Justin Morneau, Ryan Dempster and Russell Martin
byEven though it’s summer there’s still a huge hockey buzz in this town with the signing of Demitra and today’s release of the schedule (among other things). However, there are a handful of other local (and Canadian) athletes leaving their mark worldwide and as a part of Major League Baseball.
This commercial got us really excited about the all-star game
that and it features the music of Silversun Pickups
Tuesday’s All-star game saw Canadians “[Ryan Dempster] on the mound, Russell Martin behind the plate and Justin Morneau in the batter’s box.” [CanadianPress]
Justin Morneau
Hometown: New Westminster, BC
Team: Minnesota Twins
Recent News: Winner of the home run derby at this year’s MLB All-star Game at Yankee Stadium [CBC]
“One day after winning the home run derby, the B.C. lad capped a memorable Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium by scoring the winning run in the American League’s 4-3 all-star game victory.” [CalgaryHerald]
Ryan Dempster
Hometown: Gibsons, BC
Team: Chicago Cubs
Recent News: “Dempster’s Cubs recently acquired Rich Harden from Oakland, giving them two Canucks in their starting rotation. Harden hails from Victoria, on Vancouver Island, Dempster from Gibsons, on the mainland. “We share ferry stories,” Dempster said. “I took a ferry from Gibsons growing up, so we talk about the chili dogs and arcade games.” [NationalPost]
“[Earlier this month] Dempster pitched his first complete game since 2002 when he struck out 11 Atlanta Braves and stretched his record to 8-2 on the season with a sparkling 2.81 ERA, all eight wins coming in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.” [Canada.com]
Russell Martin
Hometown: Chelsea, PQ
Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Recent News: “Martin might not have started Tuesday’s game at Yankee Stadium, but he certainly got plenty of playing time in relief of starter Geovany Soto, catching 10 innings of the 15-inning epic game won by the American League, 4-3.” [MLBNews]
We’re hoping to catch Justin Morneau in action this summer while we’re in Kansas City and his team is taking on the Royals. I mean afterall, he and I should have the Pattullo Bridge in common.
Even though hockey runs through the blood of most Metro Vancouverites, this is still a rich region when it comes to baseball – just look at our history and our future.
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The longer I live apart from the homeland, the “closer” I feel to baseball, and the more distant I feel from (ice) hockey; field hockey is huge here on the continent. In any case, this sense has definitely come around from a selection effect, as folks (in the northern countries) here in South America are familiar with the pastime, and my travel stops find me in airline hubs and major metropolitan areas with MLB teams. That said, I’m lucky that I was able to see Morneau play when I lived in Minneapolis.
The photo with the Morneau, Dempster, and Martin at Yankee Stadium is a nice touch.
We happened upon a game of the BC Premier Baseball League at Queen’s Park in New West the other day (after the show and shine car show) and enjoyed watching some pretty decent baseball – played with wooden bats – on a field where the talented former hockey goalie turned first baseman likely honed his craft.
Alas no beer garden but the BCPBL is still youth ball i suppose 😉
Can you provide more information on this for the rest of us far-away Cubs fans?