Key Points
- Hazel Mae named 2025 recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Jack Graney Award.
- The award recognizes outstanding contributions to baseball through media excellence.
- Mae has been a leading voice in Canadian sports journalism since 2001.
- Her career includes roles with Sportsnet, NESN, MLB Network, and Toronto Blue Jays coverage.
- Presentation details for the award will be announced in the coming months.
A Prestigious Recognition
Veteran sports journalist Hazel Mae has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Jack Graney Award, one of Canadian baseball’s highest honors. Presented annually by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, the award celebrates individuals in media who have made a significant impact on the game in Canada.
The Legacy of the Jack Graney Award
Named after former major-league player and broadcaster Jack Graney, the award highlights excellence in baseball coverage and storytelling. Mae’s selection underscores her role in elevating the visibility of the sport across Canada.
Scott Crawford, director of operations at the Hall of Fame, praised Mae’s work: “Hazel Mae has set the bar extremely high for Major League Baseball’s in-game reporters. Her player interviews and insights have long been a highlight of Sportsnet’s Blue Jays coverage. She is a true ambassador for baseball in Canada.”
Hazel Mae’s Career Journey
Mae began her career in 2001 as an anchor for Sportsnet Central. In 2004, she moved to Boston to join the New England Sports Network (NESN), where she covered the Red Sox’s historic World Series win, their first in 86 years.
She later joined the MLB Network in 2008 before returning to Sportsnet in 2011, reaffirming her commitment to Canadian baseball. Since 2015, Mae has served as the in-game reporter for Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts, providing detailed coverage during the team’s recent run to the World Series Game 7.
Mae’s Response to the Honor
Expressing gratitude, Mae said: “Joining the distinguished group of Jack Graney Award winners leaves me deeply humbled and profoundly grateful.” She acknowledged her admiration for past recipients, including Dan Shulman, Buck Martinez, Tom Cheek, and Jerry Howarth, and emphasized the shared passion for baseball among honorees.
What Happens Next
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame will announce details of the award presentation in the coming months. For Mae, the honor marks another milestone in a career defined by dedication, storytelling, and her enduring role as one of Canada’s most respected voices in baseball media.
