Canadians in the World Series

Well, we had the Atlanta Braves win the Series over the Houston Astros a few days ago. Around that time, the always informative Kevin Glew mentioned the first Canadian to play in the World Series as we know it now (1903-) was John O'Neill in 1906.

That piqued my interest on how many Canadians played in the World Series. Fortunately, the wonderful people at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame did a lot of the legwork for me. 

So, this list is from the Canadian Hall. Check out their site on the link above.

So as mentioned, John O'Neill was the first, playing for the White Sox in 1906

Next player to play in the Series is Jimmy Archer in 1907 for Detroit and 1910 for the Cubs.

George Gibson played and was on the winning 1909 Pirates

Larry McLean played in the 1913 Series for the Giants

Jack Graney was part of the winning Cleveland team in 1920

George Selkirk played in 6 World Series with the Yankees. He was part of five winning teams

1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, and 1941. He was on the losing end of 1942.

Johnny Rutherford played for the Dodgers in 1952

Ron Taylor is one of two Canadians to play in the World Series for two teams. He's the only one to win a Series with two teams. He was part of St Louis in 1964, and the Mets in 1969

John Hiller played in the Series for Detroit in 1968, helping them win.

Reggie Cleveland played in the World Series for Boston in 1975

Rob Butler was a part of the Series winning Toronto Blue Jays in 1993

Next we have to go to 2004 to find a Canadian in the Series. 

Larry Walker was part of the losing St Louis Cardinals

Jeff Francis played in the Series for the Colorado Rockies in 2007, part of a losing effort.

Eric Gagne pitched in the 2007 World Series, helping Boston win.

Matt Stairs made two consecutive trips to the Series, winning in 2008 and losing in 2009 for Philadelphia

Next we have 2013. John Axford was part of the losing Cardinals team

While Ryan Dempster was part of the winning 2013 Boston Red Sox

Now, this year we had the Braves win. There are three Canadian connections on the team. 

First Alex Anthopolous is Canadian. 

Mike Soroka was injured the entire season, otherwise he'd be on this list.

Freddie Freeman is Canadian tangentally, as his parents are both from Ontario. Apparently, his mother was from Peterborough. 

Finally.. I have Come Back to Blogger

 After spending the last month plus trying to get things coordinated and just generally figured out, I have some progress. Some of my cards are here, but I have to get the rest before I can truly do what I need to do. I did, however, get a Sportlots shipment and a card I purchased in so I want to show them today

First is the card I purchased. An artist who's been doing a lot of work over the past few years is Josee Tellier. She did the artwork for the Expos celebration at the Big O the last time the Jays were able to have ST games there. She also did a Josh Gibson card among other things.

Well, this one caught my eye

Fergie Jenkins 1971 I think she's an incredible artist. Check out her stuff at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MissTellier

Now, the Sportlots order

A Dave Stieb Signature Edition from 2004, Ebbets Field from the Fields of Yore to almost complete that insert set, and a Heritage Series Andy Van Slyke.

Next is a couple Conlon Collection George Gibsons.

Some Russ Ford reprints. I apologize for the weird angles on this one. Using a scanner app on my phone since my computer is not with me. 

Some 1983 OPC. I'm slowly but surely finishing that set. I'm more interested in the OPC sets from the 80s than I am the Topps counterparts. 

Finally, some Doug Frobel cards. It was through Kevin Glew at Cooperstown in Canada that I found out he was Canadian. I picked up as many as I could find and got a nice start I think..

So I don't think I'll be posting every day again quite yet, but it's not going to be a month plus between posts. I appreciate anyone who's stuck around with me throughout this shitshow of a year..

I'm Still Here

 Well, I figured I should give another update here. I'm still in the hospital. I'll be here until a bed in a long term care facility opens up. I'll be there until a place for affordable housing opens up. 

I am getting my baseball cards delivered to me here in the hospital. As of right now, I'm having any mail delivered to the house and the landlord will bring it to the hospital for me.. By having my cards here, I might be able to get stuff out again..

Well, enough about that. One thing I missed writing about earlier this month is the induction of Larry Walker into the Hall of Fame. It's funny to think his campaign started as a hashtag #FergieNeedsAFriend

I got to watch the speech online through Youtube later. Really enjoyed it.. 

Now let's end this with some cards of the 2nd Canadian in the HOF

Some Cards Came in

 Well, I'm back in the hospital. Will likely be for another month or so. I will need to go through rehab again. But that's not what I want to talk about today.

No today I want to talk about a three card package that came in from one of the authors of the George Gibson book I covered a while back, Richard Armstrong. 

We connected originally over 1994 Collector's Choice. He was working on getting the base, Silver Sig, and Gold Sig sets. I had some base and silver to send him and we've been in touch since. 

When he found out I was back in the hospital, he sent out a little "get better soon" package

First is a Larry Walker from that 94 set. This is an extra but definitely counts to the million Expos.

I think this would be a great one to get signed as well. 

Next, a 1934 Frank O'Rourke. Isn't it a nice card? He's listed as a member of the Montreal Royals here.

