CBN All-Canadian College team pros: Bay to Wickens in 11 yrs
*LHP Sheldon McDonald (Spruce Grove, Alta.) former British Columbia Thunderbird, earned first team All-Canadian College honours honours in 2008 and second team honours in 2010. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and pitched at Single-A Boise. Coming soon: the 12th annual Canadian Baseball Network All-Canadian College team .... 2012 Canadians in College
By Bob Elliott
Who knows for sure what lies ahead for those about to be honoured on our soon-to-be-announced 12th annual Canadian Baseball Network All-Canadian College team.
Whomever makes the All-Canadian team -- the best from the spring of 2011 -- they have some big shoes to fill
Looking back, here are some former all-Canadians have either reached the top of their goal, are on their way or proceeded further down the road than most:
OF Jason Bay (Trail, BC), of the Gonzaga Stags, a first team All-Canadian in 2000, a National League Rookie of the Year, patrols left field for the New York Mets. He’s in the third year of four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets.
LHP Jordan Gerk (Kelowna, BC), of the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, and a first teamer in 2000, went on to pitch in the Detroit Tigers system.
3B Nom Siriveaw (Vancouver, BC), of the Eastern Oklahoma Mountaineers, a first teamer in 2000, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
SS Shayne Ridley (Milton, Ont.), a first teamer in 2000 from the Ball State Cardinals, signed with the Kansas City Royals.
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC), of Central Arizona Vaqueros, earned first team honours in 2001 and was back pitching for the Oakland A’s in 2011.
2B John Cole (Kanata, Ont.) of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, a first-team selection in 2001, signed with the Seattle Mariners.
SS Lee Delfino (Pickering, Ont.), a first-team selection in 2001 with the East Carolina Pirates, signed with the Jays and now runs Oppotaco with his mature partner Hyung Cho.
OF Danny Gibbons (Toronto, Ont.) of the North Central Texas Lions, a first team selection in 2001 and a third team selection in 2002, before signed with the Oakland A’s.
OF Adam Stern (Port Stanley, Ont.), of the Nebraska Cornhuskers (below) and named to the 2001 second-team, played in 54 games in the majors for the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and the Milwaukee Brewers. He now runs Centre Field Sports.
RHP Chris Begg (Uxbridge, Ont.), of the Niagara Purple Eagles, a 2001 second teamer, pitched in the San Francisco Giants system.
RHP Steve Carter (Woodslee, Ont.), of the Coastal Carolina Chantileers, a second team selection in 2001 and in 2004, signed with Oakland and in 2011 won the Ontario Baseball Association senior player of the year honours.
OF Josh McCurdy (Thornhill, Ont.). of the Niagara Purple Eagles, a third team selection in 2001 and a first teamer in 2003, signed with the Orioles.
RP John Ogiltree (Mississauga, Ont.). of the Martin Methodist Indians, an honourable mention in 2001, was signed by the Jays.
RHP Judd Richardson (Caledon, Ont.), of the Miami Ohio RedHawks, an honourable mention in 2001, signed a contract with the Brewers.
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC), of the highly-successful British Columbia Thunderbirds, proved you can stay near and go far, as a first-team All-Canadian selection in 2002, a first-round pick (ninth over-all) in the MLB draft, pitched for Kansas City this summer.
RP Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.), of the Houston Cougars, earned first-team honours as a closer in 2002 and a second team shortstop the same year. Crain is in the second year of a three-year $13 million contract with the White Sox.
RHP John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.), of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Canisius Golden Griffins, a second-team selection in 2002 and a third-team choice is 2003, led the Brewers to Game 7 of the NLCS, losing to the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.), of the Connors State Cowboys, a second-teamer in 2002 and an honourable mention in 2003, was also with the Brewers and hit the first cycle of the season.
3B Hyung Cho (Scarborough, Ont.), of the Houston Cougars, a third team selection in 2002 and a first teamer in 2003, went on to play in the Mariners system. He now runs Oppotaco with his partner Lee Delfino.
SS Aaron Hornostaj (Waterloo, Ont.), of the Connors State Cowboys, a third-team pick in 2002, was signed by the Giants and played with the Rouen Huskies in the French elite league.
OF Matthew Stocco (Guelph, Ont.), of the Spartanburg Methodist Pioneers and a third team selection in 2002, played in the San Diego Padres organization.
