 with an option to extend through 2032.

The agreement to extend hosting privileges reflects the phenomenal success of the inaugural Championship, which was won by the Dawgs Academy 18U Black this past July. In capturing what has been referred to as “the Memorial Cup of baseball”, the Dawgs became the first team ever to hoist the Morneau Cup, named after and presented by former Major League MVP, Canada’s own, Justin Morneau.

The Road to Okotoks attracted the top 16 academy and travel teams from across Canada who earned the right to participate in the prestigious national championship through Regional Qualifying Tournaments held in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

In addition to the extension of hosting privileges, Baseball Canada and the Dawgs announced that the 2027 Road to Okotoks will be held at the Seaman Stadium Complex and Tourmaline Field from July 27 to August 1, 2027.

“The first Road to Okotoks showed exactly what this event can be,” said Jason Dickson, CEO of Baseball Canada. “The level of play was outstanding, but what really separated the event was the environment in Okotoks. Seeing these young players compete in front of large, passionate crowds at Seaman Stadium created something incredibly special. It’s an experience that is difficult to replicate anywhere else in Canadian baseball, and we want even more programs to have the opportunity to be part of it in 2027.”

Dawgs Managing Director John Ircandia added:

“As hosts, the Dawgs’ goal with the inaugural Road to Okotoks was to provide participating teams a quality of championship that they had never experienced. We knew with Seaman Stadium and Tourmaline Field there were no better facilities in the country. We knew that the passion of fans in our community was unmatched. And we were thrilled that the thousands of fans who attended the Road saw firsthand the extraordinary level of baseball being played from coast to coast in our country. Year 2 will be bigger and better!”

The agreement to host the Road to Okotoks through 2029 and potentially beyond, gives players, teams and fans a destination to look forward to each summer, with the Okotoks community and the Greater Calgary Area being at the heart of a truly extraordinary championship experience.

Stats from the first Road to Okotoks played in July 2026

• Over 5,000 visitors attracted to Okotoks and the Greater Calgary Area 

• 400 of Canada’s most elite 19U players from the Maritimes to British Columbia 

• 18,696 fans in Road to Okotoks attendance 

• 3,481 fans, record attendance for the Championship Game 

Former big league catcher Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) has been elected to the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame. Photo: Quebec Sports Hall of Fame

October 1, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Russell Martin has been elected to the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame.

The announcement was made on Wednesday.

Martin will be inducted in a ceremony on October 26 at the Casino de Montréal alongside former CFL player Luc Brodeur-Jourdain, late ex-NHLer Claude Lemieux and short track speed skater Marianne St-Gelais.

Born in East York, Ont., Martin moved to Montreal when he was two. He would make his big league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 5, 2006. He proceeded to bat .282 with 10 home runs in 121 games that season. For an encore, he hit .293 with 19 home runs and a career-best 87 RBIs in 2007 and was selected to his first All-Star Game. He was also honoured with a Silver Slugger Award, a Gold Glove Award and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award.

After three more seasons with the Dodgers, he split his next four campaigns between the New York Yankees (2011-12) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2013-14). Following the 2014 campaign, Martin signed a five-year contract with the Blue Jays. In his first season with Toronto, he belted a career-best 23 homers to earn his fourth All-Star selection and help the club to their first postseason appearance in 22 years.

Martin played his final major league season with the Dodgers in 2019.

The legendary catcher ranks in the top 10 among Canadians in most major league statistical categories, including first in dWAR (16.5), third in WAR (38.8), fourth in games (1,693), fifth in runs (803) and sixth in hits (1,416). He also holds Canadian major league postseason records in games (58), hits (38) and runs (24).

On the international stage, Martin played for Canada at the World Baseball Classic in 2009 and coached for Canada at the event in 2017, 2023 and 2026.

The Quebec Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1990. It’s dedicated to the promotion of sport and the recognition of athletes and builders of sport in the province.

This year will mark their 35th induction ceremony.

Three builders - Christiane Ayotte (Sports Science), Eugène Lapierre (tennis) and Danièle Sauvageau (hockey) - will also be inducted.

September 30, 2026

By Jason Young

Winnipeg Goldeyes

WINNIPEG, MAN. – Winnipeg Goldeyes play-by-play voice Trevor Curl has been named the American Association’s Broadcaster of the Year.

The award was decided by a vote of directors, general managers, and broadcast personnel from each of the league’s 12 teams.

Curl completed his third season behind the microphone for the Goldeyes in 2026. His calls are heard on CJNU 93.7 FM and cjnu.ca, and he also hosts The Inside Pitch, the club’s offseason radio program.

“Trevor brings preparation, energy, and a genuine love of baseball to every broadcast,” said Goldeyes President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Katz. “He has a gift for making listeners feel as though they’re right there at the ballpark, and he has built a strong connection with our fans in a short time. We’re delighted to see his work recognized by his colleagues across the league.”

“Trevor puts a tremendous amount of work into every game, and we’re pleased to see that commitment recognized,” said Goldeyes General Manager Andrew Collier. “He knows our players, understands the game, and makes each broadcast engaging for our fans. Whether they’re listening from home or following the team on the road, he helps them feel connected to the Goldeyes.”

Curl’s work has also taken him beyond Winnipeg. He handled broadcasting duties for the Baseball Champions League tournament in Mexico City this March and the Arizona Fall League last October. He will return to the Arizona Fall League broadcast booth again this year.

Before joining the Goldeyes in 2024, Curl was the voice of the Auburn Doubledays of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League in 2023 and the Swepsonville Sweepers of the Old North State League in 2022. A graduate of Eastern Oregon University, he played two seasons as an infielder for the Mountaineers and called basketball, volleyball, soccer and football games while attending the school.

The most recent Goldeyes broadcaster to receive the award was Steve Schuster, who was honoured in 2022.

September 29, 2026

By Ian Wilson

WCBL

There was no mystery to what Ethan Murdoch did on the diamond this year.

The outfielder with the Saskatoon Berries was the picture of consistency during the 2026 Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) regular season.

Through 278 plate appearances and 55 games, the Swift Current, Sask., native posted a .358 batting average, .453 on-base percentage and a 1.069 OPS (on-base plus slugging).

He finished among the WCBL batting leaders in hits (82), doubles (17), home runs (14), RBIs (62), walks (36) and at bats (229).

Numbers aside, Murdoch was a leader in the clubhouse and a reliable veteran with the Berries.

The league took notice of his performance and have rewarded the 6-foot-2 righty batter with the 2026 Most Outstanding Canadian award.

“I feel so proud when I hear the Canadian part of the award, for sure. Obviously, any accolade you get is a good achievement. It feels good, but yeah, I feel some sense of pride when you hear the top Canadian … you're representing your home country in a league that is close to home and means a lot to me,” said Murdoch, who also finished second in the WCBL’s MVP voting.

The regular season award is voted on by more than 20 WCBL coaches and members of the media who cover the league. Other finalists included Carter Roth (Medicine Hat Mavericks), Brady Bye (Regina Red Sox), Elijha Hammill (Sylvan Lake Gulls), Hudson Unger (Swift Current 57's) and Nash Crowell (Okotoks Dawgs).

“If they respected the season I had, then it means a lot to me to know that, because I really respect all the people around the league and in the media. The coaches, there's a lot of really good baseball people around the league, and if they felt that I was deserving of it, then that's something I'm really appreciative of, because I know it's a group that I respect,” said Murdoch.

The award was the cherry on top of a dream season for Murdoch, his final WCBL campaign.

The postseason ended with the Berries hoisting the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy as league champs for the first time in franchise history.

“I'm proud and happy to go out on top. Really, for me going into the season, it was more about us winning and going out with the big team win,” said Murdoch, who began his WCBL career with the Swift Current 57’s and played south of the border with McCook Community College and Marshall University.

“It shows me that all the work I put in and the long season, all the stuff you go through, was worth it. I handled it well and had good habits. I'm proud of myself for that.”

Added Murdoch: “I'm really grateful to have done it and have a good season, personally, but just looking back on it, I just wanted to have a good time and to win it all, accomplish both of those things, so I can't ask for much more.”

While his college baseball career is now behind him, Murdoch has decided to remain in sports and has taken a job as a strength and conditioning coach/performance analyst with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

“It's a fun transition for me. I'm enjoying the challenge and being in a new environment, working with some great athletes. I think that's something I really wanted to focus on when I was moving away from baseball is not completely getting out of sports,” said Murdoch.

“That's something that I enjoyed as much as anything when I was in college is just the training and challenging each other and working out and working hard day-to-day and that's something I get to still experience now, is I get to push these guys and help them get better, help them reach their goals physically.”

If his time at the rink proves to be anything like his time at the ballpark, Broncos fans can expect outstanding things from Murdoch.

September 30, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

It is post-season time.

Which means A) the best big-league teams from the TV League are playing to win the World Series ...

And B) the best high schoolers from across the country are bound for the annual Perfect Game World Wood Bat championships in Jupiter, Fla.

Like the Ontario Blue Jays and Canadian Premier teams, the Brewers Langley Blaze are regular visitors and familiar faces to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and the 12 diamonds occupied each spring by the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins.

In all, 22 future major-leaguer players have worn the Blaze uniform whether it was for three seasons or for a trip to Jupiter in the fall or Arizona in the spring.

Over the years Doug Mathieson, Jamie Bodaly plus catching coach Kayden Beauregard and
Thomas Green have coached 26 major leaguers:

Tyler O’Neill (Maple Ridge, BC), Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC), Nick Pivetta (Victoria, BC), Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove, BC), Taylor Green (Comox, BC), Jared Young (Prince George, BC) and Rowan Wick (Vancouver, BC).

Plus, Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.), Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.), Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), Owen Cassie (Burlington, Ont.), Phillipe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.), Jordan Romano (Markham, Ont.), Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.), Zach Pop (Brampton, Ont.), Jordan Balazovic (Mississauga, Ont.), Denzel Clarke (Pickering, Ont.), Edouard Julien (Quebec, Que.), Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.), Eric Cerantola (Oakville, Ont.), Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.) Charles Leblanc (Laval, Que.), Jacob Robson (Windsor, Ont.), Jesen Dygestile-Therrien (Montreal, Que.), Brendan McKay (Beaver Falls, Penn.) and Jackson Wolf (Gahanna, Ohio),

Strutting their stuff for evaluators and recruiters this year are the following -- plus 12 additions from south of the border:

Santiago Acosta LHP L/L 2029 6-1 160 Home School Maple Ridge, BC

Calum Andersen RHP L/R 2027 6-5 195 Vauxhall Academy Calgary, Alta. C-Oklahoma

Jake Carriere OF L/L 2028 5-11 165 Yale Secondary Abbotsford, BC

Lucas Carroll C L/R 2028 6-1 203 Calgary, Alta,

Sam Craven RHP R/R 2027 5-11 170 Oak Bay Victoria, BC

Benjamin Dartnell RHP R/R 2027 5-10 175 Vancouver, BC

Fox Ferguson SS R/R 2029 5-10 160 Surrey, BC

Sawyer Gelling 3B R/R 2027 6-3 170 Lambrick Park Academy Victoria, BC

Oscar Leah OF L/L 2027 5-11 185 Maple Ridge, BC C-Kansas State

Evan Maloney SS L/R 2026 6-0 168 GW Graham Chilliwack, BC

Caleb Miller LHP L/L 2028 6-2 185 Delta, BC

Brett Rienguette OF L/R 2027 5-11 210 Val Caron, Ont.

Jonathan Slogocki RHP R/R 2027 6-3 170 Surrey, BC

Lucas Sproule RHP R/R 2027 6-3 180 Collingwood, Ont.

