July 8, 2026

By Ian Wilson

Western Canadian Baseball League

The best and brightest in the Western Canadian Baseball League are gearing up for a full weekend of fun in Saskatoon.

The WCBL has announced its player selections for the East Division and West Division rosters that will take the field at the 2026 All-Star Weekend at NexGen Patch at Cairns Field on Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th.

Here is a closer look at the players who have been chosen to represent their teams.

EAST DIVISION

There are six WCBL clubs in the East Division, including five from Saskatchewan and one based in Alberta. They include the Moose Jaw Miller Express, Regina Red Sox, Swift Current 57’s, Weyburn Beavers, Saskatoon Berries and Medicine Hat Mavericks. The Regina Red Sox are the defending WCBL champions.

Saskatoon Berries

The hometown crowd will have a pair of pitchers and and a trio of batters to cheer on.

Michael Sall sits among the league leaders in earned run average (2.45 ERA) and innings pitched (33). The 6-foot-2 starting pitcher from Omaha, Nebraska is 5-0 with 27 strikeouts and he has only allowed 11 walks.

Fellow righthander Tanner Hosick has been fantastic out of the bullpen. The University of Nebraska Omaha student is 5-2 with two saves, and 27 Ks in 16-plus innings pitched. He has registered a 1.10 ERA thus far this season.

Outfielder Ethan Murdoch returns to the WCBL All-Star Game after an excellent first half of the campaign. The 6-foot-5 slugger from Swift Current is on the leaderboards in batting average (.405), on-base percentage (.487), OPS (1.169), hits (51), doubles (11), runs batted in (36) and home runs (8) through his first 30 games played.

Second baseman Gael Salinas is also a top hitter in the league. The Guanajuato, Mexico native is batting .387 with a .493 on-base percentage, 11 doubles, 34 runs and 27 RBI in 30 games.

Look behind the plate for Southeastern Louisiana University student Gavin Panks to work with East Division All-Star pitchers. The backstop is batting .394 with a .520 on-base percentage, 24 runs, 27 RBI, 37 hits and 22 walks in 27 WCBL contests.

Moose Jaw Miller Express

A pair of strikeout artists will rep the yellow-and-black.

Veteran workhorse Westin Walls leads the league in strikeouts (59) and innings (53.2) midway through the season. The towering Texan is 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA for the Millers this year.

Southpaw Jacob Glazener is pushing Walls for the most strikeouts in the WCBL. The 6-foot-2 St. Edward's University student is 6-2 with 51 Ks in 41.2 innings.

The top base stealer on the circuit will also represent Moose Jaw. Shortstop Thomas Soto - from Round Rock, Texas - has 30 stolen bases this season on 35 attempts. The switch hitter is also batting .325 with a .444 on-base percentage, 40 runs, 21 RBI and 20 walks in 32 games.

Outfielder Chris Franks, a lefty hitter from Ashland University, has recorded 31 RBI, 22 runs, 34 hits, 10 stolen bases and eight doubles through 31 games with the Miller Express.

Australian outfielder and designated hitter William Edwards - who set a single-season WCBL record for RBI in 2025 - will join his Moose Jaw mates in Saskatoon. In 32 games this year, Edwards is batting .336 with 28 runs, 27 RBI, 39 hits and 19 bases on balls.

Medicine Hat Mavericks

Catcher Nate King has been recognized for his work behind the dish and with the bat. The 20-year-old Ontario product sports a .329 batting average and has 14 runs and 10 RBI in 22 games.

He'll be joined on the East Division roster by third baseman Carter Roth, who also hails from Ontario. The Doane University pupil, who is in his second season with the Mavs, has produced a .426 on-base percentage, .364 batting average, 28 runs, 27 RBI, 15 doubles and 51 hits in 33 contests.

Outfielder Blake Dale has been among the league leaders in hits (41), doubles (16), home runs (6) and RBI (35). Dale is in his third season with the Mavericks after playing at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Righty pitcher Derek Archer is having a phenomenal campaign on the bump. The senior from Westminster College is among the top of the WCBL pitching leaders in strikeouts (42), ERA (3.44) and innings pitched (36.2). The righthander has a 2-2 record and has allowed 14 walks.

Reliever Tanner Hail is also getting an All-Star nod. In 16-plus innings, Hail is 2-1 with two saves, 14 Ks and a 4.96 ERA. The Feather River College student stands 6-foot-4 inches tall.

Weyburn Beavers

A pair of Logans are representing Weyburn this year.

Logan Lynch is one of the WCBL leaders in innings (38.1), ERA (3.29) and strikeouts (27). The right-handed starter is 4-2 and has issued just 13 bases on balls. Lynch is a Cartersville, Georgia product who played for the Reinhardt University Eagles.

In 22.2 innings, Logan Kinter has picked up a pair of saves while registering 24 strikeouts for the Beavers. The Eastern New Mexico University student is in his second season with Weyburn.

Brayden Mayencourt is a five-year veteran with the Beavers. The first baseman, a lefty batter from Surrey, British Columbia, has a .280 batting average, 23 runs, 18 RBI, 18 walks and three long balls in 28 games this year.

Outfielder Joe Madill, a Cochise College student, has produced 26 hits, 23 runs, 15 RBI, four round trippers, five stolen bases and 20 walks in 30 games with the Beavers.

Veteran catcher Robert Gurney is expected to mask up for the East Division, as well. The fourth-year Beaver from Campbell River, British Columbia is batting .275 with a .396 on-base percentage, 17 runs, 16 RBI, nine doubles and three homers in 29 games.

Regina Red Sox

Baseball-bashing Brady Bye will represent the Red Sox during All-Star festivities. The Regina native has consistently ranked among the WCBL's top batters in hits (40), homers (9) and RBI (40). Through 31 games, the third baseman has a .333 batting average, 26 runs and eight stolen bases.

Bye will have some familiar faces in the infield.

First baseman Will Togher has a .310 batting average, 24 runs, 22 RBI, three bombs and four steals in his first 30 games of the 2026 WCBL season. The Fort Collins, Colorado product studies at Garden City Community College in Kansas.

Long-time Red Sox infielder Justin Simard has provided steady offence to the Regina lineup. In 29 games, the Californian has a .405 on-base percentage, .339 batting average, 37 hits, 16 runs, 15 RBI, 10 walks and four stolen bases.

Starting pitcher Kaegan Baker has been a K machine in the Queen City. Through his first 31-plus innings, the 21-year-old righty is 3-2 with 45 strikeouts and just 12 walks allowed. Baker hails from Harrah, Oklahoma and pitches collegiately for Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

David Gordon has been solid out of the bullpen for the Red Sox. He's 1-1 with two saves, 26 strikeouts and a 3.60 ERA in 20 innings. The righthander from California studies at Arizona Christian University.

Swift Current 57's

Swift Current's version of the bash brothers will be front and centre at NexGen Patch at Cairns Field.

Jake Hiromoto and Keagan Knowler have been homer happy all season. They both have 11 long balls so far this summer.

Hiromoto is batting .378 with a 1.189 OPS, 39 RBI, 31 runs, 42 hits and two steals in 29 contests. The University of San Francisco freshman grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Knowler has a .417 on-base percentage, 29 RBI, 24 runs, 30 hits, eight doubles and 15 walks in 27 WCBL games. The 6-foot-3 first baseman from Tecumseh, Ontario has committed to play for Roane State Community College.

Outfielder Lucas Geisler, the pride of Balcarres, Saskatchewan, is an on-base machine who has managed to get aboard at a .456 clip through 25 matchups. The speedster also has nine stolen bases, 21 runs, 21 hits and 13 RBI.

Workhorse Zach Desylva will also represent the green-and-orange. The righty is 3-0 with 20 strikeouts and a 4.54 ERA over 35-plus innings. The 6-foot-2 sophomore from Kentucky pitches for Mount St. Joseph University.

Nevada's Koufax Cranmer has also been a useful hill topper for the 57's. He's 1-2 with one save and 17 strikeouts in 21.2 innings. The 5-foot-10 righty pitches for Dominican University when he's not at Mitchell Field.

WEST DIVISION

There are six Alberta teams in the West Division, including the Okotoks Dawgs, Lethbridge Bulls, Sylvan Lake Gulls, Energy City Cactus Rats, Fort McMurray Giants and Brooks Bombers. The Gulls are the defending West Division champs.

Okotoks Dawgs

The Dawgs are bringing a handful of high-calibre stars with them to Saskatchewan.

Third baseman Connor Crowson - who was named the WCBL's Most Outstanding Canadian in 2025 - will be on the West Division roster. The Okotoks native and Dawgs Academy grad is among the league's top hitters in terms of batting average (.439), on-base percentage (.585), OPS (1.269), hits (43), and walks (29). The "Crow Show" also has 45 runs, 30 RBI, eight doubles, four round trippers and 10 stolen bases in 28 games.

Fleet-footed Cal Gates will be available for outfield duty. The 20-year-old student at Indiana University is batting .466 with a .566 on-base percentage, 26 runs, 17 RBI, 16 walks and 21 stolen bases through 21 contests.

Catcher Jayden Lusk sports a .306 batting average and a .470 on-base percentage, while registering 20 RBI, 22 runs and 22 walks in the Dawgs high-octane offence. Lusk is a lefty batter from North Hills, California who is coming off his freshman season at Vernon College.

Right-handed pitcher Tyson Willis has assembled a 3-1 record while sitting down 19 batters via strikeout in 21 innings. He has a 5.14 ERA and has allowed only four walks so far this season. The Washington product pitched this year at George Mason University.

Bullpen ace Wyatt Sadleir will join Willis and his Okotoks teammates. The Calgarian, who attends North Central Texas College, has a 1.96 ERA, 22 strikeouts and one win in 18-plus innings.

Lethbridge Bulls

Former WCBL All-Star Game MVP Kalem Haney has earned another All-Star nod. The infielder and outfielder with the Bulls has 32 runs, 20 RBI, 35 hits, 26 walks, four homers and eight steals for Lethbridge through 25 games. The Vauxhall Academy grad has suited up at the University of Mary in North Dakota over the last few years.

Utility player Cardel Dick will also rep the Bulls on the West Division roster. In 26 games, the product of Abbotsford, British Columbia is batting .295 with a .424 on-base percentage, as well as 15 runs, 15 RBI and 16 bases on balls. A veteran with Lethbridge, Dick has studied at the University of Nebraska Omaha since 2024.

Shortstop Jack Wheatley also gets the call. He is batting .354 with a .441 on-base percentage in 16 games. The 6-foot-3 Calgarian is a pupil at the College of Southern Nevada.

Look for Eastern Arizona College southpaw Brett Getz as on option for mound work. The Medicine Hat native has played for the Bombers, Mavericks and Bulls during his WCBL career. This season he is 2-0 with 21 strikeouts and a 4.13 ERA in 24 innings with Lethbridge.

Right-handed reliever Lucas Huynh also made the cut. The 6-foot-3 hurler with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds already has four saves and a win in just 8.1 innings of work. The Vancouver product has six strikeouts and has not yielded a run this season with the Bulls.

Sylvan Lake Gulls

Brayden Stewart will suit up for the West Division as a righty pitcher out of Sylvan Lake. In 16-plus innings with the Gulls, he has two saves, a 2.70 ERA and 30 strikeouts this season. The 6-foot-3 reliever brings experience from the University of the Cumberlands.

Calgarian Kai Rempel is 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA and 18 Ks in his 18 frames with the Lake Boys. The 20-year-old is in his third season with the Gulls after putting in work with Cloud County Community College over the last two years.

Second baseman Maddox Shaver has been a consistent hitter with Sylvan Lake this season. He's put together a .333 batting average and a .477 on-base percentage, while recording 27 runs, 17 RBI, six home runs, 15 walks and 12 stolen bases in 26 games. The Kaiser University infielder and former Brooks Bomber calls Belleville, Ontario home.

Elijha Hammill, who also hails from Ontario, will represent the Gulls, as well. The 22-year-old outfielder and Niagara University pupil is a switch hitter with a .368 batting average and .422 on-base percentage in 16 WCBL games in 2026. He's collected 15 runs, 12 RBI, five doubles, five homers and three swiped bags.

Backstop Rece Schuerman has also found success in central Alberta. The Spokane, Washington native and member of the Gonzaga Bulldogs has 12 RBI, 10 runs, nine doubles and four stolen bases in 19 games while framing pitches for the Gulls.

Brooks Bombers

Two-way player Owen Fernandes has done it all for the Bombers this summer. The Maple Ridge, British Columbia native has racked up 29 strikeouts over 28 innings, while producing 10 runs, 10 RBI, 12 hits and five homers in 11 games at the plate. Fernandes studies at Yavapai College.

Righty moundsman Jack Swanberg has gone 1-1 for the Bombers while generating 31 punchouts and walking just nine batters in 23 innings. The 6-foot-2 Californian also has a 4.30 ERA in the WCBL this year.

Texas A&M International University player Asahi Nakano has put up solid numbers with the Bomb Squad. In 25 games, the Japanese slugger has a .360 batting average, .434 on-base percentage, 36 hits, 17 runs, 17 RBI, three long flies, 11 walks and four stolen bases.

Maverick McAllister has also been effective while playing second base in Brooks. The Texan has 39 hits, 20 runs, 16 RBI, eight doubles, 12 swipes and a .345 batting average in 28 WCBL contests.

Lefty hitter Ben Simmons has contributed a .315 batting average, 13 RBI, 11 runs, eight doubles and two homers to the offensive production in his 18 games. The catcher from Ottawa, Ontario is a Vauxhall Academy grad who attends Eastern Arizona College.

Fort McMurray Giants

Nick Sauve has been a key part of the batting lineup in Fort Mac. The catcher has 19 RBI, 17 runs and seven home runs in 24 games for the Giants. Sauve is in his second campaign with the Giants after excelling for Okanagan College in the Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC).

Joining Sauve on the West Division team is infielder Marcos Arocho, who is batting .357 with 18 runs, 17 RBI, seven doubles, three long balls and six stolen bases through 27 games. The Arecibo, Puerto Rico product plays collegiately with Oakland City University.

Meanwhile, Brett Petillo is a utility player with the Giants who carries a .298 batting average, 18 RBI, 15 runs, 10 doubles and two homers into the middle stretch of the WCBL season. He is a Dallas College Brookhaven student.

Reliever Bradyn Schneider has one save and nine strikeouts for Fort McMurray and has a 4.30 ERA in his 14.2 innings this season. The 6-foot-3 southpaw joined the Giants from Redondo Beach, California.

Mark Tor has gone 1-1 in his 29.1 innings with the Giants. The righty has 18 strikeouts and a 5.83 ERA. The pride of Homer Glen, Illinois is a senior with the Edgewood University Eagles.

Energy City Cactus Rats

The Cactus Rats are sending a lefty and a righty pitcher to Saskatoon to put in work for the West Division All-Stars.

Southpaw Saul Mata is 2-3 in his 23 innings with Energy City. He has 27 strikeouts and a 5.09 ERA on the WCBL circuit so far this year. The New Yorker has attended Iona University for the last three years.

Sebastian Mizener, a righthander, is 1-2 with 14 Ks in 18 innings. The Ancaster, Ontario native has taken the mound for Mayville State University.

In 20 games with Energy City, Riley Kwak is batting .297 with a .439 on-base percentage. He's generated 17 runs, 16 walks and six stolen bases. The 19-year-old infielder and outfielder is a Bossier Parrish Community College student.

Infielder Micah Cervantes will also represent the Cactus Rats at All-Star Weekend. In 14 games, the California State University - East Bay player has a .370 batting average, .444 on-base percentage, 12 runs and six stolen bases.

Japan's Seiji Umezawa has 17 hits, 14 RBI, three homers and four stolen bases in his 26 games with the Cactus Rats. He has played the last two years at Sussex Community College in New Jersey.

ALL-STAR GAME SCHEDULE

The Saskatoon Berries are juiced to invite the best of the WCBL to NexGen Patch at Cairns Field for a full weekend celebrating the top talent in the league.

For the first time in league history, the All-Star festivities - presented by SIGA Rewards - are expanding to include an entire weekend of action, featuring live music, skills competitions and plenty of excitement.

The party gets started on Saturday, July 18th, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m., followed by the WCBL All-Stars participating in a bunt competition, presented by Parktown Hotels, at 4 p.m..

Up-and-coming baseball stars will take the field at 5 p.m. to compete in the Little League Home Run Derby before making way for the top sluggers in the league, who will bash baseballs and compete in the WCBL Home Run Derby. That long-ball event gets underway at 6 p.m.

The first day of festivities will be capped off with a performance from Saskatchewan country music artist Jordyn Pollard, who will jam in the plaza at NexGen Patch at 7:45 p.m.

On Sunday, July 19th, the doors open at 11:30 a.m., giving fans plenty of time to grab a drink, a hot dog, and find their seats for the main event, the WCBL All-Star Game, which starts at 1 p.m.

Fans can stick around after the star-studded matchup for autograph sessions, so bring a pen and a baseball and get ready to meet your favourite player!

"When planning the events for All-Star Weekend we wanted to do things differently. We love to add fun and flavour into everything we do. Having new events like the Bunt Competition and Little League Home Run Derby does this, while showcasing the additional talent of our WCBL stars, as well as the future stars in our province," said Allison Hlady, the brand and promotions manager with the Saskatoon Berries.

"The live Jordyn Pollard concert to top off an already juiced up first day is something we are really looking forward to sharing with the fans. For the All-Star Game itself we have a bundle of fun games and attractions for the fans to enjoy while catching some of the best baseball our league has to offer."

July 8, 2026

Baseball Canada

Eight teams are set to meet in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the 2026 Women’s National Championship which will run from July 9 to 12.

An all-time list of Baseball Canada Cup medalists can be found here.

WHAT:
2026 Women’s National Championship in Winnipeg, Man.

WHEN:
The action starts on Thursday, July 9, with round-robin play running until Saturday, July 11. A quarterfinal matchup and a tiebreaker (if necessary) are set for Saturday evening, followed by semifinal, placement, bronze medal, and gold medal games, as well as the closing ceremonies on Sunday, July 12.

Check out the complete schedule here.

WHO:
Eight teams representing six provinces will battle for the title of National Champion: British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario (2), Québec (2), and Saskatchewan. 

HOW TO FOLLOW:

Watch live streamed games on Game Changer

Live scoring of all tournament games via Game Changer

July 8, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs continued their winning ways on Wednesday, pounding out 16 hits to defeat the Saskatoon Berries 10-5 at NextGen Patch at Cairns Field.

Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks, Alta.) led the Dawgs' offence, going 3-for-5 with a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

Landon Kauffman (Vancouver, B.C.) added three hits - including two doubles. He also had two runs, an RBI and a stolen base.

Emmet Stacher was another offensive standout, going 4-for-5 with two RBIs and a run.

On the mound, Tyson Willis started and allowed just two runs, while striking out three, in 4 2/3 innings.

Grady Keljo, Ryan Stone and Korey Alston each contributed a scoreless inning in relief, with Alston striking out the side to close out the game.

The Dawgs will look to keep rolling on their road trip as they head to Regina to face the Red Sox on Thursday.

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on July 9. You can read it here.

July 9, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

They have flown onto the game’s map in a big way in a short time and hope to swoop in to snag Baseball Canada’s biggest prize.

Started in 2024 as a partnership between the Western Canadian Baseball League’s Sylvan Lake Gulls and St. Joseph High School Baseball Academy, the Gulls 19U Prep team brings together the best high school baseball players from central Alberta

They have already started picking up wins over provincial rivals and been in gold medal contention at major Western Canadian tournaments.

Now it’s time for the ultimate showdown: The Road to Okotoks and the Morneau Cup.

And they believe they have what it takes to win it all after a strong showing at the Prairie Qualifiers in Lethbridge and Vauxhall in late-May.

“It feels like our lineup is starting to hit together and generate consistent offense,” head coach Josh Zanolli told Alberta Dugout Stories.

“We’re starting to really slug and impact the ball, so if we get some key performances on the mound, we could make a run in Okotoks.”

It would be a feather in the cap for a Gulls team that continues to generate buzz everywhere they go.

WE HAVE TAKEOFF

It wasn’t an easy road for the Gulls to get to Okotoks, despite their 4-1 record at regionals.

They started things off with a decisive 10-1 victory over the Calgary Bucks and a 6-4 squeaker over Home Run Academy out of Winnipeg.

Then the Gulls suffered their first setback: a 15-5 loss at the hands of Okotoks Dawgs White.

“We played our best those first two games, we felt like we could just kind of carry that into any game where we thought we weren’t playing against a team that wasn’t as strong,” said outfielder Owen Coumont.

“We took that loss and I think we understood that we needed to definitely play our best.”

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Owen Coumont here.

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They did exactly that against a perennial favourite in Vauxhall Academy, edging out their southern counterparts 2-1 thanks to the strong pitching duo of Cole Dickinson and Lucian Barker keeping the Jets bats at Bay. Wyatt Schmidt provided the only offence the Gulls would need with a two-run double.

Pitching remained the name of the game as Braxton Bussing tossed six scoreless innings and Keaton Rusnak finished the job in a 3-0 win over ATHX Academy in the quarterfinals.

The Gulls were set to face AHP Academy in the semifinals when rain postponed the rest of the tournament.

READY TO FLY

Baseball Canada originally planned for only the top three teams from the Prairie Qualifiers to make it into the main event in Okotoks.

With a wildcard spot available, that made it a little easier to give the top four teams the green light and the Gulls were more than happy to get their ticket punched.

Zanolli says they were really starting to put things together and want to ride that momentum into the Morneau Cup playdowns.

“We had some guys step up in key moments all weekend,” he said. “Whether it was on the mound or at the plate, we seemed to get the big out or big hit when we needed it.”

To shore up their roster, the Gulls took advantage of the Morneau Cup Draft – allowing each team to take up to three players from non-qualifying clubs – by choosing Zach Macdonald of Webber Academy, as well as Lucas Gensler and Caleb Mercer of ATHX.

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Caleb Mercer here.

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Having three more Alberta products on the team will mean there won’t be a steep learning curve on what they should expect when they step onto the field in their new duds.

Bussing says they expect to be hard-working and resilient every step of the way.

“I would say that you will be hard-pressed to find a tighter group of guys than us,” said the Coronation native. “We had a tough loss against a team we should have beat and bounced back to beat one of the better teams around.”

FOR THE FLOCK

The team-first mentality is what the Gulls are hoping sets them apart when the Road to Okotoks begins July 14.

Zanolli says his message to the team will be fairly simple: compete as hard as they can until they’re told they are done.

“Support each other and enjoy the experience,” he says. “We’ve earned the right to be part of the biggest tournament in the country, so let’s try to win as many games as we can and see where it takes us.”

While they have only been together as a club for a couple of seasons, many have known each other playing in Red Deer and surrounding area their whole lives.

“Winning is obviously everything and winning the Morneau Cup would mean everything to us,” Bussing said. “Our team wants to win for the guy next to each other and that will take us a long way in this tournament.”

Coumont adds it’s been amazing to build something from the ground up and hopes to set the standard for years to come.

“Winning it all would be insane,” said the Red Deer native. “It’s definitely a goal now that we have put ourselves in a position to be there and, if we can do it, it will definitely put Gulls Prep even more on the map.”

Gulls Prep is in Pool A with the hometown Dawgs Black squad as well as Atlantic Frontier and Terriers Baseball. You can get your tickets to The Road to Okotoks here or watch all games online here.

July 7, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - Back home to start a season-long nine-game homestand, the Ottawa Titans erupted for eight runs in the fifth inning to defeat the New Jersey Jackals by a 10-6 final on Tuesday night.

The Jackals got off to a hot start, plating three runs in the first - headlined by a Martin Figueroa two-run homer.

The Titans answered right back in the bottom half. Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) worked a leadoff walk and stole second, and Thomas Ferroggiaro moved him to third on a groundout to first.

On a night dedicated to AJ Wright, he got the scoring started with an RBI single to left, making it 3-1.

Still in the first, Jake Steels singled to put two on, and a wild pitch moved both into scoring position. Myles Smith lifted a sacrifice fly to deep centre, bringing home a run to make it a one-run game.

Evan Grills (Whitby, Ont.) made his return for his third stint in his adopted hometown. After a shaky first inning, the southpaw settled in and delivered four consecutive scoreless frames.

Smith saved a pair of runs in the third inning, robbing Alvaro Gonzalez of a home run at the fence.

The Titans blew the game open in the fifth, matching a season high with eight runs in the inning. Mitsuki Fukuda singled on the first pitch he saw, and Taylor Wright followed with a double to put two in scoring position. Ferroggiaro drew a walk to load the bases, and AJ Wright was hit by a pitch to bring in a run, tying the game 3-3.

With two out and the bases still loaded, Smith cleared them with a double to give the Titans a 6-3 lead.

Jackie Urbaez singled to drive in one, and Daniel McEleveny reached on an error to make it 8-3. Fukuda singled again to make it 9-3, and a wild pitch with the bases loaded capped the eight-run fifth, making it 10-3.

Connor Maryniak got the start for the Jackals but left with an injury in the fifth. Nyan Hernandez came on in relief, recording just one out in the inning and allowing four runs.

The Jackals got to Grills again in the sixth, as two runs scored following back-to-back walks to start the inning. Liu Fuenmayor allowed a solo shot in the eighth to close out the Jackals' scoring at six.

After beginning the year in Mexico, Grills went six innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, walking four, and striking out nine.

Taylor Wright went 2-for-3 with a double, AJ Wright drove in two while scoring twice, and Fukuda went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Smith was dominant on both sides of the ball, saving two runs with a home run robbery while going 2-for-4 with a career-high four RBI.

The Titans continue the final week of the first half of the season with the second of a three-game series against the New Jersey Jackals on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. After the series with the Jackals, the Tri-City ValleyCats come to town prior to the All-Star break.

July 7, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs opened their road trip with a 9-6 extra-inning victory over the Saskatoon Berries on Tuesday at NextGen Patch at Cairns Field.

With the win, the Dawgs improved their season record to 23-9.

The Dawgs offence was led by Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) who went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, a stolen base, and a walk.

Jordan Kievman also belted a three-run home run in the third inning for the Dawgs.

On the mound, Brody Papay got the start and fanned four in five innings.

Emmet Stacher, Dalton Hoffart and Max McCraray then combined for three scoreless innings in relief before Brody Burnette pitched the final three frames to earn the win.

The Dawgs will continue their road trip on Wednesday with another game against the Berries.

July 7, 2026

By J.P. Antonacci

Hamilton Spectator

Once a closer, always a closer.

Former Toronto Blue Jays reliever John Axford has not thrown a professional pitch since the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but last week he picked up a save for youth baseball in his hometown of Port Dover.

Axford was at Rogers Centre on Canada Day to close the deal on a $50,000 donation to Port Dover Minor Baseball from the Jays Care Foundation, part of a $300,000 gift to six youth baseball organizations championed by six Canadian-born former Blue Jays.

“We are beyond grateful that John chose Port Dover Minor Baseball as the recipient of this incredible gift,” PDMB executive Chris Dadds said in a statement. “What an incredible and unforgettable day for our baseball community.”

The league said the money “will go toward much-needed updates and improvements” at Harry Misner Field,” home to PDMB’s 10 teams and approximately 135 players.

That is the same field where Axford started a baseball journey that led to him pitching parts of 11 seasons in the major leagues, including a stint with the Blue Jays in 2018.

“I played with them all the way up until I was 18, until I went to school at Notre Dame,” Axford told Sportsnet of his early years at Harry Misner Field.

“So even when I was playing with Team Ontario and Team Canada, I would always come back to play in Port Dover. Really from when I was eight, I was there, and I played on the same diamond the entire time.”

The fireballer nicknamed “the Ax Man” started with Port Dover Minor Baseball as a 9U Rookie ball player, on a team that today is called the “Axmen” in his honour. He ended his minor baseball career by leading Port Dover’s 18U team to its first Ontario Baseball Association championship.

Greater heights followed, including being named the National League’s reliever of the year in 2011, when his 46 saves led the league.

Axford lives in the United States but still has family in Port Dover. His two sons, JB and Jameson, wore Port Dover Sailors jerseys on the field at Rogers Centre during the Canada Day pregame ceremonies.

“This generous donation is more than just an investment in a ball field — it is an investment in our kids, our programs, and the future of baseball in Port Dover,” Dadds said.

“John, thank you for remembering where it all started and for giving back to the community that supported you from the very beginning. Your generosity and kindness mean so much to all of us.”

On Saturday, Axford came home to Norfolk to be inducted into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition.

Also joining the roll call of Norfolk’s sporting luminaries was minor league infielder and Pan Am gold medalist Sean Jamieson, who went to high school in Simcoe, Ont.

Primarily a shortstop, Jamieson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2011 and made it as high as triple-A in the Arizona farm system before retiring in 2017 due to injuries.

This story was originally published by the Hamilton Spectator.

July 7, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

The Kansas City Royals have recently embraced adding Canadian flavour to their farm system.

Earlier this season, right-hander Eric Cerantola (Oakville, Ont.) made his MLB debut with them. The organization also drafted Tyson Moran (Wingham, Ont.) in the 13th round last summer. In addition, the Royals signed right-handers Ryan McDonagh (Milton, Ont.) and Max Poirier (Nanaimo, B.C.) as undrafted free agents last year, while left-hander Jordan Woods (Oakville, Ont.) joined the organization in 2022.

Another Canadian in the Royals’ organization is right-hander L.P. Langevin, who has emerged as one of the top names in the group. The Quebec City, Que., native was a strikeout machine at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2024 which prompoted the Royals to select him in the fourth round that summer.

This season, Langevin has continued the strikeout-heavy approach that made him a standout member of the Ragin' Cajuns bullpen. He currently owns a 17.6 K/9 with the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits. Among pitchers with at least 30 innings pitched, he leads all minor leaguers in K/9, while his 46.1% strikeout rate also ranks among the best in professional baseball.

Among Royals minor league pitchers with at least 30 innings pitched, Langevin ranks fifth with a 2.43 ERA—just ahead of fellow Canadians Eric Cerantola (2.67), who was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants yesterday, and Ryan McDonagh (2.72)—while his 3.48 FIP is fourth in the organization.

Langevin also owns a 1.080 WHIP and has allowed just 2.7 hits per nine innings, surrendering only nine earned runs across 33 1/3 innings. His 65 strikeouts rank second on the River Bandits' pitching staff, despite pitching fewer innings than several of the club's starters.

Opposing hitters have managed just a .093/.284/.176 slash line against the right-hander, good for a minuscule .460 OPS. While his .182 BABIP suggests some good fortune, his ability to consistently miss bats has played a major role in his success.

Langevin has been putting up video game-like numbers, but while he's striking out hitters at an elite rate, his elevated walk rate is likely the biggest reason he remains in high-A.

This isn't a new issue for the right-hander. He posted a 9.28 BB/9 across 21 1/3 innings last season, and he owns a 7.02 BB/9 this year after issuing 26 walks. Despite frequently putting himself in difficult situations, the Quebec native has consistently found ways to escape trouble.

There is, however, an encouraging trend. Langevin issued 20 walks over April and May combined, but since the calendar turned to June, he has surrendered just six free passes across 12 1/3 innings. It's a small sample, but one that suggests meaningful progress.

Langevin faced a significant hurdle at the beginning of his professional career.

A lat-strain early last season delayed his debut until early July, and while he continued to pile up strikeouts, the walks contributed to a 5.91 ERA (14 earned runs in 21 1/3 innings). Similar struggles followed him to the Arizona Fall League, where he walked 12 batters while striking out 11 across just 6 2/3 innings.

If Langevin can continue to rein in the free passes, as his June numbers suggest he can, he has the potential to skyrocket through the Royals' farm system in much the same way Garrett Hawkins (Saskatoon, Sask.) has done with the San Diego Padres’ organization since early 2025. The Royals have been adding Canadian talent at a high rate over these past few years, and Langevin looks like he could be the next breakout candidate in the pipeline.

July 6, 2026

Official MLB News Release

All-Star designated hitter/outfielder Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros has been selected the American League Player of the Week, and All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins has been named the National League Player of the Week.

The announcements were made on Monday on MLB Network.

Alvarez earned his sixth career award and third of the season after previously winning on April 6th and June 8th. He was also given the honour twice in 2022 (June 6th and September 19th) and once in 2024 (August 12th). Alvarez’s six career awards are tied with Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell for the most in franchise history, and he is the 99th player to win at least six career honours.

Lopez won the award for the first time in his career, marking the first honour for Miami since his teammate Kyle Stowers won last year on July 14th. It marks the first time a Marlins infielder won the award since Adeiny Hechavarría garnered honors on April 26, 2015. It is the third time this season that a pair of internationally-born players have won the award in each league, joining Cuban-natives Yordan and Andy Pages on April 6th; and Willson Contreras (Venezuela) and Ketel Marte (Dominican Republic) on May 26th.

Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (@yordan4342)

• The 29-year-old hit .435 (10-for-23) with four homers, 11 RBIs, two walks, four runs scored, a .957 slugging percentage and a .462 on-base percentage in six games.

• The Las Tunas, Cuba native tied for second in the Majors in homers and RBIs; tied for fourth in batting average; tied for fifth in slugging; tied for sixth in total bases (22); and ranked eighth in OPS (1.419).

• The now four-time All-Star capped off a two-homer, six-RBI performance on Saturday with a two-run walk-off homer, becoming the first player in Baseball history with multiple walk-off home runs on Fourth of July (also: 2022). He launched a two-run homer in the first inning, followed by an RBI single in the fifth and a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning as Houston came back from a 7-2 deficit to win the game. With the victory, the Astros have now won each of their last nine Fourth of July games since 2016, tied for the third-longest winning streak all-time with the 1901-05 Pittsburgh Pirates, trailing only the 1934-41 Chicago White Sox (14 G) and 1916-23 Cleveland Indians (13 G), per Elias.

• The 2019 AL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year launched a grand slam on Tuesday, marking his Major League-leading third slam of the year. Additionally, it was the seventh grand slam of his career, matching his teammate Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Carlos Lee for the most in Astros’ history. After his two-homer game on Saturday, Alvarez is one home run shy of becoming the sixth player in franchise history with 200 career home runs, seeking to join Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell (449 HR), Lance Berkman (326 HR), Hall of Famer Craig Biggio (291 HR), Altuve (263 HR) and Jimmy Wynn (223 HR).

• Alvarez, who was named the starting designated hitter for the 2026 American League All-Stars on Saturday, registered a trifecta three-hit games during the week, collecting three hits on Tuesday and Wednesday against Minnesota as he broke out of an 0-for-16 slump. His 11 games with at least three hits are second-most in the Majors behind only Otto Lopez’s 12 three-hit contests and his 30 multi-hit games are tied with Freddie Freeman, Riley Greene and Josh Jung for fourth-most this season.

Otto Lopez, Miami Marlins (@o.lopez23)

• The 27-year-old hit .500 (14-for-28) with three homers, seven RBIs, four doubles, a triple, a walk, seven runs scored, a stolen base, a 1.036 slugging percentage and a .500 on-base percentage across six contests.

• The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native, who spent part of his youth in Montreal, paced the Majors in batting average, hits, extra-base hits and total bases (29); ranked fourth in slugging and OPS (1.536); and tied for sixth in on-base percentage.

• Lopez, a first-time All-Star in 2026, closed out his week with four straight multi-hit games, registering back-to-back games of three hits and three RBIs on Saturday and Sunday against the Athletics. He is the second Marlins player with three hits and three RBIs in consecutive contests this season, joining his teammate Javier Sanoja (June 29th & 30th) in accomplishing a feat achieved just 14 times in franchise history. Of the 14 instances, Lopez is the eighth player (ninth occurrence) to also homer in both games.

• MLB’s leader in batting average and hits became the fifth Marlins player (seventh occurrence) in franchise history with at least eight hits and six RBIs in a three-game series. He is the first to achieve the feat since Jake Burger also had eight hits and six RBI in September 2023. Lopez is bidding to become the third player in franchise history to win the Tony Gwynn NL Batting Title, following Dee Strange-Gordon in 2015 and Luis Arraez in 2023.

• Lopez already has 123 hits this season, 11 shy of his career-best 134 hits last season. With his four consecutive multi-hit games to finish off the week, he now has 39 multi-hit games this season and 12 games of at least three hits. He is on pace for 218 hits, 69 multi-hit games and 21 three-hit games, nearing franchise-records in all three categories. Currently, Juan Pierre’s 221 hits in 2004 are the most in a single season in Marlins’ history, which also featured a franchise record 70 multi-hit games. Strange-Gordon set the franchise mark with 25 three-hit games in 2015.

Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (Corunna, Ont.) is shown here with the class-A Lakeland Tigers after he signed with the Detroit Tigers after the 1985 draft. (He was known as Bob then.)

July 7, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

The Canadian Baseball Network will have extensive coverage of the Major League Baseball draft, which will begin on Saturday at 1 p.m. E.T. with rounds 1 through 4.

The draft will then recommence on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. E.T. with rounds five through 20.

Stay tuned to the Canadian Baseball Network as we’ll be live-tweeting the names of the Canadian players as they’re chosen and we’ll also be posting on Facebook, Instagram and sharing profiles of each Canuck taken.

For a look at the Canadians that are likely to be selected, you can view the 2026 Canadian Baseball Network Draft List and read our pre-draft profiles.

As we prepare for our coverage, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the Canadians chosen over the years.

It’s important to remember that Canadians were not officially eligible for the draft until 1985 – and even then, it was only Canucks attending U.S. colleges that could be picked.

Canada didn’t officially become a draft region until 1991, which opened the doors for Canadian high schoolers to be selected.

But even with these restrictions, some Canadians did manage to get selected much earlier.

Here are some fun facts about Canadians in the MLB draft over the years:

First Canadian ever selected (also the first selected by a National League team and the first by a Canadian team):

OF Richard Trembecki (Drumheller, Alta.), Montreal Expos, 1968

Trembecki was taken by the Expos in the 15th round in June 1968. Best known as a hockey player at the University of Denver at the time, Trembecki (who is also referred to as Bob Trembecky online) was chosen by the Expos as a centre fielder. The selection was later voided, however, when the club was informed that players born in Canada weren’t eligible for the draft.

First Canadian selected by an American League team:

INF Jim Chapman (Victoria, B.C.), California Angels, 1970

Chosen in the third round out of the January draft from Columbia Basin College by the Angels, this Victoria, B.C.-born infielder was also ruled ineligible. However, the Expos later signed Chapman as an amateur free agent and he played four seasons in their system, rising as high as triple-A. In 417 minor league games, he batted .232 and had five home runs.

First Canadian pitcher selected:

RHP Kirk McCaskill (Kapuskasing, Ont.), California Angels, 1982

This multi-sport athlete was chosen in the fourth round by the Angels out of the University of Vermont in 1982 (He was also selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the fourth round of the NHL draft the previous year). Though born in Kapuskasing, Ont., the right-hander only lived there briefly during his father’s hockey career before moving back to the U.S. with his family. He enjoyed a fine big league career, picking up 106 wins in 12 major league seasons with the Angels and Chicago White Sox.

First Canadian selected after Canadians playing in U.S. colleges officially became eligible in 1985:

OF-1B Martin Robitaille (St. Foy, Que.), California Angels, 1985

Robitaille was selected in the sixth round out of Cochise College in the January Secondary Phase Draft by the Angels, but he didn’t sign with the club. Like Chapman, Robitaille later inked a deal with the Expos as an amateur free agent. He batted .213 in 111 games in parts of two seasons in the Expos’ system in 1987 and 1988, making it as high as the Low-A level.

First Canadian ever to be drafted AND signed by an MLB team (tie):

LHP Steve Wilson (Victoria, B.C.), Texas Rangers and C Rob Thomson (Corunna, Ont.), Detroit Tigers, Both signed on the same day in 1985.

Selected in the fourth round by the Rangers out of the University of Portland, Wilson signed with the big league club on June 7, 1985. On the same day, catcher Rob Thomson (Corunna, Ont.), who had been drafted in the 32nd round by the Tigers, landed his first pro contract.

Wilson went on to post a 4.40 ERA in parts of six big league seasons with the Rangers, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, while Thomson would spend four seasons in the Tigers’ organization before becoming a highly respected coach for more than three decades. He also managed the Philadelphia Phillies for parts of five seasons.

First Canadian selected by the Toronto Blue Jays:

OF-1B Michael House (Victoria, B.C.) 1985

Selected in the seventh round of the 1985 January Secondary Phase draft by the Blue Jays out of Bellevue Community College, House opted not to sign and instead headed to Hawaii Pacific University. The Minnesota Twins then chose him in the 18th round in the 1989 MLB draft. He signed with the Twins and spent two seasons in their organization, advancing to High A, batting .312 with 22 home runs in 152 games.

First Canadian selected after Canadian high schoolers became eligible in 1991:

OF Jason Wuerch (Leamington, Ont.), New York Yankees, 1991

Selected in the 11th round (282nd overall) by the Yankees, Wuerch, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound outfielder, would play parts of five seasons in the Bombers’ organization, rising as high as the class-A Advanced level. In 299 games, he hit .244 with two home runs.

First Canadian to be selected in the first round:

RHP Dave Wainhouse (Toronto, Ont.), Montreal Expos, 1988

The Expos chose Wainhouse 19th overall in the 1988 draft out of Washington State University (suiting up alongside then two-way player John Olerud). He proceeded to pitch parts of seven big league seasons with the Expos, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. He posted a 6.35 ERA in 29 major league appearances.

Highest Canadian-born player selected in the first round:

LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, B.C), Baltimore Orioles, 2002

Of players born in Canada, Loewen, who was taken fourth overall by the Orioles in 2002, is the highest pick, but right-hander Jameson Taillon, who maintains a Canadian citizenship and has pitched for Canada at the World Baseball Classic, was selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010.

Loewen battled injuries throughout his pitching career and he also spent time in the big leagues as an outfielder with the Blue Jays. In parts of five MLB seasons on the mound with the O’s, Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks, he posted a 10-8 record and a 5.85 ERA in 63 appearances (29 starts).

Most Canadians ever selected in a single MLB Draft:

48 in 2002

The bumper crop of Canadians selected in the 2002 draft included first-rounders Loewen and LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, B.C.), who went ninth overall, and 1B Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) who went in the second round (44th overall) to the Cincinnati Reds. Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) was also chosen in the 17th round by the Dodgers.

View the complete list of Canadians selected in 2002 here.

Most Canadians selected in the first round in a single year:

Three in 2026, although two of the players selected - Tyler Bremner (second overall, Los Angeles Angels) and Slater de Brun (37th overall, Baltimore Orioles) - were not born in Canada.

Bremner’s father, Jason, is from Mississauga and his late mother, Jennifer, was from Queensville, Ont. De Brun’s mother, Julie, worked in TV in Toronto for several years from the mid-90s to the early 2000s.

The third player, Charles Davalan, who was selected 41st overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers, was born in St-Bruno-De-Montarville, Que.

There were also four years in which two Canadians were taken in the first round. Here’s a summary:

2002 – Loewen, O’s (4th overall); Francis, Rockies (9th overall)

2007 – Phillippe Aumont, Mariners (Gatineau, Que., 11th overall), Kyle Lotzkar, Reds, (Delta, B.C., 53rd overall, compensation pick)

2010 – Taillon, Pirates (2nd overall), Kellin Deglan (Langley, B.C., 22nd overall)

2015 – Josh Naylor, Marlins, (Mississauga, Ont., 12th overall), Mike Soroka, Braves (Calgary, Alta., 28th overall)

Latest round that the first Canadian has been selected since 2010:

Eric Wood (Toronto, Ont.) in the sixth round by the Pirates in 2012.

Only Canadian brothers to be selected in the first round:

1B Josh Naylor (2015, 12th overall by Miami Marlins), C Bo Naylor (2018, 29th overall by Cleveland) and Myles Naylor (2023, 39th overall by Oakland)

Highest signing bonus received by a Canadian draft pick:

By a player with Canadian citizenship: Bremner, $7,689,525 million US from the Angels in 2010.

