Canadian MLBers you might not have heard of . . . Ralph Buxton

He played on a World Series-winning team with Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra and pitched for Hall of Fame managers Connie Mack and Casey Stengel. However with the way umpires check pitchers for substances today, Ralph Buxton, the man sometimes referred to as the “Pine Tar Baby,” would’ve been in trouble. But that’s all part of the story of this little-talked-about right-hander, who in 1938 became the first player born in Saskatchewan to compete in the major leagues.

January 17, 2023 8

Long Reads: 1941: DiMaggio, Williams and the Canadian that became the American League’s first 20-20-20 player

Jeff Heath. Photo: Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada Fate and, some would say, karma, attempted to humble Jeff Heath. For no matter what the brash, broad-shouldered Canadian-born slugger did on a professional baseball field – and much of it was remarkable – he always seemed to be overshadowed. It’s... Continue Reading →

November 30, 2021 1

But What Do I Know? . . . Jordan Romano, Tyler O’Neill, Rowan Wick, Jacques Doucet

My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · Today is International Women’s Day and I’m blessed to have many strong women in my life as friends, colleagues and relatives. I’d especially like to pay tribute to my mother Glenyce Glew. She has been a tremendous role model and a source of unconditional... Continue Reading →

March 8, 2020 15

But What Do I Know? . . . Mike Soroka, Jeff Heath, George Selkirk, R.J. Swindle

My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · Congratulations to Calgary, Alta., native Mike Soroka who has been named to the National League All-Star team. With his selection, he becomes the third Canadian to be named to the All-Star team in their rookie season, joining Jason Dickson (Miramichi, N.B.) in 1997 and... Continue Reading →

July 6, 2019 8

But What Do I Know? . . . Tim Raines, Larry Walker, J.P. Arencibia, Rusty Staub

My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: Everyone from Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and Frank Thomas to former Montreal Expos teammates Warren Cromartie, Vladimir Guerrero, Cliff Floyd and Tim Burke to current Blue Jays like Kevin Pillar offered their congratulations to Tim Raines via Twitter after he was elected to the... Continue Reading →

January 22, 2017 12

But What Do I Know? . . . Matt Boyd, Larry Walker, Chris Sale

My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Adding intrigue to 24-year-old lefty Matt Boyd’s start with the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday is that he’s reportedly the type of prospect that the Philadelphia Phillies covet in a deal for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Boyd, who allowed four runs in 6-2/3 innings in... Continue Reading →

June 28, 2015 12

But What Do I Know? . . . John McDonald, Tom Henke, Alex Rodriguez

My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • On a New York Mets broadcast in 1988, Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner said, “On this Father’s Day, we’d like to wish all you fathers out here a Happy Birthday.” So to paraphrase Kiner, Happy Birthday and Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful dad,... Continue Reading →

June 21, 2015 10

Former Toronto Maple Leafs pitcher Don Johnson dies at 88

Don Johnson, who pitched parts of five minor league seasons with the International League's Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1950s, died of kidney failure in Portland, Ore., on February 10 at the age of 88. Though his wild and hard-drinking ways sometimes overshadowed his on-the-field performance, Johnson managed to pitch in parts of seven big... Continue Reading →

February 27, 2015 4

Remembering the Canadian who replaced Babe Ruth

*Writer's Note: This is an updated version of an article that I've published previously on this blog. 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... Continue Reading →

October 15, 2014 12

But What Do I Know? . . . Justin Morneau, Joe Krakauskas, Jesse Chavez

My weekly observations and opinions about some Canadian baseball stories: - Following his walk-off home run on Sunday, New Westminster, B.C., native Justin Morneau is batting .327 with nine homers in 42 games for the Colorado Rockies this season. His stellar performance has enabled him to move up on the all-time Canadian leaderboard in two... Continue Reading →

May 20, 2014 1

Tag: Joe DiMaggio

Canadian MLBers you might not have heard of . . . Ralph Buxton

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Long Reads: 1941: DiMaggio, Williams and the Canadian that became the American League’s first 20-20-20 player

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But What Do I Know? . . . Jordan Romano, Tyler O’Neill, Rowan Wick, Jacques Doucet

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But What Do I Know? . . . Mike Soroka, Jeff Heath, George Selkirk, R.J. Swindle

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But What Do I Know? . . . Tim Raines, Larry Walker, J.P. Arencibia, Rusty Staub

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But What Do I Know? . . . Matt Boyd, Larry Walker, Chris Sale

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But What Do I Know? . . . John McDonald, Tom Henke, Alex Rodriguez

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Remembering the Canadian who replaced Babe Ruth

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But What Do I Know? . . . Justin Morneau, Joe Krakauskas, Jesse Chavez

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