Posts in Major Leagues (MLB)
Proud Canadian Dempster humbled by ball hall induction

The last time Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) appeared in a competitive baseball game, he wore the Maple Leaf across his chest as a member of Team Canada at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. On Saturday in St Marys, Ont., one of the best Canadian pitchers of all time wore the Maple Leaf once again, this time on a blazer announcing him as a newly minted member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Canadian Baseball Network writer J.P. Antonacci spoke with Dempster prior to the ceremony.

Read More
New Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Bay an inspiration

If you’re a young Canadian baseball prospect feeling disillusioned about your chances for a professional baseball career, Jason Bay’s story may provide just the inspiration you need. The Trail, B.C., native, who received only one scholarship offer to a junior college out of high school, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Montreal Expos in 2000 and traded three times before he got his first extended big-league opportunity. But the right-handed hitting outfielder persevered to become the first Canadian to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award and a three-time all-star. And on Saturday in St. Marys, Ont., he became a Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.

Read More
Fearless approach helped Ash rise through Jays ranks and into Canadian ball hall

Early in his baseball career, Gord Ash was always one to embrace new opportunities. “Any time there was an opening [in the Toronto Blue Jays organization], I put my hand up,” he said from the podium during his Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech on Saturday. “After I worked in the ticket office [in 1978], they needed someone to supervise the grounds crew and I put my hand up, not knowing anything about running a grounds crew.” It was this fearless approach, coupled with his strong work ethic, that helped him ascend from part-time ticket seller to general manager of his hometown Toronto Blue Jays during his 25 years with the organization.

Read More