By a player born in Canada: RHP Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), $3,963,045 from the Padres in 2016.

July 7, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

The San Francisco Giants have claimed right-hander Eric Cerantola off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.

The Giants made the announcement on Monday.

Cerantola has been assigned to the triple-A Sacramento River Cats.

Cerantola (Oakville, Ont.) had been designated for assignment by the Royals on Thursday. The move came after the 6-foot-5 righty walked six Tampa Bay Rays batters in 1 1/3 innings in an outing last Tuesday.

He had been called up for the second time this season by the Royals on June 27.

Cerantola made his MLB debut with the Royals on May 6 when he hurled a scoreless inning for the club in their 3-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

The 26-year-old Canuck has been excellent in relief for the triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers this year, notching 14 saves while posting a 2.67 ERA in 27 appearances. He has struck out 43 batters in 30 1/3 innings.

His dominance in triple-A came on the heels of two scoreless relief outings for Canada at the World Baseball Classic.

His stock in the Royals’ system rose last season after he fanned 63 batters in 49 innings in 38 appearances (one start) in triple-A. He finished with a 2-2 record with a 4.04 ERA.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB draft out of Mississippi State University by the Royals, he is in his sixth professional season. The Great Lake Canadians and Junior National Team alum owns a 10-16 record and a 3.59 ERA in 148 minor league appearances (24 starts). He has fanned 351 batters in 261 1/3 innings.

July 6, 2026

From Bowdoin College Website

An 11-time letter winner and four-sport star, Fred Flemming was one of the greatest all-around student-athletes in the history of Bowdoin College. A dynamic performer, his exploits earned him regional and national recognition.

Flemming (Juniper, N.B.) excelled in four sports — extraordinary in his day and all but unheard of now. On the gridiron he was a key element of the Polar Bears’ offensive attack from the halfback and end positions and was a three-time letter winner. In the 1952 season, Flemming’s senior year, Bowdoin earned the Maine state football championship, and “The Flapper” was named to the All-New England Small College Football team. In his two years with the basketball squad, he was a steady performer as a forward.

In three seasons with Jack Magee’s track and field team, he was an outstanding high and broad jumper and carried the legacy of Magee’s top-flight jumpers. His success in the jumping pits is particularly remarkable considering the limits on his practice and competition time—track and field was but the secondary sport in his spring season.

While he achieved notable careers in football, track, and basketball, Flemming’s greatest impact on Bowdoin’s athletic program was as a member of the baseball squad. Years before the term was coined, Flemming was described by coaches and scouts as a five-tool player (hitting for average, hitting for power, speed, fielding, strength of throwing arm). As starting centre fielder for some of coach Danny McFayden’s best squads, Flemming led the Polar Bears to three consecutive state championships from 1951 to 1953 and was twice named All-State.

After batting .292 as a sophomore, he raised his batting average a full 70 points during his junior campaign. He closed out his career with a .385 batting average in 1953, becoming the first player from Maine to be named as a first-team All-America in baseball. In Flemming’s era there was but one All-America team for all levels of intercollegiate baseball; he shared the honour with ballplayers from some of America’s most storied baseball programs.

It should be noted that Flemming had not played organized ball before arriving at Bowdoin in 1949. Additionally, his success with the football squad required that he convert his English-style rugby skills to adapt to the American game.

After entertaining contract offers from 14 of the 16 existing major-league clubs, Flemming signed a major league contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1953. He went on to a successful three-year minor league career, including a stint with double-A Wilkes-Barre (in 1954 during which he batted .307 and missed winning the Eastern League batting title). In his four years, he also played at class-A Montgomery, class-B Durham. triple-A Buffalo, double-A Little Rock and class-A Syracuse.

In 1953, the Maine AAU recognized Flemming’s remarkable accomplishments in four sports when they named him Outstanding Athlete of the Year for the state of Maine.

Flemming prepared for Bowdoin at the Rothesay Collegiate School in Rothesay, New Brunswick. At Bowdoin, Flemming majored in government. In 1953, Bowdoin awarded his father, Hugh John Flemming, an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Fred Flemming resides in Bellingham, Wash., with his wife, Helen. They have eight children and ten grandchildren.

His grandson INF Cooper Flemming, son of Matthew Flemming, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the second round of the 2025 draft from Aliso Niguel HS in Aliso Viejo, Calif. and given a $2,297,500 bonus. He is currently playing at class-A Charleston in the Carolina League.

*This article was originally published on Saskatchewan Dugout Stories on July 2. You can read it here.

July 6, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Saskatchewan Dugout Stories

They’re not just representing their academies. They’re playing for their province.

Team Saskatchewan has brought together players from all programs – including Going Yard Academy, Berries Academy and Martin Academy – to suit up in The Road to Okotoks.

They ran roughshod over the competition at the Prairie Qualifiers in Lethbridge and Vauxhall in late May and are hoping to bring that same energy to Okotoks for the first 19U national championship.

Many of the players have gotten to know each other over the years thanks to other Baseball Canada national championships, so Baseball Sask head coach Greg Brons says his staff is focused on just letting them do what they have done time and time again.

“To keep the momentum going, I think we just need to keep staying out of the way,” Brons told Saskatchewan Dugout Stories. “We’ll just give them reminders throughout the tournament about keeping composure and staying aggressive.”

It’s an approach that the coaches and players hope give them an edge as they set their sights on capturing the inaugural Morneau Cup.

PUNCHING THEIR TICKET

Of the 13 teams that suited up in the Prairie Qualifiers, just two weren’t from Alberta – Home Run Academy out of Winnipeg and Team Saskatchewan.

The latter sent an early message by beating up on the Calgary Premier Blues 18-3, following that up with a 13-5 hammering of Dawgs Academy Red.

Things got a little closer in the final two games of the round-robin with a 10-6 triumph over ATHX Academy and a 6-1 win against the Calgary Cubs.

Their only loss came in the semi-final when they fell 9-5 to Vauxhall Academy in what turned out to be the final game of the tournament as rain took over for the other semi and the medal games.

“We treated the qualifier like it was a showcase – at times we were a little too aggressive, but I like that,” Brons said. “I like letting these kids discover their limits and learning from their mistakes, as they are still developing and aren’t a finished product.”

Originally, Baseball Canada had stated only the top three teams from the Prairie Qualifiers would go onto Okotoks, but with one “wild card spot” available, the decision was made to allow all four semi-finalists to punch their ticket.

ONE MORE TIME TOGETHER

While they might not be a traditional academy program like the others heading to Okotoks, Team Saskatchewan’s players are more than familiar with each other.

Most of the team has played together in showcases and tournaments over the last few years, with the most notable being the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

“I believe the key to our success in Lethbridge and Vauxhall was knowing that this could potentially be the last time playing together,” said outfielder Trentin Kooy.

“We all wanted to play one more time with this group of guys before we go off to college, and that required winning.”

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Listen to Saskatchewan Dugout Stories interview Team Saskatchewan 1B Rhett Anderson here.

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First baseman Rhett Anderson agrees, saying it takes a certain kind of player to wear the green, gold and white of Saskatchewan.

The Hanley native says you need a good attitude and buy into the team-first philosophy because they’re never thought of as a favourite, even though they won bronze at the Canada Games.

“We’re always going in thinking we’re the underdogs and have nothing to lose,” Anderson said. “One thing we have that no one else does is that we’re playing for our province and that’s a huge upside.”

PRIDE OF A PROVINCE

With “Saskatchewan” blazed across their chests, it’s clear winning a national championship, particularly the inaugural Morneau Cup, would mean a lot to the players.

It’s part of the reason Brons and his staff decided not to select anyone in the Morneau Cup Draft – a three-round option for teams looking to expand their rosters with players from teams that didn’t advance to the final 16.

“I believe you have to at least endure a winter or two here first before you put on our jersey,” the Team Sask architect said.

The players, meantime, are now focused on enjoying the experience of one more tournament together and perhaps righting a wrong from the Canada Games.

“Winning the Morneau Cup would mean everything,” Anderson said. “We had that tough semi-final loss against Quebec in August, and this is just another chance to redeem ourselves from that one.”

For Saskatoon’s Kooy, he’s looking forward to the level of competition that a national championship brings as well as the pride involved in representing their respective programs.

In their case: all of Saskatchewan.

“To win the very first Morneau Cup would be super-special to me as well as our province,” Kooy said. “If we can come home with a trophy during our last Sask trip, it would mean a whole lot.”

Team Sask is in Pool B with the Abbotsford Cardinals, Mississauga Tigers and UBC Thunder. You can get your tickets to The Road to Okotoks here or watch all games online here.

July 5, 2026

Official Cleveland Guardians News Release

CLEVELAND, OHIO – The Cleveland Guardians will send three players to the Major League All-Star Game.

RHP Cade Smith, LHP Parker Messick and 2B Travis Bazzana earned first-time berths following outstanding first-halves to date.

Messick and Bazzana become the fourth and fifth Cleveland rookies, respectively, named to an All-Star team in franchise history, first since Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990.

Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.), 27, has posted a 2-1 record with a 2.97 ERA and a Major League-leading 26 saves in 29 opportunities (90%) in 37 appearances to date (39 1/3IP, 36H, 13ER, 10BB, 57SO). He has converted 23 of his last 24 save chances (96%) dating back to April 16, recording 21 consecutive conversions from April 16 to June 18 on his way to AL Reliever of the Month honours for May. May saw him become one of four pitchers in MLB history to have 13+ saves and 25+ strikeouts in a calendar month and the first Guardians pitcher in club history to record 13-straight saves in a calendar month.

In addition to leading the Majors in saves, he ranks fourth among American League relievers in strikeouts, fifth in strikeouts per 9.0 IP (13.04) and third in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.7/1). The Guardians are 34-3 over Cade’s appearances, recently recording at least one strikeout in a career-high 23 straight appearances,from Apr. 29 to June 28.

Messick, 25, has gone 7-5 with a 2.85 ERA in 17 games/starts. The Florida State product currently ranks in the top-5 among qualified MLB rookies in ERA (2nd), strikeouts (2nd), wins (T2nd) and WHIP (3rd, 1.06), while also ranking among AL pitchers in ERA (5th), average against (7th, .214), innings (8th), WHIP (8th) and strikeouts (10th).

In just 24 career games/starts, the lefty has gone 10-6 with a 2.82 ERA, the lowest ERA by a Cleveland pitcher in their first 24 games (min. 100 IP) since Dennis Eckersley in 1975 (2.33 ERA). Messick becomes just the third Guardians pitcher to make an All-Star game as a rookie, joining LHP Dick Stigman in 1960 and LHP Herb Score in 1955.

Bazzana, 23, is the fourth Australian native to receive an All-Star selection, following RHP Liam Hendriks (2019, 2021 & 2022), RHP Grant Balfour (2013) and C/OF/1B David Nilsson (1999).

After a solid start to his 2026 season at triple-A Columbus (.287/.422/.511/.933), the Sydney, Australia native has batted .255 with 12 doubles, one triple, seven homers, 27 RBIs and 12 steals in 57 games. Since his debut on April 28, he leads AL second basemen in RBIs (27) and walks (29), while ranking in the top-3 in OPS (.767, 2nd), home runs (7, 3rd) and hits (54, T3rd). Over that same stretch, Bazzana has led the Guardians in hits, runs (27), home runs, RBIs and on-base percentage (.347). He is just the second rookie position player in club history to receive an All-Star nod, joining Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990.

Cleveland has now had multiple AL All-Stars, dating back to 2016. Only New York-AL (1973) and Los Angeles-NL (1989) have enjoyed longer active streaks with multiple All-Stars.

MLB All-Star Week includes the MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard (July 14th); Gatorade All-Star Workout Day featuring the T-Mobile Home Run Derby (July 13th); All-Star Sunday featuring the All-Star Futures Game and MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 (July 12th); the MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express (July 11th-12th); the HBCU Swingman Classic (July 10th); and Capital One All-Star Village (July 11th-14th). The 96th Midsummer Classic will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and TVA Sports; and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish language coverage in the United States. MLB Network and MLB.com will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information about MLB All-Star Week, including ticket information and updates, please visit allstargame.com and follow @MLB on social media.

Cleveland All-Star Rookies

Club History

2026 2B Travis Bazzana

LHP Parker Messick

1990 C Sandy Alomar, Jr.

1960 LHP Dick Stigman

1955 LHP Herb Score

2026 MLB SAVE LEADERS

1. Cade Smith (CLE) 26

2. Bryan Baker (TB) 23

3. Jhoan Duran (PHI) 21

Mason Miller (SD) 21

Riley O'Brien (STL) 21

AUSTRALIAN-BORN MLB ALL-STARS, 1933-PRESENT

2B Travis Bazzana (2026)

RHP Liam Hendriks (2019, ’21, ’22)

RHP Grant Balfour (2013)

C/1B/OF Dave Nilsson (1999)

July 5, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - The Frontier League has announced its rosters for the upcoming 2026 Frontier League All-Star Game in Florence, Kentucky, home of the Florence Y’alls, on Wednesday, July 15.

The Titans will be represented by infielder AJ Wright, right-handed pitcher Eric Pardinho, and right-handed pitcher Brett Garcia at the first announcement, with a chance to have more added when each conference’s managers select the final players in the coming week.

The teams were voted on by the league’s managers, coaches, broadcasters, general managers and local media.

Wright, 29, is heading to his third All-Star Game as a member of the Titans after representing the club in both 2022 and 2024. One of Ottawa's most productive hitters in 2026, Wright is batting a team-leading .335 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs through the club's first 50 games. He opened the season with a 15-game on-base streak and currently carries both a five-game hitting streak and an eight-game on-base streak. Wright also leads the Titans with 18 multi-hit games and 11 contests with two or more RBIs.

In 2025, Wright hit .245 with a team-high 23 doubles, 10 home runs, and 55 RBIs across 91 games. He closed the season on a 14-game on-base streak while compiling 21 multi-hit games and 13 multi-RBI performances.

A native of Cherry Hill, N.J., Wright is currently in his sixth professional season. A franchise cornerstone in Ottawa, he is the club's all-time leader in games played (418), runs scored (327), hits (438), walks (267), doubles (100), home runs (56), and RBIs (255).

Pardinho, 25, earns his first All-Star selection in his first season with the Titans after spending parts of eight years in professional baseball, most recently in the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization. Since joining Ottawa in early June, the right-hander has gone 2-3 with a 3.57 ERA in seven appearances (six starts), striking out 43 and walking just 11 over 40 1/3 innings.

On June 30, Pardinho tossed eight perfect innings in a rain-shortened victory, earning credit for the first no-hitter in franchise history. The Brazilian right-hander struck out eight and did not allow a hit or walk, recording the sixth no-hitter in Ottawa professional baseball history. He has struck out seven or more batters in five of his seven outings with the Titans.

The native of Lucélia, Brazil, split the 2025 season between the Florida Complex League Blue Jays, Single-A Dunedin, and triple-A Buffalo, appearing in 21 games and striking out 31 batters over 24 2/3 innings.

Originally signed by Toronto as an international free agent in July 2017, Pardinho received a $1.4 million signing bonus as one of the top-ranked international prospects in his class. He quickly became one of the organization's premier pitching prospects, reaching Single-A as an 18-year-old and earning recognition for his advanced pitch ability and electric arm.

Internationally, Pardinho has represented Brazil on several occasions, first garnering worldwide attention when he pitched for the Brazilian National Team at just 15 years old during the World Baseball Classic qualifiers. He also helped Brazil capture a silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and made an appearance for his country at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Garcia, 26, is also making his first All-Star appearance. In his second season with the Titans, Garcia is 0-3 with eight saves and a 1.71 ERA in 21 appearances, striking out 32 while issuing just 10 walks across 21 innings.

The La Mirada, Calif., native got off to a strong start in Ottawa in 2025, posting a 2-2 record with three saves and a 5.74 ERA in 11 appearances. Over 15 2/3 innings, Garcia allowed 10 earned runs on 13 hits while walking three and striking out 22.

Garcia did not allow an earned run in six of his appearances and recorded multiple strikeouts in four outings. During his first homestand with the Titans, he collected a win and three saves while striking out 13 batters over 5 2/3 innings.

On June 11 of last year, Garcia became the second member of the Titans' 2025 roster to have his contract purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays. Assigned to the Florida Complex League, he went 2-0 with a 4.24 ERA in Rookie ball before earning a promotion to High-A Vancouver, where he posted a 1-1 record with a 1.74 ERA over 10 1/2 innings for the Canadians.

The Titans' three initial All-Star selections mark the fifth consecutive season in which the club has had at least two players or more named to the Frontier League All-Star Game.

July 5, 2026

The Canadian Premier Baseball League (CPBL) has announced that they will hold their Prospects Weekend at Royal Field in Dorchester, Ont., from July 31 to August 2.

Here are the details:

July 4, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Augusta, N.J. - Holding a 3-0 lead after a half inning of play, the Ottawa Titans could not build on the momentum, falling 9-4 to the Sussex County Miners on Saturday night.

Sending eight to the plate in the first against right-hander Jorden Sesar, the Titans got RBI doubles from Jake Steels and Carter Claerhout (Red Deer, Alta.), while Myles Smith cashed in one with a single to put the visitors up by a trio.

Making his first start in over a month, Kevin Miranda saw the lead quickly evaporate, as the Miners tied the game at three. Sean Roby Jr. crushed a two-run homer while Edwin Mateo plated one with a single.

For the second consecutive night, the skies opened up in the second inning, sending the game into a 50-minute rain delay.

When play resumed, the Miners poured it on against the Titans' bullpen. Jack Kalisky allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over two innings of work, seeing the Titans fall behind for the first time in the series.

Dwayne Matos surrendered two runs in three innings, walking five, as the Miners blew it open to 7-3 after five.

Loading the bases with nobody out in the sixth, the Miners turned to left-hander Jacob Widener, who rolled a double play ball off the bat of Mitsuki Fukuda, leading to a run.

Heitor Tokar allowed two in his lone inning of work while Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning to close out the game.

Claerhout went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the loss for the first multi-hit effort of his professional career. Jake Steels picked up two hits, including an RBI double. AJ Wright reached base three times, Thomas Ferroggiaro drew two walks, and Jackie Urbaez was beaned twice.

The Titans end a three-game series with the Sussex County Miners on Sunday afternoon at 1:35 p.m. at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, N.J. The Titans return for another six-game homestand to end the first half of the season next week against New Jersey and Tri-City.

July 4, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs got powerful performances on both sides of the ball on Saturday night in a 10-7 road win over the Lethbridge Bulls.

The Dawgs’ offence was led by leadoff hitter Ayden Crouse who went 3-for-6 with three RBIs, including a leadoff home run in the first.

The Dawgs’ offence also got valuable contributions from Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) who went 2-for-4 with three runs and a walk. Jayden Lusk also had a nice night, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs.

Landon Kauffman (Vancouver, B.C.) added two hits, including a double, and two RBIs.

The Dawgs’ pitching was led by starter Brody Forno (Okotoks, Alta.) who struck out five in five scoreless innings.

Eric DeCosta came on to contribute a scoreless seventh inning in relief, while Brody Burnette close things out in the ninth to preserve the win.

With the victory, the Dawgs improve to 22-9 on the year.

They now head home to face the Bulls in a rematch on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. at Seaman Stadium.

July 5, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Cooperstowners in Canada

Some Canadian baseball news and notes:

O’Neill homers on Canada Day

Tyler O’Neill (Maple Ridge, B.C.) smacked a solo home run on Canada Day to help the Baltimore Orioles to a 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards. That represented the first home run the veteran outfielder has hit on Canada Day during his major league career.

In fact, in his nine-season big league career, O’Neill has only played on one other Canada Day. With the St. Louis Cardinals on July 1, 2021, he went 2-for-4 with a double in the Cards’ 5-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Lopez named All-Star, still leading MLB in hits

We’re close to 90 games into the 2026 season and Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (Montreal, Que.) still leads the majors in hits and batting average.

His 120 hits are 11 more than San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez for the MLB lead.

Also, his .341 batting average is tops in the majors, ahead of Arraez, who is batting .330.

Lopez was added to the National League All-Star roster on Saturday. This will be his first All-Star appearance.

The 27-year-old infielder, who spent part of his youth in Montreal, has suited up for Canada in the last two World Baseball Classics.

Hicks activated by Marlins

Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) was activated from the 10-day injured list by the Marlins on Tuesday. He had been out since June 20 with a lower back strain.

The Canuck catcher has picked up right where he left off with the bat, going 9-for-23 (.391 batting average) in five games since his return. He also has a 15-game hitting streak.

For the season, the Toronto Mets alum is batting .288 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 78 games.

The Marlins chose Hicks in the Rule 5 draft from the Detroit Tigers in December 2024. He was originally chosen in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB draft by the Texas Rangers.

Caissie continues to swing hot bat for Marlins

Another Canadian Marlins player that’s excelling is Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.).

In his last 15 games, Caissie has gone 14-for-39 (.359 batting average) with four home runs and 13 RBIs. His slugging percentage is .718 during that period.

Thanks to this hot stretch, Caissie has boosted his batting average to .236 and he now has 11 home runs and 49 RBIs in 78 games.

The Fieldhouse Pirates and Junior National Team grad is 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.

Romano called up by Rockies

Right-hander Jordan Romano (Markham, Ont.) was called up by the Rockies on Saturday.

He proceeded to pitch a scoreless ninth inning in the Rockies’ 6-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field.

The veteran reliever started the season with the Los Angeles Angels before he was designated for assignment on April 26 after posting a 10.13 ERA in 11 appearances.

The Rockies signed Romano to a minor league contract on May 6 and he recorded a 3.72 ERA in 10 outings between Rookie ball and triple-A prior to his promotion on Saturday.

The 33-year-old right-hander signed a one-year, $2-million deal with the Angels in December after a rough 2025 campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Prior to his tenure with the Phils, Romano recorded 105 saves and was a two-time All-Star in his six seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Originally chosen in the 10th round of the MLB draft by the Blue Jays in 2014, the Ontario Blue Jays and Junior National Team alum is in his eighth major league season.

Flewelling selected to play in Futures Game

Congratulations to Tampa Bay Rays catching prospect Nathan Flewelling (Innisfail, Alta.) who has been selected to play in the MLB Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 12 as part of the All-Star Game festivities.

A Junior National Team alum, the 19-year-old Flewelling owns a .261/.394/.502 slash line and an .896 OPS in 70 games for the Rays’ High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods. He also has 16 home runs and 44 RBIs.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound slugger is in his second season in the Rays’ organization after being chosen in the third round of the 2024 MLB draft by them.

Smith an All-Star

I thought Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.) should’ve been an All-Star last season, so I was delighted when he was named to the American League squad last night.

Smith’s selection was a no-brainer really. The Cleveland Guardians closer leads the majors with 26 saves this season. He also owns a 2.97 ERA and has fanned 57 batters in 39 1/3 innings in 37 appearances.

This is the 27-year-old Smith’s first full season as the Guardians’ closer. He took over as the team’s closer in late July last year and finished 2025 with 16 saves.

Cerantola designated for assignment by Royals

Right-hander Eric Cerantola (Oakville, Ont.) was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.

The move came after he walked six Rays batters in 1 1/3 innings in his most recent outing on Tuesday. He had been called up for the second time this season by the Royals on June 27.

The 26-year-old right-hander has been excellent in relief for the triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers this year, notching 14 saves while posting a 2.67 ERA in 27 appearances. He has struck out 43 batters in 30 1/3 innings.

Taken in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB draft out of Mississippi State University by the Royals, he is in his sixth pro season.

Happy Birthday to Jesse Crain!

Happy 45th Birthday to former big league reliever Jesse Crain!

The Toronto-born right-hander posted a 3.05 ERA in 532 major league appearances (seventh most by a Canadian) in parts of 10 major league seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox.

The workhorse reliever appeared in at least 50 games in seven big league campaigns and five times registered ERAs under 3.00.

In 2013, he had a minuscule 0.74 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings in 38 appearances and was named an All-Star before a rotator cuff injury ended his season.

Expos retired Dawson’s number 29 years ago

Twenty-nine years ago today, the Montreal Expos retired No. 10 in honour of Andre Dawson prior to a game against the Atlanta Braves at Olympic Stadium.

Dawson was a standout at Florida A&M University when he was spotted by Expos scout Bill Adair who convinced his employers to select the Miami native in the 11th round of the 1975 MLB draft.

After minor league stints in Lethbridge, Quebec City and Denver, Dawson made his big league debut on September 11, 1976. The following year, he hit .282 and belted 19 home runs, earning himself National League Rookie of the Year honours. Over his next nine seasons with the Expos, the five-tool outfielder evolved into one of the best all-around players in franchise history. In Dawson’s tenure in Montreal, he was selected to three All-Star teams, won three Silver Slugger Awards and captured six Gold Gloves.

In all, in his 11 seasons in Montreal, Dawson accumulated 225 home runs, 838 RBIs and 2,679 total bases – all numbers that rank second in Expos history.

Remembering Matt Stairs‘ first MLB home run

Thirty-one years ago today, Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) clubbed his first major league home run.

Playing for the Boston Red Sox, the left-handed hitting Canuck connected for a solo shot in the seventh inning against Royals right-hander Tom Gordon at Kauffman Stadium. At the time, it gave the Red Sox and fellow Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Rheal Cormier (Cap-Pele, N.B.) a 2-1 lead. Cormier had started the contest and allowed just one run in seven innings for the Red Sox, but the bullpen blew the lead and the Royals won 3-2.

Stairs ultimately clubbed 265 major league home runs, which is the third-most by a Canadian.

Hartman rocketing up Braves’ prospect ranks

Outfielder Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.) was selected in the 20th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves. And he’s proving to be the steal of that draft.

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

The Junior National Team alum has also moved up 18 spots on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospect list, from No. 100 to No. 82 this week.

Hartman is in his second pro season. 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.

The most unlikely three-homer game by a Blue Jay?

When I look at the list of players that have hit three home runs in a game for the Blue Jays, there are many names that I’d expect to see on there, such as George Bell, Carlos Delgado, Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Donaldson and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Montreal, Que.). But the most unlikely player on the list is Darnell Coles, who 32 years ago today belted a trio of home runs against the Twins in the Blue Jays’ 14-3 win at the Metrodome. Coles started at third base and batted seventh that game and went deep in the fifth, eighth and ninth innings.

Clemens recorded 3,000th MLB K 28 years ago and I was there

Twenty-eight years ago today, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Roger Clemens struck out Rays outfielder Randy Winn in the third inning at SkyDome to record his 3,000th MLB strikeout.

My mom and I (circled in the photo below) had a front row seat to it. This is also the only time I’ve ever sat in the first row at SkyDome.

July 5, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

As a baseball writer you never get calls from the wife of a former NHL GM.

For that matter you never receive calls from the wives of baseball GMs either.

But away back in 2021, Linda Fletcher phoned me with a request.

When the late Cliff Fletcher was the GM of the Atlanta Flames, he was at an event with Hall of Famer Hank Aaron and asked Aaron to sign a ball for him. Aaron, who was working for the Atlanta Braves, obliged.

However, the sun had faded Aaron’s signature, so Linda had a request.

“Could I get Hank Aaron’s autograph?”

Now the back of our Baseball Writers of America Association credentials state that asking players for autographs can lead to having your pass revoked. But this wasn’t for me. Plus it wasn’t an autograph. It was a re-autograph. And everything I’d read about Fletcher said he was a kind, upstanding and fair man.

So I called the Braves.

“Mr. Aaron doesn’t work here anymore, you have to phone his office but he won’t sign.”

So, I called Mr. Aaron’s office and the woman who answered was quick to tell me that he did not sign autographs.

I asked “what if it is a re-sign? And told her how Fletcher, former Flames boss had met Aaron at an event. And his wife wanted the ball refurbished for a 70th birthday present since the sun had faded the signature.”

Pause.

“Well, OK, give me the woman’s phone number,” the assistant said.

Aaron re-signed the ball and mailed it to Fletcher.

“Cliff was so excited when he received the ball with Hank’s signature, he was thrilled,” Linda said yesterday. “The ball is still here.”

Growing up a Montreal Expos fan, Fletcher, who passed away on June 5 at the age of 90, turned his affection to the Washington Nationals. He was cremated wearing a Nationals cap.

July 3, 2026

Official Major League Baseball News Release

First baseman TJ Rumfield, of the Colorado Rockies, has been voted the National League Rookie of the Month for June, and third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, of the Toronto Blue Jays, has been voted the American League Rookie of the Month for June.

The announcements were made on Friday on MLB Network.

Rumfield receives his second consecutive award following his honour in May. He is one of nine Rockies players to receive the award along with Nolan Jones (September/October 2023); Antonio Senzatela (April 2017); Trevor Story (April 2016); Ian Stewart (July 2008); Troy Tulowitzki (August 2007); Garrett Atkins (June 2005); Clint Barmes (April 2005); and Jason Jennings (August 2002). With his second award of the season, Rumfield became the first Rockies rookie to garner the honor twice and the first National League rookie to receive back-to-back awards since Atlanta’s Michael Harris II did so in August and September/October 2022.

Okamoto won his first career award and is Toronto’s ninth rookie to receive the award, joining Eric Hinske (June 2002); Josh Phelps (2x: August & September 2002); Reed Johnson (September 2003); Gustavo Chacin (2x: April & July 2005); Scott Richmond (April 2009); Devon Travis (April 2015); Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (July 2018) and Alek Manoah (September/October 2021). Along with Munetaka Murakami of the White Sox, who won last month’s award, Okamoto’s honour marks the first time in which multiple Japanese-born players received the award in the same season.

TJ Rumfield, Colorado Rockies (@tjrumfield)

-The 26-year-old hit .316 (30-for-95) with five homers, 12 RBIs, nine doubles, a triple, 12 walks, 14 runs scored, a .589 slugging percentage and a .400 on-base percentage in 26 games.

-The Richmond, Virginia native, who grew up in Texas, ranked first in OPS (.989), slugging, extra-base hits, and total bases (56); tied for the Major League lead in hits and doubles; tied for second in home runs; ranked third in on-base percentage; tied for third in walks; and tied for seventh in runs scored among all qualified rookies.

-The MLB Draft League alumni became the fourth rookie in franchise history to post at least 30 hits and five homers in a month in the Statcast Era (since 2015), joining Jones (September 2023); Joshua Fuentes (September 2019); and Garrett Hampson (September 2019).

-Rumfield became the fourth rookie in franchise history to record 15-or-more extra-base hits while maintaining an average of .316-or-higher through a month, joining Hall of Famer Todd Helton (August 1997); Troy Tulowitzki (August 2007); and Jeff Baker (September 2007).

-Along with Atkins in June 2005, Rumfield is the only Rockies’ rookie to record at least 56 total bases while striking out 14-or-fewer times in a month.

Kazuma Okamoto, Toronto Blue Jays (Kazuma.okamoto25)

-The 30-year-old hit .286 (26-for-91) with seven homers, 20 RBIs, four doubles, eight walks, 15 runs scored, a .560 slugging percentage and a .353 on-base percentage in 25 games.

-The Gojo, Japan native ranked first in homers; second in slugging; tied for second in RBI; third in OPS (.913) and total bases; fourth in extra-base hits; fifth in runs; and tied for seventh in hits among all qualified rookies.

-Okamoto joined Hideki Matsui, fellow rookie Munetaka Murakami, Shohei Ohtani, and Seiya Suzuki as the fifth Japanese-born player to record multiple months of at least seven homers and 20 RBI, a feat he also accomplished in May of this season.

-The six-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star is one of eight players to post multiple months of at least seven homers and 11 extra-base hits, and Toronto’s first rookie to accomplish the feat.

-Okamoto’s 19 home runs are fifth-most by any Blue Jays hitter during their rookie season, and the slugger trails only Hall of Famer Fred McGriff (20 in 1987); Rowdy Tellez (21 in 2019); J.P. Arencibia (23 in 2011); and Eric Hinske (24 in 2002).

July 3, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Augusta, N.J. - The Ottawa Titans snapped a two-game slide, taking down the Sussex County Miners by a 5-2 final on Friday night, backed by a three-run fourth and fantastic pitching post-rain delay.

After leaving two in scoring position in the first, right-hander Ky Hampton threw a clean bottom half with two strikeouts.

With one out in the top of the second, the skies opened up, putting the series opener in a rain delay of just over an hour.

When play resumed, Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) took the team lead with homer number six off Jackson Balzan, launching a solo homer to right-centre to put the Titans up 1-0.

Making an early move to the bullpen, Michael Vilchez had a shaky start to his outing, allowing a run on three hits in the bottom of the second. Former Ottawa Titan Evan Berkey plated a leadoff Sean Roby Jr. single with a base hit to centre, tying the game at one.

Vilchez cruised for a season-high five innings out of the bullpen, allowing just one run on three hits, walking two, and striking out three for the victory.

The Titans took advantage of four walks issued by Balzan in the top of the fourth as part of a three-run frame to take the lead for good. Jake Steels drew a bases-loaded free pass before Hunter Stokely ripped a two-run single to right, making it 4-1.

Balzan threw five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, walking five, and striking out six.

Looking for insurance, Jackie Urbaez made it a 5-1 game with an RBI triple to right-centre in the top of the eighth, scoring an AJ Wright single.

Rookie righty Tristian Harley shined out of the bullpen for the Miners, allowing just one run on three hits, striking out seven. In total, the Miners' pitching staff fanned 15 in the game.

Yohanse Morel and Liu Fuenmayor combined to slam the door with three innings out of the bullpen. Roby Jr. made it a three-run game with an RBI double in the ninth to complete the scoring.

AJ Wright reached base five times, going 3-for-3 with a hit by pitch and a walk. Jackie Urbaez and Jake Steels each singled twice while Taylor Wright homered and walked.

The Titans continue a three-game series with the Sussex County Miners on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, New Jersey. The Titans return for another six-game homestand to end the first half of the season next week against New Jersey and Tri-City.

July 3, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs picked up another win on Friday night, overcoming the Fort McMurray Giants 12-9 in front of 5,433 fans at Seaman Stadium.

Sparking the Dawgs' offence was Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks, Alta.), who went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run.

Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.), Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) and Lachlan Maude (Toronto, Ont.) also turned in productive performances, combining to score 10 runs in the victory.

On the mound, Evan Lehnert got the start, throwing three innings and striking out three.

Lincoln Berg, Wyatt Sadleir (Calgary, Alta.), Ryan Stone, Max McCraray and Brody Burnette took over in relief, combining for a strong bullpen performance to keep the opposition in check.

With the win, the Dawgs improved to 21-9 on the season.

They will now head out on the road to play the Lethbridge Bulls on Saturday, before returning home to face the Bulls on Sunday at 2:05 p.m.

July 3, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

A summary of the transactions involving Canadians from June 1 to June 30:

Major League/Affiliated Minor League Transactions

RHP Cohen Achen (Calgary, Alta.) was sent to the Baltimore Orioles’ High-A Frederick Keys from the double-A Chesapeake Red Sox (June 30).

RHP Matt Brash (Kingston, Ont.) was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 9) by the Seattle Mariners due to a right lat strain (June 10).

LHP Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.) was called up by the Arizona Diamondbacks from the triple-A Reno Aces (June 24). Optioned back to the Aces (June 25).

OF Dasan Brown (Oakville, Ont.) was transferred to the Development List by the Milwaukee Brewers’ double-A Biloxi Shuckers. He was released by the Brewers on June 30.

RHP Eric Cerantola (Oakville, Ont.) was recalled by the Kansas City Royals from the triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers (June 27).

LHP Reid Clague (Victoria, B.C.) was activated from the seven-day injured list by Cincinnati Reds’ Rookie ACL Reds (June 3).

OF Trei Cruz (Toronto, Ont.) was recalled by the Detroit Tigers from the triple-A Toledo Mud Hens (June 19). Sent back down to the Mud Hens (June 23).

LHP Hayden Cuthbertson (White Rock, B.C.) was activated from the seven-day injured list by the Miami Marlins’ class-A Jupiter Hammerheads (June 24).

RHP Cedric De Grandpre (Saint-Simon-de-Bagot, Que.) was promoted to the Atlanta Braves’ double-A Columbus Clingstones from the High-A Rome Emperors (June 12).

1B Ty Doucette (Halifax, N.S.) was activated from the seven-day injured list by the Cincinnati Reds’ class-A Daytona Tortugas (June 12).

INF Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.) was assigned to the Toronto Blue Jays class-A Dunedin Blue Jays from the FCL Blue Jays (June 12). Placed on the seven-day injured list by Dunedin (June 21).

RHP Garrett Hawkins (Saskatoon, Sask.) was placed on the temporarily inactive list by the San Diego Padres’ triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas (June 20). Assigned to the double-A San Antonio Missions (June 30).

RHP Ryan Heppner (Richmond, B.C.) was sent on a rehab assignment by the Atlanta Braves’ class-A Augusta GreenJackets to the FCL Braves (June 15).

C Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 20) by the Miami Marlins with a lower back strain. Activated by the Marlins on June 30.

LHP Justin King (Lloydminster, Alta.) was transferred to the Development List by the Miami Marlins’ triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (June 26).

C Gavin Logan (Medicine Hat, Alta.) was promoted to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ triple-A Reno Aces from the double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles (June 9). Re-assigned to the Sod Poodles (June 11).

3B Matt Lloyd (Okotoks, Alta.) was placed on the seven-day injured list by the Boston Red Sox triple-A Worcester Red Sox (June 24).

LHP Adam Macko (Stony Plain, Alta.) was recalled by the Toronto Blue Jays from the triple-A Buffalo Bisons (June 26).

LHP Ryan Magdic (Beamsville, Ont.) was promoted to the Athletics’ double-A Midland Rockhounds from the High-A Lansing Lugnuts (June 16).

RHP Ryan McDonagh (Milton, Ont.) was assigned to the Kansas City Royals’ class-A Columbia Fireflies from the ACL Royals (June 16).

OF Jonny McGill (Richmond, B.C.) was placed on the seven-day injured list by the Los Angeles Angels’ class-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (June 30).

OF Dante Nori (Toronto, Ont.) was placed on the seven-day injured list by the Philadelphia Phillies’ double-A Reading Fightin’ Phils (June 9).

OF Jordan Nwogu (Ottawa, Ont.) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Chicago Cubs’ double-A Knoxville Smokies (June 4).

LHP Connor O’Halloran (Mississauga, Ont.) was sent on a rehab assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays’ High-A Vancouver Canadians to the FCL Blue Jays (June 20).

2B Émilien Pitre (Repentigny, Que.) was promoted to the Tampa Bay Rays’ double-A Montgomery Biscuits from the High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods (June 11).

RHP Nick Pivetta (Victoria, B.C.) was transferred to the 60-day injured list by the San Diego Padres (June 2). He is out with right elbow inflammation.

RHP Zach Pop (Brampton, Ont.) was signed by the Miami Marlins (June 12) and assigned to the triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

RHP Jordan Romano (Markham, Ont.) was assigned to the Colorado Rockies’ triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes from the ACL Rockies (June 8).

LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) was sent on a rehab assignment to the double-A Akron RubberDucks by the Cleveland Guardians (June 17). Activated by the Guardians (June 19).

OF Sam Shaw (Victoria, B.C.) was activated by the Toronto Blue Jays’ High-A Vancouver Canadians (June 6).

LHP Adam Shoemaker (Cambridge, Ont.) was assigned to the Houston Astros’ class-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers from the ACL Astros (June 5).

RHP Michael Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) was placed on the 15-day injured list by the Arizona Diamondbacks with a left glute strain (June 20).

RHP Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.) was optioned to the triple-A Syracuse Mets by New York Mets (June 3).

OF Mathieu Vallee (Saint-Eustache, Que.) was sent on a rehab assignment to the Toronto Blue Jays’ FCL Blue Jays from the High-A Vancouver Canadians (June 8). Activated from the 60-day injured list by Vancouver (June 23).

RHP Lucas Wepf (Toronto, Ont.) was activated from the seven-day injured list by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ double-A Tulsa Drillers (June 3).

LHP Matt Wilkinson (Ladner, B.C.) was placed on the seven-day injured list by the San Francisco Giants’ triple-A Sacramento River Cats (June 19). Sent on a rehab assignment to the ACL Giants (June 30).

3B Sam White (Newmarket, Ont.) was placed on the seven-day injured list by the Toronto Blue Jays’ FCL Blue Jays (June 4). Transferred to the 60-day IL (June 8).

C Andy Yerzy (North York, Ont.) was transferred to the Development List by the St. Louis Cardinals’ triple-A Memphis Chicks (June 25).

LHP Rob Zastryzny (Edmonton, Alta.) was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 31) by the Milwaukee Brewers. He is out with a left trapezius strain (June 3).

RHP Jacob Zibin (Toronto, Ont.) was promoted to the Cleveland Guardians’ High-A Lake County Captains from the class-A Hill City Howlers.

Independent Leagues

American Association

RHP Landen Bourassa (Lethbridge, Alta.) had his contract transferred to Pericos de Puebla, of the Mexican League, by the Winnipeg Goldeyes (June 2).

RHP James Bradwell (North Vancouver, B.C.) was placed on the inactive list by the Winnipeg Goldeyes (June 2). Activated by the Goldeyes (June 17).

OF Adam Hall (London, Ont.) was activated from the seven-day injured list by the Winnipeg Goldeyes (June 14).

RHP Dominic Hambley (Victoria, B.C.) was acquired by the Winnipeg Goldeyes from the Kansas City Monarchs (June 8).

RHP Jack Seward (New Westminster, B.C.) was acquired by the Winnipeg Goldeyes from the Canadian Baseball League’s Welland Jackfish (June 5). Sent back to Welland (June 17).

Frontier League

1B Liam Bushey (Mission, B.C.) was signed by the Trois-Rivieres Aigles (June 9).

1B Kaiden Cardoso (Abbotsford, B.C.) was placed on the 14-day injured list by the Ottawa Titans (June 23). Transferred to the 60-day injured list (June 30).

1B Carter Claerhout (Red Deer, Alta.) was signed by the Ottawa Titans (June 23).

LHP Harley Gollert (Toronto, Ont.) was released by the Quebec Capitales (June 1). Signed by the Trois-Rivieres Aigles (June 2).

RHP Landon Leach (Toronto, Ont.) was placed on the seven-day injured list by the Trois-Rivieres Aigles (June 20).

RHP Zach Leduc (Blainville, Que.) was signed by the Trois-Rivieres Aigles (June 24).

RHP Brandon Marklund (North Vancouver, B.C.) was placed on the 14-day injured list by the Ottawa Titans (June 30).

LHP Felix Morin (Quebec, Que.) was signed by the Quebec Capitales (June 5). Released by the Capitales (June 9).

*If I’ve missed someone, please email me at KevinGlew@CanadianBaseballNetwork.com

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on June 30. You can read it here.

July 3, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

They were the only team to punch their ticket to The Road to Okotoks straight out of the Prairie Qualifiers.

With a semi-final win over Team Saskatchewan, the Vauxhall Academy Jets put themselves into the final and, with the top three teams qualifying for the main event, it guaranteed their spot.

However, Mother Nature had other plans as she has seemingly had throughout the last month or so.

The other semi-final between AHP Academy and Gulls Prep was rained out, as was the final, putting into question who would get the call.

Eventually, Baseball Canada opted to give all four of the top teams from the Prairie Qualifiers the chance to vie for the inaugural Morneau Cup.

“I think we have a well-rounded group with some pitching depth, defense and some offensive production,” head coach Les McTavish told Alberta Dugout Stories.

“Long tournaments like this – it’s important to get off on the right foot with game one and so our focus will be on the DT Selects.”

The schedule is now set and the Jets will be looking to pick up where they left off.

TREMENDOUS TWIRLERS

It probably comes as no surprise that McTavish believes the major key to success in any tournament is strong pitching.

A former hurler himself, he was able to rely on the arm of Graham Thiessen in the Prairie Qualifier opener against Okotoks Dawgs White.

The Winkler, Manitoba native went six innings of two-hit shutout, striking out 10 in a 12-0 victory to set the early tone.

