Posts in Canadians in the Minors
Shushkewich: Tong gets feet wet, so do his Mets FCL teammates

Right-hander Jonah Tong made his pro debut this past Friday, making the start for the Florida Complex League Mets in Rookie ball facing the FCL Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.

The game did not start on time as there was lightning in the area, with the game eventually called in the third inning due to the weather. It will be completed at a later date.

A product of the Toronto Mets program, Tong (Markham, Ont.) faced four batters through 2/3 of an inning, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out two batters generating six swings and misses on the day.

Read More
One of Alberta’s best bats is also one of its least known

“The name T.J. Bennett (Lethbridge, Alta.) is one likely unfamiliar to Canadian baseball fans.

While the 30-year-old was born in Lethbridge, his hometown is usually listed as Mesa, Arizona -- a side-effect of having a well-travelled father.

Jim Bennett, T.J.’s father, played minor league baseball for 13 seasons in the Seattle Mariners system, before being offered a job as a pitching coach with the Lethbridge Mounties who played in the Pioneer League.

“Baseball has always been in my blood,” recalled Bennett.

During this time, T.J. Bennett was born, hence the listing of his birthplace. It wasn’t long before the family travelled to Mesa, causing the confusion between his birthplace and hometown.”

Read More
Shushkewich: Seven Canucks competing in prestigious Cape Cod League

As the College World Series is all wrapped up and the MLB Draft is just a couple of weeks away, attention now turns to the Cape Cod League, the prestigious collegiate summer baseball circuit hosting some of the country's top players. This year, there are seven Canadians either taking part or at least suited up for one of the 10 teams so far this season, which started back on June 10.

Read More
McFarland: Sabrowski returns early to Guardians’ ranks from second Tommy John surgery

“It might still be early, but Erik Sabrowski is exceeding expectations in restarting his professional baseball journey.

Following his second Tommy John surgery since 2018, the Edmonton-area product was hoping to make his debut in the Cleveland Guardians system sometime in late-June or early-July.

Much to the delight of his teammates, friends, family and those who have known Sabrowski, there he was on May 23, recording a strikeout in extended spring training action.

A week later, he had officially graduated from rehabilitation and was assigned to the double-A Akron RubberDucks.”

Read More