My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: Plenty of criticism was levelled at Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro last off-season when the club did not re-sign David Price. Of course, in hindsight, given that J.A. Happ outperformed Price this season and Price’s post-season struggles have continued, it’s now easy to applaud... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Jimmy Williams, Gordie Howe, Justin Morneau
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: Just a reminder that the annual Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction festivities begin this Thursday with a home run derby and celebrity slo-pitch game starting at 6 p.m. at Rotary Field on the Hall of Fame grounds in St. Marys, Ont. Admission to the... Continue Reading →
Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmy Williams dies at 90
Courtesy of Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmy Williams passed away on Monday in Baltimore, Md., just 12 days after celebrating his 90th birthday. Born in Toronto, Ont., on May 25, 1926, Williams was a multi-sport star at Toronto’s De La Salle College School, excelling in hockey, football, lacrosse and... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Adam Dunn, Randy Knorr, Jimmy Williams
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Remember in June 2008 when Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi was heavily criticized for saying “Do you know the guy doesn’t really like baseball that much?” about Adam Dunn? Well, Adam Dunn has decided to retire at age 34 because, well, he... Continue Reading →
Cooperstowners in Canada: Tony La Russa
Tony La Russa used to be a Mountie. No, not that kind of Mountie, although the legendary skipper, who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, does have a law degree. What we're referring to, however, is La Russa's 1968 season with the Oakland A's Triple-A Vancouver Mounties. The... Continue Reading →
Cal Ripken and The Streak have Canadian links
By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada This Monday represents the 15th anniversary of the date that Cal Ripken, Jr. played in his 2,131st game to surpass Lou Gehrig’s iron-man mark. A strong argument could be made that Ripken’s consecutive-game streak saved baseball. The Orioles shortstop’s modesty and commitment were just what the sport needed in... Continue Reading →