“There’s always some nerves and we’ve had an up-and-down season,” said slugger Hudson Nikkel, who hit two homers and drove in three to lead the offensive barrage.

“We knew this was our last chance to really prove what we had and I think all the guys knew that we had to give our best effort and I think that’s what we did.”

The Jets then had to use a little more depth in a 9-6 win over Home Run Academy (Winnipeg) and a 14-3 triumph over the Calgary Bucks.

Then the starters took centre stage again with Langley, B.C.’s Noah Simpson going the distance in a 2-1 loss to Gulls Prep.

Calgary’s Calum Andersen became the third Jet to throw a complete game in the quarterfinal matchup with Webber Academy, allowing just one run on one hit and three walks while striking out 10 in an 11-1 mercy win.

The combination of Ben Connolly, Josh Daloise and Will Zielinski handled the pitching duties against Team Saskatchewan in the semi-final, a 9-5 win to seal their spot in Okotoks.

“As a group, I felt we did a good job of letting the game come to us and didn’t press,” McTavish said. “At the end of the day, championships are won with pitching, defense and timely hitting. That’s exactly what our players did.”

WINNING IN DIFFERENT WAYS

Given the Jets’ track record since inception nearly 20 years ago, don’t expect much to change as they head to Okotoks.

They have been among the favourites in virtually every tournament they have played in, even if they aren’t firing on all cylinders.

“I think our biggest key to success at regionals was being able to forget everything that happened earlier in the season, whether it was good or bad, and treat the regional as a fresh start from first pitch,” Andersen said.

“We played as a team and just wanted to have fun while the playing the game we all love.”

While the players have high expectations of themselves, they are also quick to step up for each other, which allows them to win in different ways.

Pitching might have been at the forefront during the Prairie Regionals, but the Jets also sported a vaunted offense with six players hitting over .300 while 11 drove in at least one run.

COMING BACK TOGETHER

This will also be a different way of ending summer for the Jets.

Players typically go their separate ways when the school year is done, with graduating players heading to college or the workforce while returning players get ready to return in September.

McTavish says they haven’t played or practiced since the Prairie Regionals, but has no doubt that they won’t miss a beat when they start the Morneau Cup round-robin against the DT Selects from Quebec on July 14.

“Our primary focus is to make sure we are healthy and in the right mindset out of the gate,” he said. “I know our guys will be excited to see each other after going home for the summer and hopefully that adds to our passion and desire to compete.”

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

Listen to the Alberta Dugout Stories podcast featuring players from the Prairies Road to Okotoks qualifier here.

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The players, meantime, understand the significance of a major national tournament like The Road to Okotoks and want to do the community proud.

“I think it sets up an example for the years to come for Vauxhall,” Nikkel said. “Future players will see how we did and what to strive for.”

Andersen is looking forward to the experience of playing for the name on the front of the jersey against the best in the country.

“Winning the first Morneau Cup would mean the world to my teammates and I,” he said. “We all have the same goal: be the ones holding that trophy at the end of the day.”

The Jets are in Pool C with DT Selects, the Ontario Blue Jays and Victoria Eagles. You can get your tickets to The Road to Okotoks here or watch all games online here.

July 2, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs lost 10-6 to the Fort McMurray Giants in front of 4,430 fans at Seaman Stadium on Thursday night.

The Dawgs’ offence was led by Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) who went 3-for-4.

Newcomer Bryant Starr added a pair of hits, while Lachlan Maude (Toronto, Ont.) went 1-for-3 with a walk and drove in two runs.

On the mound, Reid Madriaga started for the Dawgs and went four innings before the bullpen took over.

Dalton Hoffart, Emmett Stacher, Bracken Rice and Korey Alston combined to throw five innings in relief.

With the loss, the Dawgs dropped to 20-9 on the year.

They continue their homestand with another game against the Giants on Friday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

July 2, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club announced the following signing today:

LHP Liu Fuenmayor

HEIGHT: 5-11 | WEIGHT: 180 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 1999-02-02

HOMETOWN: Guigue, Venezuela | SCHOOL: -

2026: Fargo-Moorhead (American Association, IND): 2-1, 8.27 ERA, 13 G, 1 GS, 16.1 IIP, 17 R/15 ER, 11 BB/18 K

INF Hunter Stokely

HEIGHT: 6-3 | WEIGHT: 245 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 2001-03-01

HOMETOWN: Wilson, NC | SCHOOL: North Carolina

2026: Washington (Frontier League, IND): 27 G, .167 AVG, 3B, 3 RBI, 11 BB/25 K

The club has also announced further transactions:

Acquired LHP Liu Fuenmayor from Fargo-Moorhead (American Association) to complete a previous trade (RHP Jon Beymer from 2/9/2026)

Traded UTIL Dan Tauken to Missoula (Pioneer League) in exchange for a PTBNL

Placed/Activated OF Myles Smith on/from the 7-Day IL

Activated OF Daniel McElveny from the 7-Day IL

Placed RHP Brandon Marklund (North Vancouver, B.C.) on the 14-Day IL

Transferred INF Kaiden Cardoso (Abbotsford, B.C.) from the 14-Day IL to the 60-Day IL

Released LHP Dominic Puccetti

Removed Mark Hernandez as the Emergency Catcher

July 1, 2026

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

Announced Wednesday during the pregame ceremony for Canada Day presented by Rogers, the Toronto Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation will donate $300,000 across six youth baseball organizations in Canada, each selected by Canadian Blue Jays alumni.

In honour of the club’s 50th season, John Axford, Matt Stairs, Michael Saunders, Paul Quantrill, Russell Martin and Scott Richmond have each selected an organization that holds personal significance for them and each of those organizations will receive a $50,000 donation.

“At Jays Care, we’re committed to growing the game across the country, building lifelong fans, and ensuring young Canadians have access to meaningful opportunities through baseball,” said Peter King, executive director, Jays Care Foundation. “Celebrating Canada Day in our 50th season alongside Canadian Blue Jays alumni makes this donation especially meaningful, as we champion organizations inspiring the next generation of baseball players from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”

Canadian Youth Baseball Donations:

Born and raised in Port Dover, John Axford has selected Port Dover Minor Baseball as the recipient of the $50,000 donation to support field improvements at Misner Park in his hometown. The organization, which has honoured Axford’s legacy with a team named the “Axemen,” remains an important part of his connection to the community.

The pride of New Brunswick, Matt Stairs has selected the Fredericton Minor Baseball Association to receive the $50,000 donation for infrastructure improvements to Royals Field and Johnston Field. Stairs remains actively involved in the Fredericton Minor Baseball Association, and this donation will help enhance the experience for athletes and ensure the continued growth of baseball in the community.

Giving back to his hometown of Victoria, B.C. and the school he remains involved in, Michael Saunders has selected Lambrick Park Baseball and Softball Academy to receive the $50,000 donation from Jays Care’s First Pitch Fund for its new scholarship program. Beginning this year, the scholarship will be offered to deserving baseball and softball players who have the skills to compete but face financial barriers to participate in baseball and softball programming.

Paul Quantrill has selected Kendal Minor Baseball in Ontario to receive the Jays Care donation, with funds directed toward the refurbishment of the baseball field at Harvey Jackson Memorial Park. This organization holds special significance for Quantrill as the home association of both his father and grandfather.

Academie de Baseball du Canada and Baseball Canada have been named co-recipients of the $50,000 Jays Care donation on behalf of Russell Martin. The donation will contribute to programming that supports the development of pre-draft and college eligible players across Canada and specifically Quebec. An alumnus of both programs, the two organizations played an integral role in Martin’s placement at Chipola Junior College and his professional baseball career.

Scott Richmond has selected Baseball BC as the recipient of the donation, which will support grassroots girls’ programs and high-performance initiatives, including new uniforms for British Columbia’s provincial team. For the first time in several seasons, the provincial team will feature brand-new uniforms as they compete at baseball’s Canada Cup in summers to come.

July 1, 2026

By Jason Young

Winnipeg Goldeyes

WINNIPEG, MAN. – Winnipeg Goldeyes right-handed relievers Derrick Cherry and Eli Saul will join outfielder Noah Marcelo as West Division All-Stars for this month’s American Association All-Star Game, the league announced Wednesday.

Cherry has assumed the closer’s role in 2026 and has excelled in his opportunities. The 25-year-old ranks second in the 12-team league in saves with seven and has not recorded a blown save. His 2.75 earned run average is second among Goldeyes pitchers.

A native of Baytown, Texas, Cherry is in his second season in Winnipeg after previously pitching for the Rocky Mountain Vibes of the Pioneer League.

Saul will join Cherry as pitchers representing the Goldeyes at the All-Star festivities. One of six Canadians on the roster, the Vancouver, British Columbia native is the team leader in ERA at 2.05 and struck out 16 batters in 22 innings pitched.

The 24-year-old joined the Goldeyes after playing four seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, reaching as high as double-A on two occasions. Saul was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft.

The All-Star Game takes place Wednesday, July 15 at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, Nebraska.

July 1, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs lost 9-6 to the Sylvan Lake Gulls in front of 6,474 fans at Seaman Stadium on Canada Day.

The Dawgs’ offence was led by Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks, Alta.) who went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two RBIs.

Ricky Sanchez (Gonzaga University) also had two hits and two RBIs, while Landon Kauffman (Vancouver, B.C.) enjoyed a 3-for-4 night.

The bullpen once again shone for the Dawgs, combining to throw six innings.

One of the bright spots was Wyatt Sadleir (Calgary, Alta.) who threw a scoreless sixth. Brody Burnette also contributed a 1-2-3 seventh, while veteran Brody Forno (Okotoks, Alta.) tossed a scoreless ninth in his final Canada Day as a Dawg.

With the loss, the Dawgs fell to 20-8 on the season.

The Dawgs will continue their homestand on Thursday with a game against the Fort McMurray Giants. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

June 30, 2026

Official OBA News Release

The Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) is proud to announce Gavin Chester as the recipient of the 2026 Inaugural Dean Oberle Memorial Umpire Scholarship.

Established in memory of the late Dean Oberle, the scholarship celebrates Dean's lifelong passion for baseball and his outstanding contributions to officiating. Throughout his career, Dean exemplified integrity, humility, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of officials.

The Dean Oberle Memorial Umpire Scholarship recognizes an umpire who demonstrates:

• A genuine love for the sport of baseball

• A commitment to continuous learning, both independently and alongside fellow officials

• A passion for mentorship and helping others grow

• A strong sense of teamwork, collaboration, and community

• A consistently positive attitude and uplifting presence

Gavin Chester embodies each of these qualities through his dedication to officiating, his eagerness to continue learning, and the professionalism he brings to every game. His commitment to supporting fellow umpires and contributing positively to the baseball community reflects the values that Dean Oberle championed throughout his life.

This fall, Gavin will begin his first year at Queen's University, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Commerce at the prestigious Smith School of Business.

The Ontario Baseball Association extends its congratulations to Gavin and wishes him continued success both on the field and in the classroom as he begins this exciting new chapter.

July 1, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

In a perfect world, there would not be 13 versions of the balk rule. Many I do not understand after all these years -- especially how a catcher can deceive the runner by not being in the catcher’s box.

And in a perfect world, there would be zero injuries.

Well, guess what?

It is Canada Day ... and everyone is healthy.

It’s time for the 26th annual Canadian Baseball Network Canada Day Team. And as manager George Gibson (London, Ont.), with his 1921 Pittsburgh Pirates were on their way to 90 wins, might have said, “I like this team.”

* * *

How can everyone be healthy at the same time?

Because Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins (Chatham, Ont.) and Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) plus Atlanta Braves boss Alex Anthopoulos (Montreal, Que.), arranged for the game when every Canuck was as healthy as a Budweiser Clydesdale.

Our on-field/sideline reporter is this year’s Jack Graney winner, Hazel Mae (Toronto, Ont.). In the booth are Dan Shulman (Thornhill, Ont.) and Joe Siddall (Windsor, Ont.) plus prepping to handle the pre- and post-game panels from the Canadian Baseball Network central desk are Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell (Oakville, Ont.) and Shi Davidi (Toronto, Ont.).

In 2001, when we came up with the idea it was a mythical Canada Day lineup to celebrate our country’s best on our country’s birthday. Now Canada is coming off winning the Puerto Rico pool in the World Baseball Classic in March.

In our first year, 12 Canadians appeared in the majors, before Canada Day that year ... LHP Rheal Cormier (Cap Pele, NB) of the Phillies, OF Rob Ducey (Cambridge, Ont.) Montreal Expos, 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) Minnesota Twins, RHP Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) Cincinnati Reds, 1B Matt Stairs (Fredericton, NB) Chicago Cubs, RHP Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) Texas Rangers, RHP Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) Blue Jays, RHP Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) Los Angeles Dodgers, INF Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.), St. Louis Cardinals, Steve Green (Greenfield Park, Que.) of the Los Angeles Angels and Walker of the Colorado Rockies.

The current crop of major-league Canucks (23 plus, a handful of minor leaguers) is up five from 2025’s team — a long way from 1984 when there were two Canucks in the majors: Terry Puhl (Melville, Sask.) of the Houston Astros and Doug Frobel (Ottawa, Ont.) of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

And away we go … with our 2026 mythical lineup ...

1. SS Otto Lopez.

RHP Yariel Rodriguez allowed 136 hits with the Blue Jays (2024-26). Counting next season Rodriguez will be paid $20.8 million. The Cuban had success with the Chunichi Dragons in Japan. Here? Not so much. He was designated for assignment last month with a 4-11 record and a 4.04 ERA. And as is always the case when someone is added to the 40-man roster, someone is cut loose. When Rodriguez arrived, the Jays said goodbye to Otto Lopez (Montreal, Que.) in what was their worst infield mistake since trading Michael Young or drafting Russ Adams.

Lopez was claimed by the San Francisco Giants and they cut him too. Lopez has 358 hits all with the Marlins == save for six with the Jays. He leads the National League in hits this season with 111, nine more than four-time batting champ Luis Arraez of the San Francisco Giants.

It is Lopez’s fourth start and fifth time on the team.

2. RF Josh Naylor

Usually Naylor would hit fourth or fifth on Canada Day. Yet the speed he displayed in 2025 has earned him a bump in the order.

Now, whether it was Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.), Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) or Freddie Freeman, we always had too many left-handed sluggers for not enough spots. It is the same this year with power, power and power in Vlad Guerrero, Freeman and Naylor. Since Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) is the youngest and had played there before -- 145 starts with the San Diego Padres and the Cleveland Guardians in the outfield -- we’ll have him play right field. He went 30-for-32 being sneaky and fast on the base paths with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Seattle Mariners in 2025.

This is Naylor’s eighth start and 10th time on the roster.

3, 1B Freddie Freeman.

Can you imagine anyone saying no to Freeman’s request to play for his team?

Maybe first-year Little League -- as an underager.

Baseball Canada’s answer was “no” since it already had Votto and Morneau to split 1B-DH duties. There was no room at the inn. But once Morneau retired and Votto was injured, Freeman made his debut with Canada in 2017 to honour his mother Rosemary, who died of cancer. What a tribute to his late mother. Growing up in southern California, his parents took him to see the Anaheim Ducks. “I thought it was a Canadian league we only went to see Canadian teams.” And woe be Freddie if he spent time eating popcorn or ice cream and not stand for the Canadian anthem.

Clubs don’t like to hit sluggers back-to-back. Jays manager Tim Johnson did it with RF Shawn Green and 1B Carlos Delgado in 1998. No. 3 hitter Green batted .278 with 35 homers and drove in 100 runs, while clean-up hitter Delgado hit .292 with 38 homers and 115 RBIs.

Freeman, who did a lot against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, is making his 15th consecutive Canada Day start.

4. DH Vlad Guerrro

The slugger looked every bit his contract’s worth during post-season play in 2025, hitting .397 with eight homers and 15 RBIs against the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Dodgers. This season? Not so much. Not nearly as much.

Five of his first seven years, Guerrero (Montreal, Que.) has had 23 or more homers (topping out at 48 in 2021), six of seven years he had 69 or more RBIs (111 in 2021) and all seven years .772 OPS or better (with a 1.002 OPS in 2021).

Guerrero is in his ninth start and he has been at first base, DH and even two starts at third.

5. C Liam Hicks

Two years ago on Canada Day, the former Toronto Mets catcher was with the double-A Frisco RoughRiders. A month later, he was traded along with RHP Tyler Owens to the Detroit Tigers for former Markham Mariner C Carson Kelly.

A year ago, Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) was on the Marlins roster, scooped from the Tigers in the Rule V draft. And he’s still there as a C-1B.

He is making his first start and this is his third time on the roster.

6. CF Tristan Peters

Peters went 2-for-5 against the Kansas City Royals with a home run, three runs scored, one walk, and six RBIs last week in a 22-1 romp. The outfielder has offered manager Will Venable one of the more impactful options in the White Sox lineup to this point, slashing .286 with 17 doubles, with four home runs, 30 RBIs, 30 runs scored, and and a .782 OPS.

He’s fifth in Outs Above Average (OAA) and sixth in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) among center fielders, tied for fifth by Statcast’s score for outfield jumps.

He edges out Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.) who has 12 doubles, 10 homers, 47 RBIs and a .747 OPS.

This is Peters’ (Winkler, Man.) first start and his third time on the roster.

Left winger Dustin Penner (Winkler, Man.) played nine years in the NHL with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals.

7. LF Tyler O’Neill

O’Neill is a Langley Blaze grad with the Orioles. In his ninth year in the majors, he has had reached double figures in home runs three times, including belting 34 in 2021. A rare right-handed power hitter, O’Neill has struggled with this season, but the regular WBC performer hopes to get his home run hack back. He has 120 career homers, 10th over-all among Canadians and four behind Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.)

O’Neill (Maple Ridge, BC) has always showed for the WBC.

He will be making his 10th Canada Day start.

8. 2B Edouard Julien

From 16 homers in 109 games his rookie year in 2023 with the Minnesota Twwins, Julien had managed only two before Canada Day this year. But as the saying goes -- he’s the best we got. He has seven doubles, a triple, 18 RBIs and a .647 OPS.

This is the fifth start for Julien (Quebec, Que.) and his sixth time on the Canada Day roster.

9. 3B Abraham Toro

Another WBC vet, Toro is at triple-A Omaha awaiting for an injury or a slump to be promoted to the Royals. Toro is hitting .267 with 14 doubles, four triples, 12 homers and 49 RBIs with an .862 OPS in 69 games.

Toro (Longueuil, Que.) is making his sixth start and his seventh appearance on our team.

RHP Michael Soroka

Soroka started the season like a Brahama Bull coming out of Chute No. 4 at the Calgary Stampede beating the Detroit Tigers, his original team, the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays. That four-game start saw him go 4-0 with a 2.78 ERA as well as 28 strikeouts in 22 2/3.

After a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox and losses to the Milwaukee Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates, he registered wins over the Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies. He also had victories over the San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals.

This is his second start and ninth time on our Canada Day roster.

Our Closer

Cade Smith

Smith leads the American League in saves with 26. He has a 3.05 ERA with an amazing 57 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings in 36 games. He has walked only 10. That’s 10 more saves than he had in 2025 and he answered the questions “What will the Guardians do without (suspended) Emmanuel Clase?”

This is Smith’s second straight year as a closer and his third year on the roster.

Previous Canada Day Teams

2026

Position Name Hometown Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. SS Otto Lopez Montreal, Que. Marlins 84 7 37 .333 .852

2. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Mariners 80 .254 8 .683

3. 1B Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Ca. Dodgers 83 .293 13 45 .869

4. DH Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Que, Jays 81 4 34 .268 .695

5. C Liam Hicks, Toronto, Marlins .278 13 53 .831

6. CF Tristan Peters, Winkler, Man. White Sox 79 4 30 .283 .782

7. LF Tyler O’Neill, Maple Ridge, BC Orioles 51 2 8 .182 .552

8. 2B Edouard Julien Ancienne-Lorette, Que. Rockies .232 2 18 .637

9. 3B Abraham Toro, Longuiel, Que. triple-A Omaha .343 12 49 .852

Rotation

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA

1. RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Diamondbacks 15 82 8-3 3.07

2. RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tx. Cubs 13 67.2 2-5 5.19

3. RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria, Padres 4 16 102 4.50

4. RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Rangers 17 35.1 3-0 3.31

5. RHP Jonah Tong, Markham, Mets 3 10 1-1 3.60, AAA-Syracuse 13 56 1-5 5.85

Closer

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA S

Cade Smith, Abbotsford, BC Guardians 36 37.1 2-1 3.05 26

Bullpen

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA S

Matt Brash, Kingston, Ont. Mariners 20 16.2 3-0 0.54

Erik Sabrowski, Edmonton, Guardians 29 23 2-1 3.13 0

Mitch Bratt, Newmarket Diamondbacks 1 3 0-0 3.00 0 AAA-Reno 11 1-1 3.84 0

Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont., Angels 11 0-2 10.13 4

Zach Pop, Brampton, Ont, Phillies 7 7.1 1-2 3.68 0

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver Yokohama Bay Stars 5 5 0-1 3.60 0

Eric Cerantola, Oakville, Ont., Royals 3 4 0-0 9.00 0 AAA-Omaha 27 30.1 1-3 2.67

Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, triple-A Nashville (Brewers) 7 6.1 1-0 0.00 0

Bench

Position Name Hometown Team G HRs RBIs Avg.

C Bo Naylor 28 2 7 .143 Guardians, triple-A Columbus 24 4 14 .229

INF Matt Lloyd, Calgary AAA-Worcester (Red Sox) 8 5 15 .213

INF Trei Cruz, Toronto, Tigers 2 0 0 .000, triple-A Toledo 38 2 18 .221

INF Tyler Black, Stouffville, Ont. Brewers 9 0 7 .333, AAA-Nashville 43 4 24 .220

OF Owen Caissie, Burlington, Ont. Marlins, 73 9 43 .239

OF Jared Young, Prince George, BC, Mets 41 6 15 .250

OF Denzel Clarke, Pickering, Ont. A’s, 22 0 6 .170

**************************************************************************

2025

Position Name Hometown Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. SS Otto Lopez Montreal, Que. Marlins 67 8 40 .260 .723

2. 1B Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Ca. Dodgers 72 10 43 .312 .985

3. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Diamondbacks 77 10 53 .304 .834

4. DH Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Que, Jays 83 12 44 .291 .82-

5. LF Tyler O’Neill, Maple Ridge, BC Orioles 24 2 10 .188 .605

6. 3B Abraham Toro, Longuiel, Que. Red Sox 42 5 16 .286 .790

7. 2B Edouard Julien Ancienne-Lorette, Que. Twins 29 2 8 .198 .607, AAA-St. Paul 47 6 19 .259 .822

8. C Bo Naylor, Mississauga, Guardians 62 9 20 .168 .631

9. CF Denzel Clarke, Pickering, Athletics 33 2 6 .198 .520

Rotation

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA

1. RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria, Red Sox 16 91.0 8-2 3.36

2. RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tx. Cubs 17 95.1 7-6 4.44

3. RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Nationals 11 59.1 3-5 4.70 AAA-Rochester/AA Harrisburg 3 12.0 0-1 3.75

4. RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Marlins 16 73.0 3-7 5.42

5. Brock Dykxhoorn, Goderich, Uni-President 12 71.1 5-4, 3.27

Closer

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA S

Cade Smith, Abbotsford, BC Guardians 36 31.1 2-1 2.36 3

Bullpen

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA S

Matt Brash, Kingston, Ont. Mariners 18 16.1 0-0 0.00 1

Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont., Phillies 33 29.2 0-3 7.28 8

Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Brewers 28 13.1 2-1 0-0 2.03 0

Erik Sabrowski, Edmonton, Guardians 1 1.0 0-0 0.00 0 AAA-Columbus/AA-Akron 6 7.0 0-0 4.00 1

Zach Pop, Brampton, Ont, Jays 4 5.1 0-0 13.50 0 AAA-Buffalo 9 7.2 2-1 3.52 1

Jonah Tong, Markham, Ont. Double-A Binghamton (Mets) 14 1.73 6-3 73.0 0

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver Yokohama Bay Stars 23 34.1 3-2 1.44 1

Mitch Bratt, Newmarket AA-Friso 13 68.0 4-2 2.65 0

Bench

C Liam Hicks, Toronto, Marlins 52 4 27 .277 .797

INF Matt Lloyd, Calgary AAA-Memphis (Cards) 37 4 27 .270 .830

INF Tyler Black, Stouffville, Ont. Brewers AAA-Nashville (Brewers) Rk-Brewers 21 1 9 .211 .708

INF Charles Leblanc, Laval, AAA-Gwinnett (Braves) 22 0 8 .291 .71-

OF Owen Caissie, Burlington, AAA-Iowa 65 12 33 .263 .877

OF Jared Young, Prince George, BC, Mets 17 3 4 .171 .642 AAA-Syracuse 24 5 21 .261 .866

OF Tristan Peters, Winkler, Man. AAA-Durham 70 6 31 .234 .727

OF Jacob Robson, Windsor, Ont. IND-Winnipeg 40 4 17 .193 .613

**************************************************************************

2024

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. 2B Edouard Julien Ancienne-Lorette, Que. Twins 58 7 17 .207 .676 AAA-St. Paul 23 2 5 .226 .708

2. LF Tyler O’Neill, Maple Ridge, BC Red Sox 58 16 28 .252 .876

3. 1B Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Ca. Dodgers 84 12 52 .298 .905

4. DH Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Jays 81 12 44 .291 .825

5. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Guardians 76 20 61 .242 .819

6. 3B Abraham Toro, Longuiel, Que. A’s 73 6 24 .260 .689

7. C Bo Naylor, Mississauga, Guardians 56 4 17 .207 .509

8. CF Owen Caissie, Burlington, AAA-Iowa 72 8 45 .283 .847

9. SS Otto Lopez, Montreal, Marlins 52 3 19 .252 .629 triple-A Jacksonville 7 1 2 6 .556 1.526

Rotation

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA

1. LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC Dodgers 15 75.2 7-2 4.28

2. RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tx. Cubs 13 74.1 4-4 3.03

3. RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Rockies 17 95.1 6-6 3.78

4. RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria, Red Sox 12 61.1 4-5 4.52

5. Brock Dykxhoorn, Goderich, Uni-President 10 57.1 5-1, 1.73

Closer

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA S

Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont., Blue Jays 15 13.2 1-2 6.59 8

Bullpen

Name, Team G IP W-L ERA S

Cade Smith, Abbotsford, BC Guardians 36 36.2 3-1 1.96 1

Zach Pop, Brampton, Ont, Jays 26 22.2 0-2 4.76 0 AAA-Buffalo 9 9.2 0-1 1.86 3

Mike Soroka, Calgary, White Sox 19 68.0 0-8 5.16

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver Yokohama Bay Stars 23 21.1 2-1 6.75 2

Matt Brash, Kingston, Mariners Injured

Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. AAA-Nashville 28 28.1 4-0 3.18 2

Miguel Cienfuegos, Laval, AAA-El Paso A-Fort Wayne 14 68.1 4-6 5.14 0

Eric Cerantola, Oakville, AA-Northwest Arkansas 16 51.0 2-3 2.47 0

Mitch Bratt, Newmarket A-Hickory 13 59.0 4-4 3.81 0

Bench

C Liam Hicks, Toronto, AA-Frisco 64 4 26 .273 .759

C-1B Andrew Yerzy Toronto, AA-Biloxi 22 2 14 .194 .566

INF Tyler Black, Stouffville Brewers 11 0 1 .242 .627 AAA-Nashville 53 9 41 .275 .858

INF Charles Leblanc, Laval, AAA Salt Lake 57 6 27 .241 .756

INF Joey Votto, Etobicoke, A-Dunedin 6 0 1 .000 .133

OF Jared Young, Price George, BC AAA-Memphis 62 9 29 .264 .786

OF Tristan Peters, Winkler, Man. AAA-Durham 70 6 31 .234 .727

OF Denzel Clarke, Pickering, Ont. AA-Midland 59 8 32 .231 .694

**************************************************************************

2023

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. 2B Edouard Julien Ancienne-Lorette, Que. Twins 36 4 9 .259 .774 AAA-St. Paul 38 5 22 .293 .932

2. CF Tyler O’Neill, Maple Ridge, BC Cards 29 2 6 .228 .620

3. DH Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Ca. Dodgers 79 14 49 .938

4. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga Guardians 71 10 58 .294 .809

5. 3B Vlad Guerrero, Montreal Jays 80 12 51 .277 .799

6. 1B Joey Votto, Etobicoke Reds 8 3 8 .167 .772

7. C Bo Naylor, Mississauga Guardians 19 1 2 .182 .523 AAA-Columbus 60 13 48 .253 .890

8. LF Jared Young, Prince George, BC Cubs 3 1 4 .444 1.667 AAA-Iowa 52 13 45 .326 1.030

9. SS Otto Lopez, Montreal triple-A Buffalo 66 1 22 .247 .606

Rotation

1. LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC Red Sox 9 4-1 2.70 AAA-Worchester 6 2-3, 6.23

2. RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria Red Sox 12 61.2 4-4 4.52

3. RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Ont. Guardians 12 2-5 6.18

4. RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tx. Cubs 2-6 6.90

5. RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary Braves 3 1-1 6.90, AAA Gwinnett 3-2, 3.31

Closer

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont., Blue Jays 35 3-3 2.94 24

Bullpen

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

Matt Brash, Kingston, Mariners 40 4-3 3.62 1

Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. Pirates 18 1-0 5.29 0

Jordan Balazovic, Mississauga 5 0-0 1.29 0 Twins AAA-St. Paul 14 1-1 4.79 0

Zach Pop, Brampton, Ont, Jays 15 1-1 6.59 0 AAA-Buffalo 6 0-0 7.11 0

Noah Skirrow, Stoney Creek, Ont. AAA-Lehigh Valley 13 6-3 5.94 0

Trevor Brigden, North York AAA-Durham 22 1-3, 2.64 0

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver AAA-Iowa 19 2-3 8.76 0

Cade Smith, Abbotsford, BC AAA-Columbus, AA-Akron 23 1-0 3.83 13

Curtis Taylor, Coquitlam, BC AAA-Iowa, AA-Wichita 19 0-2 6.38 2

***********************************************************************

2022

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. CF Tyler O’Neill, Langley, BC, Cards 45 4 14 .241 .653

2. 1B Joey Votto, Etobicoke, Reds 56 6 25 .224 .740

3. 3B Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Blue Jays 75 18 46 .262 .843

4. DH Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Calif., Dodgers 73 8 46 .306 .874

5. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Ont. Cleveland 51 9 41 .263 .799

6. 2B Abraham Toro, Longueuil, Que., Mariners 60 7 18 .172 .544

7. SS Otto Lopez, Montreal, Que., AAA Buffalo (Jays) 36 1 15 .244 .710

8. C Bo Naylor, Mississauga, AAA-Columbus/AA-Akron (Guardians) 60 7 27 .257 .857

9. CF Jacob Robson, Windsor, Ont. AAA-Toledo (Tigers) 48 3 16 .200 .671

Rotation

Name, Team G W-L ERA

RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria, BC, Red Sox 16 8-5 3.23

RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. Yankees 15 9-1 3.31

RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Ont. Cleveland 15 4-4 3.76

LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Red Sox Has not pitched

RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Alta. Braves Has not pitched

Closer

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont., Jays 29 2-2 2.89 17

Bullpen

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

RHP Rowan Wick, North Vancouver, BC, Cubs 30 1-2 4.80 4

RHP Zach Pop, Brampton, Ont, Marlins 5 0-0 4.26 0

RHP Matt Brash, Kingston, Ont. Mariners 5 1-3 7.65 0; AAA-Tacoma 19 0-1 3.91 2

RHP Curtis Taylor, Port Coquitlam, BC AAA-Rochester, AA-Harrisburg (Nationals) 12 2-1 3.31 0

LHP Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. AAA-Syracuse (Mets) 15 04 3.90 0

RHP Brock Dykxhoorn, Goderich, Ont., Uni Lions, Chinese Pro League 8 2-1 3.12 0

RHP Trevor Bridgen, North York, Ont. AAA-Durham/AA-Montgomery (Rays) 20 2-5 3.00 2

LHP Evan Rutckyj, Windsor, Ont. Los Mochis (Mexico) 8 1-2 7.13 0

Bench

Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

C Kellin Deglan, Langley, BC AAA-Buffalo (Jays) 21 0 4 .119 .356

1B Jared Young, Prince George, BC AAA-Iowa (Cubs) 63 12 40 .258 .808

INF Charles Leblanc, Laval, Que. AAA-Jacksonville (Marlins) 67 11 40 .297 .801

INF Edouard Julien, Ancienne-Lorrette, Que., AA-Wichita(Twins) 50 7 28 .287 .906

OF Denzel Clarke, Pickering, Ont. A-Lansing/A-Stockton (A’s) 55 9 32 .279 .903

OF Owen Caissie, Burlington, Ont. A-South Bend (Cubs) 58 6 41 .268 .748

*****************************************************

2021

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. CF Tyler O’Neill, Langley Cards 61 15 36 .272 .880

2. 1B Joey Votto, Etobicoke, Reds 50 10 34 .254 .796

3. 3B Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Blue Jays 76 26 66 .339 1.117

4. DH Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Calif., Braves 78 17 44 .261 .843

5. LF Jamie Romak, London, Ont., SSG Landers, Korea 47 17 43 .237 .827

6. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Ont. Cleveland 69 7 21 .253 .700

7. 2B Abraham Toro, Longueuil, Que., Astros 17 2 13 .245 .689

8. SS Danny Pinero, Toronto, Tigers-AAA 11 1 5 .200 .775

9. C Kellin Deglan, Langley, BC Scranton/Wilkes-Barre-AAA 12 1 3 .233 .648

Rotation

Name, Team G W-L ERA

RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria, BC, Red Sox 15 6-4 4.00

RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. Yankees 15 3-4 5.43

RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Ont. Cleveland 24 0-2 4.11

LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Mariners 1 0-0 6.75

RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Alta. Braves Has not pitched

Closer

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont., Blue Jays 30 4-1 1.21 6

Bullpen

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

RHP Zach Pop, Brampton, Ont, Marlins 24 1-0 5.28 0

LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. St. Paul Saints 7 2-3 5.70 0

RHP Curtis Taylor, Port Coquitlam, BC Buffalo-AAA, New Hampshire-AA (Jays) 16 2-2 4.37 0

LHP Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. Jacksonville-AAA (Marlins) 9 1-0 6.35 1

RHP Brock Dykxhoorn, Goderich, Ont., Uni Lions, Chinese Pro League 9 5-1 2.08 0

RHP Jordan Balazovic, Mississauga, Ont. Wichita-AA (Twins) 6 1-1 4.44 0

RHP John Axford, Port Dover, Ont., Rookie-class Jays 1 0-0 0.00 0

Bench

Name, Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

C Jordan Procyshen, Calgary Frisco-AA (Rangers) 25 4 14 .213 .740

INF Otto Lopez, Montreal New Hampshire-AA (Jays) 46 2 28 .351 .894

INF Charles Leblanc, Laval Round Rock-AAA (Rangers) 35 4 20 .268 .801

OF Jacob Robson, Windsor, Ont. Toledo-AAA, Erie-AA (Tigers) 35 6 21 .357 1.107

OF Dalton Pompey, Mississauga, Ont. Rocket City-AA (Angels) 18 4 6 .265 .824

OF Tristan Pompey, Mississauga, Ont. Jacksonville-AAA, Pensacola-AA (Marlins) 25 0 7 .177 .485

*****************************************************

2020

Position Name Team

1. CF Tyler O’Neill, Langley, BC Cards

2. 1B Joey Votto, Etobicoke, Ont. Reds

3. DH Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Calif., Braves

4. 3B Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Que., Blue Jays

5. LF Jamie Romak, London, Ont., SK Wyverns Korea .268 8, 29

6. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Ont. Padres

7. C Russell Martin, Montreal, Que., Free agent

8. 2B Abraham Toro, Longueuil, Que., Astros

9. SS Danny Pinero, Toronto, Ont., Tigers

Rotation

Name, Team

LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Yankees

RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Alta. Braves

RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. Pirates

RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Ont. Padres

RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria BC, Phillies

Closer

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver, BC, Cubs

Bullpen

Name, Team

RHP Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont. Blue Jays

LHP Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. Orioles system

RHP Scott Mathieson, Abbotsford, BC, Free agent

RHP Jordan Balazovic, Mississauga, Ont. Twins system

LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. Orix Buffaloes 2 0-1 - 3.60 0

RHP Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que. Free agent

RHP Brock Dykxhoorn, Goderich, Ont., Uni Lions, Chinese Professional Baseball League

Bench

Name, Team

C Kellin Deglin, Langley, BC Yankees system

C Noah Naylor, Mississauga, Ont., Indians system

LF Dalton Pompey, Mississauga, Ont. Free agent

3B Eric Wood, Pickering, Ont. Winnipeg-IND

OF Jim Adduci, Burnaby, BC free agent

OF Jacob Robson, Windsor, Ont. Tigers system

INF Jared Young, Price George, BC. Cubs system

2B Charles Leblanc, Laval, Que., Rangers system

*****************************************************

2019

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. CF Tyler O’Neill, Langley, BC Cards 21 1 4 .263 .677, AAA-Springfield 41 12 27 .248 .813

2. 1B Joey Votto, Etobicoke, Ont. Reds 73 8 21 .268 .783

3. DH Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Calif. Braves 82 22 63 .315 1.000

4. 3B Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Que., Blue Jays 53 8 23 .251 .725, AAA-Buffalo, A-Dunedin 13 3 9 .333 .990

5. RF Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Ont. Padres 27 2 12 .215 .600, AAA - El Paso 45 10 .299 .916

6. C Russell Martin, Montreal, Que., Dodgers 40 2 6 .239 .672

7. SS Danny Pinero, Toronto, Ont., AAA - Toledo, AA-Erie 68 1 8 .234 .742

8. 2B Charles Leblanc, Laval, Que. AA - Frisco 67 2 27 .279 .689

9. LF Dalton Pompey, Mississauga, Ont. Yet to appear

Rotation

Name, Team G W-L ERA

RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Alta. Braves 14 9-1 2.13, AAA - Gwinnett 2 1-0 3.86

RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. Pirates 7 2-3 4.10

RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria BC, Phillies 10 4-2 5.63 , AAA - Lehigh Valley 6 4-1 3.41

RHP Cal Quantrill, Port Hope, Ont. Padres 9 2-2 4.79, AAA - El Paso 7 4-2 4.54

Closer

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver, BC Cubs 3 0-0 2.45 0, AAA-Iowa 20 0-0 2.22 4

Bullpen

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

RHP Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont. AAA-Buffalo 4 0-1 5.06 0, AAA-Buffalo 18 1-2 5.91 5

Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. AAA-Oklahoma City 14 2-3 6.59 0

Scott Mathieson, Abbotsford, BC, Yomiuri Giants 4 1-0 6.75 0

RHP Jordan Balazovic, Mississauga, Ont. A-Fort Myers, A-Cedar Rapids 12 6-2 2.48 0

RHP Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que. Ottawa-IND 8 4-2 2.35 0

RHP Brock Dykxhoorn, Goderich, Ont. Korea Lotte Giants/SK Wyverns 27 6-5 3.56

LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. Orix Buffaloes 8 1-2 5.74 0

Bench

Name, Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

C Kellin Deglin, Langley, BC AAA-Scranton/AA-Wilkes-Barre Trenton 34 3 14 .271 .745

3B Eric Wood, Pickering, Ont. AAA-Indianapolis 51 8 23 .236 .759

RF Jamie Romak, London, Ont., SK Wyverns-Korea 80 16 53 .270 .848

OF Jim Adduci, Burnaby, BC, Cubs 2 0 0 .000 .000, AAA-Iowa 58 8 39 .296 .828

OF Jacob Robson, Windsor, Ont. AAA-Toledo 61 3 22 .269 .726

INF Jared Young, Price George, BC 68 3 34 .262 .667

*****************************************************

2018

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. CF Dalton Pompey Mississauga, Ont. Blue Jays 8 0 0 .000 .000, AAA-Buffalo, A-Dunedin 23 6 23 .310 .920

2. SS Russell Martin, Montreal, Que. Jays 54 6 16 .171 .626

3. 1B Joey Votto, Etobicoke, Ont., Reds 81 8 42 .297 .880

4. DH Freddie Freeman, Fountain Valley, Calif. Braves 80 15 54 .317 .952

5. LF Tyler O’Niell, Langley, BC Cards 16 3 7 .237 .768, AAA-Memphis 48 18 46 .302 1.012

6. RF Michael Saunders, Victoria, BC AAA-Norfolk, Charlotte 38 2 18 .158 .521

7. 3B Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Que., AA-New Hampshire 53 11 55 .407 1.124

8. C Dustin Houle, Penticton, BC, AA-Biloxi, AAA-Colorado Springs, A-Carolina 28 1 12 .203 .581

9. 2B Brett Lawrie, Langley, BC, free agent

Starting pitching

Name, Team G W-L ERA

LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Mariners 17 7-2 3.65

RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. Pirates 16 5-6 3.96

RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria BC, Phillies 17 4-7 4.71

RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Alta. Braves 5 2-1 3.5, AAA-Gwinnett 5 2-1 2.00

LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. Orix Buffaloes 12 9-1 2.55

Closer

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

John Axford, Port Dover, Jays 34 1-1 4.62 0

Bullpen

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. Cubs 5 1-0 1.69 0, AAA-Iowa 17 2-1 3.97 0

Scott Mathieson, Abbotsford, BC, Yomiuri Giants 20 0-2 2.61 0

Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que. AAA-Toledo 21 2-2 4.21 3

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver, BC AA-San Antonio 29 2-4 3.16 5

RHP Jordan Romano, Markham, Ont AAA-Buffalo 1 1-0 0.00, AA-New Hampshire 14 8-3 4.08

Kevin Chapman, Coral Springs, Fla. AAA-Toledo 14 0-0 3.45 2

Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask. AAA-Toledo 13 2-1 2.76 0

Adam Loewen, Surry, BC AAA- Round Rock 5 0-1 1.80 0, New Britain- IND 1 0-0 0.00

Bench

Name, Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

C Kellin Deglin, Langley, BC A-Tampa 19 1 5 .164 .485

INF Daniel Pinero, Toronto, Ont. A-Lakeland 67 5 34 .226 .665

3B Eric Wood, Pickering, Ont. AAA-Indianapolis 52 6 21 .246 .762

OF-1B Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Ont. AA-San Antonio 75 10 54 .317 .868

RF Jamie Romak, London, Ont., SK Wyverns-Korea 75 25 57 .313 1.016

*****************************************************

2017

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. CF Dalton Pompey AAA-Buffalo 1 0 0 .500 1.000, A-Dunedin 6 0 3 .263 .732

2. C Russell Martin, Jays 50 7 16 .218 .756

3. 1B Joey Votto, Reds 77 23 57 .311 1.046

4. 3B Freddie Freeman, Braves 37 14 25 .341 1.209

5. LF Tyler O’Niell, AAA-Tacoma 76 11 39 .229 .719

6. RF Jamie Romak, SK Wyverns-Korea 41 13 26 .203 .848, AAA-El Paso 25 11 25 .347 1.192

7. DH Justin Morneau, Free agent

8. 3B Eric Wood, AAA-Indianapolis 70 9 38 .257 .805

9. SS Brett Lawrie, Injured

Starting pitching

Name, Team G W-L ERA

LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Mariners 12 5-3 3.44

RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. Pirates 10 4-2 2.97

RHP Nick Pivetta, Victoria BC, Phillies 9 1-4 5.40, AAA-Lehigh Valley 5 5-0 1.69

LHP Scott Diamond, Guelph, Ont. 8 3-2 3.57

RHP Mike Soroka, Calgary, Alta. AA-Mississippi 14 9-3 2.18

Closer

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

John Axford, Port Dover, A’s 17 0-0 5.60 0

Bullpen

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. Cubs 1 0-0 6.75 0, AAA-Iowa 8 0-1 7.79 1

