When there is a list like this....

you don't ask. You just post The 100 Most Influential Canadians in Baseball in 2008 from the Toronto Sun. Along with an appropriate picture and pullouts of various names.



Don't have to go too far to fins an Appleton Baseball Hall of Famer

3. Pat Gillick, senior adviser, Philadelphia Phillies.

As GM, he guided the Phillies to the 2008 World Series — his third. He became a Canadian citizen in November of 2005 after living in Toronto since 1976 and has always supported Canadian baseball. He led the Jays, Orioles, Mariners and the Phillies to post-season play 11 times in his final 20 seasons. He added Jamie Moyer, Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero, Joe Blanton, Matt Stairs, Jayson Werth, Greg Dobbs, Scott Eyre, J.C. Romero and Chad Durbin, who were all small pieces to complete the puzzle.

Then, there's a familiar faces at #7:

7. Doug Melvin, GM, Milwaukee Brewers.

For a guy who used to throw indoors alongside future Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, and never pitched in the majors he has done okay. The Chatham, Ont. native has seen his Brewers go from 56 wins in 2002 to 68, 67, 81, 75, 83 and 90 and a NL wild-card berth. Melvin had his contract extended by three years in October.

#9 is someone we hope to see in Appleton at some point in the next few months.

9. Brett Lawrie, catcher, Milwaukee Brewers.

Ten months before the 2008 draft the Langley, B.C. product struggled with a move from third to behind the plate. How did he adjust? He was selected in the first round — 16th overall — by then Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik, the highest ever for a Canadian high school position player. Youngsters trying to decide between baseball and other sports should take note of Brett and his $1.7 million US signing bonus.

Another person who may be visiting Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium this season is at #27.

27. Gord Ash, assistant GM, Brewers.

He is Melvin’s right-hand man with the Brewers, handling contract talks. The Toronto native has helped make the Brewers Canada’s team when it comes to the June draft: no less than nine Canadians are active in their system. Also part owner of the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team.

A Rattler from '08 is down at #65.

65. Phillippe Aumont, Mariners.

When MLB rated its top 50 Prospects for 2009, the Gatineau, Que. right-hander was 33rd. Aumont was at the Futures Games at Yankee Stadium but did not pitch due to an elbow ailment. The 6-foot-7 stud is a giant to Quebec players.

You're going to have to click the link to find out where Midwest League alums like Justin Mourneau, Jason Bay, and Joey Votto rate on that list.