Ontario Blue Jays reveal changes to the 2020-21 season

By Elisabeth Rositsan

Canadian Baseball Network

Spring is the most exciting time of the year for young players as doors to facilities open and they head outside.

It is also the time when doors open to new recruits all over the country. The Ontario Blue Jays announced a change in their recruitment process this season. Joe Ellison, director of baseball operations and Corey Eckstein director of player personnel will be recruiting players not solely from across Canada but also from all over the world.

“This is something that we’ve always planned on starting but it had never fully come together. I think a big piece of the puzzle was the addition of Eckstein who has brought in players from Japan and other countries to his academy in Abbotsford, BC” said Ellison.

The recruiting program is not the only change for the Ontario Blue Jays this season. As the spring begins, the Ontario Blue Jays are heading to a new location at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

“This is another new addition and moving into next year, everyone will see our growth with new faces both on rosters and coaches to continue to strengthen our program,” Ellison said.

Like every other elite team, the Ontario Blue Jays are determined to be the best and make sure that coaches and players are in a comfortable environment. To help players coming from far away to try out for the team, they have launched its billet program. Players eligible for the billet program get support from and stay with local families.

“We are looking for energetic families who have a true passion to see young players develop and excel towards their dreams,” said Ellison.

To be eligible for the recruitment program, players have to be born between May 1st, 2002 and 2007. The Ontario Blue Jays will be holding identification camps in April along with normal private, semi-private, and open tryouts.

Only 40 spots are left across the whole organization for the 2020–21 recruitment process.

According to Ellison, talent alone isn’t enough to be a part of this organization.

“To be a part of a program such as ours having talent is one thing but the drive and determination to continuously push to be the best you can be is another.

“I would say that a potential player’s personality and character could outweigh immense ability if that player is unmotivated.”