As Vince Horsman watches the Toronto Blue Jays in their current playoff journey, he sees a throwback to a classic style of baseball. Horsman, a southpaw pitcher hailing from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, played 141 games in the major leagues over five seasons, including a stint with the Blue Jays in 1991.
According to Horsman, while many teams now heavily rely on analytics and power hitting, the Blue Jays stand out with their balanced approach, utilizing the entire field along with their power hitters. He describes their strategy as reminiscent of a bygone era in baseball.
Prior to Game 2 of the World Series matchup between the Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Horsman shared his insights with CBC News, highlighting the unique style of play exhibited by the Blue Jays. The Dodgers leveled the series by winning Game 2 with a score of 5-1.
With over 40 years of experience in professional baseball, both as a player and a coach, Horsman has a deep understanding of the game. Currently serving as a pitching coach for the 7-Eleven Unilions in Tainan City, Taiwan, Horsman previously spent 14 years as a pitching coach for the Blue Jays’ farm teams, allowing him to form connections with many current coaches of the team.
Expressing his joy and support for the Blue Jays and their fans in Canada, Horsman hopes for their success in the ongoing playoffs.
Discovery Journey
Horsman’s journey into professional baseball began unexpectedly at a national tournament in Moncton, New Brunswick, in 1984. His exceptional performance caught the eye of a Jays scout, leading to further interest in his talent.
Despite a setback when the scout missed a crucial game due to illness, Horsman’s standout performance eventually earned him a contract offer from the team.
As a Canadian player during that era, Horsman did not go through the traditional draft process but was classified as an international free agent. Despite his baseball success, he completed his high school education before fully pursuing his career.
Early Career
Starting his professional journey in Toronto’s farm system in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Horsman made notable stops in various cities before quickly ascending to the major leagues with the Blue Jays in 1991, bypassing the AAA level.
Reflecting on the transition to the big leagues, Horsman found it surreal to face players he once only encountered in video games. However, he emphasized that the fundamentals of the game remained the same, regardless of the level of play.
Being the only Nova Scotian to play for the Blue Jays and one of the few from the province to reach the majors, Horsman cherishes his unique baseball journey.
Memorable Moments
Playing in front of large crowds in Toronto during the 1991 playoffs was a memorable experience for Horsman, considering