(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays may be in New York trying to qualify for the playoffs, but there is still some big baseball being played at Rogers Center.
The best high school players in the country compete in the Canadian Prospects Tournament, a six-team competition.
TJ Burton, director of the Blue Jays’ amateur side, explains that the team wants to grow the sport in Canada, regardless of where these players end up within the 30 major baseball clubs.
“Our goal is to get as many of these kids as possible to the next level,” he said Wednesday. We wish them to achieve their dream and we hope 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 team 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 one day we will see a Canadian roster at the World Classic made up entirely of ex-players from this tournament. That’s what we’re 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 most cool “that I’ve never 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 twenty MLB teams.
“Several players who participated in this tournament played university or reached 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.