A pursuit of a World Series title is evoking nostalgic memories in Medicine Hat. The city was once home to the Blue Jays’ farm team and welcomed visits from the world championship teams in the early 1990s. These games are legendary in the local community, transporting residents back to the era when Medicine Hat housed a minor league farm club and hosted renowned players like Paul Molitor and Roberto Alomar in 1994.
One such individual reminiscing about those times is Greg Morrison, who, as a high school student and aspiring baseball player, had the opportunity to play against the Blue Jays’ elite team in his hometown. Morrison reflects on how the Blue Jays’ success resonated with him, shifting his allegiance from the Boston Red Sox to the Blue Jays, who became his second chance in the baseball world.
After being initially drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Morrison eventually signed with the Blue Jays. He excelled with the local “Baby Jays” team in the Pioneer League, setting a home run record that remains unbroken. Following an esteemed 11-year independent league career, Morrison returned to Medicine Hat, now owning the Medicine Hat Mavericks of the Western Canadian Baseball League, which was established after the Blue Jays’ departure in 2003.
Morrison views the Mavericks as a continuation of Medicine Hat’s rich baseball legacy, emphasizing the significance of youth programs in maintaining the city’s elite baseball tradition. He praises Medicine Hat as a vibrant baseball hub with exceptional weather and top-notch facilities, highlighting the enduring baseball heritage in the community.
The baseball history in Medicine Hat dates back to the 1920s, featuring barnstorming visits and amateur championships. The city welcomed minor league teams in 1977, initially affiliated with the Oakland A’s before transitioning to a partnership with Toronto in 1978. The memorable 1994 exhibition game held at Medicine Hat’s Athletic Park drew a crowd of 9,000 fans, creating a festive atmosphere.
The Blue Jays’ promotional tour aimed to engage with fans nationwide, showcasing their back-to-back championship victories and their developmental program, which included Morrison. This tour also included stops in Regina, where unique baseball settings added to the excitement for attendees. The impact of such events on fans like Joe McFarland, who attended the 1994 game with his family, underscores the lasting influence of baseball experiences in shaping lifelong passions.
Medicine Hat’s baseball legacy extends beyond the Hat Blue Jays, encompassing other minor league teams in Alberta such as the Lethbridge and Calgary Pioneer league teams. Notable players like Jimmy Key, Pat Borders, and David Wells once played for these teams, contributing to the rich baseball history in the region. Despite team relocations over the years, the spirit of developing future baseball stars remains strong in the Western Canadian Baseball League, featuring teams from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Morrison and McFarland emphasize the enduring impact of professional baseball in Alberta, highlighting the region’s history of nurturing talent and producing skilled players. Medicine Hat, despite its modest size, continues to make a significant mark in the baseball world, attracting and developing talent that competes at the professional level.