Rhys Whiteford C L/R 2027 6-2 190 Okotoks Dawgs Academy Duncan, BC

Previous Langley drafts

Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC), Cole Dorland (Langley, BC), Connor Caskenette (Duncan, BC), Jonny McGill (Richmond, BC), Will Zeilinski (Victoria, BC). Deiten Lachance (Sherbrooke, Que.). Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.), Josiah Romero (Caledon, Ont.), Adam Maier (Vancouver, BC) and Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.).

Noah Takacs (Victoria, BC), Nathan Flewelling (Red Deer, Alta.), Tom Poole (Winnipeg, Man.), Sam Shaw (Victoria, BC), Reid Clague (Victoria, BC), Kason Siguenza (Abbotsford, BC), Connor Dykstra (Chilliwack, BC), Shane Brinham (Vancouver, BC), Micah Buckham (Abbotsford, BC), Tim Piasentin (Maple Ridge, BC) and Antoine Jean (Montreal, Que.).

Tyrelle Chadwick (Burnaby, BC). Jeremy Pilon (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que.), Eli Saul (Vancouver, BC), Jacob Zibin (Langley, BC), Nate Ochia (Burlington, Ont.), Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.), David McCabe (Oshawa, Ont.), Calvin Ziegler (Kitchener, Ont.). Jordan Marks (Sarnia, Ont.) and Adam Shoemaker (Cambridge, Ont.).

Damiano Palmegiani (Surrey, BC), Conor Angel (Pointe-Claire, Que.), Dominic Hambley (Victoria, BC). Adam Mckillican (Comox, BC), Noah Skirrow (Stoney Creek, Ont.), Nick Trogrlic-Iverson (Oakville, Ont.), Josh Burgmann (Nanaimo, BC), Matt Lloyd (Calgary, Alta.), Indigo Diaz (North Vancouver, BC) and Owen Diodati (Niagata Falls, Ont.).

Jason Willow (North Vancouver, BC), Ryan Leitch (Whitby, Ont.), Jaden Brown (Mississauga, Ont.), Tristan Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.), Mitch Robinson (Surrey, BC), Ben Onyshko (Winnipeg, Man.), David Rhodes (Surrey, BC), Ben Abram (Acton, Ont.), Landon Leach (Toronto, Ont.) and Adam Hall (London, Ont.).

Rhys Cratty (Surrey, BC), Clayton Keyes (Calgary, Alta.), JD Osborne (Oshawa, Ont.), Andrew Yerzy (Toronto, Ont.), Daniel Pinero (Toronto, Ont.), Alex Webb (Surrey, BC), Jacob Polancic (Abbotsford, BC), Louis-Phillipe Pelletier (Montreal, Que.), Matt Jones (Whitby, Ont.) and Will Sierra (Montreal. Que.).

Tyler Duncan (Sooke, BC), Tristan Clarke (Brampton, Ont.), Brayden Bouchey (Vancouver, BC), Carter Loewen (Abbotsford, BC), J.D. Williams (Toronto, Ont.), Darren Shred (Brampton, Ont.), Marc-Andre Berube (Terrebonne, Que.), Owen Spiwak (Mississauga, Ont.), Devon Stewart (Maple Ridge, Ont.), Ryan Kellogg (Whitby, Ont.) and Demi Orimoloye (Ottawa, Ont.).

Jeff Degano (Surrey, BC), Miles Gordon (Oakville, Ont.), Robert Byckowski (Toronto, Ont.), Kurtis Horne (Sooke, BC), Austen Swift (Etobicoke, Ont.), Julian Service (Whitby, Ont.), Cody Chartrand (Nanaimo, BC), Brock Dykxhoorn (Goderich, Ont.), Gareth Morgan (North York, Ont.) and Malik Collymore (Misissauga, Ont.).

Lachlan Fontaine (North Vancouver, BC), Travis Seabrooke (Peterborough, Ont.), Morgan Lofstrom (Nelson, BC), Kurtis Kostuk (Abbotssford, BC), Dylan Brooks (Dorchester, Ont.), David Otterman )Vancouver, BC), Jeff Gibbs (Toronto, Ont.), Shane Dawson (Drayton Valley, Alta.), Dayton Dawe (London, Ont.) and Johnny Caputo (Etobicoke, Ont.),

Keaton Briscoe (North Vancouver, BC), Eric Wood (Ajax, Ont.), Fernando Fernandez-Beltran (Chateauguay, Que.), Logan Seifrit (Edmonton, Alta.), Damion Smith (Windsor, Ont.), Dustin Houle (Penticton, BC), Kellin Deglan (Langley, BC), Vaughn Covington (Burnaby, BC), Chase Larsson (Vancouver, BC) and Nic Cuckovic (Victoria, BC).

Carter Bell (Courtenay, BC), Ethan Elias (Evansburg, Alta.), Justin Atkinson (Surrey, BC), Ben Dartnell (East St. Paul, Man.), Skylar Janisse (Cambridge, Ont.), Cory Scammell (Edmonton, Alta.), Les Williams (Toronto, Ont.), Jalen Harris (Toronto, Ont.), Eric Brown (Thunder Bay, Ont.) and Marcus Knecht (Toronto, Ont.).

Steve McKinnon (Duncan, BC), Jake Eliopoulos (Toronto, Ont.), Joel Pierce (Windsor, Ont.), Brandon Dailey (Brantford, Ont.), Mark Hardy (Campbell River, BC), Mike Ellis (Surrey, BC), Ethan Stewart (Campbell Rivers, BC), Kelly Norris-Jones (Victoria, BC), Wes Darvill (Langley, BC) and Chad Stang (Surrey, BC).

David Narodowski (Vancouver, BC), Jon Hesketh (Langley, BC), Terrence Dayleg (Burnaby, BC), Mike Monster (Kelowna, BC), Colin Kleven (Kamloops, BC), David Kington (Coquitlam, BC), Bobby Wagner (Port Coquitlam, BC), Rory Young (Chase, BC), Brooklyn Foster (Langley, BC) and Andrew Ruck (Whitby, Ont.).

Stosh Wawrzasek (Burnaby, BC), Michael Crouse (New Westminster, BC), Mitchell Delaney (LaSalle, Ont.), Michael Gosse (Pitt Meadows, BC), Justin Betts-Robinson (Langley, BC), Kyle Lotzkar (Langley, BC), Mitch Hodge (Vancouver, BC), Evan Hildenbrandt (Surrey, BC), Colin Buckborough (Niagara Falls, Ont.) and Thomas Mabee (Victoria, BC).

Travis Nevakshonoff (Langley, BC), Ryan Jensen (Vancouver, BC), Cody Phipps (Round Hill, Alta.), Kyle Haas (Prince George, BC), Kyle Orr (New Westminster, BC), Jonathan Waltenbury (Whitby, Ont.), Shayne Willson (Surrey, BC), Tyson Gillies (Langley, BC), Jordan Lennerton (Langley, BC) and Denver Wynn (Kamloops, BC).

Paul Wourms (Kamloops, BC), Phillipe-Alexandre Valiquette (Montreal, Que.), Adam Parliament (Penticton, BC), Morgan Brinson (Victoria, BC), Chris Lemay (Langley, BC), Lyall Foran (Ladner, BC), Evan Bailey (Kamloops, BC), Ryan Lennerton (Langley, BC) and Cooper Davis (Mississauga, Ont.).

Jupiter Schedule

Wed Oct 7

-10am vs Canes American @ Marlins 6 @ Roger Dean Complex

-5pm vs Florida Atlantic University @ FAU Campus

Thur Oct 8

-1240pm vs US Nike Scout Team @ Cardinals 6 @ Roger Dean Sports Complex

Fri Oct 9

-3pm vs Northeast Pride Nationals @ Cardinals 5 @ Roger Dean Sports Complex

Sat Oct 10

-8am vs Richmond Braves @ Marlin 6 @ Roger Dean Sports Complex

Sun Oct 11

-playoffs or consolation

Mon Oct 12

-playoffs or consolation (am game)

September 29, 2026

Official MLB News Release

All-Star closer Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians has been voted the American League Reliever of the Month for September and relief pitcher Mason Montgomery of the Pittsburgh Pirates has been named the National League Reliever of the Month for September.

The announcements were made on Tuesday on MLB Network.

Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) earned his second award this season and third overall after previously winning in September 2025 and May of this year. Smith has now garnered each of the Guardians’ last three awards and is one of three Guardians relievers to win the award, joining Cody Allen (April 2017) and Emmanuel Clase (7x: August 2021, June 2022, August 2022, September/October 2022, May 2024, July 2024 & September 2024). Smith became the 19th reliever to earn the award on three-or-more occasions and joined Mason Miller (3x: March/April, May & July) as the only relievers to earn the award on multiple occassions this season.

Montgomery earned his first career award and the first for a Pirates reliever since David Bednar won in June 2025. Montgomery became the sixth Pirates relief pitcher to win the award, joining José Mesa (April 2005); Joel Hanrahan (June 2011); Jason Grilli (2x: April & May 2013); and Bednar (2x: May 2022 & June 2025).

Cade Smith, Cleveland Guardians

-The 27-year-old pitched to a 0.00 ERA (0 ER/13.0 IP) while converting all six of his save opportunities across 11 appearances in which he allowed three hits with two walks, 21 strikeouts, a 0.38 WHIP, a .073 opponents’ average and 14.54 strikeouts per nine innings.

-The Abbotsford, B.C., native’s 47.7 strikeout percentage and 43.2 strikeout-to-walk percentage led all qualified relievers while his ERA tied for first; saves tied for second; strikeouts ranked third and opponents’ average ranked fourth.

-The University of Hawaii at Manoa product picked up his 40th save of the season on September 22 against the Red Sox, becoming the seventh reliever in Guardians franchise history to reach the mark, joining Doug Jones (1990); José Mesa (1995); Mike Jackson (1998); Bob Wickman (2005); Joe Borowski (2007); and Emmanuel Clase (3x: 2022-24).

-The 2026 All-Star picked up his 41st save of the season on September 24, finishing the season tied with Tampa Bay’s Bryan Baker for the most saves. Smith became the first Guardians relief pitcher to collect 40-or-more saves and 100-or-more strikeouts in a season and the first in MLB to do so since Kirby Yates accomplished the feat with the Padres in 2019.

-The 16th round selection in the 2017 Draft (by Minnesota) earned six saves and three wins in a month for the second time in his career after previously accomplishing the feat in August 2025. Smith is one of two Guardians relievers to reach the marks in a month along with Ted Abernathy who did so in 1963, and is the only reliever in franchise history to do so on multiple occasions. Smith became just the 10th pitcher in MLB history to reach the marks while not allowing an earned run through the month.

Mason Montgomery, Pittsburgh Pirates (@mason_monty1)

-The 26-year-old pitched to a 2.08 ERA (1 ER/13.0 IP) while converting 11 of his 12 save opportunities across 13 appearances in which he allowed eight hits with four walks, 16 strikeouts, a 0.92 WHIP, a .174 opponents’ average and 11.08 strikeouts per nine innings.

-The Austin, Texas native paced all qualified relievers in saves; and tied for sixth in strikeouts.

-The sixth-round selection in the 2021 Draft (by Tampa Bay) became the fourth Pirates pitcher in the Modern Era (since 1901) with at least 65 appearances and 100 strikeouts in a season, joining Hall of Famer Rich “Goose” Gossage (1977); Enrique Romo (1979); and Joel Hanrahan (2010). Along with bullpen mate Yohan Ramírez who also accomplished the feat this season, the Pirates became the sixth team in the Modern Era with two pitchers who made 65 appearances-or-more and recorded at least 100 strikeouts.

