October 15, 2019

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

- Every time I see Washington Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman, I think of Tim Wallach. Zimmerman had two hits and two RBIs in the Nationals’ 8-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series last night. Zimmerman was the first player that the Nationals selected in the MLB draft (fourth overall in 2005) after they had relocated from Montreal following the 2004 season. Wallach was also a first round pick of the franchise. He was chosen 10th overall by the Expos in 1979. Both players have had unparalleled extended runs with the franchise: Zimmerman has played 15 seasons and 1,689 games for the Nats, while Wallach, who was elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, suited up for 13 seasons and in 1,767 contests for the Expos. And like Wallach, Zimmerman bats right-handed and shifted from third base to first base when he reached his mid-thirties. Their statistics with the franchise are also similar (See chart below).

- Windsor, Ont., native and St. Louis Cardinals first base coach Stubby Clapp took time out from his busy schedule yesterday to wish Canadians a Happy Thanksgiving. See below.

- This great photo (below) was snapped of Canadian left-hander James Paxton talking with former Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte prior to Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday. Pettitte owns a major league record 19 post-season wins.

- Please take a moment to remember former Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Al Widmar who passed away 14 years ago today at the age of 80. He was the Blue Jays pitching coach on the Blue Jays’ 1985 and 1989 playoff teams.