[twitter-follow screen_name='coopincanada'] My weekly observations about stories around the baseball world from a Canadian perspective: - Thanks to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame volunteer and SABR member, Andrew North, for sharing with me that Huntsville, Ont., native George Selkirk, a former New York Yankees outfielder, once belted four home runs off of the same pitcher... Continue Reading →
Canadian George Selkirk won five World Series rings with the New York Yankees
*Author's Note: This is a blog entry that I originally published during last year's post-season, but it seems fitting to run it again.* He’s Canada’s Mr. October. But even though George Selkirk earned five World Series rings during his nine-year career with the New York Yankees, the vast majority of baseball fans in Canada and... 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? … Carl Hubbell, Canadian free agents, George Selkirk
My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): A thank you goes out to Facebook friend Sue Rennie, who shared a photo of an extraordinary 1926 Toronto Maple Leafs team postcard (pictured above) that sold for $881.08 on eBay on October 21. The postcard of... Continue Reading →
Canadian George Selkirk won five World Series rings with the New York Yankees
He’s Canada’s Mr. October. But even though George Selkirk earned five World Series rings during his nine-year career with the New York Yankees, the vast majority of baseball fans in Canada and the U.S. don’t know who he is. “Not even hardcore Yankees fans are going to remember George Selkirk,” said Richard Tofel, author of... Continue Reading →
Canadians in the 2012 postseason and best Canadian postseason performances
The Toronto Blue Jays may not have advanced to the postseason, but there is some Canadian content in this year’s MLB playoffs. Montreal native Russell Martin will catch for the New York Yankees, while Scarborough, Ont., native George Kottaras should see action behind the plate for the Oakland A’s. Joey Votto, of Etobicoke, Ont., will... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? … Justin Morneau, Phillippe Aumont, Montreal Expos
My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ont., has added two exciting, new artifacts. New Westminster, B.C., native Justin Morneau has donated the cap (pictured above) he wore in the August 6th game against the... Continue Reading →
George Selkirk: Canada’s Mr. October
With five World Series rings, he’s Canada’s Mr. October. Unfortunately, the vast majority of baseball fans don’t know who he is. “Not even hardcore Yankees fans are going to remember George Selkirk,” said Richard Tofel, author of A Legend in the Making: The New York Yankees in 1939, in a 2009 interview. Born in Huntsville,... Continue Reading →
More on Canada’s Mr. October, George Selkirk
I recently joined the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). My membership paid immediate dividends when I appealed to members for information about Canada’s Mr. October, George Selkirk. Dubbed “Twinkletoes” for his distinct running style, Selkirk was arguably the greatest Canadian player of the first half of the 20th century. Suiting up alongside immortals like... Continue Reading →
Canadians in 2010 Post-Season and Best Canadian Post-Season Performances
The Toronto Blue Jays may not have advanced to the post-season, but there will be some Canadian content in this year’s playoffs. Toronto, Ont., native Jesse Crain will come out of the bullpen for the Minnesota Twins, while Joey Votto, of Etobicoke, Ont., will be suiting up for the Cincinnati Reds. Also on the field... Continue Reading →