-The Texas Tech University product amassed 24 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings from July 27-September 24, the longest such streak of his career and the longest by any Pirates pitcher this season. Montgomery allowed just nine hits and issued seven walks with 37 strikeouts during the streak.

-The southpaw picked up 11 of his 18 saves in the month and collected a save in 10 consecutive outings from September 3-24, joining fellow Reliever of the Month Cade Smith as the only pitchers to record a save in 10-or-more consecutive outings this season. Montgomery recorded saves in back-to-back contests on September 9-10 and again on September 19-20, marking the first such occurrences in his career.

September 28, 2026

By Ian Wilson

Western Canadian Baseball League

Every bullpen has a fireman, but the Sylvan Lake Gulls have the top cop in the Western Canadian Baseball League.

While the fireman role typically sees relievers enter the game at crucial moments to put out fires, Brayden Stewart of the Gulls was handcuffing hitters all summer long.

As a result of his sworn duty to protect leads and maintain order on the scoreboard, Stewart has been named the 2026 Top Relief Pitcher in the WCBL.

“It's a great award to get. It was a very tough league this year, so I feel honoured to get that award,” said the 6-foot-3 righthander from Warsaw, Kentucky.

“When I go on the mound, I'm not going to think anyone else is better than me. So, I just went out there with that type of confidence and just believed that my stuff was better than what the hitter could do against it. So, I just trusted myself and my team that they're going to make plays for me and just go out there and do my thing.”

The results in the regular season saw Stewart produce a 1-2 record, five saves, a 2.32 earned run average (ERA) and 55 strikeouts over 31 innings pitched.

More than 20 voters – including head coaches and media who cover the WCBL – cast ballots to determine the league’s major regular season award winners and all-star selections.

Stewart beat WCBL saves leader Nathan Pisio, who closed out seven games for the Moose Jaw Miller Express, as well as Brooks Jones of the Saskatoon Berries and Lucas Huynh of the Lethbridge Bulls to capture the Top Relief Pitcher award.

“It means a lot. I kind of pride myself on being able to get the job done. I feel like I did a pretty decent job of that this year and I'm very grateful that everyone that gets to vote on this decided to give me this award,” said Stewart, who helped lead the Gulls to the WCBL championship series by picking up a win and a save in the postseason.

Sylvan Lake head coach Matt Hape was happy to see Stewart recognized for his successful campaign.

“Brayden pitched in virtually every high-leverage situation for us and was as reliable and consistent as a closer can be,” said Hape.

“His work ethic, bulldog mentality and plus stuff are the exact makeup you want in a guy who is closing games for you and he proved that on a consistent basis.”

Stewart was lured to Sylvan Lake by Wyatt McKnight, an assistant coach with the Gulls who worked with the pitcher at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis.

“When I was there, the whole time, he was just telling me how great it was and that I need to go,” recalled Stewart, who has worked as both a starting pitcher and a reliever throughout his collegiate career.

“And then I got up there and just loved every second of it. It was probably the best summer of my life … the way they talked about it, I couldn't believe it was going to be as good as it was, and it honestly exceeded the expectations”

Now a student at Gonzaga University, Stewart is rooming with Mickey McClaskey, who pitched for the Gulls in 2025 and was named the WCBL’s Top Relief Pitcher for his performance during that season.

“We talked about Sylvan a lot. I mean, he absolutely loved his time there as well,” noted Stewart.

“He said the same thing I did. It's the best summer he's had. And I mean, we've just talked about everything about it: the coaches, the organization, how the owners treat us. It's just amazing. The fans are great. And we just both love it there. Pretty much everyone that I've talked to that's been there absolutely loved their time there.”

Added Stewart: “I'm definitely hoping I can go back up to Sylvan. I genuinely love that place and I love everything they have going on there. So, if the opportunity comes to me, I'm most likely going to take that opportunity and head back up there and see what I can do for one more year.”

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on September 29, 2026. You can read it here.

September 30, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

Gabe Fink flew to Vancouver for the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase with one thing on his mind: retribution.

A year earlier, the highly touted Edmonton native struggled with his command in his one outing at the showcase.

Undeterred and buoyed by being among the first 50 players invited to this year’s event, he wanted to make amends and did so in a big way.

Earning two starts, including the championship final, Fink showed why he’s among the top high school hurlers in the country while helping Team New Blue claim the 2026 title with a 6-1 win over an offensively gifted Team Royal.

The Baseball Canada Junior National Team two-way couldn’t help but smile as his teammates celebrated with the showcase trophy.

“This means a lot,” Fink said. “They have all the names of everyone that’s ever won on there, so it’s going to be cool to have my name on there, too.”

His performance sets the stage for a busy offseason as he gets ready for graduation next spring and an eventual move to the University of Southern California.

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Gabe Fink here.

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MAPLE LEAF DEBUT

Lauded for his talent on the mound and at the plate, Fink went into the 2025 Canadian Futures Showcase hoping to show the hype was real.

Instead, he found himself in trouble more than he would have liked, finishing his lone outing allowing three runs on three hits and three walks with two strikeouts over three innings.

“Something would happen in the field and then I would just kind of let it get to me,” the AHP Academy product admitted. “A lot of people would advance on wild pitches … it just wasn’t my best and not much was working for me.”

Instead of getting into his head more, he decided to take matters into his own hands and show he could brush it off.

His first big opportunity came with the Langley Blaze Pro Tour in the spring, where he struck out four in two innings of work against prospects from the Athletics.

Fink then found himself getting an invite to the Junior National Team’s Extended Spring Training Camp trip, where he twirled two innings of no-hit, four-strikeout baseball in a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

His final outing of that trip didn’t go as smoothly, as he surrendered six earned runs on five hits and two walks over a little more than an inning of work in a loss to the New York Yankees.

He was invited back for the Dominican Republic Professional Academy Tour, where he once again tossed three innings of scoreless baseball against the San Diego Padres prospects, working himself out of jams caused by six walks.

The righthander got roughed up a bit in his final JNT outing, allowing three earned runs while striking out five in an inning-and-a-third against the Pirates’ prospects.

DRAFT LEAGUE EXPOSURE

Despite the up-and-down trips with the Junior National Team, Fink impressed the Baseball Canada brass enough to keep rolling with the squad to their first-ever MLB Draft League trip.

He made two appearances during that trek, with the first in mop-up duty against the Aberdeen IronBirds, where he allowed two unearned runs on five walks and two strikeouts in an inning-plus.

Fink’s last outing came against Mahoning Valley, where the Scrappers picked up four runs on three hits and three walks against the young hurler, who also struck out three over two relief innings.

While the numbers might not have been eye-popping, the Canadians had to be reminded that they were playing against professional ballplayers and that it’s much more about process than it is about results.

The busy summer continued with AHP, which included The Road to Okotoks and the Morneau Cup, where Fink made one appearance on the hill for the Renegades.

Knowing he was going to the showcase, Fink says it was time for a refresh.

“I give a lot of credit to (AHP head honcho) Taylor Burns,” said the 17-year-old. “I had a rough stretch over the summer and we took all of August to really work on my mentality going into stuff and to work on the pitching side, too.”

GETTING HIS PAYBACK

That time off paid dividends right away for the reinvigorated Fink.

He got the start against Royal in New Blue’s third game of the Canadian Futures Showcase, starting things off by striking out highly ranked 2028 prospect Mikey Batiste and 2027 grad Ira Rootman before getting another draft-ready slugger, Jalen Jacob, to ground out.

Fink retired the side in order again in the second, then allowed one run to score in his third-and-final inning of work, leading New Blue to the 7-2 victory.

“I feel really good,” he said after the contest. “I handled myself pretty well. I could have thrown more first-pitch strikes as I feel like I was getting behind in a lot of counts, but I was really happy that I was able to work back into those counts and win most of them.”

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Fink admits his 2025 performance was the fuel he needed to bounce back in a big way.

Not knowing if he was getting another opportunity to pitch, he grabbed a bat thinking he might get a chance to hit in the team’s final round-robin game or in the final.

FINE FINALE FINISH

After New Blue cruised to an unbeaten record and taking a boatload of bonus points for stolen bases, they earned top spot and a berth in the championship.

Fink didn’t get a chance to hit in the round-robin finale against Team Black, but got some good news on the morning of Championship Sunday: he was getting the start in the final.

It was a rematch against Royal and Fink stood up to the challenge, getting Rootman and Dayne Liske to ground out before walking Jacob and striking out Batiste for a second time during the tournament.

“I was mostly just trying to throw strikes,” Fink said after New Blue capped off its 6-1 win. “I was trying to work ahead more and it didn’t really work out, but I got a lot of ground balls and ended it with a K, so that was good.”

It was the perfect way to put the cap on a memorable 2026 campaign for Fink, who enters the offseason looking to keep working at AHP.

He wants to put on some weight, add some muscle and add to his mobility.

Fink would also like to fine-tune his arsenal, which features a top-three fastball velocity from the showcase (92.3 miles per hour) and top-two slider velocity (85.0 miles per hour).

“Maybe tune up my change-up,” he smiled. “I feel like that pitch wasn’t working for me a tonne recently, so if I can tune that up and have that be a good pitch for me going into next year, that would be really awesome.”

September 29, 2026

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

No matter how the 2026 Major League Baseball draft unfolded, Elliot Lascelles was going to be okay with the result.

If he was selected and ultimately signed, he’d be realizing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. If the pick process didn’t work out the way he wanted, he’d head off to Yale University to obtain a prestigious education and play for the Bulldogs.

It was the former that ended up happening when the San Diego Padres took the Toronto Mets infielder with the 60th overall pick in the second round, thanks in part to 2026 Canadian Baseball Network Scout of the Year Chris Kemlo (Oshawa, Ont.).

Like a true professional, Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) was confident in his on-field ability and knew his worth off of it. He inked a $2,800,394 signing bonus shortly after hearing his name called.

“I was really prioritizing academics,” Lascelles said about his mindset ahead of the draft.

“I felt like it had to be a really high selection and a lot to persuade me away from Yale. It ended up happening. I knew I had a great opportunity in Yale, so I think I would’ve been happy either way.”

It was the fall of his Grade 11 year when Lascelles felt the chance of going pro was a possibility. By this past spring, he considered it a “50/50 chance.”

He credits his performance in the MLB Draft League, where he hit .394 with a 1.068 OPS in 44 plate appearances, for helping him further solidify his standing in the eyes of scouts.

“I played really well in the Draft League,” Lascelles said. “That helped me out a lot and it all worked out.”

So far, it appears to be money well spent by the Padres.

In 56 at bats to begin his minor league career, Lascelles slashed .321/.406/.429 with six stolen bases with the eventual Single-A California League champion Lake Elsinore Storm.

Elliot Lascelles just keeps hitting and hitting and hitting and hitting...

He has 8 hits in his last 13 at bats 👀 pic.twitter.com/l7bcbk7jce

— Lake Elsinore Storm (@Storm_Baseball) September 3, 2026

It didn’t take long for Lascelles to find his way to Single-A from the Friars’ Arizona complex. Still, it was an adjustment, he said. One that was made easier thanks to his time with the Junior National Team.

“Playing with the Junior National Team, I felt like I had basically 200 at bats at the Arizona Complex League level,” he said. “I got a taste of pro ball with the JNT with the schedule we were on, the competition and the routine. That prepared me to make that next jump.”

Canada isn’t the only team that Lascelles credits for his development.