Scott Mathieson, Abbotsford, BC, Yomiuri Giants 29 2-0 1.25 1

Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask. AAA-Toledo 13 2-1 2.76 0

Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. AAA-Gwinnett 18 6-3 3.99 0

Jesen Dygestile-Therrien, Montreal, Que. AAA-Lehigh Valley 9 0-0 2.30 2, Double-A Reading 21 2-1 1.26 7

Adam Loewen, Surrey, BC AAA-Round Rock 12 2-0 2.84 0, Double-A Frisco 18 0-1 3.48 1

Rowan Wick, North Vancouver, BC AAA-Memphis 12 1-1 5.52 1

Bench

Name, Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

C Dustin Houle, Penticton, BC, AA-Biloxi 33 0 16 .234 .639

INF Daniel Pinero, Toronto, Ont. A-West Michigan 62 0 24 .245 .649

INF Vlad Guerrero, Montreal, Que. A-Lansing 66 5 41 .316 .866

OF Michael Saunders, Victoria, BC Phillies 61 6 20 .205 .617

OF Jim Adduci, Burnaby, BC Tigers 13 0 7 .318 .888, AAA-Toledo 15 1 4 .302 .743

*****************************************************************************************

2016

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. 2B Brett Lawrie, White Sox 78 11 31 .248 .747

2. LF Joey Votto, Reds 78 13 39 .249 .832

3. CF Michael Saunders, Blue Jays 72 15 34 .289 .915

4. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves 78 13 29 .285 .877

5. C Russell Martin, Blue Jays 68 6 29 .218 .327 .631

6. 1B Justin Morneau, White Sox Rehab assignment

7. RF Tyler O’Neill, AA-Jackson 74 13 59 .309 .906

8. OF-1B Jamie Romak, Yokohama DeNA Baystars 28 0 2 .116 .383

9. SS Sean Jamieson, AAA-Reno 56 1 14 .225 .601

Starting pitching

Name, Team G W-L ERA

LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Mariners 6 1-3 4.15 AAA-Tacoma 10 4-3 3.97

RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex., Pirates 5 2-1 3.86 AAA-Indianapolis 10 4-2 2.04

LHP Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. AAA-Iowa 7 4-1, 5.05 AAA-Iowa AA-Tennessee 9 3-2 4.77

LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. AAA-Rochester 11 6-2, 3.48, Lancaster, Atlantic-IND 1 1-0, 0.00

RHP Chris Leroux, Mississauga, Ont. AAA-Buffalo, 15 6-4, 3.15

Closer

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

John Axford, Port Dover, Ont., A’s 34 3-2 5.23 1

Bullpen

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

RHP Jim Henderson, Calgary, Alta., Mets 34 3-2 5.23 0

LHP Adam Loewen, Surrey, BC AAA-Reno 24 2-2 3.90 0

RHP Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask. AAA-Toledo, 25 1-3 3.48 1

RHP Scott Mathieson Aldergrove BC Yomiuri Giants 31 6-0 2.61 1

LHP Scott Diamond, Guelph, Ont. Blue Jays, 1 0-0, 27.00 0 AAA-Buffalo 15 5-7 3.48 0

RHP Rowan Wick, North Vancouver, BC AA-Springfield 3 0-0 5.40 0 A-Palm Beach 23 2-0 1.09 6

RHP Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que. AAA-Charlotte 10 0-2 12.27 0

Bench

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

C George Kottaras, Markham, Ont., AAA-Sacramento 23 1 6 .155 .514

OF Dalton Pompey, Mississauga, Ont. AAA-Buffalo 44 1 14 .280 .690

INF Stephen Wickens, Whitby, Ont., AAA-Rochester 29 3 5 .182 .601

1B Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Ont. A-Greensboro 65 8 43 .255 .747

*****************************************************

2015 Lineup

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. 3B Brett Lawrie, A’s 73 7 36 .285 .750

2. LF Joey Votto, Reds 74 14 38 .284 .899

3. 1B Justin Morneau, Twins 27 3 9 .290 .767

4. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves 66 12 41 .299 .887

5. C Russell Martin, Jays 67 11 37 .265 .840

6. RF Michael Saunders, Jays 9 0 3 .194 .499

7. CF Dalton Pompey, Jays 23 2 6 .193 .601, AA-New Hampshire/AAA-Buffalo 41 5 20 .277 .776

8. 2B Peter Orr, AAA-Colorado Springs 61 1 30 .276 .719

9. SS Sean Jamieson, AA-Mobile 44 3 7 .308 .846

Pitching

Name, Team G W-L ERA

James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Mariners 10 3-3, 3.70

Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask., AAA-Buffalo 14 2-9, 4.19

Scott Diamond, Guelph, Ont., AAA-Durham 15 7-3, 3.61

Jared Mortensen, Abbottsford, BC, AA-Montgomery 15 5-3, 3.29

Jeff Francis, North Delta, BC AAA-Buffalo, 10 3-0, 1.71

Closer

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

John Axford, Port Dover, Ont., Rockies 24 1-1, 2.42 13

Relievers

Name, Team G W-L ERA S

Adam Loewen, Surrey, BC, AAA-Lehigh Valley/AA-Reading 24 2-2 2.13 1

Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que., AAA-Lehigh Valley 14 3-4 2.35 0

Scott Mathieson, Aldergrove, BC, Yomiuri Giants 32 1-4 2.08 2

Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask., AAA-Columbus 27 5-2 3.28 1

James Henderson Calgary, Alta. AAA-Colorado Springs/AA-Biloxi/A-Brevard 21 0-2 4.15 1

Chris Leroux, Mississauga, Ont. AAA-Lehigh Valley/AAA-Colorado Springs 17 2-5 4.53 0

Bench

Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

C George Kottaras, Markham, Ont. AAA-Charlotte 21 5 .311 .623

3B Jamie Romak, London, Ont., AAA Reno 73 13 55 .300 .918

INF Jordan Lennerton, Langley, BC, AAA Toledo 51 3 21 .241 .708

OF Jim Adduci, Vancouver, BC, Lotte Giants, Korea 60 .279, 10, 39 .738

********************************************************************************

2014 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. RF Michael Saunders, Mariners .266 4 23 .734

2. 2B Brett Lawrie, Jays .244 12 48 .718

3. LF Joey Votto, Reds .260 6 22 .822

4. 1B Justin Morneau, Rockies .307 13 58 .858

5. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves .291 13 41 .882

6. 3B Russell Martin, Pirates .265 4, 23 .792

7. CF Oscar Taveras, Cardinals .189 1 2 .522 Memphis-AAA .318 8 49 .872

8. C George Kottaras, Indians .353 3 4 1.339 Columbus-AAA .119 1 5 .386

9. SS Sean Jamieson, Mobile-AA (Dbacks) .310 5 30 .819

Rotation

Name, Team G W-L ERA

1. LHP Erik Bedard, Navan, Ont., Rays (4-5, 4.21)

2. LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC (2-0, 2.25 with Mariners, 0-0, 6.00 at triple-A Tacoma)

3. LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. (2-7, 6.65) Hanwha Eagles, Korea,

4. RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. injured, Pittsburgh Pirates

5. Scott Diamond, Guelph, Ont. (3-7, 7.03) Triple A Rochester.

Relievers

Scott Mathieson, Aldergrove BC (4-2, 11 saves, 4.11) Yomiuri Giants

James Henderson, Calgary, Alta. (2-1, 7.15 Brewers 0-0, 0.00 double-A Huntsville),

Jeff Francis North Delta, BC (0-1, 7.15) A’s

Jesse Crain Toronto, Ont., injured Houston Astros

Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que. (0-1, 21.60 Phillies, 2-1, 3.74, triple-A Lehigh)

Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask. (2-2, two saves, 3.67 at triple-A Nashville)

John Axford, Port Dover, Ont. (2-3, nine saves, 3.69 Indians).

Bench

C Mike Nickeas, Vancouver, BC (.225, 3, 10 triple-A Buffalo)

INF Taylor Green, Comox, BC (.245, 3, 18 triple-A Nashville)

INF Pete Orr, Richmond Hill, Ont. (.297, 2, 22 triple-A Nashville)

IB Jordan Lennerton, Langley, BC (.189, 4, 26) triple-A Toledo

OF Jamie Romak, London Ont. (.048, 0, 3 Dodgers, .270, 13, 71 triple-A Albquerque

OF Jim Adduci, Vancouver, BC (.462, 0, 3, Rangers, .250, 0, 1 at double-A Frisco and triple-A Round Rock

OF Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, Ont., (.308, 6, 35 at double-A New Hampshire, class-A Dunedin.

****************************************************************************************************

2013 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1, CF Michael Saunders, Mariners .211 4 15 .616

2. C Russell Martin, Pirates .244 8 29 .752

3. LF Joey Votto, Reds .322 14 38 .952

4. 1B Justin Morneau, Twins .291 3 46 .743

5. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves .305 8 50 .839

6. 3B Brett Lawrie, Jays .209 5 14 .642

7. RF Jason Bay, Mariners .218 9 18 .724

8. 2B Peter Orr, triple-A Lehigh .236 3 19 .645

9. SS Sean Jamieson, class-A Visalia .270 6 28 .781

Rotation

RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) Red Sox 5-8, 4.18

LHP Scott Diamond (Guelph, Ont.) Twins, 5-7, 5.40

RHP Josh Johnson (Minneapolis, Minn.) Jays, 1-2, 5.21

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) Astros 3-3, 4.44

LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) Rockies/triple-A Colorado Springs 2-7, 6.72

Bullpen

Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) White Sox 2-3, 0.74

John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) Brewers 3-3, 3.97

Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) Phillies/triple-A Lehigh 1-2, two saves, 4.73

Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove BC) Yomiuri Giants 1-2, 1.82

Andrew Albers (North Battleford, Sask.) triple-A Rochester 7-2, 2.93

Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) Yakult Swallows 0-1, 6.63

Dustin Molleken (Regina, Sask.) Nippon Ham Fighters 0-0, 3.86

LHP James Paxton (Ladner, BC) triple-A Tacoma 4-5, 4.75

Closer

James Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) Brewers 2-2, 10 saves, 1.88

Bench

C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) Royals .143 2 9 .615

C Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, BC) triple-A Buffalo .161 0 5 .445

INF Jordan Lennerton (Langley, BC) triple-A Toledo .307 13 40 .887

INF Skyler Stromsmoe (Etzikom, Alta.) double-A Richmond/class-A San Jose .203 2 10 .585

INF Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.), Quebec Capitales .291 5 19 .816

INF Taylor Green (Comox, BC) injured, Brewers system

OF Jamie Romak (London, Ont.) triple-A Memphis .249 16 46 .876

OF Jimmy Van Ostrand (Richmond, BC) double-A Harrisburg/triple-A Syracuse .278 5 27 .766

OF Tyson Gillies (Vancouver, BC) double-A Reading/Lehigh Valley .240 8 24 .728

OF Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) double-A New Hampshire .278 10 30 .843

OF Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) double-A Huntsville .250 8 32 .717

*****************************************************

2012 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. 3B Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC) Jays .293 8 33 .778

2. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) Yankees .189 8 21 .681

3. 1B Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) Reds .350 14 47 1.103

4. DH Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) Twins .239 10 34 .749

5. CF Michael Saunders (Victoria, BC) Mariners .258 8 24 .746

6. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) Mets .187 4 6 .626

7. 2B Taylor Green (Comox, BC) Brewers .203 2 10 .645

8. RF Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) triple-A Buffalo .268 3 9 .949

9. SS Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) Phillies/triple-A Lehigh Valley .250 0 15 .588

Rotation

1. RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) Cubs 3-3, 2.11

2. LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) Pirates 6-9, 4.27

3. LHP Scott Diamond (Guelph, Ont.) Twins 7-3, 2.63

4. LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC.) Rockies 3-3, 5.43

5. RHP Scott Richmond (North Vancouver, BC) Jays/triple-A Las Vegas 6-5, 5.42

Relievers

Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) White Sox 2-1, 2.38

Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC) class-A Rancho Cucamonga 0-0, 4.50

Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) triple-A Lehigh Valley 2-1, nine saves, 4.56

Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove BC) Yomiuri Giants 2-0, five saves, 1.80

Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) triple-A Indianapolis 0-1, 3.97

Dustin Molleken (Regina, Sask.) triple-A Colorado Springs 3-0, one save, 5.52

James Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) triple-A Nashville 3-3, seven saves, 1.85

Closer

John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) Brewers 1-5, 13 saves, 5.22

Bench

C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) Brewers .230 3 11 .841

C Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, BC) Mets .188 1 12 .525

C Luke Carlin (Aylmer, Que.) triple-A Columbus/Indians .239 2 13 .676

INF Mark Teahen (Redlands, Calif.) triple-A Syracuse .286 1 44 .755

INF Skyler Stromsmoe (Etzikom, Alta.) triple-A Fresno .255 3 1 .741

INF Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) Quebec Capitales .288 6 31 .803

OF Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) triple-A Rochester/double New Britain .204 1 9 .568

OF Jamie Romak (London, Ont.) triple-A Memphis .238 2 18 .631

*********************************************************************************************

2011 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. 3B Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC), Jays, .354 15 homers, 59 RBIs 1.092 OPS at triple-A Vegas.

2. C Russell Martin (Montral, Que.), .229, 10, 23, .726, Yankees

3. 1B Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .316, 11, 50, .944 Reds

4. DH Justin Morneau (New Westminister, BC) .225, four, 21, .619 Twins.

5. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .234, four, 20 .634 Mets

6. 2B Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont.) zero, 11, .208, .633, White Sox

7. CF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) three, 18, .290, triple-A Tacoma, Mariners.

8. RF Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) seven, 30, .251, triple-A Rochester, Twins

9. SS Cale Iorg (Toronto, Ont.) four, 13, .213, .586 at triple-A Toledo, Tigers

Rotation

RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 5-6, 5.31, Cubs.

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 4-6, 3.00 Mariners.

LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 3-9, 4.79 Royals.

RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 0-0, 3.52 triple-A Sacramento, A’s.

LHP Scott Diamond (Guelph, Ont.) 4-7, 5.14, Rochester, Twins.

Relievers

Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 5-2, 2.41, one save White Sox.

Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC) 2-2, 3.00 Dodgers.

Scott Mathieson (Langley, BC) triple-A Lehigh Valley, Phillies.

Trystan Magnuson (Vancouver, BC) triple-A Sacramento, A’s.

Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) triple-A Indianapolis, Pirates

Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) double-A Reading, Phillies.

Closer

John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) 2-2, 2.83, 22 saves, Brewers.

Bench

Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .143, 0, 2, Nationals

George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .234, 2, 8 Brewers

Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, BC) .250, 1, 3 Mets.

Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .230, 0, 3 Phillies.

Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) triple-A Vegas, Jays

Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) triple-A Buffalo, Mets

Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) triple-A Toledo, Tigers.

*****************************************************

2010 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .244, four homers and 17 RBIs, Dodgers.

2. 3B Mark Teahen (Redlands, Calif.) .255, three, 14 White Sox.

3. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .347, 15, 49, Twins.

4. DH Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .313, 17, 54 Reds.

5. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .277, six, 35) Mets.

6. RF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) .206, five, 17, Mariners.

7. LF Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, Ont.) .263, eight, 39, triple-A Columbus, double-A Akron.

8. 2B Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC) .302, six, 41 double-A Huntsville, Brewers.

9. SS Cale Iorg (Toronto, Ont.) .199, five, 21 double-A Erie, Tigers

Rotation

Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 6-6, 3.58, Cubs.

Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 3-3, 5.68, Rangers

Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 2-2, 3.53, Rockies.

Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) rookie-class Arizona League M’s.

Bullpen

Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC), 2-4, 5.11, Cardinals.

Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) 0-0, 6.60, Marlins.

Scott Mathieson (Langley BC) 3-2, 14 saves, 2.80, Phillies/triple-A Lehigh Valley

Ryan Braun (Kitchener, Ont.) 0-2, 2.16, 10 saves triple-A Charlotte, White Sox.

Philippe Alexandre Valiquette (St. Laurent, Que.)2-1, 4.24, four saves atriple-A Louisville, double-A Carolina, Reds.

John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) 3-1, 3.00, Brewers.

Closer

Jesse Crain (Toronto) 1-0, 4.27, Twins

Bench

George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .208, five, 16), Brewers.

Matt Stairs (Fredericton N.B.) .191, one, seven, Padres;

Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .275, 13, 46 triple-A Omaha, Royals

Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .229, eight, 26, triple-A Syracuse, Nationals.

Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) .234, two, 14 double-A Binghamton, Mets.

Adam Stern (London, Ont.) .282, one, 10, triple-A Nashville, Brewers.

*****************************************************

2009 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .247, one homer and 21 RBIs, Dodgers.

2. 3B Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont.), .281, nine, 28, Royals.

3. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminister, BC) .309, 17, 61, Twins.

4. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .277, 19, 69) Red Sox.

5. DH Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .351, nine, 37, Reds.

6. RF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) .303, 10, 26 triple-A Tacoma, Mariners

7. LF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .300, 13, 30 triple-A Omaha, Royals

8. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .236, five, 23 triple-A Syracuse, Nationals

9. SS Cale Iorg (Toronto, Ont.) .221, six, 21 double-A Erie, Tigers

Rotation

1. LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 5-2, 2.47, Mariners.

2. RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 4-5, 4.09, Cubs.

3. RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 4-4, 4.95, Cubs.

4. RHP Scott Richmond (Vancouver, B.C) 6-4, 3.68, Jays.

5. LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) Rockies.

Bullpen

Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 1-1, 5.25, Padres.

Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC) 0-0, 4.70, Cardinals, 5-4, 3.92 triple-A Memphis.

Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) 2-2 3.03, with 13 saves, double-A West Tennessee/class-A High Desert (Mariners)

Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) 3-2, one save, 4.05, double-A Jacksonville, two games with the Marlins.

David Davidson (Thorold, Ont.) 0-1, 5.63 Marlins/ triple-A Indianapolis, triple-A New Orleans

R.J. Swindle (Vancouver, BC) 2-1 0.79, triple-A Nashville, Brewers.

Closer

Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 2-3. 8.15, Twins.

Bench

George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .227, zero, eight, Red Sox.

Luke Carlin (Aylmer, Que.) .277, 4, 23, .786 triple-A Reno/Diamondbacks.

Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .296, three, 12 of Phillies.

Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) .310, one, double-A Binghamton, Mets

Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, Ont.) .257, 12, 55 double-A Akron, Indians

Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) .275, nine, 45 double-A New Britain, Twins

*****************************************************

2008 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. CF Adam Stern (Port Stanley, Ont.) .221, 1, 8 triple-A Norfolk.

2. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .263 2 30 .719 Nationals/triple-A Columbus.

3. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .308, 12, 63, Twins

4. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .284, 16, 43, Pirates.

5. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .307, 8, 37, Dodgers.

6. RF Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .262, 8, 28, Blue Jays.

7. 3B Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont. .257, eight, 27, Royals.

8. DH Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont. .280, 12, 38, Reds.

9. SS Chris Barnwell (Shelburne, N.S.) .284, 6, 39 triple-A Albuquerque.

Rotation

RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 5-0, 2.15 ERA, A’s.

RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 9-3, 3.26 Cubs.

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.), 5-4, 3.79, Mariners.

LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, B.C) 3-7, 5.6, Rockies.

RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 1-5, 5.83 Nationals.

Bullpen

LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) 0-1, 7.95 Orioles.

RHP Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 3-2, 2.97 Twins.

LHP David Davidson (Thorold, Ont.) 2-2, 3.54 double-A Altoona.

LHP R.J. Swindle (Vancouver, BC) 1-0, 0.54 triple-A Lehigh Valley.

RHP Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 4-0, 3.08, Lehigh.

RHP Scott Mathieson (Langley, BC) injured with the Phillies.

Closer

RHP Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-2, 6.98, 10 saves, Brewers.

Bench

C Luke Carlin (Aylmer, Que.) .154, 0, 2, Padres.

C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .228, 14, 42 triple-A Pawtucket.

C Chris Robinson (Dorchester, Ont.) .217, 1, 19 double-A Tennessee.

INF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .249, 14, 44 triple-A Richmond.

INF Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .182, 1, 9 triple-A, Round Rock

INF Emmanuel Garcia (Montreal, QUe.) .258, 3, 29 double-A Binghamton.

INF Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) .261, 3, 16 Binghamton.

INF Emerson Frostad (Calgary, Alta.) .270, 5, 32 double-A Frisco.

INF Matt Rogelstad (Coquitlam, BC) .282, 8, 39 single-A Potomac.

OF Sebastian Boucher (Ottawa, Ont.) .262, 1, 18 double-A Bowie/triple-A Norfolk

OF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) .242, 3, 16 triple-A Tacoma.

*****************************************************

2007 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .200, zero, two, Braves.

2. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .292, eight, 43, 11 steals, Dodgers.

3. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .277, 20, 54 RBIs, Twins.

4. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .276, 11, 46 RBIs, Pirates.

5. DH Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .242, nine, 30, Braves.

6. RF Mark Teahan (St. Marys, Ont.) .287, five, 37, Royals.

7. CF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .229, 10, 29, Yakult Swallows.

8. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) out with a concussion, Brewers

9. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .310, three, 18, triple-A Round Rock (Astros).

Rotation

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 4-4, 3.64, Orioles

LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 6-5, 3.61, Rockies.

RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 3-3, 2.70, Nationals.

RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 1-1, 1.42, A’s.

LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) 2-0, 3.56, Orioles.

RHP Scott Mathieson (Vancouver, BC) coming off Tommy John, Philadelphia Phillies

Bullpen

Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-0, 0.50, seven saves, Rangers.

Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 1-2, 5.51), Twins.

Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 0-1, 5.79, Mariners.

Ryan Braun (Kitchener, Ont.) 0-2, 3.00, three saves, triple-A Omaha (Royals).

Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 1-1, 1.17, triple-A Richmond (Braves).

David Davidson (Thorold, Ont.) 2-0, 5.08, two saves, double-A Altoona (Pirates).

Closer

Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 1-3, 3.45, 15 saves, Cubs.

Bench

INF Chris Barnwell (Shelburne, N.S.) .271, four, 21 triple-A Nashville, Brewers.

OF Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .275, nine, 23, Jays.

C Pete LaForest (Hull, Que.) .207, 13, 28 triple-A Portland, Padres.

1B Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .317, 9, 41 triple-A Louisville, Reds

OF Adam Stern (Port Stanley, Ont.) .206, three, triple-A Norfolk, Orioles.

*****************************************************

2006 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. CF Adam Stern (London, Ont.) .150, zero, four RBIs Red Sox; .254, seven, 23 triple-A Pawtucket.

2. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .211, one, four, Braves.

3. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .285, 20, 57, Pirates.

4. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .288, 19, 64, Twins.

5. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .267, 10, 31, Brewers.

6. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .294, four, 20, Dodgers.

7. DH Matt Stairs (Saint John, N.B.) .287, seven, 18, Royals.

8. RF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .220, three, seven Royals; .233, 11, 32 triple-A Omaha.

9. SS Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, B.C) .229, one, 16, Somerset, Atlantic League (IND).

Rotation

RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 3-0, 3.86, A’s.

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 8-6, 4.72, Orioles.

LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 5-7, 4.25, Rockies.

RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 1-3, 4.66, Nationals; 3-2, 2.64 double-A Harrisburg.

LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, B.C) 0-2, 7.12 Orioles, 4-2, 2.72 double-A Bowie.

Bullpen

Rheal Cormier (Cap-Pele, N.B.) 2-1, 1.35, Phillies.

Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 1-4, 5.19, Twins.

Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) two scoreless innings, Dodgers.

Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 1-2, 9.11, three saves, Braves.

Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove, BC) 0-2, 6.75, Phillies, 6-2 3.05, double-A Reading.

Closer

Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 1-4, 4.41, 31 saves, Cubs.

Bench

INF-OF Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont.) .244, 4, 19, Royals; .380, 2, 14, Omaha.

C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .274, eight, 30 double-A Mobile (Padres).

INF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .120, zero, one with the Braves; .324, 15, 44 triple-A Richmond.

C Pete LaForest (Hull, Que.) injured triple-A Portland (Padres).

INF Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .314, 15, 48 double-A Chattanooga (Reds).

INF Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) .315, one, 11 Edmonton, Northern League IND).

*****************************************************

2005 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .327, one, five, Braves.

2. CF Adam Stern (London, Ont.) disabled list Red Sox.

3. RF Larry Walker (Maple RIdge, BC) .294, four, 15, Cardinals

4. 1B Justin Morneau ( New Westminster, BC) .411, two, six, Twins.

5. 3B Cory Koskie (Anola, Man.) .258, seven, 16, Blue Jays.

6. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .313, six, 17, Pirates.

7. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .269, four, 11, Royals.

8. C Pete LaForest (Hull, Que.) .302, seven, 22 RBIs Triple-A Durham, Devil Rays.

9. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .326, two, 11, Triple-A Round Rock, Astros.

Rotation

RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 2-2, 1.94, A’s.

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 3-1, 2.31, Orioles.

LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 2-1, 4.58, Rockies.

Bullpen

Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) injured, Dodgers.

Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 2-3, 5.65, Cubs.

Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 0-1, 4.02, Yankees.

Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 1-1, 5.19, Phillies.

Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 2-0, 0.00, Twins.

Chris Begg (Uxbridge, Ont.) 2-2, 1.95, Double-A Norwich, Giants.

Vince Perkins (Victoria, BC) 2-2, 4.11 Double-A New Hampshire, Jays.

Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 0-2, 4.74 Double-A Akron, Indians

Aaron Myette (Surrey, BC) in Japan.

Closer

Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 0-1, 1.08, Braves.

Bench

INF Mark Teahan (St. Marys, Ont.) .273, zero, four, Royals.

INF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .303, five, 25 Double-A Mississippi Braves, Braves

INF Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .500, zero, one, Somerset, Atlantic league (IND).

OF Aaron Guiel (Langley, B.C) .265, five 18, Triple-A Omaha, Royals

C Richard Martin (Montreal, Que.) .280, one, 18 Double-A Jacksonville (Dodgers).

*****************************************************

2004 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .286, nine, 25, Pirates.

2. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) .301, zero, six, triple-A Syracuse.

3. RF Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .350, three homers, five, Rockies.

4. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .247, 12, 33, Twins.

5. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .323, 19, 57 triple-A Rochester, Twins.

6. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .276, 10, 29, Royals.

7. LF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .173, four, 10, 24 Royals plus platoon mate Jeff Guiel (Langley, BC) .198, five, 25 Syracuse Jays.

8. C Pete Laforest (Hull, Que.) .190, two, 14, triple-A Durham.

9. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .264, five, 30, triple-A Toledo.

Rotation

RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 3-4, 4.13, A’s.

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 3-2, 3.69, Orioles.

LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 11-1, 2.27 double-A Tulsa, Rockies.

RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 5-6, 2.87 double-A Harrisburg

RHP Mike Johnson (Sherwood Park, Alta.) 6-3, 5.43, triple-A Edmonton.

RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 0-0, 1.96 re-habbing, single-A Lansing.

Bullpen

Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 5-2, 3.19, Phillies.

Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 3-3, 4.54, Braves.

Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 3-2, 3.61, with 10 saves, Reds.

Aaron Myette (Surrey, BC) 3-2, 2.56, triple-A Louisville

Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) disabled, Rangers.

Closer

Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 2-0, 1.64, 19 saves, Dodgers.

Bench

INF Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .230, zero, four, Cardinals.

INF Todd Betts (Scarborough, Ont.) .262, four, 14 triple-A Columbus.

OF Simon Pond (North Vancouver, BC) .265, five, 17 Syracuse (Jays)

C John Suomi (Etobicoke, Ont.) .304, six, 47 single-A Modesto.

*****************************************************

2003 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .300 10, 32 triple-A Portland; .250, one, two Padres.

2. LF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .283, two, eight, Royals; .279, eight, 30, triple-A Omaha.

3. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .314, 12, 50, Twins.

4. Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .293, eight, 50, Rockies.

5. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .239, four, 13, Pirates.

6. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .280, 2, 7, Twins; .309, 19, 42 triple-A Rochester/double-A New Britain.

7. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .242, six, 34 triple-A Toledo.

8. C Pete Laforest (Hull, Que.) .301, 10, 29 hitting 20 homers combined triple-A Durham/double-A Orlando,

9. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor. Ont.) .230, three, 21, triple-A Richmond, Braves

Rotation

RHP Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 7-2, 4.63, Reds

RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 2-4, 6.21, Reds.

RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 9-2, 2.99 triple-A Sacramento/double-A Midland, A’s.

RHP Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 6-4, 5.64, triple-A Salt Lake, Angels.

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) injured Baltimore Orioles prospect.

Bullpen

Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) injured Rangers.

Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 1-2, 1.57, Dodgers.

Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 2-0, 1.64, Phillies.

Chris Mears (Victoria, BC) 5-1, 2.92 triple-A Toledo/Tigers.

Mike Meyers (Tillsonburg, Ont.) 1-2, 4.94, triple-A Iowa Cubs.

Mike Johnson (Sherwood Park, Alta.) 3-3, 3.75 triple-A Fresno.

Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-2, 2.06, 29 saves, Dodgers.

Bench

INF Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .277, three, 25, double-A Altoona.

OF Jeff Guiel (Langley, BC) .234, seven, 20 triple-A Salt Lake City.

C Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .211, four, 23 triple-A Indianapolis

*****************************************************

2002 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor. Ont.) .250, two, nine triple-A Memphis, Cardinals.

2. SS Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .237, 0, 7 Memphis.

3. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.).263, 8, 36, Twins.

4. RF Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .333, 17, 75, Rockies.

5. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .239, 4, 13, Brewers.

6. LF Aaron Guiel (Lnagley, BC) .381, 1, 7, Royals, .353, nine, 50, triple-A Omaha.

7. 1B Todd Betts (Scarborough, Ont.) .290, eight, 29 triple-A Pawtucket, Red Sox.

8. CF Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) .307, one, 15, triple-A Buffalo, Indians..

9. C Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .256, five, 26, triple-A Sacramento, A’s.

Rotation

RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 5-7 4.80, Marlins.

RHP Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 3-6, 3.60, Reds.

RHP Aaron Myette (Surrey, BC) 5-4, 3.39 triple-A Oklahoma, Rangers.

LHP Eric Cyr (Montreal, Que.) 4-6, 3.24, double-A Mobile, four games Padres.

LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 6-3, 1.97 double-A Bowie, two games with the Orioles.

Bullpen

Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) injured, Rangers..

Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 0-2, 3.40, Dodgers

Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 3-4, 5.59, Phillies.

Phil Devey (Lachute, Que.) 1-3, 4.98, triple-A Las Vegas; double-A Jacksonville 3-1, 1.91), Dodgers

Closer

Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 0-0, 1.30, 29 saves, Dodgers.

*****************************************************

2001 Lineup

Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. SS Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .385, one, 12 triple-A Colorado Springs.

2. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) .317, five, 29, triple-A Memphis; .286 with St. Louis.

3. RF Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .344, 25, 78, Rockies.

4. 1B Matt Stairs (Fredricton, N.B.) .268, 10, 32, Cubs.

5. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .257, 8, 43, Twins.

6. DH Todd Betts (Scarborough, Ont.) .339, 8, 45 Triple-A Tacoma.

7. C Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .261, 1, 15 triple-A Sacramento, A’s.

8. LF Rob Ducey (Cambridge, Ont.) .236, three, 10, Montreal Expos.

9. CF Ntema (Pappy) Ndungidi (Montreal, Que.) .239, three, 28 double-A Bowie, Orioles.

Rotation

RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 8-8, 4.95, Marlins.

RHP Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 4-6, 4.27, Reds.

RHP Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-4, 5.88, Dodgers.

RHP Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 6-2, 3.66 triple-A Salt Lake.

RHP Mike Meyers (Tillsonburg, Ont.) 4-3, 3.78 triple-A Iowa.

Bullpen

RHP Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 7-1, 1.96, Blue Jays.

LHP Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 4-1, 3.04, Phillies.

RHP Dave Wainhouse (Scarborough, Ont.) 2-3, 3.76, five saves, triple-A Iow

Closer

RHP Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) 3-4, 3.26, 10 saves, Rangers.

Bench

C Alex Andreopoulos (High Park, Ont.) .227, one, four triple-A Buffalo.

C Andy Stewart (Oshawa, Ont.) Jays bullpen catcher.

INF Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) injured Diamondbacks farmhand.

OF Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) .242, two, 10, triple-A Ottawa.

OF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .269, 5, 29 triple-A Omaha.

OF Ryan Radmanovich (Calgary, Alta.) .267, 11, 39 triple-A Portland.

July 1, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

There have been five major leaguers that were born in the province of Manitoba, from Mel Kerr (Souris, Man.), who appeared in just one game in 1925, to nine-year veteran Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.).

Now, Tristan Peters is forging a new path, putting Winkler, Man., on the baseball map with his stellar play for the Chicago White Sox.

A left-handed-hitting outfielder, Peters was traded to Chicago this past winter from the Tampa Bay Rays. After being designated for assignment, the Rays dealt him to the White Sox in exchange for cash. It was a move that made sense for both sides: Tampa Bay had Peters buried in triple-A Durham despite his excellent all-around play, while Chicago presented an opportunity for the Canadian to earn a regular role in a big league outfield.

The 26-year-old put together a solid spring training with his new club and cracked the Opening Day roster. Peters had a cup of coffee with the Rays last season, going 0-for-12 in four games, but he has made the most of his opportunity to play regularly for the White Sox.

Through 80 games and 217 at-bats, Peters owns a .286/.345/.438 slash line with a .782 OPS, including 17 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 30 RBIs. His Statcast page places him around league average in most offensive metrics, with his only "red" category being his 18.2 percent strikeout rate. Still, he's consistently putting the ball in play, as evidenced by his .341 BABIP and he has produced well above league average, posting a 119 wRC+.

Among White Sox position players, Peters ranks third in both bWAR (2.3) and batting average, while his 80 games rank fourth on the club. He has also contributed five stolen bases, fifth-most on the team, and has drawn 17 walks, good for a seven percent walk rate.

Recently, Peters made headlines by breaking up Yoshinobu Yamamoto's no-hit bid with a ninth-inning home run. He jumped on a middle-middle 96 mph fastball and launched it 388 feet over the right-field wall at Rate Field.

Peters has always been a contact-oriented hitter and has experienced both the highs and lows that come with that profile. What truly separates him, however, is his outfield defence, and the Manitoba native has continued to establish himself as one of the game's best defenders.

Primarily a centre fielder, Peters has split time among all three outfield positions this season. Overall, he owns a .984 fielding percentage with three errors and one outfield assist. More impressively, he ranks among the game's elite outfielders with +8 Outs Above Average (98th percentile) and +8 Fielding Run Value (97th percentile). He has recorded a 94 percent success rate on 191 fielding opportunities and has made numerous highlight-reel catches, using his plus speed to track down baseballs all over the outfield.

It's been a long journey for Peters to reach this point.

Originally selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB draft, the Canadian was traded to the San Francisco Giants at the 2022 trade deadline in exchange for reliever Trevor Rosenthal. Later that offseason, he was dealt to the Rays for infielder Brett Wisely, where he remained until this past winter.

With the Rays, Peters never received a legitimate opportunity in the major league outfield. Tampa Bay cycled through more than 10 different outfielders in 2025 while battling injuries and inconsistent production. Despite a strong season in Durham, Peters received only a brief opportunity in mid-August before being sent back to triple-A for the remainder of the season. He wasn’t given a chance to showcase what he can do while trying to adjust to the game’s best pitchers.

Chicago is now reaping the rewards of the Rays’ decision to part with Peters, as the young outfielder has already accumulated the same bWAR as the Rays' current outfield group combined. Among all major league outfielders, he is tied for 10th in fWAR (2.1) alongside Julio Rodríguez and Mike Trout—not bad company to keep.

For Peters, this season has proven that, given a legitimate opportunity, he can more than hold his own at the highest level. He wasn't afforded that chance in Tampa Bay, and while the Rays currently sit atop the AL East, they might have an even firmer grip on first place had the Manitoba native been patrolling centre field for them this season.

July 1, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Happy Canada Day to you!

Let’s celebrate with a hodge podge of Canada Day baseball facts that I’ve gathered over the years.

Writer’s Note: Before the sticklers point this out, I know that July 1 was Dominion Day in Canada until October 27, 1982. After that date, July 1 officially became Canada Day. Nevertheless, I will be sharing some Canadian baseball highlights that took place on July 1 before 1982.

. On July 1, 1911, Russ Ford (Brandon, Man.) became the first Canadian pitcher of the 20th century to throw a complete game on Dominion Day (Canada Day) when he did so for the New York Highlanders (to become the Yankees in 1913) against the Boston Red Sox in Boston. Ford limited the Sox to two runs on five hits, while striking out five, in the Highlanders’ 8-2 victory.

· On July 1, 1940, Huntsville, Ont., native George Selkirk, hitting fifth in the New Yankees lineup behind Joe DiMaggio, socked a solo home run in the eighth inning to help his club to an 8-4 win over the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium. In all, Selkirk went 1-for-3 on the day. He also scored two runs and was a hit by a pitch. DiMaggio also homered in the game.

· One year after Selkirk’s Dominion Day performance, fellow Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Heath (Fort William, Ont.) went 4-for-4 with two doubles, two runs and an RBI to help Cleveland to a 10-6 win over the St. Louis Browns at Sportsman’s Park. Heath was batting cleanup and playing right field for Cleveland that day. So just how good was Heath in 1941? Put it this way, the starting outfield for the American League in the All-Star Game that season was Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio and Heath.

· On July 1, 1969, the Montreal Expos defeated the Chicago Cubs 11-4 in front of 19,858 fans at Jarry Park in the first major league game played in Canada on Dominion Day. Expos pitcher Steve Renko was the star of the contest, holding the Cubs to four runs in 7-1/3 innings, while also contributing two hits and two runs. First baseman Bob Bailey led the Expos’ offence with three hits and three RBIs, while Adolfo Phillips, Gary Sutherland, Jose Herrera and Bobby Wine had two hits each. It was left-hander Ken Holtzman, and not Chatham, Ont., native Fergie Jenkins, who got the start for the Cubs. Holtzman was rocked for nine runs in 3 2/3 innings before being lifted.

· Right-hander Dave Pagan (Nipawin, Sask.) is the only Canadian to make their major league debut on Dominion or Canada Day. Pagan started the second game of a doubleheader for the Yankees against Cleveland at Yankee Stadium on July 1, 1973 – 53 years ago today. The first big league batter he faced was Buddy Bell who hit a comeback ground ball to him that he fielded cleanly. The 6-foot-2 right-hander made it through the first inning without allowing a run, but he was lifted in the second after permitting four hits. The Yankees still won the game 11-3. Pagan proceeded to pitch parts of five seasons in the majors with the Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates. You can read my detailed feature article about Pagan here.

· In 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays lost the first Dominion Day game they ever hosted at Exhibition Stadium, 11-8 to the Texas Rangers. The contest was played on a Friday night with 21,089 fans in attendance. Doyle Alexander, who later starred for the Blue Jays, was the winning pitcher for the Rangers, allowing five runs in 6 2/3 innings. Former Expo Ron Fairly had three hits – including a home run – for the Blue Jays. Vancouver, B.C., native Dave McKay was on the Blue Jays’ roster but didn’t get into the game.

· On Dominion Day in Montreal in 1977, right-hander Bill Atkinson (Chatham, Ont.) became the first Canadian to pitch for the Expos on Canada Day when he tossed the final 1 1/3 innings and recorded the save in a 5-3 win over the New York Mets at Olympic Stadium. It was the second game of a doubleheader. The Expos were also victorious, 6-5, in the first game.

· So how did Canada’s greatest major leaguer fare on Dominion Day? Well, Chatham, Ont., native Fergie Jenkins went 2-2 in five starts with a 3.89 ERA. His best performance came 56 years ago today when he tossed a four-hit shutout and struck out 11 against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. For a detailed summary of Jenkins’ Dominion Day performances, click on this link.

· So we know how Jenkins did, but how did fellow Canadian and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and Maple Ridge, B.C., native Larry Walker perform on Canada Day? Well, while with the Expos the five-tool right-fielder was outstanding. In four July 1 contests with the Canadian club, Walker was 7-for-15 (.467) with a home run and six RBIs. But Walker wasn’t nearly as successful on July 1 with the Colorado Rockies, going 3-for-22 (two of those hits were home runs) in seven games. He was 1-for-3 in his only Canada Day contest with the Cardinals in 2005. In total, Walker was 11-for-40 (.275 batting average) in 12 Canada Day games with three home runs and 11 RBIs.

-So how did Canada’s other great No. 33, Justin Morneau, do on Canada Day? Not bad. He was 9-for-32 (.281 batting average) with four doubles. His best Canada Day performance came in 2008 when he went 3-for-4 with a double and a run in the Minnesota Twins’ 6-4 win over the Detroit Tigers at the Metrodome.

· On July 1, 1997, the Expos and Blue Jays faced off against each other in a regular season contest on Canada Day for the first and only time. The Expos edged the Blue Jays 2-1 at SkyDome. In an unlikely turn of events, Expos right-hander Jeff Juden outdueled Blue Jays ace Roger Clemens. In 8-1/3 innings, Juden allowed just two hits and struck out 14. Clemens permitted two runs on 10 hits in 8-1/3 innings before Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) got the final two outs for the Blue Jays.

· In case you were wondering, just five Canadians have pitched for the Blue Jays on Canada Day: Paul Spoljaric (Kelowna, B.C.) made relief appearances in 1996 and 1999, the aforementioned Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) toed the rubber in the 1997, 1998 and 2001 games, Scott Richmond (Vancouver, B.C.) held the Los Angeles Angels scoreless for 2/3 of an inning at Rogers Centre in 2012, John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 innings in relief against the Detroit Tigers in 2018 and Zach Pop (Brampton, Ont.) allowed two runs in his inning of work last year. Surprisingly, Jordan Romano (Markham, Ont.) did not pitch for the Blue Jays on Canada Day.

· On July 1, 1999, Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and Minnesota Twins third baseman Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) scored three runs in a game for the first time in his big league career in his club’s 7-5 loss to Cleveland at Jacobs Field. Koskie went 3-for-4 in the game and he belted a solo home run off Bartolo Colon in the fourth inning.

· On Canada Day in 2000, Florida Marlins right-hander and Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, B.C.) started against Expos right-hander and fellow Canuck Mike Johnson (Edmonton, Alta.) in a contest at Olympic Stadium. It’s the first – and still only – time that two Canadian pitchers have started a regular season game on Canada Day in a Canadian big league park. Dempster allowed three runs in 6-2/3 innings to pick up the win. Dempster also had a single and an RBI in the Marlins’ 6-5 victory.

. On July 1, 2005, Minnesota Twins reliever Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) won his eighth straight decision to begin the season after tossing two innings against the Tampa Bay Rays in a Twins’ 7-4 win. With this victory, combined with his 3-0 record in 2004, Crain set an American League record for relievers for most consecutive wins (11) to begin their career. The streak ended eight days later when he suffered his first loss.

· On July 1, 2008, Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) equalled a career-high when he scored three runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their 7-6, 11-inning win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. In all, Martin went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, a single, a walk and three RBIs in the contest.

· Fittingly the last walk-off, game-winning pinch hit of Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and Fredericton, N.B. native Matt Stairs‘ major league career came on Canada Day in 2011 while he was with the Washington Nationals. You can watch it below.

June 30, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - Eric Pardinho accomplished the near impossible on Tuesday, retiring 24 straight batters before the game was called due to weather.

It goes down in the record books as a no-hitter, but it's still a true what-if moment on what could have been.

The Ottawa Titans took the series opener over the Tri-City ValleyCats, winning 4-0 through eight innings.

In the fourth, AJ Wright worked a walk, and Thomas Ferroggiaro ripped a double to put two runners in scoring position. Dan Tauken grounded one to the right side, plating a run and putting the Titans on the board first at 1-0.

Chris Davis opened the fifth with a double to left. Jake Steels put one in play, but first baseman Brayden Jobert bobbled it, allowing a run to score and pushing the Titans' lead to 2-0.

Quinn Hocom looked solid through five, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out three.

