In 2020, former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman John Olerud, and Montreal Expos voice Jacques Doucet, were inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
However, they were unable to attend the ceremony. Good news, they will be able to do it in 2023!
And they won’t be alone. Former Expos left-handed gunner Denis Boucher, ex-Oakland A’s pitcher Rich Harden and former Blue Jays right fielder Jesse Barfield will also be inducted on June 17 at St. Marys, in Ontario.
Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Chairman Jeremy Diamond is proud of this vintage.
Each of this year’s inductees has had a significant impact on baseball in Canada in their own way. We are proud and excited to celebrate their exceptional career.
For his part, Boucher is very touched by this honor.
It is an incredible honor to be elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. I am very touched and proud to have my name among the best baseball players in the country.
Born in Montreal in 1968, Boucher joined the Jays as a free agent in 1987. After four seasons in the minor leagues, he made his first MLB start on April 12, 1991.
A few months later, he was traded to Cleveland. This is also where he won his first victory in the Majors. Two years later, he moved from the San Diego Padres to the Expos. He will make his first start with the Montreal squad on September 6 in front of more than 40,000 fans.
After his playing career, Boucher joined the national team as a pitching coach in 2003.
To return to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Joe Wiwchar, coach and manager of Manitoba baseball, will also be inducted.
