In the midst of the Toronto Blue Jays’ current playoff journey, former Major League pitcher Vince Horsman reflects on the team’s playing style, harking back to a more traditional era of baseball. Horsman, a Dartmouth native who pitched for the Blue Jays in 1991, notes that while modern baseball leans heavily on analytics and power, the Jays exhibit a balanced approach, utilizing the entire field in their gameplay.
Speaking to CBC News before Game 2 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Horsman praises the Jays for their versatile strategy. Having dedicated over 40 years to professional baseball, both as a player and coach in various countries, including his current role as a pitching coach in Taiwan, Horsman expresses his admiration for the team and the unwavering support they receive from Canadian fans.
Horsman’s journey into professional baseball began unexpectedly at a national tournament in 1984, catching the eye of a Jays scout despite a twist of fate involving food poisoning. Transitioning through Toronto’s farm system, he swiftly ascended to the Major Leagues in 1991, bypassing Triple-A baseball directly. Reflecting on his time playing for the Jays and later the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins, Horsman recalls the thrill of competing at the highest level.
As the only Nova Scotian to have played for the Jays, Horsman’s baseball career was marked by memorable moments, including playoff appearances and World Series victories. Following his playing career, coaching afforded him the opportunity to traverse the globe, enriching his appreciation for different cultures and histories.
Horsman’s diverse experiences in baseball and his passion for history reveal a multifaceted individual whose journey from a Nova Scotia high school student to a professional athlete and coach has been both fulfilling and enriching.
