Worden: Dream come true for Hughes to play at Rogers Centre in Futures Showcase
Ontario Blue Jays outfielder John Hughes (Mississauga, Ont.) has been opening some eyes with his all-around play at the Canadian Futures Showcase at Rogers Centre this week. Photo: Blue Jays Academy
September 22, 2023
By Zach Worden
Canadian Baseball Network
TORONTO — After attending last year’s Canadian Futures Showcase in Ottawa, earning a spot back at the event in 2023 means just a little bit more to John Hughes (Mississauga, Ont.).
Coming to the Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays growing up, Hughes is getting to range the same field as some of his baseball heroes this week for Team Grey.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing here,” the Ontario Blue Jays outfielder said after helping his team to a 7-1 win Thursday. “On showcase day, it was very cool. Just looking up and seeing everything, just being on the field and seeing how big it is.”
The 17-year-old started off the week with a bang, stepping up to the plate for his first at-bat of the tournament and driving an 87.3 mph triple into the right-field corner before coming around to score on an RBI single by Will Moore (Paris, Ont.).
A self-described “aggressive” player who tries “to grind things out,” Hughes built on his first-inning triple in his second trip to the dish by working a walk, swiping second base and coming around to score once again.
“I’m a little more confident this year,” Hughes said of playing in his second Futures Showcase. “Every year, your baseball family grows, and you know more guys. So it’s great to play with more people you know and have that experience coming back.”
That confidence is something that Ontario Blue Jays president Corey Eckstein pointed to as a difference he sees in Hughes this year.
“He saw a lot of good competition this summer, and that obviously bodes well coming into this environment,” Eckstein said. “He looks a lot more confident, walking around like he’s one of the guys now, and that’s starting to show on the field as well.”
After a busy summer, playing with the Blue Jays and helping Team Ontario to a Canada Cup championship — a moment Hughes identified as the highlight of his baseball career so far — the speedy right-handed hitter is gearing up for a busy fall.
An uncommitted member of the class of 2025, Hughes is hoping to build off the momentum he’s built over the past couple of years by finding a home with a Division 1 school.
“I just have to [stick with] my mindset, continue to play as hard as I can, and hopefully that takes me as far as I can go,” he said. “I’m just going to keep going and keep pushing. Try to carry that into the next month or so and continue it next year.”
Hughes has been a member of the Ontario Blue Jays for the past three years and credits the program for his rise to one of the top young outfielders in Canada.
Eckstein said Hughes “keeps trending in the right direction,” emphasizing how his athleticism and tools separate him on the field.
“He runs well, the arm strength’s there, and just being a little more consistent with the bat, and I think that will take him to the next level.”
As far as improving his own game goes, Hughes is, of course, looking to improve his all-around game, but is zoning in on how he can progress as a hitter.
His triple to the opposite field Thursday against Team Navy was a prime example of the type of hitter Hughes says he wants to be.
“I think that shows what kind of player I am,” he said. “A line drive the other way, hustle it out and get to third. I try to use my speed on the basepaths, it’s something I take a lot of pride in, always trying to take that extra 90 feet.”
In the second half of Team Grey’s double-header on Thursday, Hughes continued to help his team find ways to win. While an 0-for-1 stat line won’t generate any headlines, the walk, hit-by-pitch to collect an RBI and run scored all played a part in a two-win day.
While Hughes hesitated to call himself an underdog, it’s obvious that he takes the field with something to prove.
“He’s one of those kids that puts his head down, comes to the facility and gets his work done,” Eckstein said of his work ethic. “He’s a bit of a gym rat and is just a great kid all around.”
On a field full of stars, Hughes is making his mark by doing all the little things right and providing a quiet presence that’s helping his team to the win column.