Spearin named CBL's top executive for 2026

Hamilton Cardinals owner and team president Eric Spearin (left in photo) has been named the CBL’s top executive for 2026. Photo: CPBL

October 13, 2026

Official Canadian Baseball League News Release

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

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

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

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

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