After being drafted, he spent a week at home before making his way to Arizona. Over the seven days, he attended Mets practices to say goodbye.

It was important for him to do, given the impact the organization had on him.

“It was great, the coaches there were incredible,” Lascelles said. “I went to the Mets in 16U and that’s a bit late for most in the Canadian Premier Baseball League. Defensively, I really improved a lot. They gave me all the resources I needed to become the player I am today.”

While young, Lascelles still doesn’t take the opportunity in front of him for granted.

“I’ve loved baseball ever since I was four years old and being able to do that for a career is amazing,” he said. “Hopefully I can do it for many more years.”

September 28, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

The Toronto Blue Jays failed to make the postseason following their magical run to the World Series last year.

But while the Blue Jays will be cleaning out their lockers at Rogers Centre, there will be plenty of Canadians participating in the MLB postseason.

So which one of the 12 postseason teams is the most Canadian?

Well, we’ve done some research and tried to come up with an answer for you.

Cleveland Guardians relievers Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC) and Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) celebrate together after the Guardians clinched the AL Central title on Saturday. Photo: Erik Sabrowski\X

1. Cleveland Guardians

In 2024, the Guardians became the first major league team to have four Canadians on a postseason roster.

Since then, Josh and Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) have moved on, but the Guardians will still have two Canucks suiting up for them this October — and those two are arguably the team’s best relief pitchers.

On Sept. 22, Guardians closer Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC) became the first Canadian to record 40 saves in a season since John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) had 46 with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011. Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) is the only other Canuck to accomplish this feat, doing it for three consecutive seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2002 to 2004.

In 69 appearances in his first full season as the Guardians closer, Smith was 6-1 with a 1.95 ERA and had 107 strikeouts in 74 innings. For his efforts, he earned his first All-Star Game selection.

But it’s unlikely Smith would’ve been able to rack up 41 saves this season (tied for the AL lead with Tampa Bay Rays’ closer Bryan Baker) without the assistance of left-hander Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.). A key middle reliever for the Guardians, Sabrowski was 1-0 with a 0.63 ERA in his final 15 regular season appearances. During that span, he permitted just four hits and fanned 19 batters in 14 1/3 innings.

Overall, in 60 relief appearances this season, Sabrowski was 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and had 76 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings, while picking up 28 holds.

Players: LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.), RHP Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC)

Minor league players: RHP Will Hynes (Mississauga, Ont.), C Deiten Lachance (Sherbrooke, Que.), 1B Riley Nelson (Toronto, Ont.), LHP Adam Tulloch (Toronto, Ont.), RHP Jacob Zibin (Richmond Hill, Ont.)

Executive: Dr. Stephen Osterer (Ottawa, Ont.), director of pitching development

2. San Diego Padres

No big-league team has drafted more impact Canadian big league players over the last decade than the Padres.

How’s this for a list of Padres’ draft selections?

- RHP Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), first round 2016

- LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.), 14th round 2018

- RHP Matt Brash (Kingston, Ont.), fourth round 2019

- OF Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.), second round, 2020

And they added to this list when, on the recommendation of Canadian scout Chris Kemlo, they selected infielder Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) in the second round this summer.

On top of all of this, their Opening Day starter was right-hander Nick Pivetta (Victoria, BC), who they signed to a four-year, $56-million contract prior to the 2025 campaign. The 6-foot-5 Canuck went 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA, with 19 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings, in four starts after being activated from the 60-day injured list on September 7. He had been sidelined with right elbow inflammation.

Pivetta will likely start Game 2 of the Padres’ Wild Card series against the Chicago Cubs.

In total, in eight starts this season, the Victoria Eagles and Junior National Team alum was 3-2 with a 2.86 ERA. He had 42 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.

Player: Nick Pivetta (Victoria, BC)

Scouts: Chris Kemlo (Bowmanville, Ont.), Lou Pote (Okotoks, Alta.), Geoff White (Kelowna, BC)

Minor league players: RHP Garrett Hawkins (Biggar, Sask.), C Lamar King (Vancouver, BC), INF Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.), RHP Brandon Langley (New Glasgow, PEI), RHP Jack Pineau (Thunder Bay, Ont.), RHP A.J. Rogers (Dartmouth, N.S.).

3. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are headed to the postseason for the 10th time, but this will be the first year they will have a Canadian on their October roster.

The American League East division-winning Rays acquired catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) from the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3, and Hicks has been a key part of their offence ever since. In 41 regular season games with the Rays, he had a .288/.379/.440 slash line with four home runs and 20 RBIs. And he had already been enjoying a breakout campaign with the Marlins.

In total, the Toronto Mets alum batted .284 with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs in 142 regular season games in 2026. He also finished the season as one of a select group of MLB hitters with more walks (56) than strikeouts (55).

In September, Hicks regularly batted cleanup behind slugger Junior Caminero, who socked 41 home runs this season.

The Rays, who finished with a 98-64 record, have a bye until the Division Series.

Player: C Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.)

Minor league players: OF Slater de Brun (Bend, Ore., mom, Julie, lived in Toronto), C Nathan Flewelling (Innisfail, Alta.), INF Jack Lines (Okotoks, Alta.), INF Taj Marchand (Charleston, N.C., father, Hugo, from Montreal), OF Noah Myers (Wyoming, Ont.), OF Tom Poole (Winnipeg, Man.), LHP Jeremy Pilon (Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que.)

4. Atlanta Braves

It was just over 11 years ago that Blue Jays fans were chanting “Thank you, Alex!” to their GM, Alex Anthopoulos, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, as the Blue Jays clinched their first American League East division title since 1993. The Montreal native has since moved on to the National League and his Braves have won a World Series (2021) and seven division titles (2018 to 2023, 2026) during his reign as general manager and president of baseball operations.

Though they don’t have a Canadian on their major league roster, the Braves are well-stocked with Canucks in their organization.

They will play the Philadelphia Phillies in a Wild Card series that will start on Tuesday afternoon.

Executives: Alex Anthopoulos (Montreal, Que.), president, baseball operations and general manager; Mike Shaw (Oakville, Ont.), vice-president, team travel.

Minor league players: OF Carter Beck (Carnduff, Sask.), C Archer Brookman (Pointe-Claire, Que.), RHP Cedric De Grandpre (St-Simon, Que.), RHP Cole Dorland (Langley, BC), OF Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.), RHP Ryan Heppner (Richmond, BC), RHP Adam Maier (North Vancouver, BC), INF David McCabe (Oshawa, Ont.)

Minor league coaches: Mike Steed (Beamsville, Ont.), pitching coach, double-A Columbus Clingstones

Off-field Canadian talent: Michael Copeland (Whitby, Ont.), lead developer, baseball systems

5. Chicago White Sox

The last Canadian to play for the White Sox in the postseason was Kirk McCaskill (Kapuskasing, Ont.) when the right-hander made three scoreless relief appearances in the club’s 1993 American League Championship Series’ loss to the eventual World Series champion Blue Jays.

This will change when Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.) starts in centre field for the Sox in their Wild Card series opener against the Houston Astros on Tuesday.

The White Sox couldn’t have predicted how good Peters would be in his first full big league season after they purchased him from the Rays last December. Peters had a reputation as an excellent fielder, but the Okotoks Dawgs grad also quickly showed he could handle himself at the plate. He finished the regular season with a .265/.337/.437 slash line with 12 home runs, 31 doubles, four triples and eight stolen bases. Statistician Neil Munro also points out that Peters did not ground into a single double play in 491 plate appearances this season.

On July 10, he became just the second Canadian big leaguer - joining George Kottaras (September 3, 2011 with the Milwaukee Brewers) - since 1900 to hit for the cycle when he accomplished the feat against the A’s. That same month, Peters was selected to play in the All-Star Game.

Player: Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.)

Scout: Josh Krstulovich (Brampton, Ont.)

6. Milwaukee Brewers

When Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.) was the general manager of the Brewers from 2002 to 2015, and Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.) was his assistant GM, the Brewers seemed to consistently have the most (or close to the most) Canadian players in their system. This changed under more recent regimes, but it has rebounded somewhat in the past five years when thanks to input from the club’s director of international scouting and player personnel, Taylor Green (Comox, BC), and area scout Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), the Brewers selected Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.) 33rd overall in the 2021 MLB draft and INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.) 102nd overall in 2022.

The Brewers also added catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) from the Guardians on August 1. Naylor played with the Brewers’ triple-A Nashville Sounds in August before being called up and going 2-for-7 in three games with the Brewers in September.

Also, former Okotoks Dawgs right-hander and ex-Brewers closer Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) is the Brewers’ pitching coordinator.

The Brewers finished with 103 wins this season - the most in MLB. This has earned them a bye until the Division Series.

Player: Bo Naylor (Mississauga,Ont.)

Minor league Players: INF Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.), INF Dylan O’Rae (Sarnia, Ont.), LHP Rob Zastryzny (Edmonton, Alta.)

Coach: Jim Henderson (Calgary, Alta.), MLB pitching coordinator

Executives: Doug Melvin (Chatham, Ont.), special assistant to the general manager; Gord Ash (Toronto, Ont.), vice-president, baseball projects; Taylor Green (Comox, BC), director of international scouting and player personnel, Brad McKay (Fredericton, NB) head strategist, skill aquisition.

Minor league coaches: Brad McKay (Fredericton, N.B.), lead strategist, skill acquisition

Scouts: Tyler Hollick (Calgary, Alta.), Doug Mathieson (Langley, BC), Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.), Taylor Frederick (Ottawa, Ont.)

7. Los Angeles Dodgers

The two-time reigning World Series champion Dodgers don’t have a player born in Canada on their roster, however, first baseman Freddie Freeman’s parents were born north of the border, and he played for Canada in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics. Prior to the 2022 season, Freeman inked a six-year, $162-million contract with the Dodgers. And he certainly hasn’t disappointed. He has been an All-Star in each of his five seasons with the club. In 2026, he batted .288 and had a .362 on-base percentage with 16 home runs and 70 RBIs in 153 games.

The Dodgers also employ Beeton, Ont., native Ellen Harrigan, who is one of Major League Baseball’s most respected executives. After beginning her career with the Blue Jays as an administrative aide in player development in 1981 and later becoming the general manager of the club’s New York Penn League affiliate in St. Catharines, Harrigan moved on to the Dodgers and has risen through the organization’s ranks to hold a number of key executive positions. Now in her 27th season with the club, she is currently the team’s vice-president, baseball administration.

The Dodgers won the National League West again this season, finishing 100-62. Like the Brewers, they have earned a bye to the Division Series.

Player: Freddie Freeman (Villa Park, Calif.), WBC eligible

Executive: Ellen Veronica Harrigan (Beeton, Ont.), vice-president, baseball administration

Minor league players: OF Charles Davalan (St-Bruno-De-Montarville, Que.), RHP Cam Leiter (Bayville, N.J., lived for part of his youth in Vancouver, BC), RHP Lucas Wepf (Georgetown, Ont.)

Doctor: Dr. Keith Pyne (Niagara On The Lake, Ont.), medical consultant

8. New York Yankees

There isn’t a Canadian on the Bronx Bombers’ postseason roster, but there’s no shortage of Canucks working in the organization. The club employs a trio of Canadian scouts in Steve Wilson (Victoria, BC), Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) and Denis Boucher (Lachine, Que.). They also boast a Canadian broadcaster in Nancy Newman (Toronto, Ont.), who works for the YES Network and sits in the same chair Mel Allen once sat.

And this year they added another Canuck to their organization in left-hander Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC), a Langley Blaze and Junior National Team grad, whom they selected in the second round of the MLB draft in July.