C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.), of the Chipola Indians, a 2002 honourable mention (below), had an all-star season with the New York Yankees.
LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, B.C), of the Chipola Indians, a first teamer in 2003 as a pitcher and a third teamer as a DH, was in the Baltimore Orioles rotation. An elbow injury meant a switch to the batter’s box and Loewen made it back to the majors after a successful season at triple-A Las Vegas. He homered at the Rogers Centre against his old team. And after the season signed with the Mets.
RHP Brooks McNiven (Vernon, BC), of the British Columbia Thunderbirds, a first teamer in 2003, signed with the Giants.
RP Ryan Braun (Kitchener, Ont.), of the Nevada-Las Vegas Hustlin’ Rebels, a first teamer in 2003, pitched for the Kansas City Royals and had 18 saves for the White Sox Triple-A Charlotte affiliate.
OF Alex Borgo (Cookstown, Ont.), of the New Mexico State Aggies, a first teamer in 2003 and signed with the Phillies.
LHP Drew Taylor (Toronto, Ont.), of the Michigan Wolverines, a second-team All-Canadian in 2003 as well as earning honourable mention in 2005 and 2006. He pitched in the Jays system and also went to spring training with the Phillies.
RP Cory Stuart (White Rock, BC), of the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, a second team all-Canadian in 2003, went on to pitch in the Yankees system.
OF Christopher Emanuele (Mississauga, Ont.) of the Northeastern Huskies, a second team selection in 2003 and in 2005 and a first teamer in 2006, played in the Jays system.
RP John Hurd (Fruitvale, BC), of the Southern Idaho Golden Eagles, named to the third team in 2003, and signed with the White Sox.
C Jake Elder (North Delta, BC), of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, selected to the third team in 2003 and 2004, plus the second team in 2005 was in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
INF Emerson Frostad (Calgary, Alta.), of the Lewis-Clark State Warriors, named to the third team in 2003, was at triple-A Oklahoma City and double-A, Corpus Christi in the Houston Astros system before helping Canada to a bronze medal (World Cup) and a gold (Pan-Am Games) in Panama..
INF Matt Rogelstad (Coquitlam, BC), of the Arkansas State Trojans, elected to the third team in 2003, was with the Washington Nationals and was with the Edmonton Capitals. in the independent Golden League.
LHP Adam Daniels (North Vancouver, BC), of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, an honourable mention in 2003, a third team in 2004 and a third teamer in 2005, signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and pitched for the Lincoln Saltdogs in the independent American Association.
OF Reed Eastley (Brandon, Man.), of the Niagara Purple Eagles, named an honourable mention to the 2003 all-Canadian team (below), a second teamer in 2004 and an honourable mention in 2005, signed with Seattle.
OF Sebastien Boucher (Ottawa, Ont.), of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, an honourable mention in 2003 and earned third-team honours in 2004, before turning pro with the Mariners and hit yet another year with the Quebec Capitales, after attending spring training with the Phillies.
OF Jimmy VanOstrand (North Delta BC), of the Allan Hancock Bulldogs and the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs, earned honourable mention in 2003 and 2005 and a third teamer in 2006. He was with Corpus Christi in the Astros system and knocked in the winning run in the Pan Am as Canada edged Team USA 2-1.
RHP Jordan Thomson (Ottawa, Ont.), of the Northeastern Huskies, a first teamer in 2004 and signed with San Francisco.
RP Robbie Findlay (Etobicoke, Ont.), of the Texas Christian Horned Frogs, earned first team All-Canadian honours in 2004 and turned pro with the Tampa Bay Devils Rays.
C Chris Robinson (Dorchester, Ont.), of the Illinois Fighting Illini, a first teamer in 2004 and 2005, was at Triple-A Iowa in the Cubs organization.
RHP John Mariotti (Toronto, Ont.), of the Gulf Coast Commodores and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, voted to the first team in 2004 and earned honourable mention in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He was a 10-game winner at Quebec City.
SS Jonathon Malo (St-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Que.), a first teamer in 2004 with the Northeastern Oklahoma A & M Golden Norse, played in the New York Mets organization at Triple-A Buffalo and Double-A Binghamton Mets in 2011.
LHP R.J. Swindle (Vancouver, BC), of the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, a third teamer in 2004, pitched at Triple-A Durham before being released by the Rays.
