Famous Canadian Baseball Players

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a Canadian-Dominican professional baseball first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays of MLB. He made his major league debut in April 2019. Guerrero Jr. bats and throws right-handed. He was signed by the Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2015. In 2018, he was named Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America and USA Today. In 2021, Guerrero Jr. led the major leagues in home runs, runs scored, and total bases. He was voted to the AL All-Star roster and was named MVP.

Joseph Daniel Votto is a Canadian professional baseball first baseman currently with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He began his Major League Baseball career in 2007 with the Cincinnati Reds. Votto has achieved significant milestones, including being the first Canadian MLB player after Larry Walker to reach 2,000 hits, 300 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs. He is a six-time MLB All-Star, a seven-time Tip O'Neill Award winner, and a two-time Lou Marsh Trophy recipient. Votto's exceptional plate discipline and on-base skills have earned him numerous accolades, including the NL Most Valuable Player Award in 2010.

Larry Walker is a Canadian former professional baseball right fielder who played in Major League Baseball for 17 years with the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals. He was known for his exceptional hitting ability, speed, defense, and throwing strength. Walker won numerous awards during his career, including the NL MVP Award in 1997. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020 and has since been involved in coaching, serving as a guest instructor for the Cardinals and coaching the Canadian national team.

Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher and coach who played in MLB from 1965 to 1983 for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox. He achieved significant success during his career, including winning a Cy Young Award in 1971. Jenkins was known for his impressive pitching statistics, such as being a 20-game winner for seven seasons and leading the NL in wins, complete games, and strikeouts. He also played basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.

Justin Morneau is a Canadian former professional baseball first baseman who played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox. He was a versatile player, transitioning from catcher to first base early in his career. Morneau achieved significant success, earning multiple All-Star selections, winning the AL MVP award in 2006, and securing two Silver Slugger Awards. He also excelled internationally, representing Canada in several World Baseball Classic tournaments. Following retirement, Morneau was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame and now works as a Special Assistant and color commentator for the team.

Éric Serge Gagné is a retired Canadian professional baseball pitcher known for his time in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he excelled as a relief pitcher, winning the Cy Young Award in 2003. Gagné set a record with 84 consecutive save opportunities during his peak years from 2002 to 2004. Despite injuries affecting his later career, he also had stints with the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers. His legacy was tarnished when he was linked to baseball's steroids scandal in 2007.

Oscar Taveras was a talented Dominican-Canadian outfielder who played for the St. Louis Cardinals in MLB. Known as "El Fenómeno," he signed with the Cardinals at 16 and debuted in 2014. Taveras excelled in the minors, showcasing a .321 batting average and .519 slugging percentage over six seasons. With exceptional skills, he was a top prospect in 2013 and 2014, drawing comparisons to Vladimir Guerrero. Taveras won batting titles and accolades in the minors before tragically passing away in a car accident in 2014.

James Paxton, known as "Big Maple," is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in MLB. He has played for various teams including the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Paxton played college baseball for the Kentucky Wildcats before being drafted by the Mariners in 2010. He made his MLB debut in 2013. Notably, Paxton pitched a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018, making history as the first Canadian to achieve this feat in Canada.

Mike Soroka is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox in MLB. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2015 and made his MLB debut after several seasons in the minors. Soroka earned an MLB All-Star selection in 2019 and was a runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year award. Despite injuries in subsequent years, he returned to the majors in 2023. Known for his talent and resilience, Soroka continues to make an impact in professional baseball.

Mark Shapiro is an American professional baseball executive known for his extensive experience in Major League Baseball. He began his career with the Cleveland Indians in 1991, working in player development before rising to the position of team president. In 2015, he joined the Toronto Blue Jays as their president and CEO. Throughout his career, Shapiro has demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to driving successful outcomes for the organizations he has been a part of.

Abraham Toro is a Canadian professional baseball third baseman who currently plays for the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his MLB career with the Houston Astros after being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. Toro has also played for the Seattle Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers during his professional career. He made his MLB debut in 2019 and has since showcased his talent and versatility on the field, making a significant impact with each team he has played for.

Jason Bay is a Canadian-American former professional baseball left fielder who played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was initially drafted by the Montreal Expos and went on to play for several teams including the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners. Bay was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2004 and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2009. He is a three-time MLB All-Star and a three-time Tip O'Neill Award winner as the best Canadian baseball player.

Jordan Romano is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball. He made his MLB debut in 2019 and has since established himself as a key reliever for the team. Romano has demonstrated impressive pitching skills, including a powerful fastball and effective breaking pitches. He has shown versatility in various pitching roles and has contributed significantly to the Blue Jays' success on the field. Romano continues to hone his craft and evolve as a reliable asset for the team.

Masai Ujiri is a professional basketball executive and former player who currently serves as the president of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. He began his career as a scout for the Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets before joining the Raptors in a front-office role. Ujiri later became the general manager and executive vice president of basketball operations for the Denver Nuggets, earning the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2013. He returned to the Raptors as the general manager before transitioning to the role of president of basketball operations, leading the team to its first NBA championship in 2019.

