OBJ Hall of Fame - OBJ Baseball

OBJ Hall of Fame Inductees

Class of 2012

P - Drew Taylor

Drew was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He is a 2001 graduate of the Ontario Blue Jays having played for Coaches Dan Bleiwas, Ross Dunsmore and Gary Wilson. He was a member of the 2001 team that won the AABC Regionals and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.

Drew attended Georgia Tech University as a Freshman where he helped the Yellow Jackets to a College World Series appearance in Omaha, Nebraska. He then transferred to the University of Michigan where he was a big part of the Wolverines success going 9 - 1 in his first season and being selected the Wolverines top pitcher and earning All-Regional Honours. Drew began his professional career in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 2006 playing for the Pulaski Blue Jays and Auburn Doubledays prior to a stint with Traverse City in the Frontier League. Drew ended his professional career with the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 2008.

SS - Pete Orr

Pete was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario and raised in Newmarket, Ontario. He is a 1997 graduate of the Ontario Blue Jays having played for Coach Gary Wilson. He went on to play at Galveston College in Texas and was selected in the 1998 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers.

Pete signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1999 and made his Major League debut with the Braves on April 5th, 2005. In 2004, Pete earned recognition as an International League All-Star and he was the recipient of the Bill Lucas award presented annually to a player who best represents the Braves both on and off the field. Pete has subsequently gone on to play in the Major Leagues with the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies. Pete played for Team Canada in the 2004 Athens Olympics and helped the squad to an impressive 4th Place Finish. He was also a member of Team Canada at the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic.

SS - Tyler Johnstone

Tyler was born in London, Ontario and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He is a 2001 graduate of the Ontario Blue Jays having played for Coaches Dan Bleiwas, Ross Dunsmore and Mark Nicholson. He was a member of the 2001 team that won the AABC Regionals and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.

Tyler returned to play for the Ontario Blue Jays in 2002 after spending his Freshman Year at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma. He played his Sophomore Year at Purdue University in Indiana before transferring to Auburn University in Alabama where he starred for two year and played every inning of every game for the Tigers in the 2005 and 2006 season helping them advance to a NCAA Regional his Junior Year and leading the team in stolen bases as both a Junior and Senior. Tyler went on to play in the New York Mets organization for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League after a stint with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the Northern League.

OF - Adam Stern

Adam was born and raised in London, Ontario and graduate from the Ontario Blue Jays in 1998 having played for Coach Gary Wilson. He went on to star the University of Nebraska before being selected in the 3rd Round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves.

Adam made his Major League debut on July 7th, 2005 for the Boston Red Sox and went on to play in the Major Leagues for the Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers as well. In both 2004 and 2009 he was selected a Southern League All-Star. Adam played for Team Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic. Adam's name became synonymous with Canadian Baseball at the first World Baseball Classic in 2006 as he played a large role in helping Team Canada defeat Team USA by an 8 - 6 score, falling just short of the cycle with four RBIs in that game while making two excellent catches in Centerfield. He was 6 - 9 at the plate in the tournament.

Class of 2013

C - Jamie Pogue

Jamie was born in Guelph, Ontario where he was raised and graduated from Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute. Jamie played for the Ontario Blue Jays in 1996 for Coach Gary Wilson and was a member of the Ontario Blue Jays first Connie Mack World Series team having been selected All-Tournament Catcher in Farmington, New Mexico.

Jamie attended Texarkana College before going to Old Dominion University and Southern Arkansas University. Jamie played professionally for nine seasons having signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 2000. Jamie coached for the Ontario Blue Jays from 2004 - 2011 serving as a Hitting and Catching Instructor, Catching Coordinator, Head Coach and Director of College Placement. In December of 2011 Jamie became the St. Louis Cardinals Bullpen Catcher and Catching Instructor with their Major League team. Jamie also has extensive international experience having represented Team Canada as a player in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

1B - Scott Thorman

Scott was born in Cambridge, Ontario where he was raised and attended Preston High School. Scott played for the Ontario Blue Jays from 1997 - 2000 where he played for Coach Gary Wilson. Scott signed a letter of intent in his last fall with the Ontario Blue Jay to attend the University of South Carolina but signed professional when he was selected in the 1st Round of the 2000 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves.

