Posts by Tyson Shushkewich
Shushkewich: Orillia producing its share of sandlot talent headed to school

“Roughly an hour and a half north of Toronto, Orillia is home to many things, including the Ontario Provincial Police headquarters, former Ontario Premier Leslie Frost, and singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who passed in 2023.

The city is central to a few surrounding communities, such as Oro-Medonte, Severn, Rama, and Washago. Teens come into the city to go to school, participate in sports, or other activities that the smaller communities don’t host.

Known as the “Sunshine City,” Orillia, with its population of a little over 33,000, lives up to this name during the summer months when the local ball diamonds are full from the afternoon until the lights get shut off near midnight. “

Read More
Shushkewich: Strong bond between Hartman brothers helps fuel their baseball dreams

“Baseball can bring families together, whether it's weekend baseball tournaments, driving to different events across the country or playing catch in the yard on a Sunday afternoon.

That’s the exact case for Max and Eric Hartman.

The two brothers from St. Albert, Alta., who both played for the Okotoks Dawgs, are now embarking on their own baseball journeys.”

Read More
Shushkewich: Duncan collects JNT MVP Award, now aiming for 95.6 mph

“Left-hander Sean Duncan is no stranger to the bright lights.

The 16-year-old from Port Coquitlam, B.C. has been playing all over the country this past year and even took his talents down to the Dominican Republic with the Junior National Team in October.

However, on Saturday at the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, Duncan was under the bright lights once again but on a different stage. The Langley Blaze product received the prestigious Russell Martin Award (Junior National Team MVP) at the Baseball Canada Awards Banquet and Fundraiser, with the former Jays catcher in attendance to hand out the hardware.”

Read More
Shushkewich: Black heads to Brewers' spring training looking to win a job

After making his major league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers last year, Butler Prospects and Toronto Mets alum Tyler Black (Stouffville, Ont.) was honoured at the Baseball Canada Awards Banquet with a Special Recognition Award. Canadian Baseball Network writer Tyson Shushkewich spoke to Black prior to the banquet on Saturday.

Read More
Shushkewich: From Met to Mountaineer, Russell prepares for next step in baseball career

“One of the top-ranked high school Canadian arms has found a home for next year.

Right-hander Keegan Russell (Whitby, Ont.), one of the last remaining uncommitted players graduating next spring on the Canadian Baseball Network’s 2025 draft list, will be taking his talents to West Virginia University under head coach Steve Sabins.

A product of the Toronto Mets program, Russell had his fair share of offers and interest from programs across the United States but decided to commit to the Mountaineers last week. “

Read More
SandlotsTyson Shushkewich
Shushkewich: Sabrowski reflects on rookie MLB season, prepares for 2025

“Stepping onto the mound at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, left-hander Erik Sabrowski doesn’t remember much from the moment that made him a Major League Baseball player with the Cleveland Guardians.

“Nothing can prepare you for the rush of jogging to the mound from a big league bullpen,” said Sabrowski, speaking to the Canadian Baseball Network. “I don’t remember much from what Vogt or Bo (Naylor) said to me in the moment but after I went through my warm-up pitches, I looked towards second base and saw Bobby Witt Jr. and stared down (Yuli) Gurriel in the batter’s box and just started to get to work.”

It’s a moment many baseball players dream of but only few get to experience. For Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.), it was a moment that was years in the making. “

Read More