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.
But What Do I Know? . . . Ellis Valentine, Adam Hall, James Paxton, Oscar Judd
My Valentine's Day card for you. By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: – Happy Valentine's Day to you! Former Montreal Expos outfielder Ellis Valentine is the most talented player with the last name “Valentine” to suit up in the big leagues. This five-tool talent, who... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Mike Soroka, James Paxton, Danny Klassen, Tommy Lasorda
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · This post-season could represent the first time in major league history that two Canadian pitchers will start playoff openers for their respective clubs. Right-hander Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) has been the ace of the National League East champion Atlanta Braves this season, while left-hander... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Cal Quantrill, Yogi Berra, Mike Soroka, Chris Robinson
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms reading this! I’m fortunate that my mother, Glenyce Glew, is a wonderful, energetic, caring and supportive woman who has been dragged to enough baseball games over the years that she has become a Toronto Blue Jays... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know?. . . John Axford, Pedro Martinez, Robin Yount, Eric Cyr
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · Port Dover, Ont., native John Axford has signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays that includes an invite to big league spring training. The 6-foot-5 reliever struggled in 2017 after beginning the campaign on the disabled list with a right shoulder... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Larry Walker, Roberto Clemente, Stu Scheurwater, Chris Reitsma
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: · Montreal Expos legend and 2017 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tim Raines told MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM on Friday that he believes that Maple Ridge, B.C., native Larry Walker is worthy of a plaque in Cooperstown. “When you talk about a... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Ellis Valentine, Sean Nolin, Oscar Judd
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Former Montreal Expos outfielder Ellis Valentine is the most talented player with the last name “Valentine” to suit up in the big leagues, but here’s a list of the some of the other “Valentines” that have competed in the... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Roy Halladay, Josh Donaldson, Yogi Berra
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Longtime Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay is excited that his former club will be playing in the postseason for the first time in 22 years. Earlier this morning, he sent out a congratulatory message to the Blue Jays on Twitter. “Congrats to the... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Russell Martin, James Paxton, Jack Graney
My weekly observations and notes about some Canadian baseball stories: • Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) continues to showcase his tremendous throwing abilities. He has now nabbed 31 of 70 runners that have attempted to steal off of him this season. This gives him a major league-best 44 per cent caught-stealing percentage.... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? . . . Josh Donaldson, John Hiller, Brett Cecil
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 →