My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • When you see tributes to Jim Fanning on Twitter from everyone from former players like Tim Raines and Tim Burke to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau to several members of the Toronto media, you realize just how universally loved and respected “Gentleman Jim” was. Fanning... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Gary Woods, Jonathan Papelbon, Bruce Chen
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Gary Woods, who played centre field and batted fifth in the first game in Toronto Blue Jays history, passed away of a heart attack on Thursday at the age of 60. You can read my full obituary on Woods here. The former Jays outfielder... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Alison Gordon, Fergie Jenkins, Ray Hathaway
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • When Alison Gordon was assigned to cover the Toronto Blue Jays in 1979, she became the first full-time, female beat reporter in American League history. Sadly, it took her death in Toronto on Wednesday at the age of 72, for many to learn about... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Pedro Martinez, Jeff Fassero, Willie Canate
[twitter-follow screen_name='coopincanada'] My weekly observations about stories around the baseball world from a Canadian perspective: - I'm reading Danny Gallagher and Bill Young's excellent new book, Ecstasy to Agony: The 1994 Montreal Expos. I'll post a review of the book in the coming weeks, but I can tell you it's chock full of interesting revelations about... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Scott Thorman, Rob Ducey, Ed Herrman
My weekly observations about stories around the baseball world from a Canadian perspective (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): - Two ex-big leaguers from Cambridge, Ont., have landed prominent coaching jobs this off-season. Rob Ducey, who was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June, will serve as a hitting instructor with the... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Chris Robinson, James Paxton, Larry Johnson
My weekly observations about stories around the baseball world from a Canadian perspective (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): - After being called up by the San Diego Padres for two days in mid-August without seeing any game action, Dorchester, Ont., native Chris Robinson was promoted again by the club on September 1. So far,... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? … Justin Morneau, Tom Henke, John McDonald
My weekly observations about stories around the baseball world from a Canadian perspective (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): - I understand why the floundering Minnesota Twins would trade Justin Morneau (New Westminster, B.C.) to the Pittsburgh Pirates. What I don't understand is why they would deal the Canadian slugger for a fourth outfielder (Alex... Continue Reading →
Canadian connections to the MLB All-Star Game
A Canadian will be playing in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game for the 17th consecutive season. Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto, who grew up in Etobicoke, Ont., will start at first base for the National League in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic at Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y. Toronto-born reliever Jesse Crain, who has posted... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? … Darren Oliver, Gio Gonzalez, Reed Johnson
My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): Look on the bright side Blue Jays fans: The Rangers may have outbid Toronto for Yu Darvish, but the Jays outbid Texas for 41-year-old left-handed reliever Darren Oliver (sarcasm intended). The Washington Nationals’ decision to deal... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? … Fergie Jenkins, Jason Bay, Eric Thames
My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): With Roberto Alomar, Pat Gillick and Dave Van Horne being honoured, next Sunday’s National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will have a distinct Canadian flavor. But let’s not forget that this year represents the 20th anniversary... Continue Reading →