RP Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.), of the Winthrop Eagles, a third teamer in 2004, pitched with the Pirates, as well as Triple-A Indianapolis and Double-A, Altoona.
RHP James Avery (Moose Jaw, Sask.), of the Niagara Purple Eagles, an honourable mention in 2004 and was a first teamer in 2005. He pitched at Double A Carolina in the Cincinnati Reds system.
RP Jason Blackey (Duncan, BC), of the North Central Texas Lions, an honourable mention in 2004, pitched in the Boston Red Sox system.
C Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, BC), of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, an honourable mention in 2004, was with Mets in 2011 and spent time at Triple-A Buffalo.
SS Steven Condotta (Mississauga, Ont.), of the Florida Tech Panthers, earned honourable mention honours in 2004 and 2005 and a first teamer in 2006 and 2007 before signing with the Jays.
OF Jon Baksh (Mississauga, Ont.), of Florida Tech Panthers an honourable mention in 2004 (below), a first teamer in 2005 and 2006. He was drafted and signed with the Jays.
1B Jared Schweitzer (Lethbridge, Alta.), of the Kansas Jayhawks, an honourable mention in 2004, made the second team in 2005 and in 2006. He turned pro with the St. Louis Cardinals.
OF Tim Smith (Toronto, Ont.), of the Midland Chaparrals, a first teamer in 2005 and 2006 and a second team selection in 2007, signed with Texas. After being dealt to the Kansas City Royals he played at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and helped Canada to its gold.
DH Mike Gosse (Pitt Meadows, BC), the Oklahoma Sooners in 2008 and a first teamer in 2005 and 2006 with the New Mexico Thunderbirds, was drafted and signed with the Tigers.
RHP Henry Mabee (Victoria, BC), a second teamer in 2005 with the Truman State Trojans, was drafted by the White Sox was released and pitched for Calgary in the indy North American League.
RP Chris Kissock (Fruitvale, BC), of the Lewis-Clark State Warriors. a second teamer in 2005 and 2006 and a first teamer in 2007, was drafted and pitched at Double-A Reading in the Phillies organization.
RP Chris Toneguzzi (Thunder Bay, Ont.), of the Purdue Boilermakers, a third teamer in 2005 and a second teamer in 2006, signed with the Brewers.
RP Scott Richmond (North Vancouver, BC), of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, a third teamer in 2005, signed with the Jays pitched one the majors, spending the rest of the season at Vegas and recorded the final seven outs as Canada won gold in Mexico.
SS Taylor Green (Courtenay, BC), of the Cypress Chargers. a third team choice in 2005 and an honourable mention in 2006, started at Double-A Huntsville, was promoted to Triple-A Nashville and was elevated again to the Brewers and was on their post-season roster as a bench player.
OF Brad McElroy (London Ont.), of the Charlotte ‘49s, a second teamer in 2008 and 2006, a third teamer in 2005 and a first teamer in 2007, is in the Jays system performing at Single-A Dunedin.
LHP Scott Diamond (Guelph, Ont.), of the Binghamton Bearcats, an honourable mention in 2005 and 2006, made his major-league debut with the Twins, after spending time at Triple-A Rochester.
RHP Matt Kniginyzky (Mississauga, Ont.), of the High Point Panthers, an honourable mention in 2005, pitched at Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
RHP Jamey Richmond (Mississauga, Ont.), of the Texarkana Bulldogs, an honourable mention in 2005, was injured in 2011 and is currently audtioning for scouts.
1B Cole Armstrong (Surrey, BC), of the Central Missouri State Mules, an honourable mention in 2005, now catches in the Los Angeles Angels system at triple-A Salt Lake.
C Joel Collins (Richmond Hill, Ont.), of the South Alabama Jaguars, an honourable mention in 2005. a third teamer in 2006 and 2007, signed with the Blue Jays, played in the Pirates and Giants organizations. He was with Erie in the indy Frontier in 2011.
1B Jordan Lennerton (Langley, BC), of the El Paso Tejanos, a second team all-Canadian in 2006 and a third teamer in 2007 (below), signed with the Tigers and was at Single-A Lakeland.
3B Devery Van De Keere (Barrhead, Alta.), of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns, was a second team all-Canadian in 2006, signed with Kansas City.
