Vince Horsman, a former MLB pitcher with experience playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, finds the team’s current playing style reminiscent of a classic era of baseball. In a recent interview with CBC News, Horsman noted that while many teams nowadays heavily rely on analytics and power-hitting strategies, the Blue Jays adopt a more versatile approach, utilizing the entire field in their gameplay.
Horsman, who spent over four decades in professional baseball as both a player and coach, currently serves as a pitching coach for the 7-Eleven Unilions in Taiwan. With extensive coaching experience, including a 14-year tenure with the Blue Jays’ farm teams, Horsman expressed his admiration for the current coaching staff and the strong support the team receives from Canadian fans.
Reflecting on his journey to the majors, Horsman shared a remarkable anecdote from his early days when he caught the eye of a Jays scout during a national tournament in Moncton, N.B. Despite initial setbacks, including the scout missing a game due to illness, Horsman’s exceptional pitching skills eventually led to a contract offer from the team.
Transitioning from the minors to the majors, Horsman skipped AAA ball and made a direct leap to the Blue Jays in 1991. Recalling the surreal experience of facing renowned players, he emphasized the universal nature of baseball, where skill and composure are key regardless of the stage.
As the only Nova Scotian to have played for the Blue Jays, Horsman cherishes his time with the team during the intense playoff atmosphere of the early ’90s. Following his major league career, which also included stints with the Oakland Athletics and the Minnesota Twins, Horsman found his calling in coaching, a role that has taken him across the globe.
Beyond baseball, Horsman shared his passion for history and teaching, noting that if not for his baseball career, he would have pursued a path in education. Immersed in various cultures due to his coaching assignments, Horsman values the enriching experiences that come with being part of diverse communities worldwide.