Duncan marks the fourth Canuck player added to the Bombers’ organization over the past two years. In 2025, the Yankees chose infielder Core Jackson (Wyoming, Ont.) and right-hander Blake Gillespie (Arva, Ont.) in the fourth and ninth rounds of the MLB draft respectively. They also signed right-hander Tyler Boudreau (Sylvan Lake, Alta.) as an amateur free agent.

They will begin their Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.

Minor league players: RHP Tyler Boudreau (Sylvan Lake, Alta.), LHP Kyle Carr (father, Darcy, is from Sydney, N.S.), LHP Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC), RHP Blake Gillespie (Arva, Ont.), INF Core Jackson (Wyoming, Ont.), OF Tyler Wilson (father, Steve, is from Victoria, BC)

Scouts: Steve Wilson (Victoria, BC), Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.), Denis Boucher (Lachine, Que.), Cory Melvin (Doug Melvin’s son)

Broadcaster: Nancy Newman (Toronto, Ont.) New York Yankees Magazine, host, YES Network

Off-field Canadian talent: Jessica (Lack) Ventura (Calgary, Alta.), class-A Tampa Yankees, director, partnership and community activation; Isiah McDonald (Kelowna, BC), minor league strength and conditioning coach

9. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies got a lot less Canadian when they fired manager Rob Thomson (Corunna, Ont.) on April 28 after the club got off to a 9-19 start. Thomson had managed the Phillies to four consecutive playoff berths, including a National League pennant in 2022 before he was let go.

In 2022, Thomson became the first Canadian skipper to manage a team in the big league postseason since Bill Watkins (Brantford, Ont.) led the National League’s Detroit Wolverines to a World Series title in 1887.

Thomson was replaced by former Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly, but if the Phillies are looking for further inspiration, perhaps they can call former general manager and now senior advisor and part-owner, Pat Gillick (Canadian citizen), in for a pep talk. He has three World Series rings - two with the Blue Jays (1992-93) and one with the Phillies (2008) - on his Hall of Fame resume.

And a Canadian did play for the Phillies in 2026. Right-hander Zach Pop (Brampton, Ont.) started the season in the club’s bullpen, posting a 3.68 ERA in seven appearances before being designated for assignment on May 30. He finished the season with the Marlins’ triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

The Phillies will play the Atlanta Braves in a Wild-Card series beginning on Tuesday.

Executive: Pat Gillick (Canadian citizen), senior advisor and part-owner

Minor league players: LHP Wesley Moore (Surrey, BC), OF Dante Nori (Toronto, Ont.)

Scouts: Alex Agostino (St-Bruno, Que.), Les McTavish (Stettler, Alta.)

10. Chicago Cubs

Last year, the Chicago Cubs headed into October with three Canadians in the mix for their postseason roster - RHP Jameson Taillon (Canadian citizen), RHP Michael Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) and OF Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.).

All three of them moved on in the off-season.

But if you’re looking for a Canadian around Wrigley Field this postseason, I don’t imagine it will take you long to spot former Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC). A special assistant to the president and a prominent analyst on the MLB Network, Dempster bleeds Cubbie blue.

You might also see all-time Cubs great Fergie Jenkins (Chatham, Ont.) at a playoff game or two. He has been a longtime ambassador for the club.

The Cubs will battle the Padres in a Wild-Card series that will commence on Tuesday night.

Minor league players: RHP Ryan Marton (Toronto, Ont.), OF Jordan Nwogu (Ottawa, Ont.)

Executives/Front Office: Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC), broadcaster, special assistant to the president; Fergie Jenkins (Chatham, Ont.), ambassador; Mike Sonne (Hamilton, Ont.) pitching scientist

Scout: James Parker (Toronto, Ont.)

11. Houston Astros

Forty-six years ago, Melville, Sask., native Terry Puhl set a then National League Championship Series record with 10 hits in 19 at bats (.526 batting average) in the Astros’ epic five-game series against the Phillies. Until Abraham Toro (Longueuil, Que.) had a pinch-hit at bat in the 2020 American League Championship Series, Puhl was the last Canadian to appear in a post-season game with the Astros.

There will not be a Canuck on the Astros’ post-season roster this year, but rest assured that Puhl, one of the team’s recent Hall of Famers who still lives in the area, will be at Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park) cheering on his old club.

The Astros, who claimed the American League West title with an 81-81 record, will face the White Sox in a Wild-Card series beginning on Tuesday.

Minor league player: LHP Adam Shoemaker (Cambridge, Ont.)

Scout: Jim Stevenson (Leaside, Ont.)

12. Boston Red Sox

Since the start of the 2024 season, the Red Sox have had four Canadian players suit up for them: Tyler O’Neill (Maple Ridge, BC), James Paxton (Ladner, BC), Nick Pivetta (Victoria, BC) and Abraham Toro (Longueuil, Que.).

But none of them are still with the club.

O’Neill and Pivetta have been moved to the Baltimore Orioles and Padres respectively. Toro played for the Kansas City Royals’ triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers this season and Paxton has retired.

So, there won’t be a Canadian on the Red Sox playoff roster in 2026 as they take on the Yankees in their much-anticipated Wild Card series starting on Tuesday..

Minor league player: RHP Matt Duffy (Burlington, Ont.)

September 29, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Atlanta Braves prospect Eric Hartman has been named MiLB Breakout Player of the Year.

The announcement was made during the fourth annual MiLB Awards Show that aired on the MLB Network on Monday night.

The honour comes just a week after Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.) was named the Braves’ Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America.

The 20-year-old Albertan put together a .249/.350/.456 slash line and had 26 home runs and 56 stolen bases in 128 games between the High-A Rome Emperors and double-A Columbus Clingstones.

In the process, Hartman became the first minor leaguer to finish a season with 25-plus home runs and 50-plus stolen bases since Andruw Jones in 1995.

Prior to the 2026 season, Hartman’s speed had been well documented, but his power outburst was a welcome surprise for the Braves.

“I think I’ve always been a strong guy and I love getting after it in the weightroom, but I think it was just cleaning some stuff up with some great coaches . . . It was just cleaning up my misses most of all, so my misses could be home runs instead of ground balls,” Hartman told MLB.com on Monday when asked about his power numbers in 2026.

Selected in the 20th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Braves, Hartman is proving to be the steal of that draft.

On Canada Day this year, the Okotoks Dawgs alum belted his 20th home run of the season to become the first player in the history of the High-A Emperors to club 20 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season. And he did it in just 71 games.

The 2026 campaign represented Hartman’s second in pro ball. In 2025, he batted .240 with five home runs and 48 stolen bases in 90 games between the FCL Braves and the class-A Augusta Green Jackets.

San Francisco Giants pitching prospect Ramon Marquez and Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Nolan Perry were the runners up to Hartman for MiLB’s 2026 Breakout honour.

September 29, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

Postseason baseball starts today, and after an impressive 2025 season, the Toronto Blue Jays will be watching this time around.

Injuries and struggles from some key players kept the Blue Jays outside of the postseason picture this year.

For those looking to get their Blue Jays fix over the next month, the attention now turns to Arizona and the subsequent Arizona Fall League.

In October, eight Blue Jays prospects will head out West to play for the Mesa Solar Sox, with the group consisting of five pitchers, one catcher and two outfielders.

Leading the charge is No. 11-ranked prospect Jake Bloss, while Jake Cook (No. 20) and Jake Casey (No. 23) will join the right-hander in Mesa. A familiar face will also don a Solar Sox jersey in former top prospect Arjun Nimmala, who was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline as part of the package for right-hander José Soriano.

Jake Bloss – RHP

Acquired by the Blue Jays at the 2024 trade deadline, Bloss was the headline piece of the deal that sent Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros. He made three starts for the Astros when injuries ravaged their rotation but spent most of that season in double-A.

Bloss finished the year in triple-A Buffalo and, after making six starts with the Bisons in 2025 was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. The rehab process carried over into this past season, with the right-hander finding himself back on the mound in mid-May.

In 2026, he made 11 starts across four levels, posting a 6.18 ERA while allowing 27 earned runs in 39 1/3 innings. His season was cut short in mid-July when a right teres major strain sent him back to the injured list.

With Bloss heading to Arizona, he appears to be healthy enough to pitch again and will get some additional reps in the desert.

Brandon Barriera – LHP

Speaking of injuries, enter left-hander Brandon Barriera.

The New York product was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft and, entering the 2026 season, had just 27 1/3 professional innings under his belt.

Barriera was healthy entering this season and made seven starts in Low-A Dunedin before landing on the injured list for another two months. The southpaw found his way back to the mound in mid-July and made nine more appearances to cap off the season, including three relief outings in High-A Vancouver.

Across three levels, Barriera posted a 4.89 ERA in a career-high 38 2/3 innings, recording a 1.707 WHIP while allowing 21 runs and issuing 29 walks. He posted a 9.3 K/9 compared to an 8.6 H/9, but struggled significantly with free passes, resulting in a 6.8 BB/9.

Barriera is in an awkward spot this winter, as he is Rule 5 eligible. The raw stuff is there if he can reel in the command issues, and there is a good possibility a team will take a chance on him in a bullpen role, similar to what the Blue Jays did with Spencer Miles this past winter.

Regardless, scouts will likely be in Mesa to see how Barriera fares against some of the top prospects in the game as he gets some more innings under his belt.

Gilberto Batista – RHP

Batista just finished his second full campaign in the Blue Jays' system, with the right-hander joining Toronto at the 2024 trade deadline as part of the Danny Jansen deal with the Boston Red Sox.

This season, Batista made significantly more appearances out of the bullpen compared to starting, with the 21-year-old primarily being used as a bulk reliever for the Vancouver Canadians.

In 31 outings, including four starts, Batista posted a 7.86 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP while opponents hit .307 against him. Under the surface, the Blue Jays prospect wasn't missing many bats, allowing 11.1 H/9 and 2.0 HR/9 while seeing his strikeout rate dip to 6.9 K/9.

Batista is heading to the desert to continue working on his craft after pitching a career-high 87 innings this season.

Fernando Perez – RHP

It was a tough season for right-hander Fernando Perez.

After an impressive 2025 campaign that saw him post a 3.04 ERA in 121 1/3 innings, Perez struggled to find that same form with the double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats in the Eastern League.

Through his first four outings with the Fisher Cats, he allowed 10 earned runs across 12 2/3 innings. He also walked 16 batters compared to just seven strikeouts. That prompted the Blue Jays to place him on the Development List for most of the season. He did not making another start until late August.

His return wasn't met with much fanfare either, as he allowed six earned runs over his next three starts while walking nine batters.

A stint in the desert is likely an attempt to provide a confidence boost for the young Nicaraguan, with the Blue Jays hoping it gets the ball rolling toward a return to the form he showed in 2025.

Yondrei Rojas – RHP

At 23 years old, right-hander Yondrei Rojas is no stranger to the professional ranks. After making his debut with the Blue Jays' Dominican Summer League team in 2021, this was Rojas' sixth professional season in the farm system.

After finishing last season in double-A, Rojas was placed on the injured list to begin the year and spent more than a month on the sidelines before beginning a rehab assignment in Dunedin.

Following his lone outing there, he rejoined New Hampshire and eventually finished the season in Buffalo, appearing in four games for the Bisons.

Overall, Rojas saw his ERA climb to 5.47 across 49 1/3 innings. He finished the year with a collective 1.358 WHIP and an 8.0 K/9. Walks weren't as much of an issue for Rojas compared to some of the other Blue Jays heading to Arizona, as he posted a 3.6 BB/9, but the right-hander is trending in the wrong direction at this stage of his development.

