September 18, 2024

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

The trek from Ancaster, Ontario to the Rogers Centre is just over an hour on a good day, but for Ben Goodacre, it’s a trip the right-hander is all too used to.

Pitching for Team Red at last year’s Canadian Futures Showcase, Goodacre made one start and pitched two clean innings, putting together a zero in the hits and runs columns while striking out five batters.

“As a whole, getting exposure with my Canadian teammates and being able to play at Rogers Centre is such a surreal experience,” said Goodacre, speaking to the Canadian Baseball Network. “The Showcase is such a great opportunity for myself and my teammates to just continue getting better.”

Goodacre, who suits up for the Ontario Blue Jays, was back at the home of the Toronto Blue Jays once again for the Showcase and started the first game for Team Black today and pitched two clean innings against Team Royal – a similar stat line to last year’s results.

He threw 39 pitches and allowed just one hit in the contest while going two scoreless innings. Goodacre struck out four batters with his fastball sitting in the lower 90s, topping at 95 mph, and a curveball in the lower 70s that fooled most of the hitters he faced with impressive downward spin. The right-hander also possesses a changeup that works as a strong third offering.

Goodacre also broke a showcase record – reportedly hitting 95.6 mph on the radar gun – becoming the fastest pitch in tournament history. The right-hander also took home Player of the Game honours for his two-inning performance. He did not just break the record. He smashed it like a overloaded waitress dropping plates on the way to the kitchen. The old mark was Anthony Unga (Oakville, Ont. of the Ontario Blue Jays, who was clocked at 91.8 MPH.

“I am really happy with how things went today, just working my pitches and being able to execute,” said Goodacre. “I feel like I could have probably pitched some more strikes in the zone but overall, the fastball was working well and I was getting some swings and misses that ultimately helped our team win. That was the biggest thing today, getting the win, and it was a team effort – I couldn’t have done it today without the guys behind me. Awards like ‘Player of the Game’ are such a huge honour and I am incredibly proud of that award but it would mean nothing without the guys behind me making the plays and putting the ball in play.”

With a commitment to West Virginia University, the 6-foot-3 right-hander's path to Division 1 baseball follows in the footsteps of Ontario Blue Jays alum Sam White (Aurora, Ont.). Goodacre is also one player to watch for in the MLB Draft next summer, as he ranks at No.8 on the 2025 Canadian Baseball Network Draft List heading into the winter months.

“I had a visit with West Virginia and everything went well. That entire area is just proud of the Mountaineers and their program and just the overall atmosphere and facilities were top-notch,” said Goodacre.

Outside of the Blue Jays, Goodacre’s arm has taken him across the United States as he continues to showcase his talents on the baseball field.

The 18-year-old Ontario product was part of the Junior National Team earlier this year. He suited up in the extended Spring Training Camp facing professional players from various MLB teams. Goodacre was also one of six players from the Canadian Premier Baseball League to be invited to the Perfect Game National Showcase this summer at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This winter, Goodacre is going to focus on his craft to continue rounding out his game.

“I want to become a better pitcher overall and not just be a thrower out there on the mound,” said Goodacre. “I want to improve my strike zone command and just keep honing in on the things I can control and keep executing to become a better pitcher on the mound and help my team continue winning ball games.”