As Vince Horsman watches the Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff journey, he sees a throwback style of baseball that resonates with him from past years.
Horsman, a southpaw pitcher hailing from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, had a stint with the Blue Jays in 1991 among his 141 games played over five major league seasons.
In an era dominated by data analytics and power-focused strategies, Horsman notes the Blue Jays’ unique approach of utilizing the entire field, not just relying on power hitters.
Speaking to CBC News before Game 2 of the World Series between the Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Horsman expressed his admiration for the team’s style of play.
With a career spanning four decades in professional baseball, Horsman transitioned from player to coach, working in various countries such as the United States, Mexico, Italy, and currently in Taiwan with the 7-Eleven Unilions as a pitching coach.
Having served as a pitching coach for the Blue Jays’ farm teams for 14 years, Horsman is familiar with many of the coaches currently involved with the team.
Expressing his joy for the team and its supporters in Canada, Horsman conveyed his hopes for the Blue Jays’ success in the ongoing World Series.
Discovery of Horsman
Horsman’s journey into professional baseball began unexpectedly during a 1984 national tournament for youth players in Moncton, New Brunswick, where his pitching performance caught the attention of a Blue Jays scout.
Despite a mishap that caused the head scout to miss his game due to food poisoning, Horsman’s standout performance led to a contract offer from the Blue Jays.
Unlike the current drafting system, Canadian players like Horsman were considered international free agents at that time.
Prior to embarking on his baseball career, Horsman completed his high school education at Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth.
Minors Career
Horsman navigated through Toronto’s farm system, starting in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and progressing through various stops before making a direct leap from AA baseball to the Blue Jays in 1991, skipping AAA ball.
Reflecting on his surreal experience of facing players he once saw in video games, Horsman emphasized the universal nature of baseball and the importance of composure on the mound.
As the sole Nova Scotian to have played for the Blue Jays and one of the few from the province to reach the majors, Horsman cherished his time with the team and the opportunity to compete in front of large crowds in Toronto.
Blue Jays Experience
Playing for the Blue Jays during their strong 1991 season and subsequent playoff appearance left a lasting impression on Horsman, who later spent three seasons pitching for the Oakland Athletics.
His major league career concluded with the Minnesota Twins in 1995, after which he transitioned to coaching, a role that has taken him across the globe.
Grateful for his journey in baseball,