MLB Canadian records are not discussed nearly as much as MLB all-time records. But a recent event saw the all-time saves list by a Canadian change its order. Jordan Romano made that change in history on Sunday night. He moved to fourth all-time in saves by a Canadian. He surpassed Ryan Dempster with 88 saves in his career. It will take a long time for the Markham, ON native to reach Eric Gagne’s Canadian leading 187 saves, but every milestone should be celebrated. Romano isn’t the only one to find his footing in baseball. In fact, Canada has produced some impressive MLB players throughout baseball history. Even after all this talk about Canadian pitching records, these Canadian batting records will surprise just about anyone.
Jordan Romano’s 88 career saves are now the fourth most by a Canadian-born player in MLB history. 🍁 pic.twitter.com/Nqp3GuE8W7
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 24, 2023
MLB Canadian Records Breakdown
All-Time Home Runs by a Canadian
There have been 257 Canadians to play in MLB, and none more powerful and impactful as Joey Votto. The Cincinnati Reds icon has crushed 350 home runs in his career to date. The longevity of his career has helped the Toronto native reach this milestone, but his consistency and strong presence at the plate has contributed too. Larry Walker held the Canadian home run title for many years with 338. Votto and Walker are the only Canadian-born players ever to hit over 300 home runs in their careers. Maybe one day, a popular bat by the name of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. can become the third on the list. Jason Bay comes behind in third with 222.
Most Batting Titles by a Canadian
As only the second Canadian to ever be elected to the Hall of Fame, Larry Walker’s name comes up a lot in MLB Canadian records. It is no surprise his three batting titles are a record by a Canadian. Walker won the batting title three separate times in 1998, 1999, and 2001 with the Colorado Rockies. The right-fielder broke that record in a matter of four seasons.
However, there was one Canadian who held the record for over 110 years. His name was Tip O’Neill, better known as Canada’s Babe Ruth. He hit for the batting title in 1887 and 1888. He also won the triple crown in 1887. In a connecting piece of history, Larry Walker won the Tip O’Neill Award nine times in his career. The award is presented to the Canadian who is “judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to the highest ideals of the game of baseball.”
Justin Morneau is third on the list with one batting title in 2014. Like Walker, Morneau also won the title with the Rockies.
Most Hits by a Canadian
You guessed it, the MLB Canadian record for most hits goes to Larry Walker. The Maple Ridge, BC native has 2,160 hits over his 17-year career, that is a staggering number to say the least. However, Votto is closing in on his fellow countryman. His 2,110 hits put him in second narrowly behind the Hall of Fame in Walker. Interestingly enough, Votto is also playing in his 17th year, with still a few months of the 2023 season to go. This puts Walker and Votto at almost the identical pace in hits across their career. Plus, it’s an active record that Canadian baseball fans will want to keep track of moving forward.
MLB Canadian Records
There’s no denying that MLB has seen many Canadians who have excelled in baseball. It is interesting to stack them up against each other on all-time lists and see who comes out among the best. As shown on Sunday, these records are constantly changing. With the many talented Canadians being drafted and getting the call to the major leagues, there is no doubt these records will continue to be threatened in the future.
Photo Credit: © Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Jordan Romano, Ryan Dempster, Eric Gagne, Joey Votto, Larry Walker, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Jason Bay, Tip O’Neill, Babe Ruth, Justin Morneau