The Titans stacked on more in the seventh. Carter Claerhout (Red Deer, Alta.) reached on a walk, and Jackie Urbaez was plunked for the 21st time this season. Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) stayed hot, sending a single to right to drive in a run and extend the lead to 3-0.

The final run came in the eighth, as Chris Davis drove in Michael Fuhrman to make it 4-0. Moments later, the game was delayed and eventually called.

Pardinho finished with eight perfect innings and eight strikeouts, becoming the first Ottawa Titans pitcher to throw a no-hitter. It is also the sixth no-hitter in Ottawa professional baseball history.

The Titans continue a six-game homestand with the second of a three-game series with the Tri-City ValleyCats on Wednesday afternoon at 12:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium on Canada Day.

June 30, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs fell 6-5 to the Lethbridge Bulls on Tuesday at Spitz Stadium.

On the mound, Brody Papay started and allowed five runs, while striking out six, in 4 1/3 innings.

Out of the bullpen, Nolan Jackson (Grimsby, Ont.), Max McCraray and Aaron Taka combined to permit to just one run and fan batters in 3 2/3 innings to keep the game within reach.

At the plate, Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) lead off and had two hits for the Dawgs.

Jordan Kievman had a home run, two RBIs, and a walk.

The Dawgs return home to Seaman Stadium on Wednesday for a Canada Day matchup against the Sylvan Lake Gulls at 7:05 p.m.

June 29, 2026

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

The Terriers took care of business on their home field to earn a berth in the Baseball Canada National Championship next month in Okotoks, Alta.

Their Road to Okotoks regional qualifier began with a 2-0 win over the North Toronto 17U Elite at King Christian Collegiate and a 9-0 victory against the Ontario Giants.

A Game 3 loss to the Mississauga Tigers was followed by a 13-4 win over the Ontario Blue Jays.

After beating the Etobicoke Rangers, 7-5, it set the stage for a rematch with the Tigers in the final.

The Terriers scored five runs in the first inning en route to a 6-3 victory.

Head coach Ryan Pollard believes the success his team was able to have started well before the tournament even began.

“Our team success started in the fall, continued in our indoor workouts and we were ready once we had the opportunity to get outside,” Pollard said.

“Focus, determination and our winning mindset. All the players came together and were ready for the challenge they had in front of them. They played for each other.”

While they earned a berth in the national championship before the final, the goal was always to win the qualifier, Pollard said.

“We as coaches couldn’t ask for anything else, we’re very happy with our performance,” he said.

“They stayed focused, determined and had one goal. They came together as one team.”

With the tournament in Okotoks slated for July 14 to 19, there’s still time for the team to prepare.

Once they get there, the goal is simple.

“Win it all,” Pollard said.

“We want to go there and proudly represent the name on our jerseys. Not just for us, but for our Terriers family past and present. We think we put all of Canada on notice after this qualifier weekend.”

June 30, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Tyson Moran continued his outstanding first pro season with the Kansas City Royals’ ACL (Rookie) affiliate by leading all Canadian minor leaguers in batting average (.429), slugging percentage (.924) and OPS (1.455) last week.

For his efforts, he has been named the Canadian Baseball Network’s Minor League Player of the Week (June 23 to June 28).

Last Tuesday, starting at first base and batting cleanup, he went 3-for-5 with a triple and a home run to propel the ACL Royals to a 11-1 win over the ACL Mariners.

After going hitless on Thursday, the 20-year-old Canuck went 1-for-2 with a double, three walks, two runs, four RBIs and a stolen base to pace the Royals to a 16-13 victory over the ACL Brewers on Friday.

Moran (Wingham, Ont.) followed that up with two more hits - including a double - and two runs on Friday to help his club down the ACL Dodgers 9-6.

In total, between June 23 and June 28, Moran had seven RBIs in four games.

His performance last week boosted his season batting average to .319. He has six home runs and 37 RBIs in just 33 contests for the ACL Royals.

A Great Lake Canadians grad, Moran was selected in the 13th round of the 2025 MLB draft by the Royals.

2026 CBN Minor League Player of the Week winners

Opening Day to April 5 - Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), Rangers

April 7 to April 12 - Dante Nori (Toronto, Ont.), Phillies

April 14 to April 19- Matt Wilkinson (Surrey, B.C.), Guardians

April 21 to April 26 - Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.), Braves

April 28 to May 3 - Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.), Mets

May 5 to May 10 - Jordan Woods (Oakville, Ont.), Royals

May 12 to May 17 - Emilien Pitre (Repentigny, Que.), Rays

May 19 to May 24 - Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.), Diamondbacks

May 26 to May 31 - Matt Wilkinson (Surrey, B.C.), Giants

June 2 to June 7 - Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.), Blue Jays

June 9 to June 14 - Tyler Boudreau (Middle Sackville, N.S.), Yankees

June 16 to June 21 - Abraham Toro (Longueuil, Que.), Royals

June 23 to June 28 - Tyson Moran (Wingham, Ont.), Royals

Top Canadian Minor League Batters (June 23 to June 28)

Top Canadian Minor League Pitchers (June 23 to June 28)

June 27, 2026

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired C Owen Carapellotti from the Athletics in exchange for RHP Hayden Juenger.

Carapellotti, 23, has played in 20 contests with the Athletics’ Single-A affiliate in Stockton, slashing .267/.389/.627 with three doubles, eight home runs, 20 RBIs, 15 walks, and a 1.016 OPS in his first professional season. The left-handed hitting catcher from Ann Arbor, Mich., was signed by the Athletics as a non-drafted free agent in July of 2025, after a four-year career at Georgetown University.

Juenger, 25, made a pair of appearances for the Blue Jays this season, including his MLB debut, in addition to 21 games with triple-A Buffalo, during which he posted a 2.59 ERA with 28 strikeouts and nine walks over 24 1/3 innings. The 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher was selected by the Blue Jays in the sixth round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of Missouri State University.

The O’Fallon, Ill., native suited up for 213 career games (28 starts) over six seasons in the Toronto system from 2021 to 2026, going 20-15 with a 4.39 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP.

June 28, 2026

By Jason Young

Winnipeg Goldeyes

WINNIPEG, MAN. – The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks avoided a three-game sweep at the hands of their Red River rivals with a 5-1 victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Blue Cross Park.

Fargo-Moorhead took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when designated hitter Dillon Thomas lined a double to left field that drove in left fielder Jairus Richards.

The RedHawks increased their lead in the second. A balk was charged to Goldeyes starter James Colyer, allowing centre fielder Cole Yearsley to score from third base.

There was no further scoring until the top of the seventh inning. Catcher Tripp Clark hit a two-out double to left field that brought in right fielder Andy Nelson to make it 3-0 Fargo-Moorhead.

Yearsley added a base hit to right with two outs in the eighth that scored first baseman José Sermo and second baseman Colby Wilkerson and gave the RedHawks a five-run advantage.

Winnipeg finally got on the board in the bottom of the inning when centre fielder Noah Marcelo came home on a fielder’s choice off the bat of left fielder Jiandido Tromp that trimmed Fargo-Moorhead’s lead to 5-1.

Kolby Kiser pitched five scoreless innings for the RedHawks, giving up just four hits. He struck out two and walked two. Four relievers combined to limit the Goldeyes to just three hits the rest of the way.

Colyer made a spot start for Winnipeg, working three innings and surrendering two runs – one earned – on two hits. The right-hander struck out six and walked a pair. Weston Lombard, Dominic Hambley (Victoria, B.C.), Quinn Waterhouse, and Willian Suárez appeared out of the bullpen.

Marcelo and second baseman Adam Hall (London, Ont.), with two hits apiece, accounted for four of the Goldeyes’ seven hits on the afternoon. Hall improved his team-leading batting average to .361.

The West Division-leading Kansas City Monarchs are next up for Winnipeg, with a three-game series beginning at Blue Cross Park Monday at 6:30 p.m. In what should be a marquee pitching matchup, the Goldeyes will send lefty Ryo Kohigashi to the mound, while Kansas City is expected to respond with right-hander Ryan García.

June 28, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - Up by a trio entering the late stages of the series finale, the Ottawa Titans allowed five in the seventh, falling 5-4 to the New Jersey Jackals on Sunday afternoon.

Ky Hampton looked flawless through the first six frames in his home debut, holding down the fort for the Titans.

Thomas Ferrogiarro kicked off a fourth-inning rally, sending a line drive to right for a leadoff double. After a pitching change, it was Dan Tauken with a single to right that would score Ferrogiarro and put the Titans up 1-0.

Later in the inning, Mitsuki Fukuda would smack his second double of the game off Jorge Benitez, putting two in scoring position. Another run would come into score as Jackie Urbaez would drive one in on a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 2-0.

Looking to extend the lead in the fifth, the Titans would load the bases as Dan Tauken was able to drive one deep and bring in a run on a sacrifice fly, making it 3-0. The Titans missed the opportunity to really pull ahead as they would strand two runners in scoring position to end the inning.

Hampton was still throwing a shutout into the seventh, but it would be spoiled as Isaac Bellony would lift one high and deep over the wall to make it 3-1.

A walk and a hit-by-pitch would put two on, and a sacrifice bunt from Alvaro Gonzalez would move both runners into scoring position, ending Hampton's day.

Michael Vilchez came in for relief and couldn't get things done, only managing to record one out. A single from Noah Furcht would drive in a run to make it 3-2, and Dariel Gomez would smack a double to tie it and put two in scoring position.

Another run would come in on a sacrifice fly, and a fifth and final run of the inning would come in via a single from Gustavo Sosa to make it 5-3.

Dwayne Matos got the final out for the Titans, as they would use three pitchers to get out of the inning. The Jackals sent ten to the plate in the big inning.

Hampton went six and one-third innings, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk, while striking out three in a quality start. Vilchez went just a third of the inning and allowed two runs on three hits.

Matos and Brett Garcia threw the eighth and ninth innings, holding the game at 5-3, as the Titans would hope for a comeback in the ninth.

With a full count, Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) would launch his fourth home run in his last seven games to make it a one-run game at 5-4 to start the bottom of the ninth.

With the Titans down to their final strike, Thomas Ferroggiaro kept the game alive with his second double of the game, and Michael Fuhrman would come in to pinch run. Tauken couldn't get things done, grounding out to second, as Dosie Drakeford would pick up a three-inning save.

Dan Tauken went 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Thomas Ferroggiaro went 3-for-5 with two doubles. AJ Wright walked three times, while Jake Steels picked up a base hit and drew two walks. Mitsuki Fukuda had his best game with the Titans, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and throwing out two runners behind the dish.

After an off day on Monday, the Titans continue a six-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series with the Tri-City ValleyCats on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. The Canada Day celebrations kick off with $2 Hot Dogs and a post-game Fireworks show. Wednesday is a special noon start for Canada Day.

June 27, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - Backed by eight scoreless innings from the bullpen and a decisive three-run blast from Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) in the seventh, the Ottawa Titans defeated the New Jersey Jackals by a 5-2 final on Saturday night.

Brandon Marklund (North Vancouver, B.C.) had a shaky start to the game. On the third pitch of the contest, Gustavo Sosa sent a solo homer over the centre field wall, giving the Jackals an early 1-0 lead.

Still in the first, Marklund would walk two on, and a single off the bat of Alvaro Gonzalez would drive in another run, making it 2-0.

The Titans' bullpen was dominant and only allowed three hits and no runs the rest of the evening. Yohanse Morel went three innings, allowing no hits or walks, while striking out four.

It was in the bottom of the fifth that the Titans were able to get on the board. Michael Fuhrman would walk and swipe second, seeing Chris Davis bring him in on a base knock, making it 2-1.

Sonny Fauci was dominant on the mound for the Jackals. He went six frames, allowing one run on four hits, walking three, while striking out 10 batters.

Jackals manager Bobby Jones would turn to Chase Hungate in the seventh to hold the lead, but the Titans would hit him hard - erupting for four runs.

Fuhrman ignited the rally with a leadoff walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, and once again came around to score when Davis delivered the game-tying hit, evening the score at two.

With two on and two out, Taylor Wright would send a 398 foot moon shot over the right-field wall to give the Titans their first lead of the series, making it 5-3. The homer to right for the recently turned 29-year-old was his fourth of the year and third in his last five games.

Kevin Miranda was dominant through 2 2/3 innings, allowing one hit and striking out three. In his first appearance for the Titans, Liu Fuenmayor picked up the win. The one-two punch of Ted Stuka and Brett Garcia finished the game to lock down the victory.

In total, the Titans' bullpen retired 24 of the final 27 batters - including 16 in a row from the second through the early stages of the seventh inning.

AJ Wright went 2-for-3 with a walk, Michael Fuhrman walked twice and scored twice while swiping a bag, and Chris Davis went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Taylor Wright was the hero, sending a three-run shot to give the Titans the lead in the bottom of the seventh.

The Titans continue a six-game homestand with the finale of a three-game series with the Jackals on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. Next week, Tri-City comes to town as part of the Canada Day celebrations.

June 27, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs completed a four-game series sweep with a come-from-behind 11-9 win over the Fort McMurray Giants on Saturday night at Legacy Dodge Field.

Jordan Kievman led the Dawgs at the plate with a timely fourth-inning solo home run. He finished the contest 2-for-5 with three RBIs.

Landon Kauffman (Vancouver, B.C.) also delivered a strong performance, going 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs and a run.

The Dawgs turned to the bullpen late to preserve the comeback win, with Dalton Hoffart battling on the mound to record three strikeouts. Blake Smith, Ryan Stone and Wyatt Sadlier (Calgary, Alta.) each added scoreless innings.

The Dawgs will close out their road trip with a game against the Energy City Cactus Rats in Spruce Grove on Sunday at 2:05 p.m., before returning home to Seaman Stadium for a July 1 matchup against the Sylvan Lake Gulls.

June 28, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Some Canadian baseball news and notes:

Bratt makes MLB debut

On Wednesday, left-hander Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.) made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks when he started against the St. Louis Cardinals. He allowed just one run, while striking out three, in three innings.

About 20 friends and family members made the trek to Busch Stadium to watch him.

Bratt fanned Cardinals slugger Jordan Walker with one out in the first inning for his first big league strikeout. His other two strikeout victims were Pedro Pages to close out the second and Ivan Herrera for the second out of the third.

The Canuck lefty was called up three days after the D-Backs placed fellow Canadian pitcher Michael Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) on the 15-day injured list with a glute strain.

Prior to his promotion, Bratt, 22, had posted a 1-1 record and a 2.84 ERA in 11 starts for the triple-A Reno Aces this season. He had 42 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings.

A Toronto Mets and Junior National Team alum, Bratt is in his second season in the D-Backs’ organization after being dealt to them by the Texas Rangers as part of the package for veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly at the trade deadline last year.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB draft by the Rangers, Bratt pitched parts of five seasons in the Rangers’ organization before joining the D-Backs. In total, in 98 minor league appearances (89 starts), Bratt owns a 23-19 record and a 3.22 ERA. He has 492 strikeouts in 424 2/3 innings.

Soroka placed on IL with glute injury

As noted, the Diamondbacks placed Soroka on the 15-day injured list with a glute strain last Sunday. There’s no set timetable for his return but he is expected to be out for up to four weeks.

Soroka was removed from his start against the Minnesota Twins on June 19 after he experienced discomfort while warming up in the second inning.

It’s a tough blow for Soroka who seems to have rediscovered the form that made him the runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2019. In 15 starts this season, Soroka is 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 82 innings.

The 28-year-old Calgary Redbirds and Junior National Team grad is in his seventh major league campaign.

Quantrill dominates Blue Jays again

There’s just something about the Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre that brings out the best in Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.).

With his father watching yesterday, the 31-year-old right-hander, making his second start of the season, tossed four scoreless innings against the Blue Jays. He allowed just two hits and struck out five.

Quantrill is now 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in three starts at Rogers Centre. He has permitted just five hits and fanned 21 in 17 innings. Blue Jays batters are 5-for-58 against the Canuck righty at the Dome.

You might also remember that the Ontario Terriers and Junior National Team grad notched his first big league win against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre while he was with the San Diego Padres on May 25, 2019. In that contest, he surrendered just two hits in six innings in the Padres’ 19-4 victory.

Peters belts first MLB grand slam

Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters (Winkler, Man.) clubbed his first major league grand slam on Friday to help his club to a 22-1 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Peters connected in the sixth inning off Royals’ right-hander John Schreiber.

In all, in that contest, Peters finished with two hits, three runs and six RBIs, which represent a career-high.

According to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Peters became the 14th Canadian-born player to have six or more RBIs in an MLB game. The Canuck record is eight shared by George Selkirk (Huntsville, Ont.), Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, B.C.), Jason Bay (Trail, B.C.), Michael Saunders (Victoria, B.C.) and Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.).

Peters is now batting .284 with four homers and 30 RBIs in 77 MLB games this season.

The Okotoks Dawgs alum played four games with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025 before he was sold to the White Sox in December. He still qualifies for the American League Rookie of the Year award this season.

Lopez still leading MLB in hits and batting average

We are over 80 games into the 2026 season and Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (Montreal, Que.) still leads the majors in hits and batting average.

His 109 hits are 11 more than San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez and Rays DH Yandy Diaz for the MLB lead.

Also, his .336 batting average is tops in the majors, just ahead of Diaz, who is batting .334.

Despite his heroics with the Marlins, Lopez finished a disappointing fifth at the National League shortstop position in the All-Star Game fan voting.

The 27-year-old Lopez, who spent part of his youth in Montreal, has suited up for Canada in the last two World Baseball Classics.

Hicks on IL with back strain

Last Sunday, Marlins catcher Liam Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain.

The Toronto Mets alum has enjoyed a breakout major league season. In 73 games, he’s hitting .278 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs. He has already clubbed double as many home runs and eclipsed his RBI total from his rookie 2025 campaign.

My hope is his injury doesn’t prevent him from receiving consideration for the National League All-Star team. He certainly deserves that.

The Marlins chose Hicks in the Rule 5 draft from the Detroit Tigers in December 2024. He was originally selected in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB draft by the Rangers.

Caissie demonstrating his power for Marlins

Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.) has four home runs, 13 RBIs and a .568 slugging percentage in his last 15 games.

This recent hot stretch has boosted his batting average from .215 to .227.

He now has nine home runs and 43 RBIs in 71 games for a surprisingly good Marlins team this season.

The Fieldhouse Pirates and Junior National Team grad is 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.

Pop back in Marlins’ organization

I’m not sure how I missed this, but right-hander Zach Pop (Brampton, Ont.) signed a minor league contract with the Marlins on June 12.

He has since posted a 6.23 ERA in five relief appearances for the triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies on May 30, Pop has returned to the team that he spent his first big league season with in 2021.

The Phillies let him go after he was activated from the 15-day injured list. He had been sidelined since April 13 with a right-calf strain.

Pop signed with the Phillies in December and cracked their Opening Day roster. He posted a 3.68 ERA in seven appearances in 7 1/3 innings with them before his injury.

Chosen in the seventh round of the 2017 MLB draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Toronto Mets alum is in his sixth MLB season.

Happy Birthday to Corey Koskie!

Happy 53rd Birthday to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and longtime Minnesota Twins third baseman Corey Koskie!

Born in Anola, Man., Koskie was a multi-sport star in high school, excelling in baseball, hockey and volleyball. After choosing to focus on baseball, he honed his skills at the National Baseball Institute in Surrey, B.C., in 1993 before he was selected in the 26th round of the 1994 MLB draft by the Twins.

The 6-foot-3 slugger became a regular with the Twins in 1999 when he hit .310 and belted 11 home runs in 117 games. But his true breakout season would come two years later, when he scored 100 runs, socked 26 homers, collected 103 RBIs and swiped 27 bases to become the first third baseman in American League history to record at least 100 runs, 25 homers, 100 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in the same season. For his efforts, he was named co-winner (with Larry Walker) of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award.

In the ensuing three campaigns, he never hit less than 14 home runs in a season and he helped the Twins to three consecutive playoff berths.

On December 14, 2004, he signed with the Blue Jays and would slam 11 homers in 97 contests for the Canadian club in 2005 prior to being swapped to the Milwaukee Brewers in January 2006.

In all, in nine big league seasons, Koskie suited up for 989 games – more than any other player from Manitoba – and ranks ninth all-time among Canadians in home runs (124).

Young sets career-high in home runs

On Wednesday, New York Mets outfielder Jared Young (Prince George, B.C.) belted his fifth home run of the season. It was a two-run shot in the fourth inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Cubs.

With that homer, Young set a new personal career-high for most home runs in a season. He clubbed four for the Mets last season.

He then added another round-tripper on Thursday against the Cubs – a solo blast in the seventh inning.

Young still has a long way to go to equal his most in a pro season. He hit 21 home runs with the triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2023.

Signed by the Mets in December 2024, the Okanagan Athletics alum also played parts of two seasons with the Cubs in 2022 and 2023.

Anniversary of Dempster’s first MLB win

It was 28 years ago today that Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, B.C.) secured his first major league win.

The then 21-year-old right-hander allowed just one run on four hits, and struck out six, in seven innings for the Marlins in their 5-1 win over the Boston Red Sox at Pro Player Stadium.

Dempster would finish his major league career with 132 wins – the second-most by a Canadian to Fergie Jenkins (Chatham, Ont.) who registered 284 victories.

Blue Jays recall Macko

The Blue Jays recalled left-hander Adam Macko (Stony Plain, Alta.) on Friday.

The Vauxhall Academy grad promptly threw a scoreless inning of relief against the Rangers on the same day. But that type of performance is nothing new for the 25-year-old southpaw, who had been returned to triple-A on June 9 to open up a roster spot for veteran starter Max Scherzer.

In 13 big league relief appearances this season, Macko owns a 2-0 record and a 1.38 ERA and has fanned 13 batters in 13 innings.

The Blue Jays acquired Macko from the Seattle Mariners, along with reliever Erik Swanson, for outfielder Teoscar Hernandez on November 16, 2022.

Thomas belted 500th homer while he was with Blue Jays

Nineteen years ago today, Frank Thomas, then a 39-year-old DH with the Blue Jays, belted his 500th MLB home run.

It was a three-run shot off Minnesota Twins right-hander Carlos Silva in the top of the first inning at the Metrodome in a Blue Jays’ 8-5 loss.

Thomas finished his career with 521 home runs, which is tied with Ted Williams and Willie McCovey for the 20th most in MLB history.

Sabrowski activated by Guardians

Left-hander Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) was activated from the 15-day injured list by the Cleveland Guardians on June 19.

He had been sidelined since May 25 with left elbow inflammation.

He has struggled since his return, allowing three runs in 1 1/3 innings in three appearances, but prior to the injury, the Canuck lefty had been outstanding out of the Guardians’ bullpen. In fact, despite missing nearly a month, he still leads the majors with 19 holds.

The Guardians have been extra cautious with Sabrowski who has a history of arm woes. Prior to joining the Guardians, Sabrowski underwent Tommy John surgery twice (2018 and 2021).

The Edmonton Prospects Academy grad has pitched in parts of three MLB seasons with the Guardians.

He was originally selected in the 14th round of the 2018 MLB draft by the Padres.

Happy Birthday to Kevin Reimer!

Happy 62nd Birthday to Kevin Reimer!

Though he was born in Macon, Ga., while his father, Gerry, was playing for the double-A Macon Peaches in the Cincinnati Reds’ organization, Reimer grew up in Enderby, B.C.

He was part of the Canadian national team on multiple occasions, including at the 1983 Pan Am Games and 1984 Olympics before he went on to enjoy a solid six-year big league career with the Rangers and Brewers that saw him hit .258 with 52 home runs in 488 games.

On August 24, 1993, he became the first – and still only – Canadian since 1900 to collect six hits in an MLB game when he did so for the Brewers.

Remembering Mike Kilkenny

Please take a moment to remember former big league pitcher Mike Kilkenny who passed away eight years ago today at the age of 73.

Born in Bradford, Ont., Kilkenny signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1964. The Canadian southpaw would toe the rubber for parts of five seasons in the Tigers’ minor league system before winning a spot on the big league staff out of spring training in 1969. That season proved to be his best in the majors. He’d compete in 39 games and make 15 starts, and by the end of that campaign, he was one of the Tigers’ top starters, hurling four complete-game shutouts in his final nine appearances. He finished that season with an 8-6 record and a 3.37 ERA.

Kilkenny served as a swingman for the Tigers for the next four seasons before he was dealt to the Oakland A’s on May 9, 1972. Eight days later – after making just one appearance for the A’s – he was swapped to the San Diego Padres who used him in five contests before flipping him to Cleveland. In just over a month, Kilkenny pitched for four different teams.

The versatile Canadian regained his form in Cleveland, posting a 3.41 ERA in 22 games and he took the mound in five contests with Cleveland in 1973 before walking away from the professional ranks.

In 1975, Kilkenny agreed to pitch for the Intercounty Baseball League’s London Majors and proceeded to register a 9-0 record and a 2.31 ERA to lead the Majors to a league title.

June 26, 2026

By Mark Whicker

Canadian Baseball Network

Who is Otto Lopez and why hasn’t anyone told him that you can’t hit .300 anymore?

Researchers for the All-Star Game telecast should be scrambling for those answers.

Lopez is the Miami Marlins’ shortstop. Through June 26, he had 107 hits, 10 more than any other hitter in the majors. His average of .337 was the best in baseball by .001 over Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz. Only two players have more doubles than his 21, and he has 16 steals and has struck out only 48 times. Those who watch the Marlins – yes, we’ve contacted all six of them – say that Lopez and second baseman Xavier Edwards, who used to be the shortstop, form the best keystone combination in the game right now.

Being the batting champion isn’t what it was when Tony Gwynn did it seven times. These days it’s like being the best DVD-player repairman. But the rules haven’t changed. Batting average is still a measure of how frequently you get hits, which tend to drive in more runs than walks. Put another way, it judges how infrequently you make outs. Of all the wonders that Aaron Judge wrought last year, his batting championship was the most ignored, even though his .331 average was 20 points better than anyone else’s. There were seven .300 hitters in the major leagues. Trea Turner hit .304 and was the National League’s batting champ by seven points over Nico Hoerner.

The pitcher-hitter continuum is a strange one these days. The major league batting average is .243, the fifth-worst in MLB history. Yet the cumulative ERA is 4.18, highest since 2023 and pretty much in line with ERAs over the past decade. Walks are higher than they’ve been since 2000, and the only change has been the automated ball-strike system. Runs are up slightly but within recent range.

Last year the Blue Jays topped baseball with a .265 batting average and also came within a couple of bizarre events of winning the World Series. This year the Dodgers lead MLB with a .261 average and also have the best record at this writing. But batters are still striking out at the eighth-highest rate in history.

The 100 mph fastball, which used to be a cataclysmic event, is now commonplace, which explains the decline in contact. It is counterbalanced by disastrous relief pitching, and a perceived decline in the actual art of thinking one’s way through a batter order, rather than pumping up the readings on a printout.

Otto Lopez apparently isn’t bogged down by all the information. He has had only four hitless games in June so far, and he recently got nine hits in a seven-game span. There are concerns about sample size, because Lopez was only a .246 hitter last season, with a .672 OPS. Now the OPS is .848. But if the scouts and computer jockeys around baseball were to find a flaw in Lopez, they probably would have found it.

Then again, Lopez was a moving target. He played nine games in two seasons for Toronto, then spent 2023 in the minors. The Blue Jays designated him for assignment before the 2024 season. The Giants signed him and let him slip through their fingers, and the Marlins picked him up on waivers in April of that year. With the lowest payroll in the big leagues but with currently the 11th best record, they are the first customer at every yard sale. Last year they came within four games of .500 by refinishing damaged goods.

Lopez did hit 15 home runs last year, which meant he became the cleanup hitter in this year’s season opener, but wanted more consistency. He worked on his stance and began bringing his legs into his swing. It hasn’t increased his power but he’s certainly hitting the ball harder.

Edwards, a former first-round pick of the Padres who was traded to Miami for Jake Cronenworth, is hitting .293. He’s 26 and Lopez is 27. Whether they’ll be Marlins three years from now is a familiar question, and weary South Floridians think they know the answer. But this particular Marlins team is only one game out of the N.L. wild card scrum.

Lopez grew up in the Dominican Republic. He used whatever he could to play baseball in the streets, sometimes swatting at bottle caps. Then his dad, a truck driver, moved the family to Montreal when Otto was nine. Otto got familiar with all sports in the cold months, even playing badminton. But when he attended a Little League tournament in Toronto, it warmed his baseball heart.

Otto convinced his dad to send him back to the Dominican, where his uncle Urbano coached baseball. He attended the same Niche Baseball Academy that Juan Soto had, and he signed with the Blue Jays for $60,000.

Maybe if there’s a salary cap and a salary floor in baseball’s future, a team like Miami will become something more than a feeder system, and a player like Lopez can become a familiar face that fans will pay to see. Until then, maybe Lopez will help a new generation of fans realize that line drives are still worth something.

When you hear NFL offensive coordinators implore their quarterbacks to “just hit singles,” and throw first-down passes to their tight ends instead of going for spectacular plays, you realize irony is not dead.

June 25, 2026

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

The Terriers 16U team is 2-for-2.

After winning the Perfect Game Canadian National Championship, the team set its sights on the Perfect Game Ohio Valley Select tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio.

And it was mission accomplished, again.

The Terriers took down the Ohio Heat twice, Cincinnati Raiders, Midland Bramlage, North Dayton Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Aces en route to its second tournament championship this season.

“The players had a lot of confidence after winning in Dorchester and they arrived at the field expecting to win,” head coach Scott Ballantyne said.

“There’s a fine line between confidence and cockiness and our team plays confident. Winning the weekend before gave our guys the confidence to know we can come back from a deficit, we’re never out of any game and if they work together and battle for each other, anything can happen.”

Easton Zinger was among the Terriers standouts all tournament and was recognized for it by being named Most Valuable Player.

He, too, credited the team’s mentality.

Trusting his approach and knowing he had hitters behind him capable of coming through when needed made his job easier, he said.

“I think the key to our team’s success was we competed every inning and knew we were never out of a game no matter the score,” Zinger said.

“I felt honoured to receive it (the MVP award), but there were several of my teammates who could have won it, as it was a team effort and everyone played great.”

Ballantyne doesn’t want complacency to set in after winning back-to-back tournaments, but believes the success can be valuable to draw on later in the season.

“We’ll continue to instill the same messaging to the players of hard work, effort and controlling the things they can control,” he said.

“We’ll keep working to get better each day.”

June 26, 2026

By Jason Young

Winnipeg Goldeyes

WINNIPEG, MAN. – The Winnipeg Goldeyes pulled away late and defeated the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 7-4 at Blue Cross Park Friday evening.

Fargo-Moorhead struck first in the top of the second inning, when second baseman Colby Wilkerson came home on shortstop Aidan Byrne’s sacrifice fly to right field.

Goldeyes left fielder Jiandido Tromp evened the score in the bottom of the frame with a double off the wall in left field that brought in right fielder Adam Hall (London, Ont.).

Winnipeg moved ahead in the third when second baseman Kevin García crossed the plate on double play ball off the bat of centre fielder Noah Marcelo, making the score 2-1 for the home side.

The RedHawks tied the contest in the top of the fourth on a single to right field by catcher Juan Fernández that drove in Wilkerson. They went in front 3-2 a batter later when left fielder Andy Nelson came around on right fielder Dillon Thomas’ double to right-centre.

Goldeyes catcher Raphaël Pelletier (Repentigny, Que.) once again leveled the score in the bottom of the inning with a double to right-centre field that drove in designated hitter Max Murphy to make it 3-3.

An inning later, Winnipeg took a 4-3 lead after Marcelo lined a single to shallow centre that plated shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder.

That score held until the top of the eighth when Nelson scored on a two-out throwing error to make it 4-4.

In the home half of the inning pinch runner Keshawn Lynch scored the go-ahead run when Didder grounded out to shortstop. Third baseman Ramón Bramasco then tripled to right field to bring home Pelletier to make it 6-4. Finally, Hall lined a single to centre that allowed Bramasco to score the game’s final run.

Willian Suárez picked up the win in relief of starter Tasker Strobel. Suárez allowed an unearned run on one hit in an inning of work, while Strobel went 5 2/3 innings and gave up three runs on eight hits. He struck out six and walked three batters. Eli Saul (Vancouver, B.C.), and Derrick Cherry also appeared for the Goldeyes, with Cherry pitching around a pair of hits in the ninth and benefitting from a game-ending, unassisted double play turned by Didder.

Reliever Mason Pelio was charged with the loss. The fourth Fargo-Moorhead reliever of the evening surrendered two runs on a hit in 1 1/3 innings. Starter Patrick Wicklander exited after four-plus innings. He allowed four runs on seven hits, while striking out three and walking four.

The series continues Saturday at 6:00 p.m. when right-hander Luke Boyd is scheduled to start for the Goldeyes. Fargo-Moorhead is expected to counter with Wyatt Cheney.

June 26, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – Right fielder Aidan Dougherty hit for the cycle to lead the Okotoks Dawgs to a 14-3 road victory over the Fort McMurray Giants on Friday.

Dougherty actually hit for the rare natural cycle, recording a single, double, triple and a home run in succession. He finished the game 4-for-5 with five RBIs, including a three-run home run.

Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) was another big contributor for the Dawgs, going 3-for-5 with a walk, three runs and a solo home run.

Jack Lussier (Okotoks, Alta.) also homered for the Dawgs, while Jayden Lusk went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs and a walk.

On the mound, Lincoln Berg started for the Dawgs and allowed two runs in 1 2/3 innings in his debut.

The bullpen once again came in and slammed the door on the Giants. Tonight it was Evan Lehnert, Brody Burnette, Jordan Kievman and Nolan Jackson (Grimsby, Ont.) who entered and allowed just one run over six combined innings, striking out five.

With the win, the Dawgs improved to 19-6 on the year.

The Dawgs continue their road trip on Saturday night against the Giants. Their next home game is on Canada Day against the Sylvan Lake Gulls. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

June 26, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

The Junior National Team concluded their latest road trip on Sunday, a nine-game stand that saw some of Canada’s best prep stars face off against teams within the MLB Draft League.

The MLB Draft League is made up of six teams and operates as a split-season league, with the first half of the season made up of players who are college players or eligible high schoolers for the MLB Draft, while the second half is similar to a pro league but is made up of former college players who can no longer play amateur baseball. Essentially, the JNT squad was facing some established talent, including top college players and high school prospects, while getting exposure in front of as many scouts as possible.

In nine games, the JNT went 1-8, scoring 48 runs while belting a collective five home runs.

The team was without their ace in Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, B.C.), one of the top Canucks heading into the MLB Draft, as he requires surgery to fix his UCL after leaving his start in the Dominican Republic earlier this year.

While Duncan was on the sidelines for this trip, a few Canucks stood out amongst the crowd against some of the top draft-eligible players heading into the summer.

Elliot Lascelles – INF

Nobody had a better showing on the JNT squad than Elliot Lascelles.

The Toronto, Ont., product suited up in all nine games and led the team in average (.394), OBP (.523), SLG (.545) and OPS (1.068). He collected 13 hits, including one double and two triples with seven RBIs (second on the team). Lascelles also walked a team-leading 10 times and stole eight bases without getting caught, another JNT high.

Defensively, Lascelles posted a clean sheet, splitting time between shortstop and second base. In total, he converted 20 assists between both positions and didn’t make an error (he spent one game at DH).

Lascelles entered Draft League play as the fourth-ranked player on the 2026 Canadian Baseball Network Draft List and ranks at No. 155 on MLB Pipeline. With this impressive showing against other top draft-eligible players, his chances of going to Yale are highly unlikely.

Kadyn Armitage – INF

Splitting time up the middle with Lascelles was Surrey, B.C. native Kadyn Armitage, who has a commitment to Indiana University.

Armitage led the JNT squad with 10 RBIs, including a four-RBI day against Mahoning Valley, which ended up being the club’s only win (16-3) on the trip. He finished the trip with seven hits (.233 batting average) with one double and one home run, a grand slam against the Scrappers that saw him send a 91.1 MPH fastball 384 feet to left-centre field. Armitage walked six times and tacked on four stolen bases. The B.C. native committed two errors in 57 innings in eight games.

The 2026 grad could be headed to Indiana where he would join fellow Canucks Will Moore (Paris, Ont.), Brodey Bitove (Toronto, Ont.) and Brayden Ricketts (Brampton, Ont.).

Maxime Blain – OF

Outfielder Maxime Blain is no stranger to the JNT stage, and the Repentigny, Que., product put forward a strong showing against high-calibre players.

The Wabash Valley College commit finished second on the team in OPS (.948) and went 8-for-24 (.333 batting average). Across seven games and 24 at-bats, he walked five times and stole two bases while adding a double, a home run and four RBIs.

His best game came against the Aberdeen IronBirds when he went 3-for-4 with his solo home run coming in the top of the eighth inning when he turned on an outside 93.4 MPH fastball to send it over the opposite field wall, landing 331 feet.

Blain split his time between the corner outfield spots with a couple of starts in the DH position. He recorded 12 putouts on 13 chances.

Josh Mills – LHP

Canada’s pitching staff got hit hard on this trip, but left-hander Josh Mills was a standout arm amongst the group.

The Leduc, Alta., native appeared in two games (one start) for the Canucks, sporting a clean 0.00 ERA across five innings while allowing just two hits. Mills nibbled around the strike zone a bit and found himself in a couple of tough spots thanks to four walks, but he was able to escape every jam he put himself in. The left-hander sported a 1.20 WHIP and led the Canuck pitchers in average against (.118). In his start against the IronBirds, he pitched four innings and racked up three strikeouts.

With the coaching changes at the University of Houston, Mills decommitted and is now heading to Coastal Carolina.

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on June 25, 2026. You can read it here.

June 26, 2026

By Ian Wilson

Alberta Dugout Stories

Carter Claerhout has accomplished pretty much all there is to achieve in college baseball.

So, it's no surprise that the long-time member of the Lethbridge Bulls has jumped at the chance to play the game he loves professionally.

The Red Deer product has been with the Bulls in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) since 2022. Through 168 regular season games with the southern Alberta squad, the first baseman registered 16 home runs, 102 runs, 198 hits, 29 doubles, 113 runs batted in (RBIs), 76 walks and 28 stolen bases. His .322 batting average speaks to what he's capable of with a baseball bat.

Those abilities were on full display this year at Bellevue University, where the lefty slugger launched 29 long balls, produced 86 RBIs, scored 78 runs, swiped 12 bags and finished with a .491 batting average in 56 games in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

A stream of awards followed. Claerhout was named the NAIA Lou Brock Player of the Year, Bellevue University's Male Athlete of the Year, Frontier Conference Player of the Year, American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) - Rawlings NAIA National Position Player of the Year, NAIA National Player of the Year, and the Small College Baseball NAIA Player of the Year. He was also honoured as a First-Team NAIA All-American, First Team All-NAIA, a member of the Frontier Conference All-Tournament Team, First Team All-Frontier Conference and to the Frontier Conference Gold Glove Team.

Claerhout claimed the accolades and kept raking when the 2026 WCBL season got underway in May.

The Prairie Baseball Academy alumnus was named the Village Brewery Alberta Player of the Week at the start of the season and he shot up the statistical leader boards through 17 games with Lethbridge. Over 70 at bats, Claerhout had a .500 batting average, .561 on-base percentage, 35 hits, 15 runs, 21 RBIs, seven doubles and five stolen bases.

It was more than enough to get Claerhout noticed by the world of pro baseball.

"It all happened really quickly," said the corner infielder.

Mitch Schmidt, the associate head coach at Bellevue University and a member of the Okotoks Dawgs coaching staff, reached out to Bobby Brown, the field manager and director of baseball operations with the Ottawa Titans.

Schmidt gave Claerhout his stamp of approval and Brown reached out to Claerhout.

"I got a call from Bobby Brown, then from the GM, and the contract was signed and flight was booked and I had my first game under my belt 36 hours later," said Claerhout of his whirlwind pro debut in the Frontier League.

That first game took place in Quebec City on June 23rd, where the Capitales defeated the Titans 7-6. Claerhout batted seventh and played first base for Ottawa. He picked up his first hit, a double, in the sixth inning in front of a crowd of 3,823 fans.

"The atmosphere was awesome. It was surreal," said the graduate of St. Joseph High School.

"It was tonnes of fun. I was a tiny bit nervous, but it was awesome."

Claerhout recorded his first RBI in his second game with the Titans, a 9-5 victory over the Capitales on June 24th.

As the former WCBL All-Star settles into life in the Frontier League, which is an official Major League Baseball (MLB) Partner League, he looks back fondly on his time at Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge.

"The Lethbridge Bulls mean everything to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t even get to say goodbye to my teammates. I was tearing up calling Coach Mac (head coach Ryan MacDonald) because he means so much to me. He was my biggest supporter the whole way through everything. He helped develop me into the man and player I am today. I owe everything to him and will miss the Bulls organization deeply," said Claerhout, who was a member of both the President's List and the Dean's List when he attended Southern Arkansas University.

"The WCBL was a huge part of my development, helping me in taking the next step and getting better throughout the summer. I made some great friends throughout my career in the league and some of them were not even on my team, which is what makes the league so special."

Claerhout will have some friendly faces from the WCBL with him in Ottawa. Jack Kalisky, a former two-way star with the Bulls, is on the Titans’ roster and Eric Marriott is the third base coach of the team. Marriott was a long-time skipper with the Moose Jaw Miller Express.

June 25, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Québec City, Que. - The Ottawa Titans dropped the series finale 7-2 to the Québec Capitales on Thursday night.

The Titans got things started early as Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) sent a two-out solo blast over the right-field wall for his third home run of the season, making it 1-0.

Eric Pardinho got into early trouble, allowing three straight hits to start the game, loading the bases with no outs. Antonio Valdez would send a sac fly to centre to tie the game at one apiece through an inning of play.

Despite the first-inning solo shot, Braeden Allemann started hot, striking out five in just the first two innings.

In the bottom of the third, Kyle Crowl would put the Capitales ahead, going yard to make it 2-1.

In the top of the fourth, AJ Wright would work a walk, and Carter Claerhout (Red Deer, Alta.) would reach on an infield single. A wild pitch would advance the runners, and Thomas Ferroggiaro would drive Wright in on an RBI single. Claerhout also attempted to score but was called out on a bang-bang play at the plate, keeping the game tied at two.

This tie wouldn't last long as Nicolas Deschamps (Quebec, Que.) would send a solo homer to centre, giving the Capitales a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth.

The Capitales would extend their lead in the sixth as they would send their third home run of the game with a two-run shot off the bat of Jordan Smith, giving the home side a 5-2 lead.

Balls kept flying for the Capitales as Torin Montgomery would send a solo shot to extend the lead to 6-2 in the seventh inning.

Braeden Allemann was once again sharp, going six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, walking two, and striking out nine.

Eric Pardinho went 5 2/3 innings, allowing five runs and a season-high nine hits, while striking out four.

Nelvin Correa, Cooper Morgan, and Conner Floyd all went scoreless innings while the Capitales' lineup continued to extend their lead with a Yuta Hamada single in the eighth to make it 7-2.

Through the series, the Titans allowed nine long balls, allowing four for the second time this week in the finale.

AJ Wright extended his on-base streak to 25, Thomas Ferroggiaro picked up an RBI single while also extending his hit streak to five games, with Taylor Wright going 1-for-3 with a solo shot.

The Titans now head home to start a six-game homestand with the first of a three-game series with the New Jersey Jackals on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium. Tomorrow is Bark in the Park. With New Jersey in for the weekend, Tri-City comes to town as part of the Canada Day celebrations next week.

June 26, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

On Thursday, Baseball Canada held their draft for their “Road to Okotoks” national championship tournament that will take place from July 14 to July 19 in Okotoks, Alta.

Sixteen elite teams from across Canada have qualified to compete in the tourney, which is the first of its kind held by Baseball Canada.

Thursday’s draft offered players 19 years of age or younger (as of December 31, 2026), who are not on one of the qualified teams, to sign up and be eligible to be selected by one of the participating squads.

To be eligible for the draft, the player had to be a Canadian citizen or resident or “an active member of a Canadian baseball program.” Only three rostered players can be non-Canadian residents or citizens.