SS David Cooper (Edmonton, Alta.), of the Mount Olive Trojans, a third teamer in 2008, a second teamer in 2006 and voted to the third team in 2007, signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2011, he was with Rockford in the indy Frontier League.
OF-SS Marcel Champagnie (Bolton, Ont.), of the Arizona State Sun Devils. a second teamer in 2008, and a second team All-Canadian in 2007 and earned Third Team honours in 2006 at Kaskaskia Blue Devils, signed with the Los Angeles Angels.
OF Rene Tosoni (Port Coquitlam BC), of the Chipola Indians, a third teamer in 2006, played for the Minnesota Twins after being recalled from triple-A Rochester.
LHP Kai Tuomi (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.), of the Evansville Purple Aces, an honourable mention in 2006 and 2007, signed with the Nationals.
RHP Derek McDaid (Barrie, Ont.), of the Charlotte ‘49ers, earned honourable mention in 2006, signed with the Padres and pitched at Quebec City in 2011.
RHP Brad Cuthbertson (Sherwood Park, Alta.), of the Midland Chaparrals, an honourable mention in 2006, signed with the Jays.
RHP Aaron Cotter (South Slocan, BC), of the Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils, an honourable mention to the all-Canadian team in 2006, signed with the Mariners, and pitched for Sioux Falls in the indy American Association.
1B-P Brock Kjeldgaard (London, Ont.), of the Indian Hills Falcons, an honourable mention to the all-Canadian team in 2006 as a pitcher and as a first baseman, started the season at Single-A Brevard, where he set a home run record, was promoted to Double-A, Huntsville in the Brewers system. When it was over he helped Canada win gold.
RP Trystan Magnuson (Vancouver, BC) an honourable mention in 2006 and a first-team selection in 2007, of the Louisville Cardinals, made his major league debut with the A’s after he was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento and then was dealt back to the Jays.
LHP Andrew Albers (North Battleford, Sask.) was an honourable mention in 2006 and 2007, plus a first teamer in 2008 with the of the Kentucky Wildcats, signed with the Padres, injured his arm, pitched in Quebec, was signed by the Twins and pitched at class-A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain. He started the gold medal game as Canada beat Team USA.
C Lars Davis (Grand Prairie, Alta.), of the Illinois Fighting Illini, an honourable mention in 2006 and a first teamer in 2007, signed with the Colorado Rockies and in 2011 was at Double-A Tulsa.
1B Mitch MacDonald (freshman, Regina, Sask.), of the Monterey Peninsula Lobos, earned honourable mention to the 2006 and second team all-Canadian in 2007 (below), signed with the Marlins.
RP Tom Boleska (Burlington, Ont.), of the High Point Panthers, a second team all-Canadian in 2007, was drafted by the Pirates, pitched at Double-A Altoona, was released, has an impressive summer with Edmonton in the indy North American League and was signed by the Giants.
2B Skyler Stromsmoe (Bow Island, Alta.) a third-team all-Canadian in 2007, signed with San Francisco and was at Double-A Richmond in 2011. He too left the field in Mexico with a gold medal around his neck.
RP David Francis (Mississauga, Ont.), of the Walters State Govenors, an honourable mention honours in 2007 and a first teamer in 2008, was signed with Atlanta, pitching in 2011 at Single-A Rome and Single-A Myrtle Beach.
2B Kevin Mailloux (Windsor, Ont.) of the Canisius Golden Griffins, a first team All-Canadian in 2009, 2008 and 2006 and a second teamer in 2005, was drafted by the Mariners.
SS Terrance Dayleg (Surrey, BC), of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, a first team All-Canadian in 2008 and an honourable mention in 2007 and 2009, was drafted by the Marlins and was at Single-A Jamestown in 2011.
SS David Narodowski (Vancouver, BC), a first team with the Kansas Jayhawks in 2009 and second teamer with of the Vernon Chaparrals in 2008, was drafted by the Diamondbacks, spending in 2011 at Rookie-Class South Bend and Single-A Yakima.
3B Randy Schwartz (Kleinburg, Ont.), of the High Point Panthers, a second teamer in 2008 and honourable mention in 2007, was signed by the Jays and was at Single-A Vancouver in 2011.
