These Blue Jays Are Clearly Unique

TORONTO (Oct. 24) — I don’t know if the Blue Jays are sound enough to overcome the defending–champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, which begins tonight here in town. Part of me says the Dodgers are too deep… Read More

The Blue Jays Will Romp Tonight, 7–2

TORONTO (Oct. 20) — In sports, as in life, an opportunity lost can bite you hard. That’s what the Seattle Mariners are facing tonight in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series at Rogers Centre. With all of Blue… Read More

For Schneider, It’s Russian Roulette

TORONTO (Oct. 18) — A Guinness world record was established early Saturday by baseball folks here in Canada: Most geniuses born in one night. Blue Jays manager John Schneider got devoured and expectorated by the local and national media for… Read More

Absurd Managing By Schneider

TORONTO (Oct. 5) — For their manager’s sake, the Blue Jays had best wrap up this American League Division Series in the minimum three games. Which was all but a certainty until a screw popped loose in John Schneider’s brain.… Read More

Is Benevolent Edward Going Batty?

TORONTO (Oct. 2) — Here’s hoping that Baroness Rogers is keeping close watch on husband, Ed the Conqueror. A couple of notifications from One Mount Pleasant Road suggested that Edward may have contracted an illness. First, it was announced that… Read More

Recalling Encounters With Fame

TORONTO (Sep. 27) — Given that I traveled extensively during my radio career (1988–2011), mostly while covering the Maple Leafs, home and away, for 17 seasons, I encountered many famous sports people. Often by chance. Frequently while flying from city… Read More

Johnston Shows Strong Leadership

TORONTO (Sep. 22) — From such an old Canadian Football League fogie as myself, I’m impressed by the fundamental alterations announced today. CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston showed iron balls in venturing where none of his recent predecessors would. Everything in… Read More

Leafs Still Missing Two Key Elements

TORONTO (Sep. 18) — Training camp in the National Hockey League is a time of whimsical hope. Invariably, players speak the same language — almost to a word — when encountering the media on Day 1 of the annual slog.… Read More

Bowen, Ralph Stranded Again

TORONTO (Sep. 15) — This should come as no surprise to any person that follows the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unless there’s a change of heart in the next month, veteran radio broadcasters Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph will be relegated… Read More

It’s Hands Off Matthews — Again

TORONTO (Sep. 11) — If you fear the local media has lost its love for the Maple Leafs, try and relax. It’s been proven, time and again during the Core–4 (now 3) era, that no amount of playoff misadventure can… Read More

Dryden’s Leaf Term Was Tumultuous

TORONTO (Sep. 6) — For sure, the news hit hard. A man of my vintage occasionally rises in the middle of the night with a bloated bladder. As did I after 2 a.m. today. Once back in bed, I perused… Read More

Aren’t You Deathly Sick of Rogers?

TORONTO (Sep. 2) — I am convinced that if wandering through the rainforests of the Congo, in deepest Africa, I’d come across a venue named after Rogers Communications. Here in Toronto, you cannot turn a street corner without being smacked… Read More

Now, Back To That “Other” Question

TORONTO (Aug. 28) — The most oft–repeated, perhaps only, concern amid zealots of the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer has been “how will the club replace Mitch Marner’s 100 points?” The answer isn’t difficult. Six other guys will get 17… Read More

When Words Sound Meaningless

TORONTO (Aug. 22) — The run–up to training camp for the Maple Leafs began on Wednesday in entirely predictable fashion. Though Auston Matthews was courteous enough to donate some hours to a Brampton, Ont. charity — and made himself available… Read More

More Insanity With The Argos

TORONTO (Aug. 16) — Pause for a moment and imagine the ownership of the Toronto Maple Leafs authorizing the club to play three important “home” games next season in Florida, Tampa Bay and Carolina. Or, Rogers Communications — were the… Read More

Sportsnet Takes a Strong Stance

TORONTO (Aug. 13) — At first, I thought it pertained to a particular story and author. Then, I looked more closely and realized a decision had been made across the board. A strong, progressive decision by someone with clear authority… Read More

All Credit To Shapiro and Atkins

TORONTO (July 24) — Throughout this remarkable and unforeseen surge by the Toronto Blue Jays, there’s been universal media reticence to applaud ownership and management. Over the course of two months, the club has evolved, before our eyes, from also–ran… Read More

Predictably, the Leafs Are a Mess

TORONTO (July 1) — Don’t be angry with Brad Treliving. Even if his “big” Canada Day signing was a player that erupted for zero points in 25 games with Montreal last season. There really wasn’t a lot more the general… Read More