Rojas is also no stranger to the Arizona Fall League. He made four appearances for Glendale last year but struggled through 2 1/3 innings, allowing eight earned runs.

Aaron Parker – C

Another year, another level for Aaron Parker.

A sixth-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2024, Parker finished his draft year in Dunedin and took a step forward in 2025 when he was moved to the High-A Vancouver Canadians.

Like clockwork, he was moved to double-A New Hampshire for the 2026 season. In 87 games with the Fisher Cats, Parker posted a .253/.347/.467 slash line with eight doubles, 19 home runs and 48 RBIs while drawing 43 walks. He led the squad in home runs and ranked among the team leaders with his .814 OPS. Behind the plate, Parker threw out 14.3% of attempted base stealers while committing six errors for a .990 fielding percentage.

There is no denying that Parker has power at the plate, but the right-handed hitter saw a significant increase in his strikeout rate, finishing at 32.3% with 113 punchouts on the season.

There is likely a correlation between his increase in power and strikeouts, and finding a solid middle ground will go a long way for Parker, who should be heading to triple-A Buffalo next season.

Jake Casey – OF

After a cup of coffee in Dunedin following the 2025 draft, outfielder Jake Casey was ready to break out in the farm system with his first full season on the horizon in 2026.

Unfortunately for Casey, he suffered an injury in his first game with the Vancouver Canadians and wouldn't return to the diamond until early June.

He spent just over two weeks rehabbing in Florida before returning to Vancouver, where he would finish the season in the Northwest League.

Through 64 games, Casey amassed a .243/.377/.504 slash line with 12 doubles, four triples and 13 home runs while posting a .881 OPS.

Defensively, he split his time between centre field and right field, collecting three outfield assists while committing just one error.

For Casey, the trip to the desert will provide an opportunity to get more at-bats after an early-season injury set him back.

Jake Cook – OF

What could be better than one Jake on the Mesa Solar Sox?

A second Jake with a Blue Jays connection.

Joining the crew in Arizona this October is outfielder Jake Cook, a third-round pick of the Jays in 2025.

Cook didn't find himself in affiliated baseball last season and made his professional debut in the Florida Complex League. A quick five-game stint there culminated in a promotion to Low-A Dunedin, where he finished the year.

In his first professional season, Cook finished with a .247/.366/.361 slash line, five home runs and a .727 OPS. He also added 51 walks and 42 RBIs while spending the majority of his season in centre field.

Cook recorded five outfield assists while posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

He had a solid first professional season for the Jays, and he's likely heading to Mesa to get some additional at-bats after a delayed start to the season due to his initial assignment to the FCL, which begins later in the summer.

A Month of Valuable Reps in the Desert

With eight Blue Jays prospects heading to the Arizona Fall League, the Mesa Solar Sox will provide an opportunity for several players to gain valuable experience against some of the best young talent in baseball.

For players such as Bloss and Barriera, the focus will be on getting healthy and building innings. Others, including Parker, Casey and Cook, will have a chance to continue developing their offensive games and make a strong impression heading into the offseason.

September 28, 2026

By Mark Whicker

Canadian Baseball Network

The Baseball Writers Association of America has already voted for this year’s award winners, so don’t get too bent out of shape if Pete Crow-Armstrong goes 0-for-the-playoffs and still wins MVP. 

We’re reasonably sure Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani won’t win either MVP this year. That would be the first time both have missed it since 2020. 

And, in thinking about the manager’s award, Dave Roberts of the Dodgers and Kevin Cash of the Rays are the only playoff skippers who have gotten to a World Series with their current teams. They met in 2020, with Roberts winning. 

Here is what one ballot would look like. And, yes, the BBWAA ballots are sent by mail. We didn’t even need the Supreme Court to allow it. 

MVPs 

He didn’t win the conventional Triple Crown but Yordan Alvarez led the AL. in all slash categories, won the batting title, had a league-leading 33 intentional walks, and got Houston into the playoffs. He also was the runaway leader in RISP average. Should finish well ahead of Junior Caminero. 

The Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong played every game, led the NL. in runs, slugging and on-base, and tied Kyle Schwarber with 45 home runs. He was also a defensive dazzler in centre field. 

CY YOUNG 

It’s a Yankee righthander but not Gerrit Cole. Cam Schlittler, 25, had an AL-leading 1.95 ERA and was one of two (with Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen) to finish with a sub-1.000 WHIP. Toronto’s Dylan Cease might have won it with two or three more starts. 

Looks like another runnerup finish in the NL  for the Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez. You can’t touch Jacob Misorowski of Milwaukee, not when he has a .802 WHIP, a 16-5 record, and a 1.80 ERA. The Miz struck out 13 every nine innings and gave up 96 hits in 30 starts. 

MANAGER 

The Dodgers were not a push-button appliance this year. Will Smith played 73 games, Mookie Betts was cold early, Freddie Freeman was cold late, and pitchers Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani combined for 36 starts. And Kyle Tucker was a crowd pincushion and hit .233. Still, they came in with another 100-win season, with Dave Roberts again refusing to either panic or cruise. 

It’s not just that the White Sox won the AL Central two years after they lost 121 games, it’s that they did it without an outrageous individual performance, except for maybe Miguel Vargas. Will Venable was the guide. 

ROOKIE 

Not giving it to Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart in the NL would be the definition of insanity. He played every game as a 22-year-old and drove in 111 runs on the worst offensive team in the league. 

Detroit’s Kevin McGonigle had a solid rookie year. Cleveland lefty Parker Messick was exceptional, finishing third in ERA, fourth in WHIP and fourth in innings with a 12-9 record – and four losses in quality starts. 

RELIEVER 

Without Mason Miller the Padres would have been buried in the first half. He saved 38 of 41 and struck out 129 in 70 innings. Unfortunately the baseball writers have decided to give relievers a separate award, depriving guys like Miller of Cy Young consideration. 

Tampa Bay’s Bryan Baker went 41 for 44 and should edge Cleveland’s Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) in the AL. It’s called Know Your Personnel: Baker was a fine setup man for the Orioles but never got a chance at the 9th inning. 

EXECUTIVE 

Mike Chernoff, a 23-year veteran with the Cleveland organization even though he’s only 44, has developed a solid young nucleus of position players to support an eternally good pitching staff. Picking up outfielder Jo Adell and pitcher Foster Griffin were the latest examples. Remember, this is the lowest payroll in the game. 

Milwaukee’s Matt Arnold deserves the NL award and not just because they traded Freddy Peralta and remained the best regular-season team in baseball. The minor league mavens think the Brewers have several imminent stars. 

COMEBACK 

Cease cut his ERA almost in half in his first year with the Blue Jays (4.55 to 2.40) and had a career-high 239 strikeouts. He has led his league in strikeouts-per-nine three times in his career. 

The Phillies’ Zack Wheeler doesn’t win in the NL because his pitching was so much better. He wins because no one was sure he could overcome thoracic outlet syndrome (a blood clot, in English) and win half of his 28 starts. 

BREAKOUT 

Lefthander Reid Detmers did yeoman work for the 100-loss Angels, finishing third in AL WHIP with a career-best 3.36 ERA. 

Alec Burleson always had a respected bat, but this year his 116 RBIs for the Cardinals led the NL

COMEDOWN 

Kyle Finnegan symbolized the season in Detroit. Projected as the eighth-inning guy after a terrific 16-game audition in 2025, he had a league-leading 10 blown saves and gave up 9.9 hits every nine innings. 

Miami thought it might have a star in outfielder Jakob Marsee, but he faded to a .232 average and 41 RBIs in 616 plate appearances. 

MIS-MANAGER 

Seattle has already cut Dan Wilson loose, but he still didn’t struggle the way Detroit’s A.J.. Hinch did. 

It’s easy to pick on Tony Vitello, the U. of Tennessee coach that San Francisco hired, but the Giants led the NL in errors, and their oblivious nature regularly drew the ire of Mike Krukow, the nonpareil TV analyst who is retiring. 

EXECU-STIFF 

The Mets had MLB’s highest payroll and had the third-worst record in the National League. It’s doubtful that David Stearns thought they’d improve by ridding themselves of Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Diaz, but he’s the guy in the chair. 

Perry Minasian has already been fired as the Angels’ GM, and John Mozeliak was summoned for a cleanup before the new owners take over. It all falls on Arte Moreno. We’ll see if it’s a case of addition by resignation. 

FREE AGENT BARGAIN 

Lefty reliever Sean Newcomb signed with the White Sox for $4.5 million and was exactly what they needed. He gave them 90 innings out of the bullpen and gave up four home runs. 

Gregory Soto, another lefty reliever, had 16 saves and a 1.164 WHIP for Pittsburgh, after he signed for $7.75 million. 

FREE AGENT RIPOFF 

You can’t put a $60 million (a year) badge on a player and expect him to become DiMaggio, but Tucker actually went in reverse, giving the Dodgers only 17 home runs.

Houston won its division despite a $54 million, three-year contract hiccup. Tatsuya Imai quickly left the rotation after giving up six walks every nine innings. 

WIND FARM 

This goes to the hitters whose bats stir up the most air without result. In the AL., Nimmo hit 14 home runs for Texas and struck out 149 times. In the NL Atlanta’s Austin Riley walked back to the dugout 201 times and compensated with only 19 longballs. What has happened to him? 

GREEN LIGHT 

This goes to the relief pitchers whose appearances make baserunners go into their sprinter’s stance. In the NL., the Pirates’ Evan Sisk inherited 30 runners and allowed 16 of them to score. In the AL., Chase Silseth of the Rangers and Angels greeted 50 ducks on the pond and watched 21 of them quack happily to the plate. 

The opposite of this is Brent Headrick of the Yankees, who inherited a league-high 54 runners. Eight scored. If the Yankees have any luck, you’ll see Headrick as often as you see Aflac duck  this postseason. 

September 28, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

An ABC alum is heading home with some personal hardware this offseason.  

L.P. Langevin, a fourth-round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2024, earned the Dan Quisenberry Reliever of the Year Award last week as part of the Royals' annual organizational honours.

Langevin (Quebec, Que.) is the inaugural winner of the award, which celebrates the legendary Quisenberry who recorded 238 saves in 10 seasons with the Royals from 1979 through 1988.  

Langevin spent the 2026 season with the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits and struck out a whopping 106 batters in 55 1/3 innings. His 17.2 K/9 and 44.9 K% led the entire affiliated minor league ranks (minimum 50 innings pitched).

In 40 appearances, the right-hander posted a 3.42 ERA and registered three holds and three saves, while ranking second on the team in innings pitched.

Langevin also held opponents to a .140 batting average, which ranked fourth among minor league pitchers with at least 50 innings.  

Fast forward to the postseason and the River Bandits turned to the right-hander with the championship on the line in the bottom of the ninth inning. Leading 2-1 over the Dayton Dragons in the Midwest League final, Langevin entered the game and struck out all three batters he faced to secure the title.

Across four postseason outings (appearing in every game), Langevin closed out each contest for the River Bandits, striking out eight while allowing one hit and notching two saves.  

Armed with a mid-90s fastball that has some significant rise and run, Langevin generates strikeouts from bats on both sides of the plate. He also mixes in a slider to keep hitters honest, but his fastball is his go-to pitch.  

Ranked No. 30 on the Royals' top prospects list, Langevin will enter next season looking for a spot on the double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals. 

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Just because the best high school players were at Nat Bailey Stadium in BC, we are not going to ignore our yearly bios and questions since this event began . . .

Name: RHP Jack Bello

Hometown: Richmond, BC.

Team: Okotoks Dawgs Academy/Team Black.