They also could not be an active member of a college or university program.

Here are the draft results:

June 25, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs kept rolling on the road on Thursday, defeating the Fort McMurray Giants 13–1 at Legacy Dodge Field.

The Dawgs strung together 12 hits over eight innings.

Offensively, the Dawgs were led by Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks, Alta.), who went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, four RBIs, and two runs scored.

Cal Gates also went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs, while Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) contributed two doubles, two runs, and two RBIs.

Reid Madriaga set the tone on the mound, starting and tossing five strong innings while allowing just one run and striking out four. Ty Johnson, Turner Zdunich (High River, Alta.) and Ryan Stone combined to keep the Giants off the board, closing out the game with scoreless relief appearances.

The Dawgs will look to continue their momentum on the road with two more games against the Giants and a matchup against the Energy City Cactus Rats before returning home for their highly anticipated Canada Day game at Seaman Stadium.

June 25, 2026

Official University of Portland Athletics News Release

PORTLAND, Ore. – For the third time this summer, Portland Pilots pitcher Will Labonte has earned Freshman All-American honours, this time courtesy of Baseball America. Making the second team, he officially becomes the first Pilot in program history to earn three postseason All-American honours in the same year.

The selection comes after a stellar first year on the mound for the former Okotoks Dawg Labonte (Montreal, Que.). The right-hander posted a 2.82 ERA and a 3-2 record as a freshman. His ERA ranked fifth in the conference and 38th nationally and was second among WCC freshman and sixth nationally. He threw 73 1/3 innings, the most by any Pilot freshman since 2017, and had the best ERA for a freshman since Travis Radke in 2012.

Labonte adds to the list after earning NCBWA Freshman All-American and Perfect Game Freshman All-American honours earlier this month. Labonte made first team for the NCBWA and second team for Perfect Game. The Canadian also made the All-WCC Freshman Team and the All-WCC Second Team for his performance this season.

The Pilots finished the 2026 season at 27-25 overall, marking the fourth time in five seasons they’ve finished above .500 and that they’ve posted at least 25 wins or more.

June 22, 2026

By J.P. Antonacci

Canadian Baseball Network

I knew the answers. All of them.

I just needed Devo to pick me.

Devon White and Dave Stewart were at my elementary school in Etobicoke about a month after winning the World Series in 1993, and my baseball-mad nine-year-old self could barely believe he was in the same room as two real-life Blue Jays.

Most of what they said has been lost to time, though I recall Stewart giving us tips on how to sneak a peek at our Christmas gifts by carefully peeling off the corners of the wrapping paper.

But I vividly remember a trivia session where Devo asked us to name that season’s MVP and Cy Young Award winner, and the team they both played on.

Up for grabs was the coveted prize of a Back 2 Back VHS tape chronicling Toronto’s repeat championship.

I sprang to my knees, threw both arms up as high as they could go, and held my breath, hoping against hope Devo would notice me amid the hundreds of screaming kids.

And he did.

“You in the hat,” he said, pointing to my blue and white “Back 2 Back Champions” ballcap.

The hall hushed, all eyes on me.

And I froze.

I couldn’t get any words out.

Hearing me sputter unintelligibly, Devo smiled.

“Okay,” he said calmly. “One.”

Suddenly I could breathe.

“Frank Thomas,” I replied meekly.

“Two,” White continued, still smiling.

“Jack McDowell.”

“And three?”

“The White Sox.”

I floated through the crowd towards the stage. But where my classmates had simply been handed their prizes from the floor, something compelled me to walk up the steps and stride across to where Devo stood.

My heart pounding, each step seeming to take an hour, I looked up at this giant of a man and wordlessly extended my hand.

And then, incredibly, Devon White reached down and shook it.

I don’t remember leaving the stage or getting back to my spot on the floor. The movie in my head picks up again as the assembly ends and my classmates nearly bowl me over.

“I want to shake the hand that shook the hand of Devon White,” bellowed my buddy Matt, a line my mom still sings to this day, set to the tune of “I’d like to buy the world a Coke.”

Someone was taking photos of that special visit and captured the meeting between an awestruck fan and his bemused baseball idol. This past Saturday, I showed Devo the picture at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, where he was enshrined as a member of the class of 2026.

“I don’t remember you,” he quipped.

But the speedy centre fielder said visiting schools and interacting with young fans was a special part of being a professional athlete.

“Oh definitely,” he said. “As major league players, we always try to give back to the community, and that’s one of things we did.”

White’s instinct to give back hasn’t changed.

Walking from the press conference to the site of the outdoor ceremony, he detoured up a hill to chat with some young ballplayers whose eyes bugged out of their heads to see the Blue Jays great coming toward them.

White patiently posed for photos with fans all afternoon, but his biggest smiles came while surrounding by the excited kids in their red and white uniforms.

“I loved watching their faces light up and hearing everybody scream, ‘It’s Devo!” said Mike Kring, head coach of the U12 AAA Caledon Nationals.

The Nationals played two games against a team from Halton Hills on a diamond by the museum as part of the hall of fame festivities. Kring said he and the other parents spent part of the 2.5-hour drive to St. Marys educating the kids on the inductees.

So when White appeared unexpectedly, the thrilled players eagerly crowded around him and escorted him to the VIP tent.

“They love it,” Kring said. “They absolutely love the whole atmosphere, and they’re having a great time.”

‘The whole family made it’

Raymond Hector said his “Uncle Devo” has always had a gift for relating to people at their level and not talking over their heads.

“He speaks to you where you’re at. When you see him coaching and giving advice, he’s with you,” Hector said.

Davellyn Whyte had a different assessment of her father’s parenting style.

“He was mean,” she laughed.

“No, but, if you’re the coach’s daughter, you have to be better than everybody. He pushed me harder than everybody else.”

Whyte said her father – who was her basketball coach until she went to high school – set a high standard in order to avoid accusations of nepotism and make sure the future WNBA player made the most of her talent.

“He knew what it took to the highest level. And him coaching me the way he coached, I got a full ride to the University of Arizona and then I got drafted into the WNBA second round, 16th pick,” said Whyte, who played three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs before retiring due to injury.

“So with everything that he did and could accomplish, it kind of instilled that into me and I was able to follow in his footsteps,” she said.

“A different sport, but I still got to play.”

Hector said his uncle still sets the standard for the whole family to follow.

“Role model, 100 per cent. We all look up to him,” he said.

“Just knowing his journey, being from Jamaica, growing up in New York, and being family-oriented. Everybody in our family and people close by, we have similar stories. So seeing somebody making it and doing that gives us all motivation.”

Devo became a household name in Toronto, but the soft-spoken outfielder stayed true to his roots.

“He didn’t just make it, the whole family made it. And it’s always been like that,” Hector said.

“He’s the youngest in his family, so he was the youngest kid taking care of older brothers and sisters. So when the kids were born, it’s kind of the same model. We all take care of each other, look out for each other.”

White made sure the kids in his family shared in plenty of moments from his playing days.

“I remember just watching my uncle in his element and doing the things he loves doing,” Hector recalled.

“Just seeing how happy (he was) and how much joy it brought him. The focus it took him to get to where he got, being a master at his craft. So it was pretty cool.”

Blue Jays fans of a certain age would undoubtedly rank White among the best defensive outfielders of all time. But despite winning seven Gold Gloves and making one of the most famous catches in World Series history, he remains somewhat underrated.

That could be because other outfielders end up on highlight reels by diving for balls that White caught without fanfare, using his speed and unerring eye to calmly glide into position.

“He didn’t have to dive,” Hector said. “You can see his first steps, the instinct was automatically there. So he made the hardest plays look easy.”

Hector and Whyte were among two dozen relatives and friends who made the trip north from New York, North Carolina, and Arizona to celebrate Devo’s big day in St. Marys.

“It’s cool because sometimes when we get older, we only get to see each other when there’s a loss, because we’re all over the U.S.,” Whyte said. “But we all got to meet here for a great reason. It’s a lot of fun.”

“For the family, this is actually pretty dope,” Hector agreed. “It’s the first time we can get together when it’s not a funeral or something like that. So we’re all here on good graces and everybody’s happy.”

Thank you, Devo

More than 30 years after shaking his hand and squeaking out a thank you on stage, I felt like a kid again when looking up – though at not quite as steep an angle – at Devon White for a second time.

I still have the hat he noticed amid the sea of tiny Blue Jays fans clamouring for his attention on that long-ago afternoon.

I still have the VHS tape, too, though these days I’m more likely to watch the Back 2 Back documentary on YouTube.

And now I have a new handshake photo, and another special memory courtesy of a Blue Jays legend who remains as kind as he once was to a nervous kid overwhelmed by the moment.

Thanks, Devo.

****

And the award for most creative t-shirts at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony on Saturday goes to these fans:

June 24, 2026

By Jason Young

Winnipeg Goldeyes

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – The Winnipeg Goldeyes hit three home runs en route to a 10-4 victory over the Sioux City Explorers at Lewis & Clark Park Wednesday evening.

Winnipeg right fielder Adam Hall (London, Ont.) scored the game’s first run in the top of the first inning when he tripled and came in on a throwing error that allowed centre fielder Noah Marcelo to reach base.

The Goldeyes extended their lead to 2-0 in the second after shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder was awarded home as the result of a balk called on Sioux City starter Reed Butz.

Second baseman Jackson Van De Brake led off the bottom of the third inning with a home run to centre field that pulled the Explorers within one.

Winnipeg crossed the plate three times in the fifth to make the score 5-1. Hall led off the inning with a home run to left field – his first of the season. Designated hitter Max Murphy then doubled down the right-field line to drive in Marcelo before himself scoring on a base hit to centre by second baseman Keshawn Lynch.

Sioux City cut the Goldeyes’ lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning when third baseman Zac Vooletich tripled to left field and brought in catcher Dillon Tatum. Vooletich then scored on a groundout to shortstop off the bat of left fielder Henry George.

Didder led off the eighth with a home run to left, sparking a four-run rally for Winnipeg. With two out, Hall singled up the middle on a ball that barely left the infield. First baseman Roby Enríquez and third baseman Ramón Bramasco came home on the play to make the score 8-3. Marcelo then grounded a single to centre that plated Hall to increase the lead to six runs.

The Goldeyes’ final run of the contest came when Didder homered for the second straight at-bat, a one-out solo blast in the ninth. It was his fifth of the campaign and it made the score 10-3.

With two out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Explorers right fielder D’Shawn Knowles doubled to right field and knocked in designated hitter Alberto Osuna to make it 10-4, but one batter later, Van De Brake struck out swinging to end the game.

Ryo Kohigashi struck out eight batters in six innings of work. He allowed three runs on five hits and walked one. Eli Saul (Vancouver, B.C.) and Quinn Waterhouse covered the final three frames out of the bullpen.

Butz exited the game after 4 2/3 innings, having given up five runs on eight hits while striking out three and walking three.

Hall was a double shy of hitting for the cycle. He finished three-for-five with three runs batted in and three runs, increasing his team-leading batting average to .347. Didder also went three-for-five with two RBIs and three runs. Marcelo’s two RBIs give him a team-high 35 on the season.

The series concludes Thursday at 6:35 p.m. with two left-handers starting for the second consecutive game. The Goldeyes will send veteran Mitchell Lambson to the mound, while Josh Landry is expected to get the call for Sioux City.

June 24, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Québec City, Que. - On a provincial holiday in the province of Québec, the Ottawa Titans got back in the win column with a 9-5 victory over the Québec Capitales on Wednesday night, snapping a two-game skid.

For a second-straight game, the Titans opened the scoring. A leadoff double from AJ Wright stood in scoring position with two down, as Jack Eisenbarger walked Michael Fuhrman to put two on. The bottom of the order stepped up, as Thomas Ferroggiaro knocked in one with a single before Mitsuki Fukuda blooped in a single to plate two, making it 3-0 for the visitors.

Brandon Marklund (North Vancouver, B.C.) opened for the fourth time this year, escaping trouble in the first. The Capitales answered for a pair in the bottom of the second, with an RBI double from Nicolas Deschamps (Québec, Qué.) and a sacrifice fly from Yuta Hamada to make it a one-run game.

The Titans answered back in the third, with Carter Claerhout (Red Deer, Alta.) driving in the first run of his pro career, delivering a sac fly to centre,

With Dwyane Matos on the mound, Torin Montgomery hammered a solo homer to left-centre, once again making it a one-run game at 4-3.

Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) and AJ Wright each drove in runs in the fourth, as the Titans went back up by multiple runs. AJ Wright becomes the first player in franchise history to eclipse 250 career RBI in the nation's capital.

Up by one, the Titans poured it on against Yuto Nakata, scoring three in the top of the seventh to make it 9-4. Ferroggiaro drove in his second of the game with an RBI single, while Jackie Urbaez cashed in two with a double to left.

Kevin Miranda went two clean innings, while Michael Vilchez fanned two in a clean frame of work. Ted Stuka allowed one run in his lone inning of work before Brett Garcia slammed the door with a clean ninth to preserve the win.

AJ Wright went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Jake Steels, Taylor Wright, Thomas Ferroggiaro and Mitsuki Fukuda each posted two-hit games. In total, seven of the nine starters in the lineup reached two or more times in the win.

The Titans have now handed the league-leading Capitales four of their ten losses this season. The season series is also knotted up at four wins apiece.

The Titans finish up a three-game series with the Québec Capitales on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. at Stade Canac in Québec City, Qué.

June 24, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) homered on the first pitch of the game to jumpstart the Okotoks Dawgs to a 9-2 road victory over the Fort McMurray Giants on Wednesday.

Crowson would finish 2-for-3 with two walks in the contest.

Ricky Sanchez also had a good day, going 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

Jayden Lusk added three hits, two runs and two RBIs for the Dawgs, while Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) also pitched in, going 1-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

The Dawgs’ pitching was led by starter Brody Forno (Okotoks, Alta.), who threw seven strong innings, allowing just two runs, while striking out seven, to pick up the win.

The bullpen once again did its job. Nolan Jackson (Grimsby, Ont.) came on and threw a scoreless eighth before Aaron Taka set down the Giants hitters in order in the ninth.

With the win, the Dawgs improved to 17-6 on the year.

The Dawgs continue their road trip on Thursday with another game against the Giants. Their next home game is Canada Day against the Sylvan Lake Gulls. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

June 24, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

You can see some strange things at the ballpark.

Plays you have never seen before.

Doesn’t matter whether it is the Rogers Centre or your closest sandlot diamond.

Like the first inning of the Newmarket Hawks-Erindale Cardinals juniors match at the CABC Gold Bat senior tournament at Stan Slack Field at Errol Russell Park in the Sarnia area.

Erindale starter Daniel Lucas allowed one run in the first, but it could have been worse had his teammates not recorded all three outs on the base paths.

Lead-off hitter CF Bryn Sanford ripped a ball to right and made a hard turn at first base thinking about second. RF Marcus Herback got the ball in quickly to 2B Ryan Aversa, who quickly threw to 1B Alex Pieper for the 9-4-3 out. One out.

Next was C Troy McLoughlin and he was hit by a Lucas pitch. A few pitches into the next at bat he was thrown out at second base trying to steal … C Elijah Morales to SS Jackson Irving. Two outs on the bases.

2B Cooper Tompkinson then laced a single to the outfield and advanced to second on an error a few pitches later. 1B Robin Fox-Pappas doubled in the gap to score and rounded second base. Irving took the throw, faked a throw and back doored the runner at 2B Aversa to end the inning. Three out on the bases.

Certainly one of the more interesting innings of base running you could see.

Newmarket survived its overzealous base running, winning 12-0 over the juniors ... and not giving up a hit in the process. Combining on the no-no were Lukas Touma, who started and worked two innings. Reid Lunney pitched one inning for the win and Brendan Clarke - four innings for the save.

The championship game— between the Sarnia Brigade and Newmarket — was postponed due to rain and wet field condiitons and no champion was declared for this year's event.

June 23, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, Ont. - The Ottawa Titans Baseball Club announced the following signings today:

OF Jake Steels

HEIGHT: 6-0 | WEIGHT: 190 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 2002-06-17

HOMETOWN: Santa Maria, CA | SCHOOL: Cal Poly

2026: Rome (A+, ATL): 15 G, .213 AVG, 2 2B, 9 RBI, 4 BB/7 K

OF Dan Tauken

HEIGHT: 6-30 | WEIGHT: 215 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 2001-08-28

HOMETOWN: Congers, NY | SCHOOL: Murray State

2026: New York (Frontier League): 30 G, .243 AVG, 5 2B, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 21 BB/33 K

INF Carter Claerhout

HEIGHT: 6-2 | WEIGHT: 230 lbs | BIRTHDAY: 2002-09-10

HOMETOWN: Red Deer, AB | SCHOOL: Bellevue

2026: Bellevue (NAIA): 56 G, .491 AVG, 18 2B, 29 HR, 86 RBI, 19 BB/27 K

The Club has also announced further transactions:

Traded LHP Caiden Johnson to New York in exchange for OF Dan Tauken

Activated UTIL Michael Fuhrman from the 14-Day IL

Placed/Activated Yohanse Morel on/from the 7-Day IL

Placed OF Daniel McElveny on the 7-Day IL

Placed INF Kaiden Cardoso (Abbotsford, B.C.) on the 14-Day IL

Assigned Mark Hernandez as the Emergency Catcher

June 23, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs’ offence found its rhythm in the third inning as they defeated the Brooks Bombers 7-5 in front of 5,688 fans on Tuesday night at Seaman Stadium.

The Dawgs’ offence was led by Ricky Sanchez, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI in his new spot at the bottom of the order.

Jordan Kievman went 1-for-4 with three RBIs and a walk, while Turner Zdunich (High River, Alta.) also had a nice night, going 1-for-4 with an RBI.

The Dawgs’ pitching was led by starter Brody Papay, who threw five strong innings, allowing three runs (two earned), while also registering five strikeouts, to pick up the win.

The bullpen did the job in the latter innings. Tonight it was Grady Keljo, Blake Smith and Max McRaray. They combined to allow two runs (one earned) in three innings.

Ashton Luera closed it out for the Dawgs in the ninth.

With the win, the Dawgs improved to 16-6 on the year.

They will now head on a road trip that begins against the Fort McMurray Giants on Wednesday. Their next home game is on Canada Day against the Sylvan Lake Gulls. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

*This article was originally published on Alberta Dugout Stories on June 19. You can read it here.

June 23, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

Alberta athletes figure prominently in the Cloud County Community College baseball record books.

Matt Bondarchuk holds the single-season and career singles marks (72 in 2017 and 124 in 2017-2018, respectively).

Tom Poole has the most home runs in a single season (23 in 2022), while Erik Sabrowski remains at the top of strikeouts in a game (18), in a season (117) as well as shutouts in a season (two), all in 2018.

Now you can add Simon Baker to the list.

The Cochrane native set the school’s single-season and career records for triples with 12 as part of an unbelievable spring, which culminated with him being named the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) West Player of the Year, among several other accolades.

“It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball,” Baker told Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast. “I’m just really thankful that everything worked out the way it did.”

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Simon Baker here.

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When you consider the path he’s taken to this point and the one that still lies ahead, it makes the spring even more impressive.

HEAD IN THE CLOUD

Baker admits his introduction to college baseball was rough.

A highly touted prospect out of Webber Academy and fresh off being named the most valuable player of the 2023 Canadian Futures Showcase, he was scooped up by Gonzaga University for the 2024-25 school year.

However, Baker was redshirted and didn’t see any game action.

In hopes of getting regular playing time, he transferred to Cloud, where he found some familiar faces in fellow Webber product Lucas Laukkanen and Sylvan Lake Gulls teammate Kai Rempel.

Baker dedicated himself to spending more time in the weight room to get bigger and build more muscle.

“I also did a lot of swing mechanic stuff in the winter, really getting more bat speed and stuff like that,” he said.

The redshirt freshman’s 2026 college season started slowly with one hit in his first four games, but then things clicked with a two-hit performance on February 17, kick-starting a five-game hitting streak and his first of two KJCCC West Player of the Week honours.

Baker pieced together two eight-game and two seven-game hitting streaks, en route to hitting .404 on the season with 12 doubles, 12 triples, 20 home runs, 73 runs batted in and 14 stolen bases in 53 games.

In Cloud’s single-season record books, he is now tied for second in runs scored (75), third in RBI, tied for seventh in hits (73), and tied for third in roundtrippers.

WOUNDED WING

Not only was Baker named the KJCCC West Player of the Year, but he also raked in an All-KJCCC First-Team nod, First-Team All-Region 6 and became the first Cloud player to ever be named a National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Baseball First-Team All-American.

However, the most impressive thing about his first full college season was that the 6-foot-4, 215-pound utilityman was doing it with a major injury.

Always a pitcher and outfielder, Baker was throwing a bullpen session during the winter break when his elbow became tighter than he had ever experienced.

“I thought it was nothing,” he said. “Then a month later, I was still hurting, so I went in to get an MRI.”

Baker found out in March that he required Tommy John Surgery and decided to talk to his doctor about whether he could keep playing if he didn’t pitch.

“The doctor said I couldn’t hurt it anymore by playing and it was like, ‘Okay, well, if it doesn’t get more hurt, might as well do anything I can to help the team,’” he said. “So I decided to finish out the year knowing I’d have to get surgery eventually.”

Baker says it didn’t hurt his wounded wing when he swung the bat, which made the decision a lot easier, adding it was a great decision that he’s glad he made.

DA BEARS

Now spending his time watching television and relaxing while he waits for the green light to resume baseball activities again, Baker is now looking forward to the next step in his baseball journey.

The Cochrane High School grad will be joining Missouri State University in the fall under a fellow Canadian in head coach Joey Hawkins.

This spring’s roster also featured a handful of Canucks including Michael Yusypchuk, Adyn Schell, Sam Maclaughlin and Taeg Gollert.

“I really like the coaches and there’s a few guys I’m familiar with down there and they love the program,” Baker said. “I’m super-excited to go down there and hopefully make an impact as soon as I get off this injury here.”

While that return is still a few months away, he remains team-focused, hoping to do anything it takes to take the Bears to the College World Series.

And if all goes well, maybe rewriting the school’s record books will be in the cards as well.

June 23, 2026

Official Indiana State Athletics News Release

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State outfielder Carter Beck was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) 2026 Academic All-America team.

Beck receives First Team Academic All-American honors for the first time in his collegiate career. The junior boasts a 3.96 GPA while majoring in Finance at Indiana State. Overall, the 14 members of the first team have an average GPA of 3.84.

Beck becomes the fifth Sycamore to receive Academic All-American honors and first since Max Wright (2019) was recognized by the organization. He joins Wright, Wallace Johnson (1979), Marty Martino (1981), and Brady Shoemaker (2009) to be selected by CSC (formerly CoSIDA).

Beck (Carnduff, Sask.) continues to receive recognition for his work both on the field and in the classroom. Beck was previously recognized on the ABCA Midwest All-Region First Team in addition to being named the 2026 Joe Carter MVC Baseball Player of the Year.

Beck recorded a a historic campaign for the Sycamores. The junior finished the season among the Missouri Valley leaders in batting average (.348), hits (82), RBIs (59), runs scored (62), doubles (17), home runs (16), on-base percentage (.446), slugging percentage (.637), and stolen bases (12).

He recorded a team-high 28 multi-hit games and 16 multi-RBI contests over the 2026 season and has reached base safely in 55 of the team’s 57 games played. Beck continued his success in the Missouri Valley tournament connecting on a two-homer game against Southern Illinois.

Beck highlighted his season with an 11-game stretch where he recorded a .510 batting average with three doubles, a triple, five home runs, and 16 RBIs, while posting 11 consecutive multi-hit games from March 15-April 2. He added a trio of grand slams to his name going deep with the bases loaded against Miami (Ohio) (Feb. 20), Bradley (Mar. 20), and UIC (Apr. 3).

Four standouts on the field and in the classroom – Noah Sullivan of Mississippi State, Dagen Brewer of Pittsburg State University, Bryan Carney of the University of Olivet, and Alex Johnson of Concordia University, Nebraska – highlight the 2026 Academic All-America® baseball teams selected by College Sports Communicators.

June 23, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up left-hander Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.).

Nick Piecoro, of the Arizona Republic, was the first to report the transaction.

The Canuck lefty will be activated to start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

The move comes just two days after the D-Backs placed fellow Canadian Michael Soroka on the 15-day injured list with a glute strain.

Bratt, 22, has posted a 1-1 record and a 2.84 ERA in 11 starts for the triple-A Reno Aces this season. He has 42 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings.

A Toronto Mets and Junior National Team alum, Bratt is in his second season in the D-Backs’ organization after being dealt to them by the Texas Rangers as part of the package for veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly at the trade deadline last year.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB draft by the Rangers, Bratt pitched in parts of five seasons in the Rangers’ organization before joining the D-Backs.

In total, in 98 minor league appearances (89 starts), Bratt owns a 23-19 record and a 3.22 ERA. He has 492 strikeouts in 424 2/3 innings.

He was added to the D-Backs’ 40-man roster last November.

ABC alum Deiten Lachance (Sherbrooke, Que.) had a walk and an RBI to help the Oklahoma Sooners to a 13-2 win over North Carolina in the College World Series championship game on Monday. Photo: Oklahoma Athletics

June 22, 2026

By John Rohde

Oklahoma University Communications

OMAHA, Neb. – Oklahoma Baseball completed one of the most remarkable postseason runs in college baseball, capturing its third national title with a resounding 13-2 victory against No. 5 North Carolina in a winner-take-all College World Series championship game before a crowd of 23,248 Monday night at Charles Schwab Field.

Playing in their 12th CWS and making their fourth championship appearance, the Sooners add to previous national titles won in 1951 and 1994.

Sophomore second baseman Kyle Branch and junior shortstop Jaxon Willits led the way by going 3-for-4 at the plate respectively. Catcher Deiten Lachance (Sherbrooke, Ont.) also contributed a walk and an RBI.

Branch had a career-high six RBIs, punctuated with a three-run homer to left field in his final at-bat. Named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, Willits had two RBIs and reached base five times while finishing with a school record 13 hits in the CWS.

Senior first baseman Dayton Tockey, junior designated hitter Brendan Brock and junior right fielder Dasan Harris added two hits each to the Sooners' 14-hit attack.

"Kyle and Jaxon were incredible," said OU coach Skip Johnson, who is now 8-3 in two CWS appearances, the other coming in 2022. "We took the momentum over early, and we made some great plays defensively and got some big hits. These guys were separating balls from strikes, staying in their routines, the thing we talk about, pitch to pitch, and getting some big hits."

Junior righthander LJ Mercurius (7-7) came on in relief with one out in the third inning and earned the victory by scattering four hits, allowing one run and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings on 79 pitches.

"I think when I was coming into the game, the mindset was always the same," Mercurius said. "Take my deep breath, finish my breath and just execute a pitch. And I knew if I did that, we'll be able to get out of the inning. But really, I think the biggest thing coming out of that bullpen is Skip's a genius. I listen to Skip and whatever Skip says, I'm going to do. Simple as that. … When I started to appreciate it and really settle into listening and taking that breath, my game changed, and it shows. So I think whatever Skip says, you better frickin' listen, yeah."

The Sooners started the season hot and finished even hotter while eliminating the nation's elite.

"I think we knew that the talent was always in the room," Willits said. "And that's something that Skip and all the coaches preached to us from day one in the fall, is that this group of guys is special. Whether we were playing well or not, we believed that we had the talent in the room to go out and win a national championship."

On championship night OU spread its offense across 11 singles, one double and two homers.

With the game well in hand, Branch hit a home run in his final at-bat of the season just as his older brother, Georgia shortstop Kolby, did in his final at-bat in an 11-4 loss to OU on Wednesday.

Rewinding to the opening pitch, Wesloski made just his third start of the season Monday, all coming in the NCAA Tournament. He went 2.1 innings, allowing five hits and one run before giving way to Mercurius with OU leading 3-1.

The Sooners jumped on UNC lefty starter Jackson Rose for five hits in the first two innings.

Branch had an RBI single to right for his second hit of the CWS, knocking in Harris for a 1-0 lead in the second. Tockey reached on a single to center and pushed the lead to 2-0 by scoring on a wild pitch.

The OU defence came up massive in the bottom of the inning, keeping the momentum with the Sooners. With runners at first and second, Rom Kelis flared a base hit to right but Harris rifled a throw to third base to get Carter French out at third base before lead runner Erik Paulsen could score.

Brock gave OU a 3-0 lead in the third with a line-drive single to center off heralded reliever Walker McDuffie to score Willits, who had doubled to the left-field corner.

McDuffie was pulled with one out in the fourth inning and replaced by ACC Freshman of the Year Caden Glauber. The Tar Heels were 29-0 in games Glauber pitched – until Monday night.

Willits rapped his third hit of the game with a line drive to right against Glauber that scored Walk and Camden Johnson to give the Sooners a 6-1 lead.

Tockey's solo shot over the right-field wall in the fifth inning left had an exit velocity of 110.2 mph to make the score 7-1. It was Tockey's sixth homer in the postseason after hitting three during the regular season.

UNC showed some life in the seventh, churning out one run in the seventh but Mercurius stranded two to end the threat.

The Sooners delivered the final blow in the eighth, scoring four runs on two hits, the biggest being Branch's three-run homer on a 3-2 offering. Harris also singled in another in the session to complete the scoring. 

Jackson Cleveland spun the final inning for Oklahoma, striking out the side. 

Pitchers of Record
Win: LJ Mercurius (7-7)
Loss: Jackson Rose (5-1)

College World Series All-Tournament Team (Oklahoma Players)

• Jaxon Willits – Most Outstanding Player

• Deiten Lachance

• Jason Walk

• Dasan Harris

June 23, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Abraham Toro became the first Canadian to hit for the cycle in the affiliated pro ranks this season when he did so for the Kansas City Royals’ triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers in their 15-12, 11-inning win over the St. Paul Saints on Sunday.

In total, Toro (Longueuil, Que.) had five hits, six RBIs and three runs in the contest.

That performance was the highlight of his nine-hit week, which has earned him the Canadian Baseball Network’s Minor League Player of the Week award (June 16 to June 22).

Seven of Toro’s nine hits last week were for extra-base hits. He had two doubles, two triples, three home runs and 10 RBIs in five games.

The ABC grad started off the week with a solo homer in the Storm Chasers’ 21-2 loss to the Saints on Tuesday.

After not picking up a hit on Thursday, he had a triple and a two-run home run in the Storm Chasers’ 6-5 loss on Friday.

He followed that up with an RBI double in four at bats on Saturday before his offensive explosion on Sunday.

For the week, Toro went 9-for-23 (.391 batting average) with a 1.043 slugging percentage and a 1.418 OPS.

After spending parts of seven seasons in the big leagues with the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland A’s and Boston Red Sox, Toro has played the 2026 campaign for the triple-A Storm Chasers. He is batting .264 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs in 63 games.

2026 CBN Minor League Player of the Week winners

Opening Day to April 5 - Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), Rangers

April 7 to April 12 - Dante Nori (Toronto, Ont.), Phillies

April 14 to April 19- Matt Wilkinson (Surrey, B.C.), Guardians

April 21 to April 26 - Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.), Braves

April 28 to May 3 - Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.), Mets

May 5 to May 10 - Jordan Woods (Oakville, Ont.), Royals

May 12 to May 17 - Emilien Pitre (Repentigny, Que.), Rays

May 19 to May 24 - Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.), Diamondbacks

May 26 to May 31 - Matt Wilkinson (Surrey, B.C.), Giants

June 2 to June 7 - Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.), Blue Jays

June 9 to June 14 - Tyler Boudreau (Middle Sackville, N.S.), Yankees

June 16 to June 22 - Abraham Toro (Longueuil, Que.), Royals

Top Canadian Minor League Batters (June 16 to June 22)

Top Canadian Minor League Pitchers (June 16 to June 22)

June 22, 2026

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

TORONTO BLUE JAYS BASEBALL ACADEMY TO HOST CANADIAN FUTURES SHOWCASE, SEPTEMBER 17-20 IN VANCOUVER

192 former CFS participants have been drafted by MLB teams, including Macko, Soroka, Caissie, Clarke, Brash, and Josh & Bo Naylor

The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy will host its 12th annual Canadian Futures Showcase presented by Rogers from September 17 to 20 in Vancouver.

Since its inaugural tournament in 2013, the Canadian Futures Showcase has invited the top 150 amateur baseball players each year to demonstrate their skills to Major League Baseball scouts and college recruiters, becoming the premier amateur tournament across the country.

The Canadian Futures Showcase will be held at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver this year, due to scheduling conflicts in Toronto at Rogers Centre. This is the first time the Showcase will take place outside of Ontario.

“The Blue Jays remain deeply committed to growing the game of baseball in Canada and supporting the next generation of Canadian homegrown talent,” said Mark Shapiro, president & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays. “The Canadian Futures Showcase has long been a proving ground for young athletes pursuing their academic and athletic dreams, and we are inspired each year by the number of alumni who advance to the professional ranks.”

The showcase splits 150 players evenly between six teams to compete against each other in a tournament-style format, concluding with a home run derby and prospects game on the final day. Players were selected through a series of open tryouts and in-person evaluations that ran nationally throughout the spring and summer. The rosters and coaches for each team will be announced on August 17.

The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy looks to build on the historic success of the tournament. Since 2013, 192 former Canadian Futures Showcase participants have been drafted by Major League Baseball organizations, with more than 1,100 receiving college scholarships.

Notable Showcase alumni include Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Adam Macko (Stony Plain, Alta.); Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.); Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.); Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.); Miami Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie (Burlington, Ont.), Seattle Mariners pitcher Matt Brash (Kingston, Ont.), and Oakland Athletics outfielder Denzel Clarke (Pickering, Ont.).

Fieldhouse Pirates alum Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.) has been placed on the seven-day injured list by the class-A Dunedin Blue Jays.

June 22, 2026

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

A Canadian in the Blue Jays system is heading to the sidelines.

Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.) has been placed on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to June 20. He last suited up for the single-A Dunedin Blue Jays on June 19.

Signed by the Jays as an amateur free agent in the summer of 2024, Gregg missed all of the 2025 season due to injury. The infielder rehabbed at the Player Development Complex in Dunedin, where he was able to work under the guise of the Jays' medical staff to get back to 100% health.

Gregg started the 2026 season in the Florida Complex League, making his professional debut against the Philadelphia Phillies FCL squad on May 2. He would collect his first pro-hit that day, a single to centre field, while going 3-for-4 with a stolen base. The Ontario product would play two games for the FCL squad before getting the call up to Dunedin, suiting up in the Jays game on May 5 as a substitute off the bench.

The middle infielder would spend just over a week with the squad before being moved back to the FCL, where he could continue to get regular reps on the field. His first tenure with Dunedin saw him go 4-for-12 (.333 batting average), all singles, while striking out six times compared to zero walks.

Back in the FCL, Gregg continued to put forward strong numbers at the plate, collecting hits in five of the seven games where he recorded an at-bat to finish off May, while also contributing with seven RBIs and three walks. This included his first extra-base hit, a triple against the FCL Yankees on May 16 that saw him score four runs.

Gregg would continue his strong presence in the FCL as the calendar flipped to June, riding a six-game hit streak since June 4 that saw him produce three multi-hit games. The right-handed bat impressed with a 4-for-5 showing against the FCL Phillies, where he produced his first professional home run. Gregg pounced on a 1-0 pitch to send the offering over the left field wall to score three runs.

The strong showing in the FCL saw Gregg get promoted to Dunedin again on June 12, with the Jays tinkering with the infielder at first base for the first time in his pro career. He suited up in two games before landing on the IL, collecting two hits across nine at-bats.

On the season, Gregg owns a collective .388/.438/.507 slash line with a .945 OPS through 67 at-bats. He’s also added five extra-base hits, 11 RBIs, four stolen bases and four walks compared to 17 strikeouts. Most of that damage came from his time in the FCL, but he still owns a strong .286 average through seven games with the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

June 21, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The offence was rolling early and often for the Okotoks Dawgs on Father’s Day as they toppled the Moose Jaw Miller Express 10-2 in front of 6,234 fans on Sunday afternoon at Seaman Stadium.

Cal Gates led the way for the Dawgs at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two walks, and an RBI in his return from the injured list. Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) and Jordan Kievman each belted a home run. Crowson went 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Kievman was a triple short of the cycle, going 3-for-4 and driving in a pair of runs.

The Dawgs pitching was spearheaded by ace starter Tyson Willis, who threw five strong innings, allowing just two runs and striking out three while picking up the win.

The bullpen once again came in and shut things down. Today it was Wyatt Sadleir (Calgary, Alta.), Reid Madariaga and Brody Forno (Okotoks, Alta.) who were dominant in the win, striking out six in a combined four scoreless innings.

It was, indeed, a very happy Father’s Day at the ballpark. The Dawgs will play their next home game Tuesday night when they welcome the Brooks Bombers. First pitch Tuesday is set for 7:05 p.m.

June 21, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team fell 10–3 to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the finale of the 2026 MLB Draft League International Series at Credit Union Field at Eastwood on Sunday.

Canada’s offence broke through in the seventh inning after trailing 2–0. Cohen Miller (Calgary, Alta.) opened the frame with a single before Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, Alta.) worked a walk. Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.) moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt before Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) lifted a sacrifice fly to score Miller. Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, B.C.), Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) and Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) then worked consecutive walks, with MacDonald’s bringing Rivard home to tie the game at 2–2.

Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, B.C.) led the Canadian offence with three hits, including a fourth-inning double, while Miller added a pair of singles. Ellis also collected two hits, stole a base and executed a key sacrifice bunt during Canada’s seventh-inning rally.

On the mound, Joseph Pereira (Etobicoke, Ont.) delivered a strong start for the Juniors, allowing two runs over six innings while striking out five. The Canadian defence also turned a double play in the second inning, while Pereira combined with Miller and Armitage to pick off a runner at third in the opening frame.

Mahoning Valley broke the tie with seven runs in the bottom of the seventh before adding another in the eighth. Canada continued to compete until the final out, loading the bases in the ninth as Jacob scored on a fielder’s choice from Miller to reach our final score.

The result brings the Junior National Team’s 2026 MLB Draft League International Series to a close. The Juniors will now return home before beginning preparations for the WBSC Americas Qualifier, set for October 22 to October 29 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

June 21, 2026

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

St. MARYS _ Now, what would you expect the daughter of a seven-time Gold Glove winner to do as a grown up?

Maybe run a basketball camp after two years in the WNBA?

Repairing the leather on the latest Rawlings model?

Or working in an office with a 9-to-5 job?

Not quite.

Davellyn Whyte, daughter of new Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame member, Devon, breaks wild mustangs.

Yep, there was a cowgirl in St. Marys for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on Saturday.

Wearing red Miranda Lambert boots and a black Cody James cowboy hat, Davellyn was as proud as her siblings of papa Devon. Likewise his five grandchildren.

As they say in Wyoming “the world needs more cowboys (and cowgirls).” Davellyn is based near Salt River, Ariz.

“I break mustangs,” Davellyn said. “Tennessee Walkers and standardbreds who have been pulling a buggy around. We have to get them used to wearing a saddle.”

I recall the day Joe Carter phoned and asked, “Why are you ignoring Devo’s daughter?”

Davellyn was a star for the Arizona Wildcats women’s hoops ream in 2011 and it was my first story on Arizona hoops.

Devo’s daughter (or Double D) ended her career at Arizona as one of the best players in history, scoring 2,059 points which made her the program’s second-highest scorer and the second to reach 2,000 points. DD started every game in her career, playing more games than any player in history (126) and more minutes than any player in history (4,243).

When leaving school, Davellyn was on 14 of the top-10 all-time career numbers lists, including three-pointers attempted (first, 813), three-pointers made (second, 274), total steals (second, 266), field goals made (third, 666), average minutes played (third, 33.7), free throws attempted (third, 671), scoring average (third, 16.3 ppg), free throws made (fourth with 449), field goals attempted (fourth with 1,314), total number of double-doubles (seventh with 12), assists (eighth, 431), free throw percentage (eighth .756), rebounding average (at 5.5 rpg) and three-point percentage (ninth at .338).

Davellyn was inducted into the Arizona Ring of Honor. Now her pops, who helped the Blue Jays win back-to-back World Series in 1992-93 has been inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Davellyn could score, while Devon prevented opposing teams from scoring.

Next came two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, who have now moved to Las Vegas.

* * *

NOT A TYPO: As we have written before it is W-H-Y-T-E, not W-H-I-T-E.

When Devon emigrated from Kingston, Jamaica to Washington Heights, N.Y. a spelling mistake was made -- just like how they got the name wrong in The Godfather.

“I think I was about seven years old when we discovered the misspelling,” Davellyn said. “So my father said we should change all the documents to get it right.”

* * *

Right-hander Steve Green (Greenfield Park, Que.) was a teammate of Stubby Clapp’s at the 1999 Pan Am Games and 2006 World Baseball Classic.

ALL RISE: Stubby Clapp, Hall of Fame inductee, asked for his former teammates, coaches and players to stand.

Steve Green proudly stood.

The right-hander (Greenfield Park, Que.), a 10th round pick of the Anaheim Angels in 1997 from Fort Scott Community College, was pitching at class-A Lake Elsinore when Greg Hamilton phoned to ask him to pitch for Canada at the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg.

“Here’s Stubby, he takes out his teeth puts them on the dugout bench, we take the field and Stubby does that back flip,” said Green. “I’m a young guy and we had an older team. We had Andy Stewart, Ryan Radmanovich, who had both had big-league time, some independent league guys. I was a kid ... 21. I remember thinking ‘this is a lot different from Lake Elsinore.’”

Canada edged Team USA in extras and Green had a scoreless outing beating Cuba.

“The Cuba game was crazy,” Green said. “Aaron Guiel cracked the Cuba catcher on a close play and the benches sort of cleared. Now it’s 6-0 or so for us. Guiel is on third and we hit a fly ball to left. Deep enough to score. But their catcher is standing on the plate. Guiel cracks him again -- twice in three or four innings. Eventually the umpires got together and eject Guiel. He ran by the Cuban dugout pointing at their guys one-by-one.

“We were Gods in that town. After one game we all went to Earl’s to eat. We skipped the line.”

Canada won the round-robin pool going 4-0, then beat Guatemala, 12-2 as a Radmanovich homer landed in the street outside CanWest Global Park. But Omar Linares hit a three-run homer as Cuba edged Canada 3-2 in the semi-final.

Green grabbed the save when Canada beat Team USA 8-6 in the first World Baseball Classic in Phoenix. The next day, before the game against Mexico, Green and I came out of the dugout at the same time.

“HEY!” yelled someone from behind the dugout. “Get Steve Green to sign this.”

It was the front page of the New Times with Green’s picture on it after the final out.

Green looked at it, then looked into the crowd and said, “I’m Steve Green.”

* * *

One from the crowd: Former Blue Jays president Paul Beeston attended the first week of the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Beeston found out where George Steinbrenner, part of the USA Olympic committee, was going to stay.

Beeston arranged for two dozen Blue Jays caps to be shipped to Steinbrenner’s hotel in Norway. And when the Yankees owner arrived, the hotel staff was wearing Jays hats by the time Steinbrenner checked into the hotel.

June 20, 2026

By John Rohde

OMAHA, Neb. – Using a familiar recipe of superb pitching with some heavy-handed hitting, Oklahoma (42-22) is now one victory away from the program’s third national title thanks to a 9-3 win against No. 5 North Carolina (53-13-1) in game one of the best-of-three championship series at the College World Series on Saturday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field.

A sellout crowd of 24,707 watched the Sooners stretch their season-long winning streak to nine games while collecting 14 hits against a heralded Tar Heels staff.

Sooners junior catcher Deiten Lachance blasted two home runs, giving him 18 in the last 32, accounting for his entire total for the 2026 season.

Afterward, OU coach Skip Johnson said Lachance (Sherbrooke, Que.) has been “hitting balls as hard as anybody I’ve seen hit them in a long time.”

