Fitzpatrick: Stalony ready to face tough competition again at Canadian Futures Showcase
Ontario Blue Jays outfielder Ryan Stalony (Mississauga, Ont.), shown batting at last year’s Canadian Futures Showcase, is ready to show off his skills again at this year’s event. Photo: Daniel Ramos (CBN file photo).
September 17, 2024
By Trevor Fitzpatrick
Canadian Baseball Network
Ryan Stalony had an excellent showing at last year’s Canadian Futures Showcase.
As a part of Team Royal, he was one of few participants to hit a home run.
The Mississauga, Ont., native also earned himself an invite to the de facto all-star game on the final day, but couldn’t play due to a nagging injury. The part that left most spectators in awe, however, was his support system.
“Awesome, just awesome,” Stalony recalled, “You looked in the stands and saw 13, 14, 15, 20, I don’t even remember the exact number [of family that was there].”
The Stalony family at the 2023 Canadian Futures Showcase. Photo:Malcolm Kelly
While he’s not sure if that many will turn out once again for the 2024 iteration of the Futures Showcase, he does know that he wants to put on another show as he suits up for Team New Blue this year.
It was Stalony’s dad, Andrew, who signed him up to play many sports when he was growing up. Ryan had particularly good results with a bat in his hand.
His success often ended up with him playing against older age groups to keep him challenged.
“I kept having more and more success with baseball. Now, I’m a full-time baseball guy,” said Stalony.
Still uncommitted to a college, expect plenty of eyes to be on the Ontario Blue Jays outfielder. Stalony is currently ranked as the third-best outfielder on the 2025 Canadian Baseball Network Draft List – and for good reason.
As Stalony describes himself, he’s a five-tool player. A great glove, arm (95 mph throws), and bat to ball skills are backed up by elite speed (6.62 second 60-yard dash is his personal best) and the ability to reach a 100-plus mph exit velocity from his bat.
Stalony has also played for the Junior National Team this year. Photo: Baseball Canada
Suffice to say, he’s prepared for whatever the Futures Showcase will throw at him. Apart from last year’s event, he’s also been a part of the Junior National Team and the Langley Blaze Pro Tour this year.
He finished his Pro Tour run with a .450/.538/.750 slash line against college and minor league players.
That leaves one question, what, if anything, feels different about the Canadian Futures Showcase compared to other levels of competition such as the Canadian Premier Baseball League (CPBL)?
“They throw a little more strikes here,” replied Stalony, “These are all of the best guys from around Canada, so the pitching is a bit better. It’s nothing crazy, nothing insane, just good baseball.”
Stalony’s Team New Blue play their first game of the week on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. against Team Grey and then have a break before their second game at 6:00 p.m. against Team Royal.