Jeff DeWillis in spring training with the Blue Jays in 1986. Photo supplied. By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada Jeff DeWillis dug into the batter’s box at Comiskey Park with two outs in the top of the fifth inning with the Toronto Blue Jays trailing the Chicago White Sox 3-2. One of his catching heroes,... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Stubby Clapp, Abraham Toro, Ed Sprague, Fergie Jenkins
By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: – With the retirement of Ron Gardenhire, the Detroit Tigers are searching for a new manager. I would suggest that one excellent candidate was born right across the border in Windsor, Ont. Stubby Clapp, who was interviewed by the... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Harold Baines, Lee Smith, Jamie Romak, John Hiller, John Axford
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · Think of what it would be like if you performed at a high level in your field for more than two decades and then finally 17 years after you’ve retired you receive the ultimate honour and are inducted into your field’s Hall of Fame... Continue Reading →
Flashback to 1983 – A glorious start for both of Canada’s teams
If only Canadian baseball fans could turn their clocks back 30 years. That was my initial reaction when a fellow baseball aficionado handed me a copy of the July 11, 1983 edition of Maclean's magazine (cover pictured above) last week. With 2005 Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Dave Stieb and Steve Rogers (who are... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? … Juan Rivera, Goose Gossage, Chuck Tanner
My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories: Blue Jays fans: The good news about Juan Rivera, acquired in the Vernon Wells deal, is that he hits like George Bell. The bad news is that he also fields like George Bell. In reading Larry Millson’s 1987 book, Ballpark Figures: The... Continue Reading →