Finally.. This beauty.. It's in rough shape, but if you were over 100 years old I defy you to be in perfect condition. 

Russell Ford, emery ball pitcher for the Yankees. This is a Sovereign back variation. This is a card I honestly never thought I'd own. Really, any cards from that era I never thought I'd own.. 

Thank you Richard!

An Update

I am home now. I have been since June 21. 

It's been a struggle to get used to being here again. My foot is nothing but pain. I struggle getting up and down the stairs, so I go once or twice in a day and spend the rest of the time in my room. 

I need more supports and help than what I'm being offered but I won't get it because of my age. 

I have trades to pull for the TCDB but I can't get into our computer room to do it. Very frustrating. 

Anyway, I do have some cards to show. 

1994 Score was one of my favourite sets

1992 Pinnacle is another one I really liked. The photography was great for  the time. 

We also have some 1989 Traded

 More Pinnacle and a Stieb Topps Big.. 

I'm not sure how many people have stuck it out with me, but I do hope to post more soon.. 

Blog Bat Around: Alphabetical Favourites

 I'm still in the hospital, but this is something I can take care of from my room. I've read the latest blog bat around and figured I'd take part. For the most part it's limited to guys I saw play. There are a couple that were before my time as a fan, but I'll explain why they're there 

Without further ado... 

A: Roberto Alomar

1992 Donruss McDonalds MVP

Given the recent troubles he's had this is a controversial choice. I'm basing this solely on his playing days. Otherwise, he would not be here. 

B: Craig Biggio

1993 Upper Deck

Biggio was one of those scrappy players who could play multiple positions. He made himself into a Hall of Famer and besides, I love those Astros uniforms

C: Joe Carter

1996 Collector's Choice

This photo was taken after he hit the homerun to end the 1993 Series. In interviews I've watched with him he's down to earth and likes giving back to the community. 

D: Carlos Delgado

1993 Upper Deck

Yes, there will be many Jays on this list. I do not apologize for that. Delgado slugged his way into our hearts and minds. Started as a Catcher, tried in Left Field, and stuck at First Base. 

E: Mark Eichhorn

1987 Donruss

I admit, this one is solely on his delivery. Love the sidearm sweep of his pitches. 

F: Cecil Fielder

1991 Score

He started as a Jay, but really hit his stride as a Tiger. Hated seeing him come up against the Jays, but his homers were something to watch. 

G: Vladimir Guerrero

Donruss

Vlad Sr takes the spot here. He was fun to watch and really looked good in those Expos unis. 

H: Roy Halladay

Upper Deck

Well, another Hall of Famer here in Doc. One of the best pitchers in Jays history. 

I: Jeff Innis

1992 Upper Deck

I have a thing for sidearm pitchers. I didn't get to see Innis pitch often, but I love this picture and really, his name is fun to say..

J: Fergie Jenkins

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

Fergie was before my time as a fan. I did see a documentary put out by the National Film Board of Canada called King of the Hill.. It's on Youtube

The first Canadian born HOFer has to have a spot here.. 

K: Darryl Kile

1992 Pinnacle

Darryl Kile, if I'm not mistaken, had one hell of a curveball. Plus, those Astros unis again!

L: Adam Lind

2007 Topps

Lind is one of those weird choices. Kind of a favourite by default. 

M: Greg Maddux

1990 Score

I may not have been a fan of some of the teams he played for *cough* Atlanta *cough cough* but he was one of the best pitchers of the last 30 years.

N: Chris Nabholz

1991 Score

Nabholz is another favourite by default I think. 

O: John Olerud

1990 Score

1993 was a fun year to be a Jays fan. Making a run at consecutive World Series appearances, John Olerud flirting with .400 

Plus, look at this card from 1990.. Has him listed as an OF/P but playing 1B

P: James Paxton

2018 Big League

Big Maple. Threw a no-hitter against the Jays. First Canadian to throw a no-hitter on Canadian soil. 

Q: Paul Quantrill

1996 Fleer

Another Canadian. Did pretty well for the Jays

R: Nolan Ryan

Archives

Nolan Ryan was always fun to watch. I modeled my pitching windup after his. And of course, those Astros uniforms..

S: Ozzie Smith

1992 Donruss McDonalds MVP

The Wizard was a joy to watch. 

T: Frank Tanana

1991 Ultra

I just like saying his name, or changing it to Tanana Banana...

U: Ugueth Urbina

Bowman

He's here by default. Expo. Not a fan of the off field stuff. 

V: Joey Votto

2005 Opening Day

Another guy who's fun to watch. Would like to see him in a Jays uni before he's done, but I don't think that will happen.

W: Larry Walker

1991 Score

The Second Canadian into the HOF. Great hitter, great fielder.. and just think.. He could have been a goalie had things worked out differently for him...

Y: Rich Yett

1990 Topps

He's here for his name.. Plain and simple.. 

Z: Gregg Zaun

2007 Topps

The baseball Don Cherry for a while. Outlandish suits on Jays pre and post game shows until his behaviour caught up with him..

In Toronto he was fairly popular when he was playing. He had a section of fans called the Zaunbies. 

So what say you? Who are your favourites?