Kevin Glew’s Canadian Baseball History Blog
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: Please send good vibes and strength to Mel Stottlemyre, the father of former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Todd Stottlemyre. In a Facebook post on Friday, the ex-Blue Jays hurler shared that his 75-year-old father is fighting for his life. “Calling all prayer warriors during this... Continue Reading →
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: On April 12, 2016, left-hander Andrew Miller struck out two Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning to record the save for the New York Yankees in a 3-2 win at Rogers Centre. That was his last appearance against the Blue Jays prior to the... Continue Reading →
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: If the Toronto Blue Jays advance to the post-season, the first Christmas card they should send out this December should be to Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage. Searage helped turn around the careers of three ex-Pirates who are now key members of the Blue... Continue Reading →
He’s the most versatile player ever to don a Montreal Expos uniform. During the 1970 season, Ron Brand, who was primarily a catcher, played every position except for pitcher and first base. “I believe I’m the only guy who’s ever caught 300 [major league] games and played all of those other positions more than once,”... Continue Reading →
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Just how good has Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) been in his first 10 big league seasons? His career WAR – an all-encompassing statistic that measures the numbers of wins a player (taking into account their offensive and defensive contributions) adds to their team above... Continue Reading →
He’s the answer to one of the more challenging Canadian baseball trivia questions. Who is the only person to be in a big league uniform for the first game at Exhibition Stadium and the first game at the SkyDome? The answer is Chuck Hartenstein, who was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen for... Continue Reading →
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson is on pace to post a 9.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) this season. WAR is an all-encompassing statistic that measures the number of wins a player (taking into account their offensive and defensive contributions) adds to their... Continue Reading →
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • It’s been an eventful week for Montreal native Russell Martin. On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates extended a one-year, $15.3-million qualifying offer to him and two days later, he was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year at the catching position. Martin, who’s coming... Continue Reading →
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported on Friday that the Pittsburgh Pirates intend to extend a $15.3-million qualifying offer to free agent Russell Martin. Coming off one of his finest big league seasons, the Canadian catcher reportedly declined a multi-year offer by Pirates during... Continue Reading →
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • With his victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday, Richmond, B.C., native James Paxton has won the first six decisions of his big league career. Surprisingly, this is not a Canadian record. Toronto, Ont., native Jesse Crain won the first 11 decisions of his... Continue Reading →