Posts in Toronto Blue Jays
Glew: Why Mark Bomback started on Opening Day for the Blue Jays in 1982
Glew: Why Mark Bomback started on Opening Day for the Blue Jays in 1982

When you examine a list of the Toronto Blue Jays’ Opening Day starting pitchers, all the names you’d expect to see are on it. There’s Roy Halladay (seven Opening Day starts), Dave Stieb (four), Jimmy Key (three), Pat Hentgen (two) and Jim Clancy (two). Other prominent names on the list include Todd Stottlemyre, Jack Morris, Juan Guzman, David Cone, Roger Clemens, David Wells, Chris Carpenter, Ricky Romero, R.A. Dickey, Marcus Stroman and this year’s starter Jose Berrios, who is getting his second Opening Day nod.

But when I peruse this list, my eyes stop at one name — Mark Bomback.”

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Toronto Blue JaysKevin Glew
Glew: Expos “big part” of new Canadian ball hall inductee Martin’s childhood
Glew: Expos “big part” of new Canadian ball hall inductee Martin’s childhood

“When Russell Martin was growing up in Montreal, his father used to take him to a handful of Expos games at Olympic Stadium each year.

The price for a hot dog at the Big O was a little steep, so his dad, who made a living as a busker playing his saxophone in Montreal subway stations, often packed sandwiches.

“My dad was a great storyteller, and he would make up these stories like, ‘Here comes Russell Martin at the plate. There’s a shot deep to right field.’ He would make up stories about me hitting homers in the games,” recalled Martin. “He kind of helped me create this visual that I could get there someday.”

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Canadians in the Majors, Canadians in MLB, Major Leagues (MLB), Toronto Blue JaysKevin Glew
Shushkewich: Martin savors Canadian ball hall honour
Shushkewich: Martin savors Canadian ball hall honour

“Sitting in a golf cart fielding questions from numerous journalists via a conference call, newly elected Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Russell Martin was in good spirits as he reflected on his career.

He answered questions about all aspects of his playing career, from competing in youth baseball in Montreal to catching Greg Maddux in his early days with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The four-time major league All-Star even discussed his post-career coaching aspirations.

“I have loved my experiences with the coaching at the recent World Baseball Classic and with the Blue Jays, although I haven’t coached too much since my playing days,” reflected Martin from his cart. “I have three little girls at home that need their dad but once they get older, I definitely can see myself getting into coaching more.”

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Baseball Canada, Canadians in the Majors, Canadians in MLB, Major Leagues (MLB), Toronto Blue JaysTyson Shushkewich