RHP Jordan Meaker (Burlington, Ont.) of Dallas Baptist Patriots, an honourable mention in 2008, signed with the Diamondbacks.
OF Chad Stang (Surrey, BC), of Midland Chaparrals; an honourable mention in 2008 and a 2009 Third Teamer was drafted the Brewers. In 2011, he played at Single-A Wisconsin.
OF Josh Garton (Guelph, Ont.), of the Volunteer State Senators, first teamer in 2009 and an honourable mention in 2008, was drafted by the Reds and was at Class-A Dayton.
C Marc-Olivier Mimeault-Jodoin (Candiac, Que.) of the Georgia State Panthers, a first team all-Canadian in 2009, a third team All-Canadian in 2008 and a second team all-Canadian in 2007 with the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Golden Norse, played with Quebec.
LHP Mark Hardy (Campbell River, BC), of the UBC Thunderbirds, a All-Canadian second teamer in 2009 and All-Canadian honourable mention honours in 2008 and 2010, signed with the Padres and pitched at Single-A Fort Wayne in 2011.
2B Chris Bisson (Orleans, Ont.), of the Kentucky Wildcats, a second team all-Canadian in 2009 and 2010, signed with the Padres and played at Fort Wayne.
RHP Jeremiah Sammy (Markham, Ont.), of the Lamar Cardinals, a 2009 Third Teamer, signed with Rockies and in 2011 was at Single-A Tri City and Rookie-Class Casper.
LHP Jon Hesketh (Langley, BC) of New Mexico Lobos, a 2009 Honourable Mention and a 2006 Third Teamer, signed the M’s and pitched in 2011 at Single-A High Desert and Single-A Clinton.
RHP David Kington (Coquitlam, BC) of the Southern Illinois Salukis, a 2009 Honourable Mention was drafted and signed by St. Louis.
INF Bobby Wagner (Port Coquitlam, BC) of the Panola Ponies, a 2009 Honourable Mention (below), signed with the Cubs and then played with Quebec.
SS Jeff Cowan (Scarborough, Ont.) of the High Point Panthers, a 2009 Honourable Mention, signed with Normal in the indy Frontier League.
SS Sammie Starr (Toronto, Ont.), of the UBC Thunderbirds, a 2009 Honourable Mention, was drafted by the Orioles and played at Single-A Aberdeen.
OF Ryan Lapensee (Lasalle, Ont.), of the Wayne State Warriors, an Honourable Mention in 2009 and third team in 2010, signed with Arizona and played at Single-A Visalia in 2011.
OF Marcus Knecht (North York, Ont.) of the Connors State Cowboys, was player of the year and a first team all-Canadian in 2010, was drafted by the Blue Jays and starred at class-A Lansing in 2011.
LHP Sheldon McDonald (Spruce Grove, Alta.) of the UBC Thunderbirds earned first Team honours as a reliever in 2008 and second team honours in 2010. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and pitched at Single-A Boise.
INF Sean Jamieson (Simcoe, Ont.) of the Canisius Golden Griffs earned Honourable Mention honours in 2009 and second team honours in 2010. He was signed by the Oakland A’s and played at Single-A Vermont.
RHP Brandon Kaye (Langley, BC) of the UBC Thunderbirds earned third team hounours in 2010. He was signed by the Jays and pitched at class-A Vancouver.
INF Sammie Starr (Toronto, Ont.) earned honourable Mention honours in 2009 and third team honours in 2010. He was drafted and signed by the Baltimore Orioles and played at Single-A Aberdeen, Single-A Delmarva and Single-A Frederick in 2011.
RHP Robert Nixon (Welland, Ont.) earned honourable mention honours in 2010 pitching at Adelphi. He was drafted and signed by the Indians, pitching at Single-A Mahoning Valley in 2011.
RHP Zach Breault (Amherstburg, Ont.) earned honourable mention honours in 2010 pitching at Bryan. He was signed by the Blue Jays as a free agent and pitched at Vancouver.
RHP Les Williams (Toronto, Ont.) earned honourable mention honours in 2010 pitching at Northeastern. He was drafted by the Blue Jays and pitched at Rookie-Class Bluefield in 2011.
SS Steve Wickens (Whitby, Ont.) earned honourable mention hounours in 2010 at Florida Gulf Coast. He was drafted by the Twins and Rookie-class Gulf Coast in 2011.
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