October 3, 2024

The Ottawa-Nepean Canadians’ new executive director is TJ Burton, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization.

Burton will oversee all baseball and business operations for the club moving forward. With an impressive background in both playing and business, Burton brings a wealth of experience that promises to enhance the club’s programming and outreach.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Burton played at a high level both professionally and internationally, showcasing his talent and passion for the game over the course of his career. This playing background not only instilled in him the values of teamwork and dedication but also provided him with firsthand insight into the challenges faced by young athletes. His journey through the ranks of competitive ball has equipped him with the knowledge necessary to develop effective training programs and support systems for aspiring players.

In addition to his athletic background, Burton has spent the last 14 years with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he has excelled in developing programming that spans from grassroots to high-performance levels. His work with the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy has been instrumental in fostering a love of the game among youth and providing them with the resources necessary to improve their skills. Burton’s commitment to player development has helped countless athletes realize their potential, making him a respected figure in the community.

Since its inception in 2013, Burton has also acted as the showcase director for the Canadian Future Showcase put on by the Toronto Blue Jays. In this role, he has been responsible for organizing and overseeing events that provide high schools with the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of scouts and college recruiters. This position has further solidified his reputation as a leader in player development and has given him invaluable experience in talent evaluation and recruitment.

Under Burton’s leadership, the Canadians are set to undergo significant expansion, growing from three to six teams. This expansion not only reflects a growing interest in the sport within the community but also demonstrates Burton’s vision for inclusivity and accessibility in youth baseball. By increasing the number of teams, the Canadians aim to provide more young athletes with the opportunity to participate, develop their skills, and enjoy the game they love at a high level.

Additionally, ONC have launched a new junior program, the Ottawa Nepean Canucks, which will operate at the 10U, 11U, and 12U levels for 2024-2025. This initiative aims to create a solid foundation for young players and ensure that they receive quality coaching and development from an early age. The Canucks will complement the existing structure of ONC allowing for a seamless transition for players as they advance through the ranks.

Moreover, the Canadians are entering the prestigious Canadian Premier Baseball League, a move that will elevate the level of competition and exposure for their players. Joining the CPBL allows ONC to compete against some of the best talent in the country, further enhancing the development pathways for their athletes. This affiliation will also help the club attract top coaches and provide players with valuable experiences that could lead to higher levels of play, while fostering partnerships for growth within the community.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the future, Burton said: “I am incredibly excited about the coaching staff we have assembled. Their vast experience in the amateur, international, and professional ranks—both in coaching and playing—will be an invaluable asset to our players. Together, we will create a nurturing environment that prioritizes development while also fostering a deep love for the game.”

As the new executive director, Burton is poised to make a significant impact on the Ottawa Nepean Canadians. Families and players alike can look forward to an exciting future under his leadership as the club strives to elevate the standard of baseball in Ottawa and beyond.

The coaching staff includes:

_ Chris Bisson: base running coordiantor, infield and hitting assistant, fourth-round pick, 2010 draft from University of Kentucky by San Diego Padres, played 314 games in the minors, peaking at double-A San Antonio Missons in 2013.

Former Ottawa-Nepean Canadians OF Sebastien Boucher (Gatineau, Que.) and a Bethune-Cookman draft returns to the Canadians.

_ Seb Boucher: Outfield and hitting coordinator, seventh-round pick in 2004 draft from Bethune-Cookman University, played four seasons (417 games) in the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore systems peaking at triple-A Tacoma and triple-A Norfolk, played 11 seasons of indy ball with Quebec Capitales and Ottawa Champions (884 games).

_ Shawn Bruce: Player development assistant, coach.

_ Chris Chenier: Coach and catching development, former Ottawa-Nepean Canadians and Ottawa White Sox.

_ Brad Fairholm: coach and outfield development, Lynn University.

_ Tony Farago: Player development assistant, coach, played at Ithaca College.

_ Troy Forgie: Arm care specialist and pitching development, Ottawa Nats and Diamants du Quebec.

_ Evan Grills: Field and pitching coordinator, college placement coordinator, drafted in the 10th round from the Ontario Blue Jays by the Houston Astros in the 2010 draft, pitched nine years in the minors in the Astros and Colorado Rockies organizations (165 games) peaking with the Fresno Grizzlies and Albuquerque Isotopes, plus three years of indy ball with the Winnipeg Goldeyes and the Ottawa Titans, plus the CTBC of the Chinese Professional League (29 games).

_ Connor Jones: Player development assistant, coach, Ottawa-Nepean Canadians.

_ Chris Latimer: Player development assistant, coach, Ottawa-Nepean Canadians and Carleton University Ravens.

_ Evan Ogston: Player Development Assistant, coach, Guelph University Gryphons.

_ Thomas Peake: Coach and pitching development, Carleton Ravens.

_ Jacob Pockoky: Coach and infield development, Carleton Ravens.

_ Andre Robidoux: Junior program coordinator and catching development, Carleton Ravens.

_ Mattingly Romanin: Infield coordinator and hitting assistant, Chicago State (197 games), drafted in the 29th round by the Toronto Blue Jays, played three seasons in the system (182 games) peaking at class-A Lansing, plus part of one season with Quebec Capitals (two games).

_ Andy Stewart: Catching coordinator, signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Royals in 1989, reached the majors in 1997 (five games), played 10 years in the minors (861 games) and one year of indy ball with the Winnipeg Goldeyes (27 games); plus was a former Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates coach, played for Canada in the 1999 Pan-Am Games in Winnipeg and the 2004 Athens Olympics.

_ TJ Burton: Pitching development and college placement assistant: 18th round choice by Cleveland from the Ottawa White Sox in 2001, pitched nine seasons in the minors with Cleveland and Astros (274 games), a member of Canada’s 2008 Summer Olympics team and the 2009 World Baseball Classic squad, worked for the Toronto Blue Jays (14 years).