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Hazel Mae Receives Canadian Baseball Hall of Fames Jack Graney Award, Honoring Media Contributions
Hazel Mae has been named the 2025 recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum’s Jack Graney Award, a rare honor bestowed on a media professional whose work has significantly advanced baseball in Canada.
The award, announced Wednesday, celebrates Mae’s two‑decade‑plus tenure covering the sport across multiple platforms. It is presented in St. Marys, Ontario, and is not awarded annually; the Hall’s committee selects a recipient only when a candidate’s contributions merit the distinction.
Mae’s selection marks the second time a woman has received the Jack Graney Award, following Alison Gordon’s 2017 honor. The Filipino‑Canadian sportscaster, born April 7, 1970, has become a familiar face on Sportsnet’s baseball coverage. She began her career hosting a sports update show at York University, then served as lead anchor for the New England Sports Network’s SportsDesk. After a stint with NESN, Mae returned to Sportsnet on November 14, 2011, and has since anchored MLB Network and worked as a Field Level Reporter for TBS MLB Tuesday since 2022.
In a recent interview, Mae reflected on her career beginnings and the significance of the Hall of Fame recognition. She explained how her early experiences in Toronto shaped her approach to sports journalism and how the award underscores the importance of media in promoting Canadian baseball. Mae also discussed her colleagues on the “Blair & Barker” show, co‑hosted by Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, noting the program’s role in providing in‑depth analysis of the Toronto Blue Jays and Major League Baseball.
The Jack Graney Award honors media members who have made a lasting impact on the game in Canada through their life’s work or a singular outstanding achievement. In Mae’s case, her coverage has spanned local, national, and international baseball, bringing Canadian talent and stories to a broad audience. She has reported on the Toronto Blue Jays, the MLB, and the World Baseball Classic, among other events.
The award’s presentation is part of the Hall of Fame’s broader recognition program, which also includes the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters and the induction of players, managers, and executives. The Jack Graney Award specifically highlights the media’s role in shaping public perception and interest in baseball.
Mae’s selection follows a tradition of acknowledging journalists who have elevated the sport’s profile in Canada. The award’s namesake, Jack Graney, was one of the first Canadian players to succeed in the major leagues and later became a noted broadcaster, setting a precedent for media figures who bridge playing and reporting.
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum’s statement praised Mae’s “dedication to accurate, insightful coverage” and her contribution to “the growth of baseball fandom across Canada.” Official records show that the award has been presented to a handful of media professionals since its inception.
The recognition comes at a time when Canadian baseball continues to expand, with the Toronto Blue Jays maintaining a strong fan base and the Canadian Baseball League developing new talent. Mae’s work has helped sustain interest in the sport, particularly among younger audiences and the Filipino‑Canadian community.
Looking ahead, Mae will continue her role with Sportsnet and MLB Network, covering upcoming seasons and international tournaments. The Hall of Fame will announce the next recipient of the Jack Graney Award in the coming year, as part of its ongoing effort to honor those who shape the narrative of Canadian baseball.
The award’s presentation highlights the vital partnership between media and sport, underscoring how journalists like Mae contribute to the visibility and appreciation of baseball across Canada.
The award, announced Wednesday, celebrates Mae’s two‑decade‑plus tenure covering the sport across multiple platforms. It is presented in St. Marys, Ontario, and is not awarded annually; the Hall’s committee selects a recipient only when a candidate’s contributions merit the distinction.
Mae’s selection marks the second time a woman has received the Jack Graney Award, following Alison Gordon’s 2017 honor. The Filipino‑Canadian sportscaster, born April 7, 1970, has become a familiar face on Sportsnet’s baseball coverage. She began her career hosting a sports update show at York University, then served as lead anchor for the New England Sports Network’s SportsDesk. After a stint with NESN, Mae returned to Sportsnet on November 14, 2011, and has since anchored MLB Network and worked as a Field Level Reporter for TBS MLB Tuesday since 2022.
In a recent interview, Mae reflected on her career beginnings and the significance of the Hall of Fame recognition. She explained how her early experiences in Toronto shaped her approach to sports journalism and how the award underscores the importance of media in promoting Canadian baseball. Mae also discussed her colleagues on the “Blair & Barker” show, co‑hosted by Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, noting the program’s role in providing in‑depth analysis of the Toronto Blue Jays and Major League Baseball.
The Jack Graney Award honors media members who have made a lasting impact on the game in Canada through their life’s work or a singular outstanding achievement. In Mae’s case, her coverage has spanned local, national, and international baseball, bringing Canadian talent and stories to a broad audience. She has reported on the Toronto Blue Jays, the MLB, and the World Baseball Classic, among other events.
The award’s presentation is part of the Hall of Fame’s broader recognition program, which also includes the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters and the induction of players, managers, and executives. The Jack Graney Award specifically highlights the media’s role in shaping public perception and interest in baseball.
Mae’s selection follows a tradition of acknowledging journalists who have elevated the sport’s profile in Canada. The award’s namesake, Jack Graney, was one of the first Canadian players to succeed in the major leagues and later became a noted broadcaster, setting a precedent for media figures who bridge playing and reporting.
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum’s statement praised Mae’s “dedication to accurate, insightful coverage” and her contribution to “the growth of baseball fandom across Canada.” Official records show that the award has been presented to a handful of media professionals since its inception.
The recognition comes at a time when Canadian baseball continues to expand, with the Toronto Blue Jays maintaining a strong fan base and the Canadian Baseball League developing new talent. Mae’s work has helped sustain interest in the sport, particularly among younger audiences and the Filipino‑Canadian community.
Looking ahead, Mae will continue her role with Sportsnet and MLB Network, covering upcoming seasons and international tournaments. The Hall of Fame will announce the next recipient of the Jack Graney Award in the coming year, as part of its ongoing effort to honor those who shape the narrative of Canadian baseball.
The award’s presentation highlights the vital partnership between media and sport, underscoring how journalists like Mae contribute to the visibility and appreciation of baseball across Canada.
