While no Canadian players will be competing in this year’s World Series, there are a number of players and coaches that have spent parts of their careers in the Great White North.
Here’s a list of the links that Texas Rangers players and coaches have with Canada:
Toronto Blue Jays Links
Michael Young, DH, selected in fifth round of 1997 amateur draft. Played in Jays system from 1997 to 2000. He was traded to Texas as part of a package for right-hander Esteban Loaiza on July 19, 2000.
Mike Napoli, C, acquired by Jays in Vernon Wells deal on January 21, 2011, but was shipped to Rangers four days later for reliever Frank Francisco.
Jackie Moore, bench coach, coached for Jays from 1977 to 1979.
Montreal Expos Links
Endy Chavez, outfielder, played for Expos from 2002 to 2004.
Jackie Moore, bench coach, coached for Expos from 1987 to 1989.
Mike Maddux, pitching coach, pitched for Expos in 1998 and 1999.
Rangers who played in minors in Canada:
Nelson Cruz, outfielder, 2002 Low-A Vancouver Canadians while in A’s organization.
Michael Young, DH, 1997 Low-A St. Catharines Stompers while in Blue Jays organization.
Jackie Moore, bench coach, AAA Toronto Maple Leafs in 1962 (Milwaukee) and 1967 (Boston).
Scott Coolbaugh, batting coach, 1996 AAA Ottawa Lynx while in Expos organization.
Gary Pettis, first base coach, 1983 & 1987 AAA Edmonton Trappers while in Angels organization.
Andy Hawkins, bullpen coach, 1992 AAA Calgary Cannons while in Mariners organization.
Wow, Texas really owes the Blue Jays. We gave them Young and Napoli for nothing! Maybe they will give us a WS ring if they win.
Great job Kevin. You have made the WS much more interesting now.
I think the Young trade is the worst in Jays history. The Napoli for Francisco trade seemed like a good idea at the time. Thanks for the comment.
Ah Mike Napoli, C…those were the days. Wait, he never played for us?
Seriously, good for Texas. They really know how to deal. I say both teams won out in this deal since Francisco did an admirable job this past season while averaging more than 9 strikeouts a game.
The problem with Francisco was that he started the season injured, then pitched poorly for a couple of months, and by the time he found his groove Jays fans already had a hate on for him. His season as a whole wasn’t that bad.
Jays fans can be fickle but it was Edwin Encarnacion did it for me. I was already writing him off at the All-star break but he really turned a corner and made a difference both defensively and with the bat. He was a leader out there and a contributor. There are quite a few players who take a couple of months to come around. Funny sport.