(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays may be in New York trying to make the playoffs, but there’s still some big baseball being played at the Rogers Centre.
The best high school players in the country compete in the Canadian Prospects Tournament, a six-team competition.
T. J. Burton, director of the Blue Jays’ amateur side, says the team wants to grow the sport in Canada, regardless of where those players end up within Major League Baseball’s 30 clubs.
“Our goal is to get as many of these kids as possible to the next level,” he said Wednesday. We wish them to realize their dream and we hope that it will be within the Jays organization, if not another team. »
Established in 2013, the tournament has seen several current major players play there, such as Braves pitcher Mike Soroka, originally from Calgary, or brothers Josh and Bo Naylor, from Mississauga, who today play for the Cleveland Guardians. Quebecers Édouard Julien (Twins) and Abraham Toro (in the Brewers organization) also went through this competition.
Burton is convinced that attracting Canadian hopefuls to this competition will help them do better on the international stage. He also points out that 13 players from the Canadian squad at the last World Classic have participated in this tournament in the past.
“It can only increase over time. What we will see – this was our vision 10 years ago – is that most of the Canadians to reach the Majors will have played in this tournament.
“I think we will one day see a Canadian roster at the World Classic made up entirely of ex-players from that tournament. This is what we are aiming for. »
The players participating in the competition are very excited to play in an MLB stadium, in front of national team coaches, major league scouts and American college scouts.
“It’s probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” said pitcher Owen Fernandes of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, who participated in last year’s edition in Ottawa. The guys are all super nice. The coaches are excellent. It’s quite an experience. »
On site, there are no less than 17 recruiters from NCAA Division 1 programs and scouts from around 20 MLB teams.
“Several players who participated in this tournament played university or made it to the Majors,” said Toronto pitcher Wesley Johnson. This is quite an opportunity for me. I hope to get a chance to go to a higher level by being here. »
Quebec shortstop Maxime Boies, from Lévis, understands the opportunity offered to him, but he tries not to let the opportunity overwhelm him.
“It adds some pressure playing in front of all these scouts, but I’m trying to play my best baseball, like I’m supposed to.
“It’s always an honor to represent Quebec in these types of events. We are very grateful to be able to play on this beautiful field and we will do our best to represent the province well. »
The public can attend the event. Single-day tickets or full-tournament passes are available.
“What people are going to see is players hungry and excited to play in front of these scouts in a major league stadium,” Burton said.