Lachance (3-for-5, 3 RBIs) and junior centre fielder Dasan Harris (3-for-4) led the attack at the plate, while junior third baseman Camden Johnson (2-for-4), junior Jason Walk (2-for-5, 2 RBI) and junior shortstop Jaxon Willits (2-for-5) added two hits each. Sophomore second baseman Kyle Branch (1-for-3) added a double for two RBIs.

OU has hit 28 home runs in 11 NCAA Tournament games. Harris has reached base in 21 straight games and Willits now has nine hits in four CWS games, tying Rick Gutierrez’ record for an OU player at the series that was set during the Sooners’ last national title season of 1994.

On the mound, OU freshman lefthanded starter Cord Rager (7-3) overcame a tough first inning, settling in and earning the victory before being relieved with a 7-3 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning.

Junior lefty Gavyn Jones came on in relief and allowed two hits and struck out four in 2.1 scoreless innings while making his first CWS appearance.

After Camden Johnson singled to right with one out in the top of the first, Lachance drilled an 84-mph changeup 402 feet over the wall in right-center to give OU a 2-0 lead.

The Tar Heels took a 3-2 lead in the bottom half of the inning, putting up four straight hits and sending eight batters to the plate. Rager would close out throwing four scoreless innings with five strikeouts and two walks on a season-high 100 pitches.

“What the game will tell you to do is back away,” Johnson said. “(It will) make you feel sorry for yourself at times, get away from throwing the ball to the target at times. Just got to stay with your routines. That’s what I kept explaining to him (Rager). Use visualization to help you get through your innings. … That’s a sign of a really good pitcher. That’s the sign of somebody that’s got a lot of grit, a lot of guts. That helped us a ton.”

On the opening pitch of the third inning, Walk ripped a 107.1-mph line drive that was snared at the top of the right-field fence, one foot shy of becoming his third home run in the last two games and fourth in 11 NCAA Tournament games.

Two batters later, on an 0-2 count with two outs, Lachance tomahawked a high-and-tight, 94-mph fastball over the left-field wall to tie the score at 3-3.

Pitchers of Record

Win: Cord Rager (7-3)

Loss: Jason DeCaro (11-3)

Statistical Snapshot

Deiten Lachance | 3-for-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI

Dasan Harris | 3-for-4, 2 2B

Jason Walk | 2-for-5, 2 RBI

Camden Johnson | 2-for-4, BB, RBI

Jaxon Willits | 2-for-5, 2B

Cord Rager | 5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Gavyn Jones | 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

LJ Mercurius | 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Notes

Oklahoma is making its fourth appearance in the College World Series finals and second in the era of three-game series. OU is now 3-2 in CWS finals. The Sooners won single games in 1951 (3-2 over Tennessee) and 1994 (13-5 over Georgia Tech) and lost both games of the 2022 finals (10-3 and 4-2 to Ole Miss).

OU won its ninth game in a row and moved to 42-22 on the year.

During its nine-game winning streak, OU has won eight games against top-20 teams and six against top-10 teams.

Junior Deiten Lachance registered his second multi-home run game of the season. His other was against Tennessee on May 16 (three home runs).

Six Sooners have games this season with multiple home runs (Lachance has two, Dasan Harris has two, Jason Walk has one, Camden Johnson has one, Brendan Brock has one and Drew Dickerson has one).

Lachance, Walk and Harris each have multiple home run games in the College World Series, all in the last two games (Walk and Harris on June 17 vs. Georgia and Lachance today).

Lachance is the fifth player to hit two home runs in a CWS Finals game, joining Florida’s Ty Evans and Jac Caglianone (2023), Texas’ Russell Modlenhauer (2009) and Fresno State’s Steve Detwiler (2008).

Lachance leads the team with his 18 home runs and 68 RBI this season. All 18 of his home runs have come in the last 32 games since April 9, and 14 have come in 20 games since May 2. He has hit six home runs in 11 NCAA Tournament games and three in the CWS.

Lachance and right fielder Dasan Harris lead the Sooners with 17 RBIs in the NCAA Tournament.

June 20, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

Following a strong offensive start, the Okotoks Dawgs were unable to overcome the Moose Jaw Miller Express, losing 17-10 Saturday night in front of 5,750 fans at Seaman Stadium.

Offence wasn’t an issue for the Dawgs on this night.

Ayden Crouse went 3-for-5 with three doubles, four RBIs, a run, a stolen base and a walk.

Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks, Alta.) and Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) added to the attack with a home run apiece.

The Dawgs will aim to bounce back on Sunday when they face the Miller Express in a rematch at 2:05 p.m. at Seaman Stadium.

June 20, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team bounced back in dominant fashion in game two of the final three-game set of the MLB Draft League International Series, defeating the Mahoning Valley Scrappers 16–3 at Credit Union Field at Eastwood.

Box Score

Canada sent 13 batters to the plate in the opening inning, building a 9–0 lead behind timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.

Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) opened the game with a walk, stole third and came home on a two-run single from Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, Ont.). After Aiden Kilshaw (Saskatoon, Sask.) drew a bases-loaded walk and Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.) drove in two more with a single, Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, B.C.) broke the game open with a grand slam to left-centre field.

The Juniors continued to add on throughout the game. Maxime Blain (Repentigny, Que.) scored twice during a 2-for-4 performance. Canada added two more in the seventh before Kilshaw launched a solo home run in the eighth.

In the ninth, Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) ripped an RBI double before Kilshaw added another RBI on a ground out and Ellis brought home Jacob with a single to cap the scoring.

Armitage finished with a grand slam, two walks and three runs scored, while Ellis collected two hits and three RBIs. Chung added a triple, single and two RBIs, while Kilshaw drove in three runs with a home run, bases-loaded walk and groundout.

On the mound, Calum Andersen (Calgary, Alta.) struck out three over four innings in his start.

Sam Davis (Beaumont, Alta.) followed with three strikeouts of his own over three scoreless frames. Will Zielinski (Victoria, B.C.) closed out the game for the Canadians with two scoreless innings.

The Juniors will be back in action on Sunday for the final game of the 2026 MLB Draft League International Series and the rubber match against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

June 21, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

Happy Father’s Day to my dad!

Up until my mid-teens, he channeled his inner Mickey Mantle to hit me countless fly balls down Thames Crescent in Dorchester, Ont. And I chased them pretending to be Chet Lemon. He’s a kind, quiet, patient, gentle and responsible man who has literally given me the shoes off his feet on more than one occasion. He’s my accountant, my Major League Baseball co-analyst and most importantly, a tremendously supportive dad. I’m blessed to have Ralph Glew as my father and I’m grateful that I not only was able to spend time with him at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in St. Marys, Ont., yesterday but that I will be able to watch the Blue Jays game with him this afternoon.

Hazel Mae pays tribute to her dad in Graney speech

I don’t think there was a dry eye under the tent at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony on Saturday when Sportsnet’s Blue Jays in-game reporter Hazel Mae spoke about her late father, Tito, while giving her Jack Graney Award acceptance speech. This award is handed out annually to a member of the media who has made significant contributions to baseball in Canada through their life’s work. “I’m thinking of my late father today,” said an emotional Mae. “It’s so fitting that you’re honouring me on Father’s Day weekend. Dad would’ve thought it was such a cool thing that I was here with Lloyd Moseby and Devon White. He would’ve thought this was so cool, but I know he’s looking down on me and thinking I did OK and I hope she doesn’t mess up the ending of her speech.”

You can listen to Mae’s wonderful speech here (Scroll down to find it).

Lessons Stubby Clapp‘s dad taught him

National team legend and St. Louis Cardinals first base coach Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) spoke about his late father, Keith (also nicknamed Stubby), during his induction speech on Saturday. He recalled how they used to play a very competitive game of pepper in the backyard.

“He used to stand me up against the fence in between the two poles. We’d call it pepper. And if l let the ball hit the fence, it was a point for him. And if I was able to make a play, it was a point for me. That’s how I learned how to play defence. I took a lot of bad hops, but I won. I wasn’t going to let the ball hit the fence.”

Clapp also shared that he followed his father around to all of the softball parks in Windsor.

“That’s where I learned to have fun and love the game. They let me stand in the outfield and shag BP. I would shag BP for as long as they could hit. And then if there was a little bit of time left at the end, they would let me take a couple of swings,” said Clapp.

The new Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer also spoke about when he was cut by fellow 2026 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Jim Baba at a national team tryout camp in Windsor in 1992.

“My dreams were kind of crushed and the toughest part was calling my dad,” recounted Clapp. “I told my dad, ‘Come get me. I didn’t make the team.’ . . . I was crushed, and of course there were tears coming down, so he pulls up and I get in the car . . . and my dad just kind of looks at me and says, ‘Well, are you going to quit or are you going to get better?’ No sympathy . . . just the truth . . . and it was at that moment that I decided I was going to get better. I was going to figure out a way to make the next team . . . And that was the beginning of me learning about adversity.”

Jim Baba’s children pay tribute to their father

Another very moving speech at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday was delivered by Mitch Baba, the son of the late Jim Baba, with his sisters, Jamie and Melani, at his side. Mitch spoke of what it was like to have Baba, a longtime and universally loved Baseball Canada executive director and WBSC technical official who passed away in September, as his father.

Mitch said the joke around the house was that baseball was his father’s first love and family was second. To which his father used to reply, “That’s not true, but it’s pretty close.”

“But we never felt second,” said Mitch, “because his love of baseball spilled over into everything he did . . . Baseball to him was people. It was community. It was Saskatchewan towns. It was summer nights and sunflower seeds and kids getting their first taste of what might shape the fabric of their whole lives. It was the fabric of his life, too, right up to the end.”

Psota’s dad helped her excel

Canadian national women’s team legend Kate Psota (Burlington, Ont.) spoke of her father, Ed, during her inspiring Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech on Saturday.

“My dad spent countless hours helping me hone my skills on a baseball diamond behind our house . . . I used to wait for him at the end our driveway with my glove and his glove. He worked shiftwork and he always made the time. I didn’t give him a choice, but he always made the time. He also logged some serious miles to diamonds all across the GTA and to Toronto Pearson Airport. Thank you, dad.”

Runge regularly asked dad for advice

Anyone who attended the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend this year will tell you that one of the highlights was listening to legendary umpire and 2026 inductee Paul Runge‘s stories.

Born in St. Catharines, Ont., in 1940, Runge was the middle part of MLB’s only three-generation family of umpires. His father, Ed, was an American League umpire from 1954 to 1970 and his son, Brian, umpired in the National League from 1999 to 2012.

“My dad told me umpiring is the only profession where they expect you to be perfect on your first day and then get better,” quipped Runge from the stage on Saturday.

At the press conference prior to the induction ceremony, Runge told me that his father actually discouraged him from getting into umpiring.

“He didn’t think it was a good idea. He said I had a college education. I had my teaching credentials. I had a real estate license. I had a little money in my pocket. He said, ‘Why would you want to go umpire? It’s a tough job.’ There are only 24 umpires in each league, it’s tough position to get. But I didn’t take his advice which turned out real good for me.”

After he became an umpire, Runge’s father always generously shared his wisdom.

“I think I learned more from him at the breakfast table than some umpires would learn over a whole year,” said Runge. “I called him all the time (during my career).”

Runge’s father taught him to remain calm, especially when players or managers were yelling at him.

“We were real close and I called him a lot and whenever I was working locally, he would come to the games,” said Runge.

Johnny Mac’s Father’s Day homer

It’s without question the best Father’s Day moment in Blue Jays’ history. On Father’s Day 16 years ago, John McDonald returned to the Blue Jays with a heavy heart five days after delivering the eulogy at his father Jack’s funeral. As one of his final requests, McDonald’s father asked his son to point up to him after he touched home plate following his next home run. The Blue Jays’ smooth-fielding shortstop, who averaged less than two home runs a season, promised he would, but he cautioned his father that it could take a long time. Magically, in his first at bat after his father’s death, McDonald belted a pitch from San Francisco Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt over the left-field wall at Rogers Centre on Father’s Day. You can watch the home run below:

Thank you to Scott Crawford at the Canadian ball hall

A big thank you to Scott Crawford, the Hall’s director of operations, who devotes countless hours to organizing induction weekend each year. It was an outstanding event. Most don’t think about the long hours, anxiety, sleepless nights and time away from the family that goes into planning an event of this magnitude, but Scott has done an excellent for many years — and with the support of his wonderful family. On Saturday, his wife, Sam, and his two sons, Toby and Noah, were working the merchandise table at the induction ceremony. It’s obvious they love and respect their father very much. Also a big thank you to Lindsay Earle, the Hall’s care of collections and public engagement supervisor, who also put in countless hours to make induction weekend happen. Thank you also to the remaining Hall staff and all of the volunteers.

Trei Cruz makes MLB debut and I’m old

OK, I’m officially old.

Toronto-born Trei Cruz made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on Friday. He played right field and went 0-for-3 in the Tigers’ 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.

So why does this make me feel old?

Well, this is the first instance where I can remember watching a player’s father and grandfather also play in the big leagues. The grandfather, Jose Cruz was an All-Star outfielder with the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros and New York Yankees for parts of 19 seasons from 1970 to 1988.

The father is Jose Cruz Jr., who had a 30-30 season with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2001 and played 12 major league seasons from 1997 to 2008.

The grandson, Trei, was selected in the third round of the 2021 MLB draft by the Tigers. After some early struggles, the youngest Cruz enjoyed a breakout game with triple-A Toledo last season when he batted .279 and had a .411 on-base percentage with 13 home runs, 17 stolen bases and 102 walks. Cruz was born in 1998 in Toronto when his father was a Blue Jay.

As Sarah Langs, of MLB.com, notes below, the Cruz family is the fifth to have three generations of big leaguers:

Go play catch with your dad

I can’t think of a better way to end a Father’s Day column than with this clip from Field of Dreams, the 1989 movie inspired by the book, Shoeless Joe, written by Canadian author and Jack Graney Award winner W.P. Kinsella. This scene (click on link below) is an emotional and heart-warming moment between Ray Kinsella and his father, John, who magically appears on the ball diamond that Ray has constructed in the field at his farm. Say, “Hey dad, you wanna have a catch?” when you’re in a crowd of people at almost any ball field in North America and someone will know this scene.

June 20, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Bill Stoneman feels right at home in Canada.

And understandably so, given that the former Montreal Expos ace lived in the country for 30 years.

But his trip to St. Marys, for his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday, was his first to the quaint Southwestern Ontario town. And after driving around St. Marys on Thursday, Stoneman quickly became an admirer of Stonetown.

“There are a lot of really interesting, older looking houses,” he said at the inductees press conference on Saturday morning.

Later that day, when Stoneman, who now resides in California, looked out from the podium during his induction speech, he saw friends from several walks of life – including many from his time in Canada.

There was former Expos teammate Steve Rogers. Not far from Rogers was Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.), who was signed by the Expos while Stoneman was an executive with the club.

Also present was Bryan Lewis, a longtime National Hockey League referee who was a neighbor of Stoneman’s when the ex-big leaguer was living in Georgetown, Ont., and working as a manager for Royal Trust.

And, of course, there was his daughter, Jill, and her husband, Miguel, who live in Lefaivre, Ont. (near Hawkesbury Ont.).*

And then there were the fans, most of whom remember Stoneman as a workhorse right-hander with the Expos during the club’s earliest years who hurled not one, but two no-hitters.

“Bill was the best pitcher we had on the club,” said Claude Raymond, 89, who was an Expos teammate of Stoneman’s from 1969 to 1971.

Legendary Expos broadcaster Dave Van Horne agrees.

“Bill Stoneman was the guy who led the way in those early years before Steve Rogers came around and wound up establishing himself as a key part of the Expos organization,” he said.

Much of Stoneman’s success could be attributed to his excellent curveball that he had been throwing since he was a 10-year-old in Little League in West Covina, Calif.

“They were telling coaches back then, ‘Don’t have young kids throw curveballs. I happened to throw a curveball in a way that didn’t hurt the elbow .. . . When I got up to the professional leagues and the coaches saw me throwing a curveball, they said, ‘Hey, that’s exactly how you should be throwing a curveball,’” said Stoneman, adding that the key is get your fingers on top of the ball. “The curveball was the easiest pitch for me to throw.”

Stoneman also possessed a good fastball which helped convince the Chicago Cubs to select him in the 31st round of the 1966 MLB draft. In just his second season in the Cubs’ organization, Stoneman was promoted to the big leagues. He’d spend his first two major league campaigns as a reliever with the Cubs before being chosen by the Expos in the 1968 expansion draft.

“When I got the call [from Expos GM Jim Fanning] that I was going to go from the Cubs to the Expos . . . I said, ‘Well, I know Montreal is in Canada. I know Canada is to the north of the United States, but I’m not sure where Montreal is at,’” recalled Stoneman. “So, I pulled out a map and found Montreal.”

And he adapted well to the city.

In 1969, the 5-foot-10 right-hander cracked the Expos’ inaugural Opening Day roster and on April 17th that year, in just the ninth regular season game in Expos’ history, he tossed a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. This made him the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter for a Canadian major league team.

“There were only about four or five thousand people in the stands for that game. They were all Phillies fans obviously, but as we got towards the middle of the game, they recognized, ‘Hey, the Phillies haven’t got a hit yet.’ And they started making some noise and by the seventh inning, they were making a lot of noise. They wanted to see a no-hitter,” remembered Stoneman.

In that first Expos season, Stoneman led the club in wins (11), starts (36), innings pitched (235-2/3), strikeouts (185), complete games (8) and shutouts (five). He also embraced the city and his role as an ambassador for the club.

“The two people that really helped put the Expos on the map with Montrealers and Quebecers and Canadians were Rusty Staub and Bill Stoneman,” said Van Horne. “They were two totally different people, but two that loved being in Montreal and loved representing Montreal out in the public.”

Van Horne recalls that Stoneman even stayed in Montreal following the 1969 season and during that winter Stoneman was part of an Expos charity basketball team that also included John Boccabella, Dan McGinn, Gary Sutherland and Ron Brand.

“They would go out and play high school teachers for a fundraiser or whatever,” recalled Van Horne.

Over the next four seasons, Stoneman was a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Expos. In 1971, he recorded a career-high 17 wins and posted a 3.15 ERA in 39 appearances (38 starts) and established then franchise records in complete games (19), innings pitched (294-2/3) and strikeouts (251).

“Bill wasn’t a big guy,” said Van Horne. “He was about 5-foot-10 and 160 to 170 pounds, but he had a great arm and a great head for baseball.”

During those early years with the Expos, Raymond and Stoneman developed a strong friendship.

“On the road most of the time, we would go eat together and have a beer together,” said Raymond, who can recall attending Stoneman’s wedding in December 1969. “He was a super, super nice guy. He’s always been a nice guy. .. . . He was a class ballplayer and he was always trying to learn something.”

Van Horne also developed a good relationship with Stoneman.

“He was easy to get along with and he was always happy to talk to you after one of his starts,” said Van Horne. “He knew baseball. He came to the Expos a knowledgeable baseball player.”

That knowledge not only helped Stoneman during his standout 1971 season, but it helped him put together another outstanding campaign in 1972 when he registered 12 wins and a career-best 2.98 ERA in 35 starts. He also pitched in two innings in the MLB All-Star Game.

On October 2 of that year, he threw his second no-hitter. This one came at home, at Montreal’s Jarry Park, in a 7-0 victory over the New York Mets. This made him the first pitcher from a Canadian major league team to throw a no-hitter in Canada. It has also made him the only pitcher to throw more than one no-hitter for a Canadian major league team.

“My wife Diane was in the stands with my two youngest brothers during that game. I was the oldest of four kids and all four were boys and my two youngest brothers happened to be out here from California in Montreal staying with us . . . That was neat but I wasn’t thinking about them as I was pitching. You’re just competing and getting hitters out,” recalled Stoneman.

After one more season with the Expos, Stoneman completed his playing career with the California Angels in 1974.

Upon his retirement, he came back to Montreal where his wife’s family was and he became a manager at Royal Trust, first in Montreal and later in Toronto.

In 1983, he was on his way home from a family vacation when he decided to drop by Olympic Stadium to visit some friends and former teammates. He bumped into Expos president John McHale who asked him if he’d be interested in a front office position.

Stoneman was and he returned to the Expos as an assistant to the president. In September 1984, he was promoted to the position of vice-president, baseball administration and then later to vice-president, baseball operations. In 1987, he was named the team’s interim general manager and he worked in that capacity until Dave Dombrowski replaced him in July 1988.

Stoneman continued as a prominent Expos executive through the 1999 season when he was hired to be the general manager of the Angels.

In 2002, he assembled the Angels’ only World Series-winning team and continued as Angels GM until 2007. He remains a senior advisor with the club.

Though it’s been more than 50 years since he has played with them, Stoneman has stayed in touch with some of his Expos teammates, including John Boccabella, Steve Renko and Raymond.

“When Vladimir Guerrero got inducted into Cooperstown [in 2018], I sat with Bill for a whole bunch of drinks because we hadn’t seen each other for maybe 10 or 15 years and we talked about everything we could that night,” said Raymond. “And we had so much fun.”

Raymond was also happy that Stoneman would finally be joining him as a Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.

“I felt great when I heard that he was being inducted and I called him and congratulated him right away,” said Raymond. “He’s a great guy. I think he should’ve been inducted a lot earlier . . . I’ll be there [at Saturday’s ceremony] in thought.”

*Stoneman’s wife, Diane, a Montrealer, was not present on Saturday because she’s still recovering from a broken hip.

June 20, 2026

By Trevor Fitzpatrick

Canadian Baseball Network

For the third straight year, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s circle of women inductees has grown.

During the 2026 ceremony, 15-year national team veteran Kate Psota (Burlington, Ont.) was rightfully enshrined in St. Marys. She’s joining longtime teammates Ashley Stephenson (Mississauga, Ont.) and Amanda Asay (Prince George, B.C.) in the hall, who were inducted in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

“It’s finally sinking in more,” Psota said with a smile during the induction press conference, “You get up in the morning and you’re in the lobby with Bill Stoneman and then Stubby (Clapp) comes down the stairs. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but these guys are like family now. Baseball has a great way of connecting people.”

The Class of 2026. From L to R: Stubby Clapp, Kate Psota, Devon White, Paul Runge, and Bill Stoneman. pic.twitter.com/G6VaM2IDup

— Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum 🇨🇦⚾️ (@CDNBaseballHOF) June 20, 2026

A seven-time Women’s World Cup medalist (six as a player, once as a coach), Psota has been with the women’s national team since its inception in 2004. Her dominant left-handed swing earned her two team MVP awards back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.

She accomplished that while also playing hockey at a collegiate level with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, winning five consecutive OUA titles from 2006-2010. Later in her sports career she would also add on a Pan Am Games silver medal in 2015.

Which sport did she end up liking better?

“I like both, but I’m better at baseball, so it’s hard not to say baseball,” she explained, “They were two very different sports, two very different groups of women I played with. I like them equally, but I was better at baseball.”

Nowadays, Psota is advocating for the growth of women’s baseball across Ontario, Canada, and the world.

“Women and girls that stick with sport become leaders in communities. It’s really great for them to be involved in,” Psota said, “We’re starting to see other countries get involved now. For example we took a team from Quebec over to Europe to get that foot in the door. We kind of have a responsibility to do so, being from a country that’s in a leadership position (for women’s baseball).”

“Giving back and helping the game grow in Canada and Ontario is so important,” she continued, “I think the most important next step would be a feeder program to our national team. All the social media that exists now, I did not have when I played. That visibility is the most important. Like I say all the time, ‘if you can see it, you can be it’. If young women start to see initiatives like those, they have a better shot of being it.”

June 20, 2026

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

As 2026 inductee Stubby Clapp walked around the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time on Saturday, something caught his eye.

It was two plaques, situated side-by-side.

The first was for Rev. Ronald Cullen, who was inducted in 1996. The second was of the 1991 Canadian National Youth Team.

Both were influential in Clapp’s career.

“It was my first opportunity to play serious baseball for the Windsor Selects,” Clapp said of playing for Cullen. “He made the prediction a long time ago I’d be a baseball player. I was a talented young kid who had a lot of energy and grit. He and Bobby Marchand took a lot of time to try and help me develop.”

Energy and grit are the characteristics that made Clapp great. Captain Canada, as he’s often referred to as, is a symbol of what Canadian baseball is meant to be.

He can still recall the first time ever wearing the maple leaf.

It was 1991 in Brandon, Man., with that Canadian National Youth Team. A few weeks after being selected, he’d help lead Canada to its first ever gold medal at the World Youth Baseball Championship.

It began a run representing the country that’s unmatched.

A clutch hit to help win a bronze medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games, the country’s first ever, donning the red and white at the Olympics in 2004 in Athens, Greece, and being part of the 2015 Pan Am Games gold medal winning team are just a few of the moments Clapp will remember forever.

And then there was hit first big league hit.

As a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001, he a doubled off Livan Hernandez in the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. As he trotted into second, it was Barry Bonds who was fielding the ball.

“That was all she wrote,” he said with a laugh.

Clapp would play 23 games for the Cardinals, hitting .200, and now serves as the team’s first base coach.

As proud as he is to be a member of a big league organization, there will always be something special about playing on the world stage.

“It’s such a different game,” Clapp said. “You have to leave it all on the line. If you have a three-game losing streak in international baseball, you’re out after the first two.”

When Clapp got the call from the hall, he felt an overwhelming rush of emotion.

Making it even more meaningful was the opportunity to go in alongside late friend and former Baseball Canada executive director, Jim Baba.

Baba had an eye for talent, Clapp hinted with a smile.

In 1992 after he led the youth team to gold, he was cut from the senior men’s national team and it was Baba’s job to deliver the news.

“I always gave him a jab here and there,” Clapp said.

“But, he was right. Jim’s a real special guy, he meant a lot to Baseball Canada and meant a lot to the game. He was a class act with whoever he interacted with.”

Despite being a Canadian baseball icon, Clapp still finds it hard to believe he’s been inducted.

“I was very happy, very honoured, caught off guard,” he said. “I’m looking around and it’s just hitting me. To be able to be considered among all these people is truly humbling. I’m totally overwhelmed.”

June 20, 2026

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

There are few people who have had a greater impact on the game of baseball in Canada than the late Jim Baba.

But it wasn’t just what he accomplished as a coach and longtime executive, it was how he went about doing it.

He carried the same passion and unwavering national pride into everything he did, whether it was leading a grassroots initiative to grow the game across the country or supporting Canada’s teams at the World Baseball Classic.

A true baseball lifer who served as the executive director of Baseball Canada from 2000 to 2021, it was only a matter of time until the day came when Baba would take his place among other greats in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

Saturday was that day.

It was a bittersweet moment for his son, Mitch, and daughters, Melani and Jamie, as it was less than a year ago they said goodbye to their father after he lost his battle with cancer.

“It’s an honour, we’re so proud of him,” Melani said. “Knowing what our dad did with baseball. He had his name on a lot of things and we’re honoured to be here. We wish he was here.”

His children describe him as humble and caring, two traits the best leaders possess.

His fingerprints are all over some of Canada’s greatest moments, from Pan Am Games, Olympics, World Cups and World Baseball Classics, to assisting with the implementation of the Rally Cap Program and promoting the women’s game.

It wasn’t just about the wins and losses for the pride of Moose Jaw. His long-term vision was firmly focused on making sure the game was growing.

“He was always proud to be Canadian, develop the Canadian game,” Jamie said.

“He always wanted baseball to be fun, he wanted more kids to play baseball. Everything he did was to make it more accessible, fun and a better place for kids to play. That is the essence of what he did in his career.”

When the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame started following his three kids on Instagram, they knew something might be up.

A call followed from the hall’s Director of Operations, Scott Crawford, to deliver the news.

“It was very overwhelming, a lot of emotions,” Mitch said. “Between knowing he’s not here for it, the honour of it and how proud he would be to be recognized.”

Life without their dad is still something they’re getting used to, but knowing he’ll be forever enshrined for something he loved so much brings a smile to their faces.

“Your body gets warm, the tears start flowing,” Melani said about what the call meant. “It’s something we know he would’ve wanted and would be honoured about. It’s heartbreaking, it’s sad, but it’s also immense pride.”

To many, Baba is a symbol of all that’s great about Canadian baseball.

But more importantly to Mitch, Melani and Jamie, he’s dad.

“He was the best,” Jamie said. “Everyone’s favourite person.”

June 15, 2026

By Shari Reiniger

Special to the Canadian Baseball Network

When I stood on the field at Loan Depot Park in March as a member of the Game Organizational Technical Committee at the World Baseball Classic, I looked up through the closed roof and thanked a great baseball leader and friend who opened up trails for me to blaze - a mentor who handed me the baton to pave new pathways.

Only one other person had ever represented the World Baseball Softball Confederation at the WBC finals besides our late WBSC Baseball Technical Commission Chair, Jim Baba. And now it was me standing there in his place. Just like working as an International Baseball Technical Commissioner at the Tokyo Olympics, and being the first woman to do that, the moment was not lost on me.

My journey in international baseball was made possible by my friend, my mentor, my brother in baseball and our longtime WBSC Baseball Technical leader, Jim Baba.

Hard to believe it all started when my husband met Jim instructing coaching clinics in the mid 90s. I came to hang out, chat baseball and enjoy a few cold beverages at the end of their sessions. When he came to town with Baseball Canada, we found a way to grab a beer between meetings and banquets. We always made space for Jim and he always made space for us. At that time, I had no idea the impact he would make on my life beyond being a good friend and a phenomenal baseball guy.

Before moving to Canada, I played junior college softball in my home state of California where I met my husband. As I finished my university degrees, I spent a couple of summers as the head groundskeeper at Legion Park in St. Albert, Alberta where we hosted the very first Baseball Canada Bantam National Championship.

After college, I coached competitive softball and went back to play in the top women’s fastball league in Edmonton which included two trips to the Western Canada championship. I served on the Sherwood Park Minor Baseball Association Board as a committee chair, tournament director and protest committee member for Provincial level tournaments. I coached a house league team with my husband one year and then became the GM and Chef de Mission for our son’s Provincial level rep teams that competed at a Western Canada Championship and then three straight Baseball Canada National Championships. I led the coaching staff for the U-13 Baseball Alberta Girls’ Provincial Team for two years and then took on the role of Playoff Committee Chair at Baseball Alberta where we redesigned the model of play into the tiered league concept that exists today. I sat on the Baseball Calgary Executive as well as the Baseball Alberta Board of Directors where I made presentations at Baseball Canada National Conventions. I was invested in the game I never got to play growing up but had always loved.

I had recently turned down an invite to travel with Team Canada’s Women’s National Team as a guest coach when my phone rang. It was Jim, who by then was the Executive Director for Baseball Canada. He asked if I would join the Technical team at the very first Women’s Baseball World Cup held in Edmonton in 2004. I had no idea what that even meant, or that I would be the first woman ever assigned to such a role (something he did not bring up either). I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the inaugural international women’s baseball championship and stepped through the door that has led to nearly 35 years in the game and over 20 years in international baseball.

Jim fought for girls’ and women’s baseball both in Canada and at the international level. He would be ecstatic to see Kate Psota inducted beside him into the Canadian Baseball of Fame this weekend, joining Ashley Stephenson and Amanda Asay, who was taken from this world much too soon. Because of Jim Baba, I got to see these women represent Canada with great skill and even better class.

Jim also believed that strong baseball women should be given the opportunity to work in the game. Thanks to his leadership, Ontario umpire Lisa Turbitt and I both worked that first Women’s Baseball World Cup, where Lisa earned the plate for the Gold Medal game. Lisa was the first woman to join the WBSC Baseball Umpire Commission in 2016 and to umpire at a World Baseball Classic Qualifier in 2022. When I spoke to longtime MLB Umpire Supervisor, Larry Young, about her plate assignment in Panama, he gave high praise in three words - ”She nailed it.”

I was appointed to work on the Technical Committee at the 2023 WBC Pool A in Taiwan so we both went from that first Women’s Baseball World Cup to the World Baseball Classic level after nearly 20 years in the international game. We each sit on the respective WBSC Umpire and Technical Commissions and work as Umpire and Technical Directors at WBSC baseball events. All thanks to Jim opening the door. As my good friend Lisa recently told me, “Jim always made space for others to shine and because of Jim, we both got to shine brightly!”

After that first World Cup, I was invited to sit on Baseball Canada’s Long Term Development Committee. I worked alongside Jim and a who’s who list in Canadian baseball as we developed the framework for Baseball Canada’s LTAD policy. This group of top level baseball guys always invited and valued my input. They proved to me that anyone with strong knowledge, skills and approach belongs at the table. Many of them remain great friends to this day.

Jim always led the way to support people building toward their own potential and elevated them based on performance and approach. Period. If Jim believed you could do the job, he let you do it and offered support, but never micromanaged. He didn’t care what gender you were, what your skin colour was or what country you hailed from. He gave credit where credit was due and was willing to put his reputation on the line to sponsor good people to new roles they had earned.

I finally got the chance to work with Jim on the field in 2012. In total, I worked on his technical teams at four international championships and he worked on my team at one. No matter which role we were in, we worked well together and saw the game the same way. Perhaps that’s why we were able to accomplish so much working on major international baseball technical projects together the last five years.

I still remember the night when Jim told three of us that we were being appointed to work the Olympic Games. We got sideswiped by two typhoons that year at the 2019 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Korea. Jim and I pulled tarps when the grounds crew was busy on the field beside us and we all jumped in to repair the fields and bullpens to keep games moving. After a long week, our Technical Team was enjoying a celebratory beverage after selecting the All-World Team. Jim pointed directly at me with a stern look, and called me over. I remember saying, “Uh oh, looks like I’m in trouble.” Then Jim grinned that boyish grin and said, “I just want to tell you that you’re going to the Olympics.” I had to put my hand down on the table beside me to hold myself up.

I never even dreamed that working the Olympic Games could be an option. I just kept showing up and doing the work alongside a great team of people, just as Jim has done his entire life. Baba never broadcast what was next, but when the time came, he gave you a high five and opened another door. All we had to do was walk through and keep doing good work. And we knew he always had our back.

Jim was named our Technical Delegate for the Tokyo Olympics and everything was ready to go. Then Covid hit a week before we were set to run the Americas Olympic Qualifier. Before we could get out on the field again, Jim was diagnosed with leukemia and lost what ended up being his final chance to work the Olympic Games. We missed him in Tokyo and it hurt to know he lost his Olympic dream. True to his nature, he never complained and was genuinely happy for every one of us who did get to fulfill our dreams.

He came back to the international field in 2022 and 2023 and never stopped working virtually from home. There were weeks where he was too sick to meet and days where he only had enough energy to sit up with us for an hour. If he could, he did. And then when he was in the airport on his way to work the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay in 2024, he got a tough call that sent him back home to face his biggest battle. I was coaching at the World Children’s Baseball Fair in Fukuoka, Japan when he told me what happened and I literally sobbed for him and for Penny. Not one to sulk, he got up and endured as long as his body would allow. They both did. Their courage to fight and to live right to the end will forever be my inspiration.

Last summer, Jim told me he found it gratifying to appoint others to do what he had been doing for so long. He was the master at running baseball championships both in Canada and globally. He taught us well and was finally ready to hand over the reins for us to take the game from there.

When Jim Baba finally received his call to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on February 5, 2026, I literally wept with joy. One of the most deserving inductees in Canadian baseball who shaped the game not only in Canada, but around the world. Who championed building the game for anyone who loved the game and who wanted to play a part, on or off the field. Players, coaches, scorers, umpires, tournament directors and especially volunteers - they all had a special place in Jim’s heart. He treated each person like they were just as important as anyone else in the game.

Jim exemplified teamwork, hard work and having fun when the day was done. He was humble, kind and treated everyone with respect. Calm, cool and collected. That is until his fiery side came out. At our last World Cup together, a third base coach walked to the mound to meet their new pitcher between innings. Everyone could hear Jim yelling, “Get him out of there” from the press box. He believed in playing the game the right way and he made sure everyone did just that. Everyone respected him for that. And I do mean everyone.

I have never heard anyone say one bad thing about Jim Baba after a lifetime in the game around the globe. He was as fair as can be and ensured nobody received an unfair advantage, no matter who they were. He never big leagued anyone and he did not take it well when it happened to someone on his team.

The former National Team Manager in Jim also loved to win. When Team Canada won the 2015 Pan Am Games on home soil in extra innings to defend their crown, he threw off his proverbial Tournament Director hat and yelled out something I cannot share here. Let’s just say he was as excited as any National Federation Executive Director could be.

I remember the final night after the medal games finished that year in Korea. Jim was asked if our technical team wanted to join the staff for dinner and he politely declined. Instead, we literally took over a restaurant with the umpires and scorers and everyone got to see the young man Jim still had inside. I can still see him laughing as he chirped our umpire friends with “That’s a Review!” Our officials team all got to see the fun side of Jim that I knew from hanging out with him for over the course of 30 years.

I will be forever grateful that I was able to drive to Saskatoon to see Greg Brons and his Baseball Saskatchewan crew name a U-15 field after Jim. He never would have allowed them to do that if they had told him ahead of time. Instead, they duped him into working as the Tournament Director at the Canadian National Championship and planned the big surprise. He worked the entire first day before his entire family and many of us longtime friends snuck onto the field as they presented him with the honour. Then they told him he was off the hook for the rest of the weekend and we went to the beer garden to celebrate.

That was actually the first time I got the chance to meet Penny in person and to meet their kids. Penny had already become a special friend of mine. She joked that she used to call me Jim’s baseball wife. I reminded her I was more like his little sister that got the chance to follow in his footsteps. Thank goodness we all got to have one more cold drink together in Ottawa in the fall of 2023 before both of their cancers took a tragic turn. I miss them both dearly.

WBSC brought me onto the Technical Commission in 2022 where Jim and I worked together on projects to improve our processes and support our technical people around the world. One of my hardest days as his friend was seeing him tell me in a virtual meeting there was nothing more the doctors could do for him. I told him he had given enough to the game - go hold hands with your loved ones and hug those grandkids - but he wanted to finish the meeting we started. I sent him a few Watermelon Wednesday items to share with the grandkids as that was his thing. He was definitely the fun grandpa and he even had the watermelon shirt to prove it!

Jim stayed committed to the game right to the end. We finished off a big project the week he passed away. He joined us via a virtual meeting then gave his formal resignation right after. Our WBSC Events Manager, Giovanni Pantaleoni and I got to tell him that we loved him and thanked him for his lifetime of impact on the game. I promised Jim we would carry his torch forward. But I could never bring myself to say goodbye.

He made an impact like nobody we’ve ever known. We will never forget what he did for the game, and for each and every one of us in the game.

Instead of stepping up on stage to give his induction speech on Saturday, his incredible family will accept his invitation into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Jim and Penny will watch from their stadium seats above and Jim will probably shout an instruction or chirp someone down below. Truly fitting for our good friend and mentor who preferred to elevate others into the limelight and remain in the background to cheer them on. This time, it will be our turn to cheer as Jim’s name is called and he takes his place in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame as one of the best coaches, leaders and builders this game has ever seen.

You did a lot of good, Jim Baba. The game of baseball is forever blessed by all of the progress you led and, more importantly, how you led. We will forever remember you as a legend in the game and everyone’s best friend in international baseball.

A final note to Jim’s children and grandchildren:

Thank you for sharing your dad and grandfather with all of us in the game across Canada and around the world. I know he loved you all more than he loved the game of baseball. And he really loved baseball and those Yankees. He was so proud of you all and loved nothing more than being a husband, dad and especially grandpa. We all miss him greatly and know you all lost so much. Jim and Penny both have incredible spirits and showed undeniable strength that will live on in all of you. I know they will keep an eye on you all from their seat above. Wishing you much love, peace and strength as you celebrate Jim’s induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. We will raise a glass to honor our good friend Jim Baba, here in Alberta and around the world.

Shari and Kirk Reiniger

June 19, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

As part of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony on Saturday, Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae will be presented with the 2025 Jack Graney Award.

This award is handed out annually to a member of the media who has made significant contributions to baseball in Canada through their life’s work.

“Hazel Mae has set the bar extremely high for Major League Baseball’s in-game reporters,” said Scott Crawford, the director of operations at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. “For many years, her in-depth player interviews and in-game insights have often been the highlight of Sportsnet’s Blue Jays coverage, but her impact on baseball in Canada reaches far beyond her work on the field. She has been a tremendous ambassador for baseball across the country.”

Born in the Philippines, Mae grew up in Toronto and got her start in sports journalism at the campus radio station at York University.

Her professional career in the Toronto sports media began in 2001 when she was hired to anchor the morning edition of Sportsnet Central and was the host of Jzone, a weekly show devoted to the Blue Jays.

Prior to the 2004 season, she accepted a position in Boston as the lead anchor on the New England Sports Network’s (NESN) Sportsnet desk. She also hosted The Ultimate Red Sox Show, which was NESN’s weekly Red Sox show and was part of the Sox broadcast team in 2004 when they captured their first World Series in 86 years.

In 2008, Mae was the first on-air talent hired by the MLB Network where she worked on the Emmy Award-winning studio show MLB Tonight and hosted a program called Quick Pitch, while also working as a sideline reporter for Thursday Night Baseball.

In September 2011, she returned to Sportsnet to anchor the 6 p.m. edition of Sportsnet Central. Four years later, she began her current job as in-game reporter during Toronto Blue Jays telecasts. She also serves as guest host of Blue Jays Central throughout the season and has become the go-to reporter for in-depth interviews for Sportsnet’s Blue Jays coverage.

In recent years, she has also worked for TBS as an in-game reporter during the post-season.

Over the years, she has also generously lent her talent to numerous charitable events across the country as an emcee.

“Thank you to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and selection committee. Joining the distinguished group of Jack Graney Award winners leaves me feeling deeply humbled and profoundly grateful. This group includes incredible writers, broadcasters and storytellers whom I have long admired, been inspired by, and proudly call colleagues and friends. While each of us reached this milestone through our own very unique path, we all share a common passion and unwavering love for the game, and for this great country,” said Mae about the honour. “Words cannot begin to express how honoured I am by this recognition.”

Born in St. Thomas, Ont., Jack Graney was a scrappy leadoff hitter in the big leagues for Cleveland. His big league resume boasts a number of firsts. When he walked to the plate in a game against the Boston Red Sox on July 11, 1914, he became the first batter to face Babe Ruth. Almost two years later, on June 26, 1916, he was the first major leaguer to bat wearing a number on his uniform. After hanging up his spikes, Graney became the first ex-player to make the transition to the broadcast booth, performing radio play-by-play for Cleveland from 1932 to 1953.

Previous Winners of the Jack Graney Award: 

1987 – Neil MacCarl – Toronto Star 

1988 – Milt Dunnell – Toronto Star 

1990 – Austin “Dink” Carroll – Montreal Gazette 

1991 – Joe Crysdale & Hal Kelly – CKEY 

1996 – Dave Van Horne – Montreal Expos 

2001 – Tom Cheek – Sportsnet 590/The Fan 

2002 – Ernie Harwell – Detroit Tigers 

2003 – Allan Simpson – Baseball America 

2004 – Jacques Doucet – Montreal Expos 

2005 – Len Bramson – TBS Sports 

2009 – Ian MacDonald – Montreal Gazette 

2010 – Bob Elliott – Sun Media & canadianbaseballnetwork.com 

2011 – W. P. Kinsella – “Shoeless Joe” novel adapted to film “Field of Dreams” 

2012 – Jerry Howarth – Sportsnet 590/The Fan 

2013 – Rodger Brulotte – Montreal Expos, Toronto Blue Jays 

2014 – Richard Griffin – Toronto Star 

2015 – Serge Touchette – Le Journal de Montreal 

2016 – Larry Millson – Globe and Mail 

2017 – Alison Gordon – Toronto Star 

2018 – Jeff Blair – Rogers Sportsnet 

2019 – Ken Fidlin – Toronto Sun 

2020 – Dan Shulman – Rogers Sportsnet, ESPN 

2021 – John Lott, National Post, The Athletic 

2022 – Richard Milo, Canadian Press 

2023 – Buck Martinez, Rogers Sportsnet 

2024 – Dave Perkins, Toronto Star 

2025 – Hazel Mae, Rogers Sportsnet 

June 17, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame News Release

Six new members will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday.

