You probably know that John Olerud played with the Mets from 1997 to 1999, but did you know that he was draft by the Mets in 1986? By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada Last week, while listening to former big leaguer Bret Boone interview John Olerud for his podcast, I learned that Olerud was originally... Continue Reading →
Ex-Blue Jays News: Bass, Dermody, Happ
Former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ has signed a one-year, $8-million deal with the Minnesota Twins. Photo: Minnesota Twins/Twitter January 26, 2021 By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada My weekly roundup of former Toronto Blue Jays news and notes: Player Signings –LHP Matt Dermody has signed a one-year deal with the Seibu Lions of... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Hank Aaron, Mike Soroka, James Paxton, Tom Henke
This is a wonderful photo of Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductees and Montreal Expos legendary executives Jim Fanning (far left) and John McHale (far right) with Hank Aaron on a special night at Jarry Park in 1974 to celebrate Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's major league home run record. Photo: Courtesy of Montreal Expos Museum... Continue Reading →
10 years later – A look at 10 things I wanted to see happen in Canadian baseball in 2010
You could say I'm batting .500. In my "rookie" year (2010) of this blog, I wrote down 10 things I would like to see happen in Canadian baseball in the ensuing decade. I remembered that I had written this post earlier today and decided to see how many of my wishes had come true. ... Continue Reading →
Uplifting Canadian baseball photos/videos of the week – May 22
By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada This is a challenging, unprecedented and difficult time in our history. And I'll admit that there have been times during this COVID-19 pandemic where I've struggled to feel hopeful rather than hopeless. But I'm trying to remain upbeat and am waiting patiently for that elusive light at the end... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Mike Soroka, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons, Ken Crosby
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · Congratulations to Atlanta Braves pitcher and Calgary native Mike Soroka, who just six days after being named the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2019 Tip O’Neill Award winner, was selected to the All-MLB Second-Team on Tuesday. Joining him on that squad is teammate... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Cal Quantrill, Russell Martin, Roberto Clemente, Tom Henke
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · As Nick Lee (@NickLee51 on Twitter) pointed out on Friday, Cal Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) has been the San Diego Padres best pitcher since the all-star break. In 34 1/3 innings in six appearances since the Midsummer Classic, the Canadian right-hander has limited batters... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Edition
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · It’s always special when baseball legend Fergie Jenkins (Chatham, Ont.) is in St. Marys, Ont., for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame induction festivities, but this year was extra special because Jenkins brought his 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series ring. The durable right-hander, who... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Eric Gagne, James Paxton, Jose Bautista, Duane Ward, Ricky Romero
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · In case you missed it (like I did), Mascouche, Que., native Eric Gagne ended his comeback bid with the independent Atlantic League Long Island Ducks on May 20. The 41-year-old right-hander was hit hard in five appearances with the Ducks, allowing five earned runs... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Tim Raines, Jimmy Key, Dalton Pompey, Pat Gillick
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: With Bud Selig’s election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Today’s Game Era Committee last Sunday, some baseball writers are now vowing that they will vote for alleged steroid users like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. The train of thought is that... Continue Reading →