Committed to: Washington State University.

The most influential person in my baseball life: “Besides my father, Pedro, it would be Mike Trout because I admire the way he goes about the game, his work ethic and the way he treats others.”

Greatest day on the ball field “Winning the Road to Okotoks this past summer because it was a surreal feeling to win the inaugural championship.”

My favourite player: “Mike Trout because of his play style, hard work and the way he is outside of the game.”

If not a pro player, the next best job “I’d want to be a physiotherapist for a pro team.”

The most important thing I’ve learned playing ball: “To take in the moment and enjoy the experience.”

Four people dead or alive you would invite to a mythical diner to ask them questions: “Mike Trout, my grandpa, Juan, Clayton Kershaw and Adam Sandler.”

Name: INF Tanner Morris

Team: Vauxhall Jets/Team Grey.

Hometown: Sudbury, Ont.

Committed to: Not committed yet.

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “My teammates and coaches and the amazing community of Vauxhall that has pushed me to be the best player I can be. My own family, mom, dad, and brother are the backbone of everything, including my grandpa who also played and was a pitcher and literally lives through every game ... But my team have become my extended family and truly inspire and push me to be better and they are the most important people in my baseball life.”

Greatest day on the ball field “So far was winning the Road to Okotoks qualifier! That was the most amazing day. We worked so hard as a team and did it with class and pride.”

Favourite player and why?: “Freddie Freeman because he is humble and carries himself with pride. He is also an all-around great player and someone I have always looked up to.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next best job you’d want to have when you grow up? “A lineman for Hydro. I would get to be outdoors, help people during big storms and be challenged every day in my work.”

What’s the most important life rule/thing you’ve learned playing ball? “That it is so important to be a better person, as it will allow me to be a better player. When I give back to my own community and do things off the field, it allows me to reset and make me realize I can do the hard stuff when it comes back to ball. Learn and grow from the setbacks, the losses and the slumps ... always remember that these things are temporary.”

What four people — dead or alive — would you invite to a mythical diner to ask them questions? “Derek Jeter to ask ‘do you have specific things you did to stay so humble and grounded all those years playing? How did you block out all the ‘noise’ and people who did not see your value?’ Yadier Molina to ask him for some tips for me as a young catcher? My future self (Tanner Morris) ... to ask if he was happy and still playing the game he loves? And my dad, Jamie, to ask if I made him proud? And thank him for joining me on every adventure over all these years.”

Name: LHP Ethan Reason

Teams: Toronto Mets/Team Royal.

Committed to: Uncommitted

Who is the most influential person in your baseball life and why? “The most influential person in my is my friend Nate Rowan because we have played ball together our whole lives and there is always a battle between us and always hoping for the best things for our baseball career.”

Your greatest day on the ball field? “My start at Lakepoint, Ga. when I threw a complete game, one-hitter against Boston Prime. The lone hit should have been an out. But I had a blast pitching and it was a really fun day.”

Your favourite player and why? “My favourite player is Kevin Pillar because when he used to play for the Blue Jays back in the day, I would always watch him wanting to be him and seeing his diving plays made him become my favourite player.”

If not a pro player, what’s the next job you’d want to have when you grow up? “A micro biologist because I think what they do is pretty cool and it looks really fun to do.”

What’s the most important life rule/thing you’ve learned playing ball? “The most important rule that I have learned is to forget what just happened and move on, to shake it off and get it right the next time.”

What four people — dead or alive — would you invite to a mythical diner to ask them questions: “Dr. Pepper, Kevin Pillar, (singer-songwriter) Mac Miller and my dad, also named Jeremy.”

Name: C-INF Rhys Whiteford

Hometown: Duncan, BC

Team: Okotoks Dawgs Academy

Committed to: Div. 1 Xavier University.

The most influential person in my life: “My grandma, Dinah, and my grandpa, Don, because they push me the most to play my hardest and have always taught me that you never know who’s watching at all times. Since my grandma’s passing, I’ve always had something to play for and it’s her name. The other most influential person is my mother, Erin. She’s the one that got me playing and is the person that always wants to see me succeed in anything I do.”

My greatest day on the ball field “Playing against the Dodgers Dominican Summer League team with the Junior National Team. I threw out five guys from behind the plate at second and had a base hit as well.”

My favourite players: “Munetaka Murakami. Everyone underestimated him saying he wasn’t going to do well and through the first few months of his rookie campaign being the favourite for rookie of the year, and Cam Schlittler. Cam doesn’t care who he’s facing he knows he has the stuff to beat anyone in the league.”

If I wasn’t playing ball: “I’d either like to be a teacher or a coach because I feel like it’s something I’d be really good at.”

The best thing I’ve learned from playing baseball: “No matter how tall you are, what your build is, or any of the above, if you have the skillset, you get a shot to go as far as you possibly can.”

Four people I’d love to have dinner with: “Barry Bonds. I’d like to talk ball with him when he was at his best, Tiger Woods being [on] top of the world for that long and not folding under pressure and keeping his composure at all times, Denzel Washington I feel like he is one of the most influential people in the world, and Will Ferrell. I always have loved his movies and think he is one of the funniest people ever.”

* * *

(We have emailed about 20 players at the Canadian Futures Showcase ...(after emailing their parents first) but apparently not many people read their emails. Check your email and answer away ... if you have time. We have the room. Thanks.)

September 23, 2026

Official Baseball Ontario News Release

The Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) is excited to announce Charles Bolden as a featured speaker for the 2027 OBA Best Ever Coaches Clinic, taking place January 15–17, 2027.

One of the game's rising leaders in player development, Bolden brings an impressive resume spanning collegiate baseball, professional baseball and USA Baseball. He currently serves as an assistant coach with Team Red at USA Baseball's prestigious 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP), where he helps identify and develop many of the top young players in the United States.

Most recently, Bolden was the recruiting coordinator and baserunning coordinator at Georgetown University, following a successful stint in the Baltimore Orioles organization as a minor league fundamentals coach. His expertise in baserunning, outfield play, recruiting and athlete development has made him one of the sport's most respected young instructors.

"Charles has quickly established himself as one of the brightest coaching minds in baseball," said the Ontario Baseball Association. "His experience at the NCAA, professional and national team levels will provide tremendous value to coaches across Ontario."

Bolden's coaching career also includes serving as head coach at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, along with collegiate coaching roles at Illinois Tech and Chicago State University. He additionally founded the Midwest Havoc travel baseball organization, helping more than 30 athletes advance to collegiate baseball.

The 2027 OBA Best Ever Coaches Clinic will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers from across amateur and professional baseball, with additional presenters to be announced in the coming weeks.

Registration is now open through the Ontario Baseball Association.

September 26, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - The Ottawa Titans defeated the Evansville Otters 4-0 in Game 4 of the 2026 Frontier League Finals to be crowned champions for the first time in franchise history.

Ky Hampton led the charge, retiring the first 16 batters he faced. He tossed eight scoreless frames, allowed just three hits, and struck out seven, earning himself Frontier League Playoff MVP honours.

Through 15 innings pitched in the playoffs, Hampton allowed just one earned run on nine hits, walking one, and striking out twelve.

Jackie Urbaez got the party started, launching a 375-foot solo shot to give the Titans a 1-0 first-inning lead. Myles Smith singled and stole second, then scored on an AJ Wright double.

In the fourth, Jake Steels doubled to left, and Urbaez picked up his second RBI of the day with a single to centre, extending the lead to 3-0.

The Otters looked like they had something cooking as Mark Black broke up the perfect game bid in the sixth and advanced to second, putting a runner in scoring position with two outs. Zac Vooletich singled, and as Black attempted to score, Myles Smith fired a frozen rope to nail him at the plate and preserve the shutout.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Titans added insurance on a sac fly from Rainer Nuñez to put the game out of reach.

Eric Pardinho closed out the game, retiring the side in order, as the Titans stormed the field in celebration.

AJ Wright went 3-for-4 with an RBI, and Urbaez went 2-for-4 with an RBI. The veteran duo shined in what could be their final game together, achieving their goal and bringing a championship to the Nation's Capital.

As the Frontier League rebrands to the National Association of Professional Baseball for next season, the 2027 schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

September 27, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Cooperstowners in Canada

Some Canadian baseball news and notes:

Lopez to finish with most hits in MLB

At the start of the season, no one would’ve predicted that Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez would lead the major leagues in hits.

But heading into the Marlins’ last game of the season today, Lopez is all but guaranteed to do so.

He has 191 hits, which gives him six more than Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arraez, who has been sidelined since Thursday with a sprained left ankle and is unlikely to play today.

San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is third with 181 hits.

On top of his impressive hit total, Lopez owns a .305 batting average which ranks third in the National League and he is tied for third in the NL with nine triples. His 6.0 bWAR (Baseball Reference WAR) is also fifth among NL position players.

Lopez spent part of his youth in Montreal and has played for Canada in the last two World Baseball Classics.

Soroka to start for D-Backs with season on the line

The Arizona Diamondbacks head into their final regular season game today trailing the Phillies by one game for the third National League Wild Card spot. If they can beat the Padres and the Phillies lose to the Tampa Bay Rays, the D-Backs will claim the Wild Card spot. The two teams went 3-3 against each other this year, but the D-backs have a better intra-divisional record, which is the second tie-breaker.

With their season on the line, the Diamondbacks will hand the ball to right-hander Michael Soroka (Calgary, Alta.).

On Tuesday, in his most recent start, Soroka allowed just one run on two hits, while striking out nine, in seven innings to pick up the win against the Colorado Rockies. That win was Soroka’s ninth of the season, which equals Texas Rangers right-hander Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) for the most by a Canadian pitcher in the majors this season.

In total in 2026, Soroka owns a 9-5 record and a 3.31 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) and has fanned 110 batters in 111 1/3 innings.

This season represents the 29-year-old Calgary Redbirds and Junior National Team grad’s seventh in the majors.

Pivetta provides Padres with late season spark

On Thursday, Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (Victoria, B.C.) hurled 4 2/3 scoreless innings and struck out seven batters against the Los Angeles Dodgers to help his club to a 4-2 win.

In the process, the Padres clinched a postseason berth (Wild Card) for the fifth time in their last seven seasons.

The 6-foot-5 Pivetta is 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA, with 19 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings, in four starts since being activated from the 60-day injured list on September 7. He had been sidelined with right elbow inflammation.

Pivetta will likely start Game 2 of the Padres’ Wild Card series against the Chicago Cubs.

In total, in eight starts this season, the Victoria Eagles and Junior National Team alum is 3-2 with a 2.86 ERA. He has 42 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.

Naylor steals 30th base

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) stole second base in the bottom of the eighth inning in the M’s 8-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels last night. That was the Canadian slugger’s 30th stolen base of the season. According to the Mariners, that makes Naylor the first, first baseman to have back-to-back 30-stolen base seasons since George Sisler did it for three straight campaigns with the St. Louis Browns from 1920 to 1922.

Overall, Naylor has batted .261 with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs in 151 games for the Mariners this season, his eighth in the majors.

Anniversary of almost no-hitter by Halladay (I was there)

I’ve never witnessed a no-hitter in person, but the closest I came was 28 years ago today at SkyDome when I was seated down the right field line to watch Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay carry a no-hitter into the top of the ninth inning in his second big league start. He had two outs when Detroit Tigers pinch-hitter Bobby Higginson belted a solo home run and Halladay had to settle for a complete-game one-hitter in the Blue Jays’ 2-1 win.

