🚨 “BLUE JAYS LEGEND HONORED BY CANADA HALL OF HALL IN A MEMORABLE CAREER MOMENT”
One of the most beloved voices in Toronto Blue Jays history has received the highest honor. Hazel Mae has been officially awarded the prestigious 2025 Jack Graney Award by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s most influential commentators. Overwhelmed with emotion, Mae dedicated the honor to the fans who have shaped her remarkable journey. Across Toronto, the celebration was unanimous.
Hazel Mae, born Hazel Mae Cagulada on April 7, 1970, in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines, moved to Canada as a child and grew up in Toronto. Her path into sports broadcasting began at York University, where she hosted a sports update show on campus radio. This early experience laid the foundation for a career that would span more than two decades, marked by professionalism, versatility, and a deep passion for baseball. Mae’s journey reflects not only personal achievement but also the evolving landscape of sports media in Canada.
In 2001, Mae joined Rogers Sportsnet, anchoring the morning edition of Sportsnet Central and hosting JZone, a weekly magazine show dedicated to the Toronto Blue Jays. Her engaging style and insightful coverage quickly resonated with audiences. She provided sports updates to radio affiliates across Ontario, building a reputation for reliability and enthusiasm. These early roles positioned her as a rising star in Canadian sports journalism, particularly within the baseball community.
Mae’s career took an international turn when she moved to Boston in 2004 to become the lead anchor for NESN’s SportsDesk. There, she hosted The Ultimate Red Sox Show and contributed to coverage of the Boston Red Sox’s historic 2004 World Series victory. Her work extended to The Buzz, focusing on the Boston Bruins. During this period, her popularity soared, earning her a nomination for President of Red Sox Nation. Though the role went to another, it underscored her impact on fans on both sides of the border.
Returning briefly to broader MLB coverage, Mae became one of the first on-air talents hired by MLB Network in 2008. She contributed to Emmy Award-winning shows like MLB Tonight and hosted Quick Pitch. She also served as a sideline reporter for Thursday Night Baseball. These experiences broadened her expertise and connected her with audiences across North America, further enhancing her credentials as a knowledgeable voice in the game.
In 2011, Mae returned to Sportsnet in Toronto, anchoring the 6 p.m. edition of Sportsnet Central. By 2015, she transitioned into her signature role as the in-game field-level reporter for Blue Jays telecasts. In this capacity, she has delivered in-depth player interviews, real-time insights, and behind-the-scenes stories that have become highlights of Sportsnet’s coverage. Fans appreciate her ability to build genuine relationships with players and staff, bringing authenticity and warmth to broadcasts.
The Jack Graney Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to baseball in Canada through their life’s work or outstanding achievements. Named after Jack Graney, a pioneering Canadian player and broadcaster who faced Babe Ruth as the first major leaguer and later called games on radio, the award honors excellence in media. Previous recipients include legends like Buck Martinez, Dave Perkins, and Dan Shulman, placing Mae in esteemed company as only the second woman to receive it.
Upon receiving the award, Mae expressed profound gratitude. “Thank you to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors and selection committee. Joining the distinguished group of Jack Graney Award winners leaves me feeling deeply humbled and profoundly grateful,” she said. She highlighted the shared passion for the game and for Canada among past winners, many of whom she admires as colleagues and friends. Her words captured the emotional weight of the moment, especially during the presentation at the Hall of Fame ceremony alongside inductees like Devon White.
Scott Crawford, director of operations at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, praised Mae’s contributions. He noted that she has set a high bar for in-game reporters with her in-depth interviews and insights. Beyond the field, Mae serves as an ambassador for baseball across Canada, emceeing charitable events and inspiring future generations. Her impact extends far beyond broadcasts, fostering greater appreciation for the sport in a country with a rich but sometimes underappreciated baseball tradition.
Mae’s personal story adds depth to her professional accomplishments. As a Filipino-Canadian woman in a field traditionally dominated by others, she has been a trailblazer. Her memoir, reflecting on 25 years in the industry, offers candid insights into her experiences from her early days in the Philippines to her rise in Canadian sports media. Married to former MLB first baseman Kevin Barker, with whom she shares a son named Chase, Mae balances family life with her demanding career.
Blue Jays fans and the broader baseball community have responded with overwhelming support. Social media platforms buzzed with congratulations following the announcement and the ceremony. Colleagues at Sportsnet highlighted her dedication and the positive influence she has had on players and viewers alike. The unanimous celebration in Toronto reflects years of consistent, high-quality work that has made her a trusted and cherished figure during both triumphant and challenging seasons for the team.
This honor comes at a significant time for the Blue Jays franchise, which continues to engage fans through strong community ties and competitive play. Mae’s role in bringing games to life, especially through her field reporting, has helped sustain interest in baseball amid evolving media landscapes. Her ability to connect emotionally with audiences—sharing player stories, capturing in-game drama, and providing thoughtful analysis—has been instrumental in keeping the sport vibrant in Canada.
Looking ahead, Mae’s recognition is likely to inspire aspiring broadcasters, particularly young women and visible minorities interested in sports journalism. Her career demonstrates that persistence, authenticity, and a genuine love for the game can overcome barriers. As she continues her work with Sportsnet and occasional postseason assignments for networks like TBS, fans can expect the same level of excellence that earned her this prestigious award.
The presentation of the 2025 Jack Graney Award marks a memorable milestone in Hazel Mae’s career. It celebrates not just individual achievement but the enduring relationship between media, fans, and the sport of baseball in Canada. From her humble beginnings at York University to the halls of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Mae’s journey embodies dedication and passion. Toronto and baseball enthusiasts nationwide join in applauding this well-deserved honor, looking forward to many more contributions from one of the game’s most respected voices.
In reflecting on her path, Mae’s story reminds us of the power of storytelling in sports. Through countless interviews, live reports, and insightful commentary, she has enriched the fan experience and elevated baseball coverage. The Jack Graney Award serves as official acknowledgment of her lasting legacy, ensuring that her contributions will be remembered alongside those of other broadcasting pioneers. As the Blue Jays and Canadian baseball continue to grow, Hazel Mae stands as a central figure in that ongoing narrative.
