Devon White, a name etched into the very fabric of Canadian baseball history, is finally getting his due. The electrifying center fielder and two-time World Series champion headlines the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026-a fitting honor for a player whose glove, speed, and swagger helped define a golden era for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Joining White in this year’s class are several other standout contributors to the game in Canada: longtime national team staple and current St. Louis Cardinals coach Stubby Clapp, former Women’s National Team star Katie Psota, former Montreal Expos pitcher and executive Bill Stoneman, and the late Jim Baba, a driving force behind Baseball Canada’s growth.
Rounding out the group is former MLB umpire Paul Runge, elected by the Hall’s Veterans Committee. The induction ceremony is set for June 20 in St.
Mary’s, Ontario.
But let’s start with the headliner.
Devon White: The Defensive Anchor of a Dynasty
When you think of Devon White, you think of grace in center field, speed on the basepaths, and a highlight-reel catch that still gives Blue Jays fans chills. His leaping grab against the wall to rob David Justice in Game 3 of the 1992 World Series is the stuff of legend. It should’ve been a triple play-the first in World Series history for Toronto-but even without that final out, the moment remains one of the most iconic in franchise history.
White arrived in Toronto in December 1990 via trade from the Angels, and he wasted no time making an impact. In 1991, he put together arguably the best all-around season of his career: a .282 batting average, 40 doubles, 17 homers, 10 triples, and 33 stolen bases.
His .797 OPS and 60 RBIs were impressive, but it was his glove that truly set him apart. That season, he earned the first of five straight Gold Gloves and posted a career-best 6.3 bWAR.
He also cracked the top 20 in AL MVP voting-a testament to how valuable he was on both sides of the ball.
In 1992, White took his defense to another level, leading the majors in Defensive Wins Above Replacement (dWAR) at 3.9. He also notched a career-high 42 doubles and earned his second All-Star selection. His ability to track down balls in the cavernous outfield of the SkyDome turned would-be extra-base hits into routine outs, and his presence at the top of the lineup gave the Blue Jays a spark they rode all the way to back-to-back titles.
White remained a key piece of the Jays' core through the 1994 and ’95 seasons before moving on to the Florida Marlins in free agency. But his legacy in Toronto is secure. He still ranks among the franchise’s top 10 in stolen bases (134), stolen base percentage (84.6%), and triples (34)-a testament to his elite speed and instincts.
Since hanging up the cleats in 2001, White has stayed close to the game, working as a minor league coach and serving as a special assistant in player development for the Blue Jays. His influence continues to shape the next generation of talent.
Stubby Clapp: A Spark Plug On and Off the Field
Few players have embodied Canadian baseball grit quite like Stubby Clapp. A longtime fixture on the national team, Clapp’s hustle and leadership made him a fan favorite during his playing days.
Now, as a coach with the Cardinals, he’s passing that passion on to the next wave of big leaguers. His induction celebrates not just his contributions on the field, but his lasting impact on the sport in Canada.
Katie Psota: A Pioneer in Women’s Baseball
Katie Psota’s name is synonymous with excellence in women’s baseball. A star for the Canadian Women’s National Team, Psota helped elevate the profile of the sport with her consistent play and leadership. Her induction marks a major moment for women’s baseball in Canada, recognizing the talent and dedication that’s helped grow the game beyond traditional boundaries.
Bill Stoneman: From the Mound to the Front Office
As a pitcher, Bill Stoneman made his mark with the Montreal Expos, tossing two no-hitters and becoming a reliable arm during the club’s early years. But his contributions didn’t stop there.
Stoneman later transitioned into a successful executive career, helping shape rosters and build organizations. His dual legacy-as a player and front-office leader-makes his induction all the more meaningful.
Jim Baba and Paul Runge: Builders of the Game
The late Jim Baba played a crucial role behind the scenes, helping guide Baseball Canada’s evolution through decades of growth. His posthumous induction honors a lifetime of dedication to the sport’s development at the grassroots and national levels.
Paul Runge, meanwhile, spent years calling balls and strikes at the highest level. As an MLB umpire, he brought consistency and professionalism to the game, earning the respect of players and peers alike. His election by the Veterans Committee acknowledges a career spent upholding the integrity of the sport.
This year’s Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame class is a celebration of excellence across every corner of the game-from the outfield walls of the SkyDome to the coaching boxes, front offices, and grassroots diamonds across the country. And at the center of it all is Devon White, a player who didn’t just play the game-he elevated it.