(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays may be in New York trying to qualify for the playoffs, but there is still great baseball being played at Rogers Center.
The country’s best high school players compete in the Canadian Prospects Tournament, a six-team competition.
TJ Burton, director of the Blue Jays’ amateur side, explains that the team wants to grow the sport in Canada, regardless of where these players end up on baseball’s top 30 clubs.
“Our goal is to get as many of these kids to the next level as possible,” he said Wednesday. We wish them to achieve their dream and we hope it is within the Jays organization, if not another team. »
Founded in 2013, the tournament has seen several important current players play there, such as Braves pitcher Mike Soroka, a native of Calgary, or brothers Josh and Bo Naylor, from Mississauga, who now play for the Cleveland Guardians. Quebecers Édouard Julien (Twins) and Abraham Toro (in the Brewers organization) also went through this competition.
Burton is convinced that attracting Canadian candidates to this competition will help them perform better on the international stage. He also highlights that 13 players from the Canadian team in the last World Classic have already participated in this tournament in the past.
“This can only increase over time. What we will see – this was our view 10 years ago – is that the majority of Canadians who make it to the Majors will have played in this tournament.
“I think one day we will see a Canadian squad in the World Classic made up entirely of former players from this tournament. That’s what we aim for. »
The players participating in the competition are very excited to play in an MLB stadium, in front of national team coaches, major league scouts and American college scouts.
It’s probably the most Cool “I’ve never done that,” said pitcher Owen Fernandes, from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, who participated in last year’s edition in Ottawa. The guys are all super nice. The coaches are excellent. It’s quite an experience. »
On site are no fewer than 17 recruiters from NCAA Division 1 programs and scouts from around twenty MLB teams.
“A number of players who participated in this tournament played in college or made it to the Majors,” said Toronto pitcher Wesley Johnson. This is a great opportunity for me. I hope I have the chance to reach a higher level while being here. »
Quebec shortstop Maxime Boies of Lévis understands the opportunity presented to him, but tries not to let the opportunity overwhelm him.
“Playing in front of all these scouts adds a little pressure, but I’m trying to play my best baseball, like I should.
“It is always an honor to represent Quebec in this type of event. We are very grateful to be able to play on this beautiful field and we will do our best to represent the province well. »
The public will be able to watch the event. Single-day tickets or full tournament passes are available.
“What people will see are players who are hungry and excited to play in front of these scouts in a major league stadium,” Burton said.