Harris made MLB debut 69 years ago

Sixty-nine years ago today, right-hander Billy Harris (Duguayville, N.B.) made his big league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

With the legendary Roy Campanella as his battery mate, Harris allowed three runs on nine hits, while striking out three, in seven innings but suffered a tough-luck 3-2 loss to the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. The Canadian right-hander was relieved by Sandy Koufax in the eighth inning.

Harris also recorded his only major league hit that day when he singled to centre field off Phillies right-hander Jack Sanford in the fifth inning.

Tong ends season on a high note

Right-hander Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.) started and allowed just one run on three hits, while striking out nine, in five innings to lead the New York Mets to a 7-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

It was a positive way to conclude the season for the 23-year-old right-hander.

After being recalled by the Mets on September 7, Tong posted a 3.92 ERA and fanned 26 batters in 20 2/3 innings in four starts.

He was called up after a strong August with the triple-A Syracuse Mets in which he recorded a 2.39 ERA in five starts and held opponents to a .170 batting average. In total, the Toronto Mets alum went 5-6 with a 4.54 ERA in 23 triple-A starts this season.

Tong also made three starts for the big league Mets earlier this season.

He made his MLB debut with the Mets in 2025, registering a 7.71 ERA in five starts.

Carter doubled in final MLB at bat 34 years ago

Thirty-four years ago today, Montreal Expos catcher Gary Carter doubled in his final MLB at bat.

It came in the seventh inning with two outs off Chicago Cubs right-hander Mike Morgan with Expos outfielder Larry Walker on first base after a walk.

Carter drove the ball deep to right field and it just eluded the reach of Cubs right fielder and ex-Carter teammate Andre Dawson.

Walker scored to account for the only run of the game in the Expos’ 1-0 win.

Carter received a prolonged standing ovation from the 41,802 fans at Olympic Stadium.

Hicks to be first Canadian to play for Rays in postseason

The Tampa Bay Rays are headed to the postseason for the 10th time, but this will be the first year they will have a Canadian on their October roster.

The Rays, who own a 98-63 record heading into today’s final game, acquired catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) from the Marlins on August 3, and Hicks has been a key part of their offence ever since. In 40 games with the Rays, he owns a .281/.376/.421 slash line and has four home runs and 20 RBIs. And he had already been enjoying a breakout campaign with the Marlins.

In total, the Toronto Mets alum has batted .282 with 18 home runs and 82 RBIs in 141 regular season games in 2026. He is also poised to finish the season as one of a select group of MLB hitters with more walks (56) than strikeouts (55).

Raines made history 43 years ago

On this date 43 years ago, Tim Raines went 3-for-4 and had four RBIs in the Expos’ 10-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

His four RBIs gave him 71 on the season, making him the first major league player since Ty Cobb with the Detroit Tigers in 1915 to record 70 stolen bases and 70 RBIs in the same season.

Wilkinson strong in final start for Giants

San Francisco Giants left-hander Matt Wilkinson (Ladner, B.C.) allowed one run on one hit in three innings to the Dodgers in his final start of the season on Saturday. He struck out two batters and threw 21 of his 37 pitches for strikes.

Wilkinson concluded the campaign by permitting just one run in 13 innings over his last four outings. This lowered his ERA to 3.58 in eight total MLB appearances (six starts).

Nicknamed Tugboat, the young lefty collected his first big league win on September 9 when he pitched two scoreless innings in relief in the Giants’ 7-6 win over the Cardinals.

Prior to being called up in August, the 23-year-old Canadian went 3-4 with a 5.15 ERA in 10 starts for the Giants’ triple-A Sacramento River Cats.

On May 9, the Cleveland Guardians traded Wilkinson, along with the 29th overall pick in this year’s draft, to the Giants for catcher Patrick Bailey.

34 years ago today, Morris became Jays’ first 20-game winner

It was 34 years ago today that Jack Morris registered his 20th win of the 1992 season for the Blue Jays to become the first 20-game winner in franchise history.

Morris allowed just three hits in six scoreless innings in the Blue Jays’ 12-2 win over the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

September 25, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - Returning home, the Ottawa Titans kept things rolling in Game 3, grinding out an 8-6 win over the Evansville Otters on Friday night to take a 2-1 lead in the Frontier League Championship Series.

The City of Ottawa showed up, setting a new MLB Partner League Playoff record with 10,303 fans in attendance.

Evan Grills (Whitby, Ont.) found himself in a jam in the second. A single from Logan Brown and a double from LG Castillo put both into scoring position with no outs. Sam Linscott reached on an error, scoring one, while a failed pickoff at first later in the inning led to another run to make it 2-0 for the Otters.

The Titans got those runs back and more in the bottom of the second against right-hander Anthony Tomczak. AJ Wright and Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) each earned a free pass to open the inning. Hunter Stokely got the party started with a line drive to right field to get the home side on the board.

A walk loaded the bases later on, and Mitsuki Fukuda took a scary one off the helmet. A run scored on the hit-by-pitch to tie it. Jake Steels knocked one in on a fielder's choice to take a 3-2 lead.

The Otters took back the lead in the third, bringing in two to make it 4-3, but the Titans stayed in it, putting up a four-run third.

Taylor Wright drove one in on an RBI single to tie it at four. Stokely doubled to give the Titans the lead for good, and Michael Fuhrman got the crowd on their feet, smacking a two-run triple to make it 7-4.

The Otters made it a two-run game in the fifth, but Stokely stayed hot, knocking in his third run of the day with a single to make it 8-5 in the bottom of the frame.

Grills allowed one more in the sixth before his day ended. He tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing six runs (four earned) on 11 hits, while striking out six. Grills left in line for the victory.

The Titans’ bullpen permitted just two hits through 3 2/3 innings of work. Ted Stuka came in with a runner on and stopped the bleeding by getting the final two outs in the sixth.

Brett Garcia was lights out, going a season-high three innings. He allowed just one hit, walked two, while striking out a massive seven batters.

Michael Fuhrman went 1-for-3 with an RBI triple; Taylor Wright went 2-for-3 with an RBI, three runs, and two stolen bases. Hunter Stokely had himself a night, going 3-for-4 with three runs batted in.

With the win, the Titans are now one win away from their first title in franchise history.

The Titans continue the 2026 playoffs, attempting to close out the series with Game 4 of the Frontier League best-of-five Championship Series against the Otters on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. If necessary, Game 5 is Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium.

September 25, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club set a new MLB Partner League single-game playoff attendance record on Friday, selling out Game 3 of the 2026 Frontier League Championship Series with 10,303 tickets sold.

The record-setting crowd surpasses the previous playoff attendance mark by more than 2,000 fans, set by the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League at 8,143 fans on September 21, 2018, establishing a new standard for postseason attendance.

It also marks the largest playoff crowd for an MLB Partner League game in Canada, passing 8,414 in Winnipeg for Game 3 of the 1994 Northern League Finals.

The historic night comes just months after the Titans set the Frontier League’s all-time single-game regular-season attendance record, welcoming 10,278 fans to Ottawa Stadium for the 2026 Home Opener on May 8.

“Tonight is another incredible milestone for the Ottawa Titans, the Frontier League and baseball in this community,” said Martin Boyce, general manager of the Ottawa Titans. “Our fans continue to show just how special baseball is and how strong it is in Ottawa-Gatineau.”

The record crowd has packed Ottawa Stadium with energy as the Titans continue their postseason run, with the club looking for its first title in franchise history.

The Titans entered Game 3 with the best-of-five series tied at one apiece – with the two teams splitting the opening games at Historic Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana earlier this week.

Tonight’s record crowd marks another milestone in a historic fifth season for the Titans, who finished the 2026 regular season with a franchise-record 57 wins and have continued to build on record-setting attendance growth throughout the campaign.

“This is what #FullSwing looks like,” added Boyce. “Our players, our staff, and most importantly, our fans have brought this place to life all season long. Ottawa Stadium is full of energy tonight, and we’re incredibly proud to share this moment with our community.”

The Ottawa Titans thank the 10,303 fans who helped make MLB Partner League history tonight and continue to support professional baseball in Canada’s Capital.

“We congratulate the Ottawa Titans on yet another attendance record,” outlined Steve Tahsler, Frontier League commissioner. “Starting with the Opening Day sellout, the Ottawa/Gatineau community has shown amazing support for the Titans and the Frontier League all season. It is appropriate that our 2026 season ends this weekend in such a passionate and engaged community.”

The Titans continue the 2026 Playoffs, remaining at home for Game 4 of the Frontier League best-of-five Championship Series against the Otters on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. If necessary, Game 5 is Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium.

The highest-paid Canadian from 2026 — Toronto Mets INF Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.)

September 23, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Both the San Diego Padres and the Atlanta Braves leap-frogged the Baltimore Orioles to become the highest spenders on Canadian talent working their way into major-league systems.

The Padres are back to top spot -- like in 2022 having spent $10,384,843 on Canucks. The Braves are next at $9,798,300, followed by the Orioles, who have spent $9,391,800.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ($7,391,300) and the Pittsburgh Pirates ($7,391,300) round out the top five.

In all, the 30 teams -- 31 if we count the Montreal Expos and we do -- have spent $131,942,981. (We don’t tally signing bonuses of $5,000 or $15,000 amounts only six-figure bonuses.)

The Padres, who employed scouts Murray Zuk (Souris, Man.), Chris Kemlo (Oshawa, Ont.) and scouts south of the border, have signed members of the Junior National Team over the years ...

Former first-rounder Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC)

_ First-round SS Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) from Stetson and the Whalley Chiefs in 1997.

_ 20th rounder C George Kottaras (Markham,Ont.) Connors State and Ontario Blue Jays in 2002,

_ Fourth rounder INF Chris Bisson Orleans (Ont.) from Kentucky and the Ottawa-Nepean Canadians in 2010.

_ First-rounder RHP Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) Stanford and the Terriers in 2016.

_ 14th rounder LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) Cloud County and the Prospects Baseball Academy in 2018.

_ Fourth rounder RHP Matt Brash (Kingston, Ont.) of Niagara University and Kingston Thunder in 2019.

_ Second round selection OF Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.) of the FieldHouse Pirates in 2020.

_ Free agent RHP Brandon Langley (New Glasgow, PEI) from Western Carolina University in 2025.

_ Second round selection INF Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) of the Toronto Mets this year.

RHP AJ Rogers (Dartmouth, NS) of the Okotoks Dawgs signed with the Padrees scout Chris Kemlo.

_ Undrafted free agent RHP AJ Rogers (Dartmouth, NS) from the Okotoks Dawgs and Dartmouth Juniors this summer.

_ And finally free-agent RHP Jack Pineau (Thunder Bay, Ont.) from Creighton University.

The Braves, run by Alex Anthopoulos (Montreal, Que.) drafted and signed the top Canuck in 2026 first-rounder OF Carter Beck (Carnduff, Sask.) who signed for $2,684,100.

The biggest movers were the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays who each moved up seven spots.

The Yankees went from 17th last year to 10th, after signing second rounder LHP Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC) of the Langley Blaze.

The Rangers moved from 11th from to 18th after drafting and signing SS Connor Comeau from the Austin, Tex. suburbs. And the Rays moved 19th to 12th after inking INF Taj Marchand, son of former Toronto Maple Leafs draft Hugo Marchand (Montreal, Que.).

Canada’s team -- at least for advertising purposes forgetting about the Mariners fans in BC, the Tigers fans in Southwestern Ontario and the Red Sox fans in the Atlantic provinces -- did not draft anyone and remain eighth.

The San Francisco Giants have spent the least.

Canadian Players that have received Six-Digit Signing Bonuses

Team Ranks for Canadian MLB Signing Bonuses