Tyler O'Neill is a Canadian professional baseball outfielder who currently plays for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. He previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals after being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2013 MLB draft. O'Neill has represented Canada in international competitions and won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games. Throughout his career, he has received accolades such as the Southern League Most Valuable Player in 2016 and a Gold Glove Award in 2020.

Matt Stairs is a Canadian former professional baseball outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter known for his impressive career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He holds the record for most pinch-hit home runs in MLB history with 23. Stairs played for a total of 12 teams during his career, showcasing his versatility and value as a player. He is recognized for his power hitting abilities, ranking among the top Canadian major leaguers in various categories. Stairs' skill as a pinch hitter earned him the nickname "Matt Stairs – Professional Hitter."

Alex Anthopoulos is a Canadian professional baseball executive known for his work with various MLB teams. He started as a scouting coordinator for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2003, eventually becoming their general manager and senior VP of baseball operations. Anthopoulos was named Sporting News Executive of the Year in 2015 for leading the Blue Jays to the playoffs. After declining a contract extension, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers as vice president of baseball operations before taking on his current role with the Atlanta Braves.

John Axford, also known as "Ax Man," is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for various teams including the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his MLB debut in 2009 and had a successful career, leading the National League in saves in 2011 and earning the Rolaids Relief Man Award that year. Axford was known for his pitching prowess and contributions to multiple MLB teams throughout his career.

Brett Lawrie had a successful career as a professional baseball player, primarily as a third baseman, in Major League Baseball. He played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago White Sox. Known for his strong defensive skills and aggressive playing style, Lawrie made a significant impact on the field. His contributions to the teams he played for were recognized by fans and fellow players alike, cementing his reputation as a talented and dedicated athlete.

Dorothy B. "Dottie" Ferguson Key was a Canadian infielder and outfielder in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 to 1954. She played primarily as a right-handed batter and thrower. Known for her versatility on the field, she excelled both defensively and offensively. Standing at 5' 6" and weighing 125 lb, Ferguson was a skilled player who contributed significantly to her teams during her professional baseball career. Her dedication and talent made her a respected figure in the league.

Paul John Quantrill is a Canadian former professional baseball right-handed relief pitcher with a successful 14-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played primarily for the Toronto Blue Jays, showcasing his durability by appearing in 80 or more games five times. Known for his consistency, Quantrill led his league in pitching appearances for four consecutive seasons and maintained excellent control by not walking more than 25 batters in a season from 1996 onwards. His reliable performance made him a valuable asset to his teams.

Ryan Dempster is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for several teams, including the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox. He was known for his versatility as both a starter and a reliever throughout his career. Dempster was a right-handed pitcher who made significant contributions to the teams he played for, earning a reputation as a reliable and skilled player in the MLB.

Cal Paul Quantrill is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Colorado Rockies in MLB. He began his career after being drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres. Quantrill made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Padres and later played for the Cleveland Guardians. Known for his pitching prowess, Quantrill continues to make a significant impact in the league with his skills and dedication to the sport.

Nick Pivetta is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Boston Red Sox in MLB. He was initially selected by the Washington Nationals and later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he made his MLB debut in 2017. Pivetta has shown his talent and skills on the field throughout his career, being known for his right-handed throwing and batting. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 220 pounds, he continues to make significant contributions to his teams with his pitching abilities.

Bo Naylor is a professional baseball catcher for the Cleveland Guardians of MLB. He made his debut in 2022 and has shown promise as a key player for the team. Naylor's skills behind the plate and at-bat have impressed fans and critics alike. His dedication to the sport and work ethic have contributed to his success in the league. Naylor's passion for baseball and commitment to improving make him a valuable asset to the Cleveland Guardians.

Terry Donahue was a Canadian utility player in women's baseball who played as a catcher for the Peoria Redwings of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1946 to 1949. Known for her versatility on the field, she was a right-handed batter and thrower. Standing at 5' 2" and weighing 125 lb., Donahue made significant contributions to her team during her professional career. Her skills and dedication to the sport made her a respected figure in women's baseball during her playing years.

Josh Naylor is a Canadian professional baseball player who currently plays as a first baseman and outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was initially selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft and later made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2019. Naylor transitioned to playing for the Cleveland Guardians during the 2020 season after being traded from the Padres. Throughout his career, Naylor has showcased versatility and skill in both positions on the field.

Marge Callaghan was an infielder in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1944 to 1951. Despite being a light hitter, she excelled at getting on base through walks, bunt singles, and being hit by pitches. She stole 283 bases and maintained a solid on-base percentage of .319. Known for her versatility, she played both second base and third base with a combined fielding percentage of .921. Callaghan's professional career was marked by her ability to contribute to her teams' success through her unique skills on the field.

Victoria Panos, also known as Vicky Pano, was a Canadian baseball player who had a successful professional career as an outfielder in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Standing at 5' 3" and weighing 120 lbs, she was known for her left-handed batting and throwing. Panos played for two different teams during her time in the league, showcasing her skills and contributing to the success of her teams. Her dedication and talent on the field left a lasting impact on the history of women's baseball.