Vince Horsman, a former left-handed pitcher with a background in the major leagues, sees a resemblance between the current playing style of the Toronto Blue Jays during their playoff journey and an older era of baseball.
Horsman, hailing from Dartmouth, N.S., shared his observation that while modern teams heavily rely on analytics and power-focused strategies, the Blue Jays incorporate a more diverse approach by utilizing the entire field.
Speaking to CBC News before Game 2 of the World Series between the Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Horsman expressed his admiration for the team’s balanced play style.
With over forty years of experience in professional baseball, Horsman transitioned from player to coach, working in various countries such as the United States, Mexico, Italy, and Taiwan, where he currently serves as a pitching coach with the 7-Eleven Unilions in Tainan City.
Having spent a significant portion of his career as a pitching coach in the Jays’ farm system, Horsman expressed his joy for the team’s success and the support they receive from fans in Canada.
Reflecting on his discovery by the Jays, Horsman recalled catching the eye of a scout during a national tournament in 1984, which eventually led to his professional baseball career kick-off.
Moving through Toronto’s farm system, Horsman’s journey culminated in his debut with the Blue Jays in 1991, bypassing the AAA level and directly transitioning from AA baseball to the majors.
As the only Nova Scotian to have played for the Blue Jays and one of the few from the province to make it to the majors, Horsman reminisced about his time playing in front of large crowds in Toronto during the team’s playoff season in 1991.
Following his MLB career with stints in the Oakland Athletics and the Minnesota Twins, Horsman transitioned into coaching, a path that has allowed him to explore his passion for history and immerse himself in various cultures around the world.
Expressing gratitude for his experiences in baseball and coaching, Horsman acknowledged the diverse opportunities his career has offered compared to his initial aspiration of becoming a history teacher.
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