McFarland: From Dawg to Dragon, speedy Griffin excelling in first college season

“Leo Griffin was undoubtedly going to play baseball.

With a family heavily involved in the game, the challenge was actually in deciding where on the field he wanted to play.

Playing the utility role throughout his youth baseball career, the Boucherville, Quebec native moved with his family to Okotoks after his older brother joined the Dawgs Academy program.

Even then, the younger Griffin was torn on his position on the field, until deciding that his most dangerous skill, his speed, needed to be exploited.

His career took off with a move to the outfield and is now enjoying a breakout freshman campaign at Hutchinson Community College.”

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Betts: Kiermaier, Varsho … Brown? Canuck impressing Blue Jays with Gold Glove defence

Ontario Blue Jays alum and Toronto Blue Jays outfield prospect Dasan Brown (Oakville, Ont.) was recently presented with a minor league Gold Glove Award for his defensive prowess. He also been selected to play for the Blue Jays squad in their Spring Breakout Game. Canadian Baseball Network writer Matt Betts caught up with Brown at the Blue Jays’ minor league complex in Dunedin.

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Betts: Manoah returns to bullpen mound after Tommy John surgery

“Nine months after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, Alek Manoah was back on the mound at the Toronto Blue Jays’ Player Development complex on Friday.

It was just 15 fastballs, but for the high energy, emotional Manoah, it was a big step in his attempt to get back to his former self.

“It’s a whirlwind of emotions but it feels amazing right now,” said Manoah.”

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WCBL to hold first Rural Roots Classic on June 8

“The Western Canadian Baseball League is returning to its roots this summer.

With the inaugural Rural Roots Baseball Classic, the WCBL will pay homage to its history and championship spirit.

The highlight of the weekend will be a regular-season game between the Lethbridge Bulls and Sylvan Lake Gulls at Doug Lehman Field in Oyen, Alberta. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.”

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Gallagher: Ontario teen Corson Scobie turning heads with his play

“When Corson Scobie (Renfrew, Ont.) was enrolled in T-Ball by his parents Lindsay and Jeremy, he hated it -- to their surprise.

A few years later, he wanted to get back into baseball again and he's been loving it ever since.

While many kids were watching cartoons, this lad from the Upper Ottawa Valley town of Renfrew grew up more attuned to watching baseball highlights on TSN Sports Centre -- on repeat.

As he gets older and older, he's thinking of professional baseball and the majors. First things first, though, he wants to get playing for a U.S. university or college.”

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