Shushkewich: Khananisho helps Tigers to FiveTool Texas Houston Classic championship, off to Midland
Mississauga Tigers Joey Khananisho (Kleinburg, Ont.) helped his team to a tourney win and earned a berth on the Midland College Chaparrals.
July 27, 2025
By Tyson Shushkewich
Canadian Baseball Network
Everything is bigger in the state of Texas and Mississauga Tigers INF Joey Khananisho is going to experience everything the state has to offer firsthand next year.
Khananisho (Kleinburg, Ont.) committed to Midland College on June 20, deciding to take his talents to one of the top NJCAA D1 programs in the nation. The Chaparrals have a strong Canadian connection, with six Canucks featured on their 2024-25 roster this past season: INF Luke Wheatley (Calgary, Alta.), C Colin Fisher (Ottawa, Ont.) INF Brennan McTavish (Lethbridge, Alta.) RHP Patrick MacInnis (Calgary, Alta.) and INF Dax Wandler (Brooks, Alta.).
A majority of the players hail from the Vauxhall Jets Academy, although Midland has hosted numerous Canadians over the years who have been drafted, such as Brad Cuthbertson (Edmonton, Alta.) and Tim Smith (Toronto, Ont.). Tyler Boudreau (Middle Sackville, N.S.), who was raised in Sylvan Lake, Alta., was at Midland before transferring to Texas Tech and being signed by the New York Yankees as an undrafted free agent.
“I decided on Midland because I love the big state of Texas, and I feel like this program is a great fit for me,” said Khananisho, speaking to the Canadian Baseball Network.
Two other Tigers players — RHP Ryan Marton (Toronto, Ont.) and INF Chris Dawidow (Mississauga, Ont.). — he knew went to Midland. Dawidow was there in 2023, while Marton was there in 2023-24. He will head to UNLV this fall.
“They had good things to say about the program. The team is in a great conference, and I want to compete and play hard every single day I step onto the field,” said Khananisho.
Khananisho had other suitors during the commitment process, but the versatile infielder decided the Chaps program was the best fit for him moving forward.
“The process for me was going through the fall trips (with the Tigers) and talking with my coaches about where to play next,” said Khananisho. “The first time I saw Midland and their campus was on our fall trip, and I instantly knew this is where I wanted to play following my time with the Tigers.
“I first talked to Brady Roper (Midland’s assistant coach/recruiting coordinator) who recruited me to their program, and we talked a couple of times. He also saw me play when we visited, which was a great experience. I am very grateful for their trust in me and the opportunity.”
Playing under coach Greg Byron, Khananisho has spent three years with the Tigers program and continues to find ways to get better on the field. The 5-foot-10 right-handed hitter has a smooth swing that allows his hands to get through the zone quickly, showing considerable power.
Khananisho said he models his game after Derek Jeter, with the shortstop role being his go-to position on the field. On the Tigers’ recent two-week road trip south of the border, in which they won the 17U/18U FiveTool Texas Houston Classic, Khananisho had two doubles against TBT Texas 17U National in the AABC Don Mattingly World Series Tournament, earning Player of the Game honours with three hits and three RBIs.
Khananisho has also played in some of the biggest tournaments north of the border, including the 2024 Canadian Futures Showcase. Suiting up for Team Red, the Ontario product appeared in three games and went 3-for-7 in the batter’s box, with three RBIs and two walks with a stolen base. He was named to the Prospects Game for his efforts and was recently listed on the preliminary roster for the 2025 tournament slated for September.
“Playing at the Futures Showcase was one of my favourite memories,” said Khananisho. “Growing up watching the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre was always amazing to me, and to be able to play at the stadium where they play their home games was surreal. It was a great experience and I am blessed to be able to do it again this year.”
With his post-secondary playing grounds set with his recent commitment, Khananisho also takes time for golf sessions and sushi with his friends when he’s not in full baseball mode. As part of the 2026 class, he is eligible for the draft next summer.