Former Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Devon White will be inducted alongside national team legend and current St. Louis Cardinals coach Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.), former Women’s National Team star Kate Psota (Burlington, Ont.) and early Montreal Expos ace and later executive Bill Stoneman.

Longtime Baseball Canada executive director Jim Baba (Moose Jaw, Sask.) will also be inducted posthumously.

Former major league umpire Paul Runge (St. Catharines, Ont.), elected by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Veterans Committee, will also be inducted.

In addition, Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae will be honoured with the Jack Graney Award, handed out annually to a member of the media who has made significant contributions to baseball in Canada through their life’s work.

The ceremony will be hosted by Blue Jays radio play-by play announcer Ben Shulman.

“We look forward to celebrating the outstanding careers of this year’s inductees in St. Marys,” said Scott Crawford, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Director of Operations. “Each of them, in their own way, has made a tremendous impact on the game of baseball in our country.”

The induction ceremony will be part of a series of activities that will also include a meet-and-greet with the inductees and other special guests called “The Opening Pitch” at the Toboggan Brewing Company in London (June 18) and the Hall’s 28th annual celebrity golf tournament and banquet (June 19).

Agenda of 2026 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Events   

*All times in Eastern Standard Time (E.T.)   

Thursday, June 18 

Event: The Opening Pitch, which will feature a meet and greet with inductees Devon White, Stubby Clapp, Bill Stoneman, Kate Psota, Paul Runge and the family of Jim Baba, plus past inductees Fergie Jenkins, Ashley Stephenson, Jeff Francis, Lloyd Moseby and Rob Thomson. 

Location: Toboggan Brewing Company, 585 Richmond Street, London, Ont.,   

For more information about the venue, click here.     

Time: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.   

Cost: Tickets are $100, which includes food, drinks and silent auction. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.  

The Opening Pitch Silent Auction runs from June 11 to June 18 at 9 p.m. E.T. 

Friday, June 19 

Event: 28th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic and Banquet  

Time: Registration at 9 a.m., Tee-off at 10 a.m., Banquet starts at 4:00 p.m. Dinner served at 5 p.m. Program and awards will immediately follow the dinner.   

Location: St. Marys Golf and Country Club, 769 Queen Street East, St. Marys, Ont.  

Banquet will be held on the Hall of Fame grounds, 386 Church Street South.   

Cost: Golf tournament is sold out, but banquet tickets are available for $100 each. The deadline to purchase banquet tickets is 5 p.m. on June 16.  Tickets HERE. 

Celebrities for this event will include: Devon White, Stubby Clapp, Kate Psota, Bill Stoneman, Paul Runge, Fergie Jenkins, Ernie Whitt, Lloyd Moseby, Steve Rogers, Jeff Francis, Rob Thomson, Billy Atkinson, George Kottaras, Larry Landreth, Larry Balkwill, Merlin Malinowski, Sarah Wilkes-Lizmore, Jeremy Ware, Claire Dalton and Jessie McPherson. 

Saturday, June 20 

Event: Induction Ceremony for Devon White, Stubby Clapp, Kate Psota, Jim Baba, Bill Stoneman and Paul Runge. Plus the Jack Graney award presentation to Hazel Mae. It will be emceed by Blue Jays radio play-by-play announcer Ben Shulman. Free to attend.  

Parking: $10 to park in the Induction parking lot. FREE parking on the side streets. 

Induction Day Schedule:   

10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Ballgames on the site 
9:15 a.m.- 10:15 a.m. – Inductee press conference inside Museum (386 Church St. S.) (media only) 
11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Museum open to public for tours 
1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. – Induction Ceremony and Jack Graney award at the Hall of Fame (386 Church St. S.). 
3:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m. – Autograph session with inductees and special guests. (Devon White, Bill Stoneman, Stubby Clapp, Kate Psota, Paul Runge, Rob Thomson, Lloyd Moseby, Steve Rogers, Matt Stairs, Jeff Francis, Ashley Stephenson, Pat Gillick, Gord Ash, Billy Atkinson, George Kottaras, Rob Butler, Steve Green)   

*Celebrities signing autographs are subject to change.*  
*Autographs are not guaranteed and autograph session can only last set amount of time due to other private events.* 

Cost for Autograph Session (Please read rules below):  
*Autographs are not guaranteed  
*Members should bring their membership card. 
*Members $35 each to enter the autograph session.    
*Non-members $45 each to enter the autograph session.    
*Hall of Fame 2026 members will enter the autograph line first.   
*Autograph session is 90 minutes long.    
*Autographs are limited to one item per person per inductee/special guest.    
*Autographs will be signed on a first-come first-serve basis.    
*Hall of Fame staff reserve the right to cut the autograph line at any time.    
*NO posed photos.    

2026 Inductee Bios

Stubby Clapp

Born in 1973 in Windsor, Ont., Stubby Clapp is known as “Captain Canada” for his long commitment to the national team. He joined the Junior National Team in 1991 and helped them to a gold medal at the World Youth Baseball Championship in Brandon, MB, that summer.

Five years later, the infielder was selected in the 36th round of the 1996 MLB draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. In total, Clapp played 23 games with the Cardinals and 11 seasons in the pro ranks.

But even during his pro career, Clapp never forgot his roots. In 1999, he suited up for Canada at the Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, MB and delivered a walk-off, bases loaded single in Canada’s extra-inning, upset win over the U.S. to help propel Canada to an eventual bronze medal.

Following his playing career, Clapp managed the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds to Pacific Coast League championships in 2017 and 2018. That earned him a promotion to the position of first base coach with the Cardinals in 2019, a post he continues to hold.

Over the years, Clapp has also served as a coach for the national team, including on the 2015 Pan Am Games gold medal-winning squad. Clapp was inducted onto Baseball Canada’s Wall of Excellence in January 2025.

“This is an absolute honour to receive the call from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Clapp when informed of his induction. “I was totally caught off guard. It’s a great blessing to get this news on my daughter’s birthday.”

For his full bio, click HERE. 

Devon White

Born in 1962 in Kingston, Jamaica, Devon White cemented his reputation as one of the greatest defensive centre fielders in major league history while with the Toronto Blue Jays from 1991 to 1995.

After being selected in the sixth round of the 1981 MLB draft by the California Angels, he’d spend parts of six big league seasons with the club before being traded to the Blue Jays on December 2, 1990. In his first season with the Blue Jays, White batted .282 with 17 home runs and 33 stolen bases and captured his first of five consecutive Gold Glove awards.

He followed that up with another strong season in 1992 that saw him lead the majors with a 3.9 dWAR (Defensive Wins Above Replacement). In the World Series that year, he made what is arguably the most famous defensive play in franchise history. In the fourth inning of Game 3, Atlanta Braves slugger Dave Justice belted a ball deep to centre field at SkyDome. White leapt into the wall and made a miraculous catch to begin a double play.

White returned in 1993 to serve as a catalyst atop the Blue Jays’ order and help them to their second consecutive championship. He collected two more Gold Gloves in 1994 and 1995 before signing with the Florida Marlins.

White still ranks in the top 10 in several all-time Blue Jays statistical categories, including second in stolen base percentage (84.6%), sixth in stolen bases (126) and seventh in triples (34).

Since hanging up his playing spikes after 17 major league seasons in 2001, White has worked as a coach in the minor league ranks. His most recent position is special assistant to player development in the Blue Jays’ organization. 

“Receiving the phone call last night informing me that I was being inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame was a dream come true!” said White earlier this year. “Toronto has always felt like home to me and to now be etched into history is a legacy I could have only hoped for. I am deeply humbled and grateful.”    

For his full bio, click HERE. 

Kate Psota

Born in 1986 in Burlington, Ont., Kate Psota joined the Women’s National Team in 2004 and evolved into one of its best and longest tenured players.

Psota honed her skills with the Burlington Organized Minor Baseball Association (BOMBA) where she cracked the roster of a boys triple-A rep team at age nine. In 2002, she became the first female to be named the Baseball Ontario Junior Player of the Year.

When the Women’s National Team was formed in 2004, Psota made the team and developed into a star at first base. In 2008, she won Baseball Canada’s Ashley Stephenson Award, which is handed out annually to a women’s team member to recognize their on-field accomplishments, team spirit and leadership. She followed that up by being named the Women’s National Team MVP in back-to-back years (2009, 2010).

In her 15 seasons competing for Canada, Psota was on teams that captured six Women’s World Cup medals, including silvers at the 2008 and 2016 tournaments. In total, Psota was named to the World Cup All-Star team four times (2010, 2012, 2016 and 2018).

She hung up her playing spikes in 2021 and became a coach with the Women’s National Team. For her efforts, she was inducted into the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. 

“I was surprised to get that call from Scott on a frosty January morning. I am genuinely honoured and humbled to be part of the 2026 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction class,” said Psota. “There is no better feeling than representing Canada on the international stage.  I have always been so proud to be associated with such an amazing group of women and our support staff. I am excited to share the weekend with the other inductees and all of the people who helped me get here.”   

For her full bio, click HERE. 

Jim Baba 

Born in 1956 in Moose Jaw, Sask., Jim Baba devoted more than three decades to the growth and development of baseball in Canada.

Throughout his career, Baba’s greatest passion was coaching and he taught countless National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) courses. In the early 90s, Baba began his association with Baseball Canada, coaching and managing national teams at international competitions, including at the 1991 Pan Am Games.

In 2000, Baba became Baseball Canada’s Manager of Baseball Operations prior to transitioning to the executive director position. Some of his most notable achievements as Executive Director included supporting men’s senior national team gold medal wins at the 2011 and 2015 Pan Am Games and overseeing the implementation of national programs like Rally Cap and Girls Baseball.

Between 2002 and 2021, he also served as a technical official for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) at 25 international events, including Olympic qualifiers, Pan Am Games, the Women’s Baseball World Cup and the World Baseball Classic. 

For his efforts, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. 

He passed away on September 12, 2025 at the age of 69. 

“We are incredibly proud of our dad and the impact he had on the baseball community across Canada. He poured his heart into baseball, and we are deeply grateful to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. While we wish he were here to experience this honour himself, it means so much to see his contributions recognized in such a meaningful way.” – Melani, Jamie and Mitch Baba   

For his full bio, click HERE. 

Bill Stoneman

Born in 1944 in Oak Park, IL, Bill Stoneman was the ace of the Montreal Expos during their early years. He’d later become a key executive with the club.

Chosen by the Expos from the Chicago Cubs in the 1968 expansion draft, the right-hander cracked the Expos’ inaugural Opening Day roster and on April 17, 1969, in just the ninth regular season game in Expos’ history, he tossed a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. This made him the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter for a Canadian major league team.

In 1971, Stoneman recorded a career-high 17 wins and posted a 3.15 ERA in 39 appearances (38 starts) and established then Expos’ records in complete games (19), innings pitched (294-2/3) and strikeouts (251). He followed that up with another outstanding season in 1972 when he registered a career-best 2.98 ERA in 35 starts. On October 2 of that year, he threw his second no-hitter. This one came at home, at Montreal’s Jarry Park, in a 7-0 victory over the New York Mets. This made him the first pitcher from a Canadian major league team to throw a no-hitter in Canada.

After one more season with the Expos, Stoneman completed his playing career with the California Angels in 1974. He returned to the Expos as an assistant to the president in 1983 and rose to the position of vice-president, baseball operations. Following the 1999 season, he was hired to be the general manager of the Angels. In 2002, he assembled the Angels’ only World Series-winning team. 

“I was totally surprised to hear the news that I would be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Stoneman when informed of his induction. “I am looking forward to joining the group in St. Marys in June.”   

For his full bio, click HERE. 

Paul Runge 

Born in 1940 in St. Catharines, Ont., Paul Runge was a highly respected National League umpire for parts of 25 major league seasons.

He polished his skills as a minor league umpire for parts of nine seasons before graduating to the National League in 1973. Over his quarter century as a big league umpire, Runge was selected to umpire nine National League Championship Series, four World Series and three All-Star Games.

On Oct. 23, 1993, he was umpiring second base when Blue Jays slugger Joe Carter belted his walk-off, World Series-winning home run against Phillies closer Mitch Williams.

In total, Runge umpired 3,194 regular season MLB games, 43 championship series contests and 22 World Series games. Just three Canadians have umpired more MLB games: Bob Emslie (Guelph, ON), Jim McKean (Montreal, QC) and Ernie Quigley (Newcastle, NB).

In 1998, Runge became the National League’s director of umpires. He served in that post through 1999. 

His father, Ed, was an American League umpire from 1954 to 1970 and his son, Brian, umpired in the National League from 1999 to 2012. This made them the first three-generation family of MLB umpires. 

“This news came as a wonderful surprise and I am truly honoured to be recognized,” said Runge. “It is a pleasure to be accepted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.”   

For his full bio, click HERE. 

June 19, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

Game 1

The Okotoks Dawgs battled until the final out in the first game of their doubleheader on Friday but ultimately fell 6-5 to the Lethbridge Bulls.

This game represented the completion of a contest that had been postponed on June 16.

On the mound, Brody Papay provided a strong start, hurling four scoreless innings to open the game on Tuesday. He allowed just two hits and recorded four strikeouts, keeping the Bulls’ offence in check.

Offensively, Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) was a key contributor, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run and an RBI. Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) homered in the sixth inning, finishing 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Game 2

After a hard-fought first matchup, the Dawgs lost 11-1 to the Bulls in the second game of their Friday night doubleheader at Spitz Stadium.

After an early deficit, the Dawgs’ bullpen stepped up to provide stability and keep the game within reach. Bracken Rice delivered an impressive relief appearance, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out four.

Ty Johnson and Trey Mackwood (Calgary, Alta.) also contributed valuable innings, combining for four strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings to keep the Bulls’ offence in check.

The Dawgs scored their sole run in the fifth inning when Hank Griffin (Montreal, Que.) delivered an RBI single to bring Aidan Dougherty home.

The Dawgs will look to regroup and put together a strong performance in front of their home crowd on Saturday night when they host the Moose Jaw Miller Express at 7:05 p.m.

June 19, 2026

Baseball Canada

OTTAWA, ON – The road has been traveled. The field has been set. Now, the pursuit of Canada's premier amateur baseball championship begins.

Baseball Canada is pleased to unveil the official schedule for The Road to Okotoks and The Morneau Cup presented by Rawlings, taking place July 14-19 at Seaman Stadium and Tourmaline Field in Okotoks, Alberta.

Sixteen of Canada's top amateur baseball programs will converge on Okotoks for six days of competition, all with one goal in mind: becoming the first club to raise The Morneau Cup and earn the title of Canada's premier amateur baseball program.

Over the course of 45 games, teams from across the country will battle through a format designed to reward consistency while creating high-stakes playoff baseball.

The tournament will feature four pools of four teams. Each club will play a three-game round robin schedule within its pool, along with one crossover game against a team from another pool.

The top team in each pool will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the second- and third-place finishers will meet in winner-take-all play-in games for the opportunity to advance. From there, eight teams will remain standing as the tournament shifts into single-elimination play, culminating with the championship game on Sunday, July 19 at Seaman Stadium.

"This event was created to bring together the top amateur baseball programs in Canada and provide them with a true national championship experience," said Baseball Canada CEO Jason Dickson. "The Road to Okotoks qualifiers showcased outstanding competition across the country, and we're excited to welcome this talented field to Okotoks as they compete for the inaugural Morneau Cup."

Day 1 action on Tuesday, July 14 will be highlighted by host Okotoks Dawgs Black taking on Atlantic Frontier at 7:00 p.m. MT at Seaman Stadium.

Fans can also look forward to several marquee events throughout the week, including Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. MT at Seaman Stadium, celebrating the athletes, coaches and organizations that have earned the opportunity to compete for a national championship.

The tournament's Home Run Derby is scheduled for Friday, July 17 at 5:15 p.m. M.T. at Seaman Stadium and will showcase some of the event's top power hitters prior to the evening's Western Canadian Baseball League game featuring the hometown Okotoks Dawgs.

Hosted in one of Canada's premier baseball communities, The Road to Okotoks and The Morneau Cup presented by Rawlings will showcase elite amateur talent while providing players, coaches and fans with a championship atmosphere unlike any other.

Participating Teams

Host

• Okotoks Dawgs Black

British Columbia

• Langley Blaze (BC Qualifier Winner)

• Abbotsford Cardinals

• Victoria Eagles

• UBC Thunder

Prairies

• Vauxhall Academy Jets

• AHP Renegades

• Team Saskatchewan

• Sylvan Lake Gulls Prep

Ontario

• Terriers Baseball (Ontario Qualifier Champion)

• Mississauga Tigers HPP

• Etobicoke Rangers

• Atlantic Frontier

• Ontario Kobras

• DT Select (QC)

• Ontario Blue Jays

The journey to Okotoks began with 29 clubs competing in regional qualifiers across British Columbia, the Prairies and Ontario. Now, only 16 teams remain with the opportunity to become the inaugural champions.

Few venues are better suited to crown a national champion than Seaman Stadium, home of the Okotoks Dawgs and one of the premier baseball facilities in Canada. For six days in July, it will serve as the centre of Canadian amateur baseball.

The road has led here.

Fans can follow scores, schedules and standings throughout the tournament on GameChanger while tuning in for all games, broadcast exclusively through NH Live.

For more information including how to purchase tickets and to view the schedule, visit theroadtookotoks.ca

June 19, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team dropped the series opener 12–3 to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers at Credit Union Field at Eastwood in Niles, Ohio on Friday.

Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) continued his strong showing at the MLB Draft League International Series, finishing 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored and an RBI. The Canadian infielder is now 11-for-27 with a 1.093 OPS in the International Series.

After Mahoning Valley built an early 5–0 lead, Canada broke through in the third inning. Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.) reached base, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error to set the stage for Lascelles’ RBI single. Lascelles later stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and came all the way home on a second consecutive wild pitch to pull the Juniors within three.

The Scrappers added three runs in the third and four more in the sixth to extend their advantage through the middle innings.

Canada manufactured one final run in the eighth, sparked by a Lascelles triple to centre field. Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, B.C.) brought him home with a sacrifice fly.

On the mound, Noah Powell (Toronto, Ont.) and Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, Ont.) each delivered a scoreless inning of relief. Powell struck out one in a clean seventh, while Chung also hurled a clean eighth, picking up a strikeout of his own.

The Junior National Team will look to bounce back in Game 2 of the final three-game set of the MLB Draft League International Series on Saturday.

June 17, 2026

Official OBA News Release

The Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) is proud to announce the roster for the 2026 Ontario Youth Team that will represent the province at the prestigious Baseball Canada Cup, taking place August 5-9 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

The Baseball Canada Cup is Canada's premier championship for elite 16U athletes and serves as a showcase for the nation's top young baseball talent. Ontario enters the tournament with a roster featuring players from across the province who have earned the opportunity through a series of identification camps, evaluations, and high-performance development programs.

2026 Ontario Youth Team Roster

Cooper Doan

Myles Stevens

Brody Battah

Lucas Sproule

Korbin Greaves

Aiden MacLellan

Ryan McIntosh

Colton Lewis

Brayden Matresky

Lucas Hudson

Andrian Teodorowych

Matthew Benevides

Brady Martynuik

Jehmar McClure

Mason Mendes

Petro Vrantsis

Kamron Noori

Nolan Carter

Cole Round

Brett Rienguette

The selected athletes will continue their preparation throughout the summer before heading to Prince Edward Island to compete for a national championship against the top provincial teams from across Canada.

The OBA would like to congratulate all athletes selected to Team Ontario and thank the coaches, families, clubs, and volunteers who have supported their development throughout their baseball journey.

Fans can follow Team Ontario's progress throughout the tournament by visiting Baseball Canada and the Ontario Baseball Association's social media channels for updates, scores, and highlights.

June 18, 2026

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Paterson, N.J. - A pair of homers was not enough, as the Ottawa Titans fell 17-4 to the New Jersey Jackals on Thursday, seeing the Titans drop the series.

Jackie Urbaez launched a two-run homer over the right field wall in the top of the first against right-hander Malik Binns to put the Titans up 2-0. Urbaez left the yard for the second time in the series and pulled into a tie for most on the team with his fifth of the year.

Making his fourth start of the year, left-hander Caiden Johnson fanned three in the first before command struggles in the second led to the Jackals taking a 4-2 lead. The Jackals got runs off a walk, wild pitch, hit-by-pitch, and a Felix Stevens single to pull ahead.

In the third, the Titans answered right back. Kaiden Cardoso (Abbotsford, B.C.) ripped an opposite-field two-run homer to left, tying the score at four. Cardoso homered for the second time in the series and for the third time on the road trip, accounting for all three long balls this season.

After just an inning and a third from Johnson, who allowed four runs on two hits, walking five, hitting one, and striking out three, the Titans turned to right-hander Jack Kalisky who put out the fire in the second to leave the bases loaded.

In the fourth, a sacrifice fly to left scored a leadoff Gustavo Sosa double to put the Jackals on top for good at 5-4.

Heitor Tokar allowed four runs on a trio of extra-base hits in the fifth before Brandon Marklund (North Vancouver, B.C.) allowed eight in the sixth inning. In total, the Jackals batted around twice in the game, sending ten to the plate in the second and 13 to the dish in the sixth.

After the Cardoso homer, the Titans managed just one hit against the Jackals' bullpen in the lopsided loss.

Allowing 17 runs, including eight in the sixth, along with walking 14, all set new season-highs.

Over the 4-2 road trip, the Titans blasted nine homers.

The Titans now return home to open a three-game series with the Québec Capitales on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa Stadium.

June 18, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs scored 10 runs in the third inning in a 16-9 win over the Lethbridge Bulls in front of 3,059 fans at Seaman Stadium on Thursday.

The Dawgs have now won nine games in a row and have improved their record to 14-3.

The Dawgs’ offence was led by another standout performance by Dawgs Academy alum Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks, Alta.), who went 3-for-5, with four RBIs, including a pair of RBI doubles.

Fellow Dawgs Academy alum Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.) also went 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while yet another Dawgs Academy alum Landon Kauffman (Vancouver, B.C.) continued his torrid hitting, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs.

The Dawgs’ bullpen once again excelled on the pitching side. Tonight it was Nolan Jackson (Grimsby, Ont.), Wyatt Sadleir (Calgary, Alta.), and Ashton Luera who were strong in the win, striking out a combined nine batters in six innings while allowing four runs. Luera struck out the side in the ninth to secure the win.

The Dawgs will now look ahead to their next matchup, a resumed game on Friday in Lethbridge against the Bulls after it was paused on Tuesday due to a rain delay. They then return home Saturday for a meeting with the Moose Jaw Miller Express at Seaman Stadium. First pitch for both is set for 7:05 p.m.

June 18, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team showed plenty of fight but fell 11–8 to the State College Spikes in the final game of their MLB Draft League International series at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Box Score

Canada came out firing again in the opening inning. Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) worked a leadoff walk, stole second and advanced to third on an error before Maxime Blain (Repentigny, Que.) brought him home with an RBI single. Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) capped the inning with a three-run home run to centre field, scoring Robert Omidi (Mississauga, Ont.) and Blain to give the Juniors an early 4–0 lead.

After State College battled back to take a 7–4 advantage, Canada answered in the sixth. Blain drew a walk before Jacob and Austin Blair (Victoria, B.C.) singled to load the bases. Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, B.C.) drove in a run with a single before Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.) delivered a two-run, game-tying single to level the score at 7–7.

The Spikes responded with four runs in the bottom half, but the Juniors continued to battle until the final out. In the ninth, Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, B.C.) reached on an error, Omidi was hit by a pitch and Blain singled to left to bring Armitage home and cut the deficit to three.

Jacob finished with a home run, a single and three RBIs, while Blain collected two hits and two RBIs. Ellis added a pair of hits, two RBIs and a stolen base to lead an offence that outhit the Spikes 11–8.

On the mound, Max Nantais-Vlahovich (Mississauga, Ont.) struck out five over three innings in his start. The Juniors also received late scoreless work from Ethan Reason (Stouffville, Ont.), who helped keep the Spikes off the board over the final two innings.

The Juniors will now hit the road as the MLB Draft League International Series shifts to Mahoning Valley for the final three-game set of the 2026 tour.

June 17, 2026

Official Ontario Baseball Association News Release

The Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) is proud to announce Lucas Benham, of the Waterloo Tigers 18U AA program, as the recipient of the 2026 R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student-athlete who has demonstrated excellence both on the baseball field and in the classroom, while embodying the values of leadership, sportsmanship, and community involvement that were synonymous with R. Jack Middlemass' lifelong dedication to amateur baseball in Ontario.

Lucas has been actively involved in baseball for more than a decade through Waterloo Minor Baseball and currently competes with the Waterloo Tigers 18U program. This fall, he will continue both his academic and athletic careers at Carleton University, where he will study Industrial Design while competing for the Carleton Ravens baseball team.

Beyond his achievements on the diamond, Lucas has demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to his community. He has volunteered with Woolwich Community Services, Waterloo Minor Baseball, the Waterloo Regional Food Bank and a variety of youth development initiatives. An honour roll student and aspiring coach, Lucas has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leadership, dedication, and service that make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

The R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship was established to honour the legacy of one of Ontario baseball's most respected leaders and supporters. Through this scholarship, the OBA continues to recognize student-athletes who strive for excellence both on and off the field.

The Ontario Baseball Association congratulates Lucas Benham on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success at Carleton University and beyond.

June 17, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team jumped out to an early lead but fell 8–5 to the State College Spikes in game two of MLB Draft League International Series action at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Wednesday.

Box Score

Canada opened the scoring in the second inning after Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, Alta.) singled, stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball before Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.) walked and stole second. Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) delivered the clutch two-run single to centre field to give the Juniors a 2–0 lead.

After State College got one run back in the bottom half, Canada answered again in the third. Robert Omidi (Mississauga, Ont.) walked, Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) singled, and both moved up on a wild pitch before Omidi scored on another wild pitch. Aiden Kilshaw (Saskatoon, Sask.) then capped the inning with an RBI single to right field to score MacDonald and extend the lead to 4–1.

The Spikes responded with a big third inning and added another run in the fourth, but Canada continued to push late. Lascelles tripled to centre field in the ninth and came in to score on a ground out from Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC), who finished his day 2-for-5 at the plate.

On the mound, Julian Sabourin (Ancaster, Ont.) started for Canada and struck out one over two innings of work. Logan Cummins (Mississauga, Ont.) turned in a strong relief appearance late, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing just one hit to keep the Juniors within striking distance.

The Juniors will look to bounce back and salvage the series finale against the Spikes on Thursday evening at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

June 17, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs recorded a 4-1 road victory over the Energy City Cactus Rats on Wednesday in a game that was delayed one hour by rain.

The Dawgs have now won eight in a row and have improved their season record to 13-3.

The Dawgs’ offence was led by a standout performance by Dawgs Academy alum Jacob Wrubleski (Okotoks, Alta.), who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, including a two-run home run to give the Dawgs the early lead in the top of the first.

Fellow Dawgs Academy alum Landon Kauffman (Vancouver, B.C.), continued his nice start to the season, going 2-for-4 with an RBI single in the fourth.

Newcomer Emmett Stacher also continued to impress, going 2-for-3 with an RBI single in the sixth.

On the mound, Dawgs Academy alum, Brody Forno (Okotoks, Alta.) threw two scoreless innings to open the contest. Following Forno, the Dawgs’ bullpen once again came in and shut things down. Tonight it was Brody Burnette, Dalton Hoffart and Max McRaray who locked down the win, going a combined four innings and allowing just one run. McRaray picked up the save.

The Dawgs will now play the Lethbridge Bulls on Thursday at Seaman Stadium. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

*This article originally appeared on the Alberta Dugout Stories website on June 16. You can read it here.

June 17, 2026

By Joe McFarland

Alberta Dugout Stories

The game of baseball in Canada has come a long way since Tyler Hollick was a Dawgs Academy outfielder.

In fact, the current president of baseball operations says the current 18U Black squad would “wax” the Dawgs teams he played for 15 years ago.

It’s why he’s excited to see them put in the national spotlight with the upcoming The Road to Okotoks – the inaugural 16-team academy national championship culminating with the Morneau Cup being handed to the winners.

With the friendly amenities at Seaman Stadium and Tourmaline Field, Hollick says the Dawgs want to create something similar to the College World Series in Omaha or, as some people have started putting it, the “Memorial Cup of Baseball.”

“We’re really pushing the envelop to make this a world-class tournament,” Hollick said. “Kids might only get to play in it once and we want it to be something they will never forget.”

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Tyler Hollick, the Okotoks Dawgs’ president of baseball operations, here.

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It will be a showcase of the best programs and best talent across the country, and Hollick says it will give fans a chance to see the college and professional stars of tomorrow.

BETTER THAN EVER

The Road to Okotoks will also give some national exposure to a Dawgs program that has been turning heads in North America for years.

Sitting No. 2 in Perfect Game’s 18U End of Summer Rankings, the 18U Black club finished 2025 with a 60-5-1 record against non-junior college teams and captured six of seven tournament championships they played in across Canada and the U.S.

As good as last year’s team was, head coach Jeff Duda believes this year’s team has more depth than ever before in all facets of the game.

“Our pitching depth is unmatched across the country,” he said.

“Offensively, we have a healthy blend of speed, contact and power from top to bottom, while maintaining balance between right-handed and left-handed hitters that makes it difficult for teams to match up against.”

The Dawgs started off 2026 in much the same fashion by capturing their third-straight Best of the West title in Kamloops, beating the Langley Blaze 8-2 in the championship to finish 5-1 in the tournament.

CONFIDENT CANINES

It could have been easy for the Dawgs to put their feet up and relax while the 15 other teams went through their respective regional qualifiers in late May.

Aside from the Best of the West tournament, they continued their annual series of road trips and tournaments – including their first-ever Spring Training game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

However, nothing can compare to hosting the first-of-its-kind national championship for bragging rights in a debate that has raged on for years – who has the best academy program in Canada.

Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native and highly touted pitcher AJ Rogers is excited to face the best competition in the country.

“Our confidence level is high,” he said. “We’ve been one of the best academies in Canada – if not the best – for years now and we haven’t slowed down at all. I think there aren’t a lot of teams that can take us down.”

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Listen to Alberta Dugout Stories interview Okotoks Dawgs Academy pitcher AJ Rogers here.

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Fellow hurler and Cloverdale, B.C. product Brydon White has played with and against many of the players both in his home province as well as at national events like the Canadian Futures Showcase.

He’s looking forward to showing everyone around the Canadian baseball world what Okotoks and the Dawgs have to offer.

But first thing’s first: they want to win.

“I think the key to winning is going to be what our team has focused on all season long: support for each other and patience,” White said. “We have a very talented roster, we are all very competitive and we never give up.”

HOMETOWN EXPECTATIONS

The significance of hosting the first-ever national championship and potentially winning it all isn’t lost on the Dawgs players, coaches and staff.

It does, however, come with some high expectations, which surprisingly aren’t being felt as we approach the start of the tournament.

“I don’t think there’s any pressure for us,” Rogers said. “We know how good we are, we know how good we can be, and we just have to show it on the field when the time comes.”

White adds it would mean the world to the team to win the inaugural Morneau Cup for their families, friends, coaches, the academy and everyone who has supported them along the way.

While winning is a priority for the Dawgs, Hollick is also wanting to make sure the event goes off without a hitch.

He says it’s a unique opportunity to bring the country together in the name of baseball and build something that everyone looks forward to attending or watching every year.

“I think it’s going to be competitive and it’s going to be a great tournament,” said the Dawgs’ baseball operations head honcho. “It’s also going to really be a celebration for everybody to see how far baseball has come in Canada.”

The Road to Okotoks is set for July 14-19.

June 16, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team jumped out to an early 4-0 lead but fell 7–5 to the State College Spikes in MLB Draft League International Series action at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Canada wasted no time getting on the board in the opening inning. Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) led off with a single and a stolen base before Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, B.C.) and Robert Omidi (Mississauga, Ont.) followed with back-to-back RBI doubles that gave the Juniors an early 2–0 lead.

The Juniors added another run in the second when Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, Alta.) walked, stole second and scored on Lascelles’ second hit of the game. Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, Ont.) later worked a bases-loaded walk in the fourth to extend Canada’s lead to 4–0.

On the mound, Joseph Pereira (Etobicoke, Ont.) gave Canada a strong start, recording nine strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings of work.

State College battled back to tie the game in the fifth, but Canada responded in the seventh. Taye Thierman (Calgary, Alta.) doubled with two outs before Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) drove him in with a single to right field, putting the Juniors back in front 5–4.

The Spikes answered again with a run in the bottom half before scoring twice in the eighth.

Canada made one final push in the ninth with a leadoff double from Maxime Blain (Repentigny, Que.) and a walk from Jacob that brought the tying run to the plate, but the rally came up short.

On Wednesday, the Juniors will look to even the series against the Spikes as action continues in the MLB Draft League International Series.

June 15, 2026

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired RHP Denis Samudio and cash considerations from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for RHP Connor Seabold.

Samudio, 21, has appeared in six games (three starts) between the ACL Royals and Single-A Columbia, posting a 4.12 ERA over 19 2/3 innings with 22 strikeouts, a 1.17 WHIP, and a .183 opponent average. The right-hander from David, Panama, was signed by the Royals as an international free agent in 2025, making a total of 17 appearances (12 starts) in the Royals’ system.

Seabold, 30, has made 16 appearances between the Blue Jays and Tigers this season, recording a 4.26 ERA across 19 innings. The Laguna Hills, Calif., native was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft, making his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2021. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound righty has suited up for 56 career MLB games (19 starts) between the Red Sox, Rockies, Braves, Rays, Tigers and Blue Jays, combining to post a 7.30 ERA over 138 innings of work.

June 15, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs continued their winning ways on Monday, cruising to a 28-4 victory over the Brooks Bombers.

The Dawgs racked up 23 hits in the win, which was their seventh straight. They now have a 12-3 record.

Fueling the Dawgs’ offence was Jeremy Kuiper who went 5-for-7 with three runs, two home runs, six RBIs, a double and a stolen base. Ayden Crouse also had a big night, finishing 3-for-6 with five runs, two home runs and three RBIs.

Jayden Lusk, Hank Griffin (Montreal, Que.), and Emmett Stacher added further production, combining for nine runs, 12 RBIs and a home run apiece.

On the mound, Gabe Brabec set the tone with a solid four-inning start, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four.

Jerome Pare (Montreal, Que.) delivered another impressive relief appearance, holding the Bombers scoreless over two innings while surrendering just one hit and striking out four. Ty Johnson shut the door in the final frame, striking out three and allowing no hits or runs.

The Dawgs now shift their focus to a road matchup against the Energy City Cactus Rats on Wednesday before returning home to Seaman Stadium on Thursday to host the Lethbridge Bulls at 7:05 p.m.

June 15, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

Right-hander Tyler Boudreau enjoyed the most dominant start of his professional career on Saturday.

Toeing the rubber for the New York Yankees’ class-A Tampa Tarpons, the Vauxhall Academy grad fanned a career-high 11 batters and limited the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Bradenton Marauders to one run on three hits in six innings to record the win.

For his efforts, he has been named the Canadian Baseball Network’s Minor League Player of the Week (June 9 to June 14).

Boudreau threw 59 of his 92 pitches for strikes.

His previous career-high for strikeouts in a game was nine, which he notched for the Tarpons on April 9 against the Clearwater Threshers.

With his performance on Saturday, Boudreau, who was born in Middle Sackville, N.S. but raised in Sylvan Lake, Alta., improved his 2026 record to 3-2 and lowered his ERA to 3.18. He has 67 strikeouts in 51 innings.

The 6-foot-1 righty was signed as a free agent by the Yankees following the 2025 MLB draft.

2026 CBN Minor League Player of the Week winners

Opening Day to April 5 - Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.), Rangers

April 7 to April 12 - Dante Nori (Toronto, Ont.), Phillies

April 14 to April 19- Matt Wilkinson (Surrey, B.C.), Guardians

April 21 to April 26 - Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.), Braves

April 28 to May 3 - Jonah Tong (Markham, Ont.), Mets

May 5 to May 10 - Jordan Woods (Oakville, Ont.), Royals

May 12 to May 17 - Emilien Pitre (Repentigny, Que.), Rays

May 19 to May 24 - Mitch Bratt (Newmarket, Ont.), Diamondbacks

May 26 to May 31 - Matt Wilkinson (Surrey, B.C.), Giants

June 2 to June 7 - Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.), Blue Jays

June 9 to June 14 - Tyler Boudreau (Middle Sackville, N.S.), Yankees

Top Canadian Minor League Batters (June 9 to June 14)

Top Canadian Minor League Pitchers (June 9 to June 14)

June 10, 2026

By Jake Ross

UCCS Athletics

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Tanner Spencer (Craik, Sask.) as second head coach of the UCCS Baseball program.

Spencer takes over after previous head coach and program founder Dave Hajek retired from his position at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tanner Spencer as the next head coach of UCCS Baseball," said UCCS Executive Director of Athletics Nathan Gibson. "Throughout the search process, Tanner consistently distinguished himself as the top candidate and an exceptional fit for our department's culture, expectations, and values. He is a proven winner, a strong program builder, and an outstanding recruiter who understands what it takes to develop a championship-caliber program.

“What stood out the most is Tanner's deep commitment to the total development of our student-athletes. He is intentional about investing in their growth not only as players, but as students, leaders, and people. Tanner approaches coaching with a genuine desire to make a lasting impact in the lives of the young men in his program, and he takes seriously the responsibility to help shape them during this important season of their lives.

We are excited for coach Spencer to build on the strong foundation already established within our baseball program and lead Mountain Lion Baseball into its next chapter."

Tanner Spencer joins the Mountain Lion family after spending seven seasons at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. and is coming off his most successful season with the Marauders. This spring, Spencer led his team to 37 wins, while going 27-10 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), both totals being program records for Mary Baseball, earning Spencer the NSIC Coach of the Year honour.

This spring alone, Spencer's athletes totaled five All-NSIC selections, Two NSIC All-Tournament performers, four All-Region athletes, 10 NSIC All-Academic Team members, 13 NSIC Academic Team of Excellence honorees, and one All-American Honorable Mention (Cole Smith, NCBWA).

In seven seasons with the Marauders, Spencer was 155-155 overall, while finishing 116-100 in Northern Sun contests, reaching the postseason five of the seven seasons including the shortened 2020 campaign. The winningest coach in the program's history, Coach Spencer also stressed the importance of academic success, with his program maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or better during his time in Bismarck, garnering 91 NSIC All-Academic players, 13 NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic Award recipients, ten CSC Academic All-Academic All-District players, and two CSC Academic All-Americans.

"I'm extremely grateful for Mr. Gibson and the entire search committee for their trust and the opportunity to lead UCCS Baseball," said coach Spencer. "I'm excited to continue to build on the foundation that Coach Hajek has set forth. I am fully committed to building a championship level culture that not only aids in the development of championships on the field but also helps to form exceptional young men that our alumni base, university and community can be proud of."

Coach Spencer takes over a UCCS Baseball program that is coming off their most successful season in program history, setting program team records in wins (33), batting average (.356), slugging percentage (.617), on-base percentage (.442), runs (538), hits (641), home runs (108), RBIs (488), total bases (1,111), and walks (242). Twenty different student-athletes earned awards both academically and athletically, with the squad winning 33 games overall and 21 in the RMAC.

Coach Spencer will begin his position on June 15.

June 14, 2026

By Jason Young

Winnipeg Goldeyes

FARGO, N.D. – The Winnipeg Goldeyes defeated the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 13-10 in a wild 10-inning contest Sunday afternoon at Newman Outdoor Field.

After surrendering a four-run lead for the second time in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Goldeyes scored three times in the top of the 10th, then kept Fargo-Moorhead from replying in the bottom of the frame.

The RedHawks got things started in the bottom of the third when left fielder Jairus Richards hit a two-run double to left field that scored third baseman Brian Fuentes and shortstop Aidan Byrne.

Winnipeg got one run back in the top of the fourth inning on right fielder Max Murphy’s two-out solo home run to right-centre field that made it 2-1.

The Goldeyes tied the score an inning later when designated hitter Jiandido Tromp homered to right, and they took a 3-2 lead moments later when first baseman Roby Enríquez scored on a fielding error after left fielder Keshawn Lynch doubled into the left-field corner.

The visitors added three more in the sixth to take a 6-2 lead, with all the scoring coming with two outs in the inning. Tromp lined a base hit to right field that drove in third baseman Ramón Bramasco, then Enríquez doubled down the left-field line to plate catcher Kevin García and Tromp.

For the first of two times Sunday, Fargo-Moorhead tied the game with four runs of its own in the bottom of the seventh. First, right fielder Dillon Thomas hit a sacrifice fly to centre field that brought home centre fielder Andy Nelson. Then, second baseman Colby Wilkerson lined a single to right that drove in Byrne and Richards. Finally, designated hitter José Sermo crossed the plate as the result of a two-out throwing error to make it 6-6.

Winnipeg struck for four in the top of the ninth to take a 10-6 lead. Centre fielder Noah Marcelo singled up the middle to bring in second baseman Adam Hall (London, Ont.). Murphy blooped a single into shallow centre to score Marcelo, then came around on García’s sacrifice fly to left field. Before the inning was through, Tromp lined a base hit to right that drove in Bramasco.

In the bottom of the inning, the RedHawks erased their second four-run deficit of the afternoon on back-to-back home runs by Wilkerson — a three-run shot to right — and catcher Carlos Amaya.

The Goldeyes, playing their second extra-inning game in four days, finally enjoyed some timely hitting in the bonus frame. Marcelo lined a single to centre that drove in Lynch and Hall to make the score 12-10 before scoring on Bramasco’s base hit to centre field.

Fargo-Moorhead brought the tying run to the plate with one out in the bottom of the 10th, but Eli Saul (Vancouver, B.C.) gave Winnipeg the shutdown inning it had been looking for most of the afternoon.

Mitchell Lambson started for the Goldeyes and worked six innings. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four and walking four. Dominic Hambley (Victoria, B.C.), Quinn Waterhouse, and Derrick Cherry followed out of the bullpen before Saul entered to record the final out in the ninth and then worked a scoreless 10th.

Angelo Cabral pitched the 10th for the RedHawks, their fifth reliever of the day. Wyatt Cheney started and gave up six runs — five earned — on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two.

Winnipeg stole six bases, including three by Hall and two by Marcelo. Eight Goldeyes had at least one hit, with Bramasco and Tromp notching four apiece.

The four-game series at Newman Outdoor Field concludes Monday at 7:02 p.m. with Arij Fransen expected to take the mound for Winnipeg. Fellow right-hander Bryce Brassfield is scheduled to start for Fargo-Moorhead.

June 14, 2026

By Rhett Vasseur

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs earned a 9-6 come-from-behind victory over the Medicine Hat Mavericks in front of a crowd of 6,127 at Seaman Stadium on Sunday.

With the victory, the Dawgs extended their winning streak to six games and improved their record to 11-3.

The Dawgs’ offence was led by another standout performance by Dawgs Academy alum Connor Crowson (Okotoks, Alta.), who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, including a two-run home run to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh.

Fellow Dawgs Academy alum, Ricky Sanchez also had a good day, going 2-for-3 with a walk.

But Ayden Crouse stole the show when he came off the bench to pinch-hit in the bottom of the 10th. Crouse came through with a pair of runners on, hammering a 1-2 count fastball over the fence in left, and walking it off. It was Crouse’s second home run of the season.

On the mound, Tyson Willis got the start for the Dawgs, going five strong innings and allowing just two runs.

The back end of the Dawgs’ bullpen was also lights out, with Wyatt Sadleir (Calgary, Alta.) and Ashton Luera combining for four scoreless innings to close out the game. The two combined for six strikeouts. Luera earned his first win of the season.

The Dawgs will now hit the road to play the Brooks Bombers on Monday. Their next home game is Thursday against the Lethbridge Bulls.