By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: – Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins told reporters on Friday that there's a chance that right-hander Jordan Romano (Markham, Ont.) could pitch in the club's Wild-Card series which will begin on Tuesday. Romano has been sidelined with... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . James Paxton, Mike Soroka, Nick Pivetta, Fergie Jenkins
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · With a no-hitter, a 16-strikeout performance and the first two complete games of his major league career on his resume in the past 30 days, James Paxton (Ladner, B.C.) should be a lock for American League Pitcher of the Month honours. In five starts... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Eric Gagne, James Paxton, Jose Bautista, Duane Ward, Ricky Romero
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · In case you missed it (like I did), Mascouche, Que., native Eric Gagne ended his comeback bid with the independent Atlantic League Long Island Ducks on May 20. The 41-year-old right-hander was hit hard in five appearances with the Ducks, allowing five earned runs... Continue Reading →
The 1954 Montreal Royals team photo . . . Billy Harris
His first professional baseball contract was signed in a quintessentially Canadian setting. New Brunswick native Billy Harris was competing in a hockey tournament in Buchans, Nfld., when Brooklyn Dodgers scout Bill O’Connor secured the stocky 19-year-old’s signature on a piece of paper. Although the five-foot-seven Harris was a standout stickhandler, it was his right arm... Continue Reading →
In Memoriam – Remembering Canadian baseball legends that died in 2011 – Part 1
As a new year approaches, it’s a good time to look back and savour the memories of the Canadian baseball legends that we lost in 2011. In part one of my two-part series, I've created obituaries for the legends that we lost during the first half of 2011: Roy Hartsfield, January 15 After 15 seasons... Continue Reading →
Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer, Billy Harris, passes away
Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer and former Brooklyn Dodger, Billy Harris, has passed away at the age of 80. According to the Moncton Times & Transcript, the New Brunswick pitching legend was recently hospitalized to treat a series of bleeding ulcers after he had fainted about a month ago. He died at his home in... Continue Reading →