Scott made his Major League debut on June 18th, 2006 with the Atlanta Braves and recorded his first major league hit, an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays. He played 120 games for the Braves during the 2007 season hitting 11 homers. Scott also spent time with the Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers organizations. In addition to his professional career Scott has played internationally for Team Canada having been a member of the World Baseball Classic entry in 2006 as well as a member of the 2008 Summer Olympic Team in Beijing.

Class of 2014

P - John Ogiltree

John was born in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario Blue Jays in 1996 having played for fellow Hall of Fame Coach Gary Wilson. John was a member of the 1996 team that won the AABC Regionals and became the first Canadian team to advance to the AABC Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.

John was selected in the 32nd Round of the 1996 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. He went on to star at Martin Methodist College in Tennessee. John then signed as a free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2001 making his professional debut with the team's Pioneer League affiliate in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He played in the Blue Jays organization for five season before moving on to the Washington Nationals organization. John reached Double-A with both the Blue Jays and Nationals. John was a member of the Canadian Olympic Team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

C - George Kottaras

George was born in Scarborough, Ontario and raised in Markham, Ontario. He is a 2001 graduate of the Ontario Blue Jays having played for Coaches Dan Bleiwas, Ross Dunsmore and Mark Nicholson. He was a member of the 2001 team that won the AABC Regionals and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.

He went on to star at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma before being selected in the 20th Round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. He signed with the Padres in 2003 after signing a letter of intent to attend the University of Florida. George made his Major League debut on September 13th, 2008 for the Boston Red Sox after he was traded to the Red Sox for LHP David Wells. George has also played in the MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays. George was a member of Team Greece at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

1B - Matt Logan

Matt was born in Cambridge, Ontario and raised in Brampton, Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario Blue Jays in 1997 having played for fellow Hall of Fame Coach Gary Wilson. He was a member of the 1997 OBJ team that won the AABC Regionals and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.

Matt signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997 and made his professional debut in 1998 with their Pioneer League affiliate in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He played for seven seasons in the Toronto Blue Jays organization reaching Double-A with the New Haven Ravens, New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Tennessee Smokies before moving on to the Cincinnati Reds organization for his final professional season in 2004. Matt was a member of Team Canada in both the 1999 Pan-Am Games and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Matt returned to the Ontario Blue Jays to serve as an instructor and assistant coach from 2008 - 2010.

Coach - Milt Nikkel

Milt was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He attended Birchmount Collegiate Institute in Scarborough before spending time in Wisconsin and Saskatchewan. He joined the Canadian Pacific Railroad where he worked for many years before attending Durham College and earning his diploma in Sports Administration. He then went to work in an administrative capacity for the YMCA.

Milt join the Ontario Blue Jays in 2004 and has served since then as a Volunteer Assistant Coach with the 18 and Under Team. Milt was a member of the 2010 team that won the AABC Regionals and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico. Affectionately referred to by many friends, players and staff as "Uncle Milty", he has had a profound impact on all who have come into contact with him. Milt is married to wife Terry and they have two daughters, Catherine and Maureen. He and Terry are the proud grandparents of Austin and Dominic.

Class of 2015

P - Jamie Lehman

Jamie was born in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Brampton, Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario Blue Jays in 2003 having played for Coach Dan Bleiwas. Jamie came to the organization in the Fall of 2002 having previously played for Coach Sean Travers.

Jamie was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 29th Round of the 2003 MLB Draft by their area scout at that time, Alex Anthopolous. Jamie made his debut that Summer for the Expos Gulf Coast League affiliate. He pitched in the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals organization for seven season before signing with the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2009 season. After that season Jamie transitioned into his new role as an Area Scout for the Blue Jays covering Canada and part of Northeastern United States. Jamie has since been promoted to a Cross-Checker position in California and is most notably known for drafting and signing MLB OF Dalton Pompey in the 16th Round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Jamie work as a Guest Instructor with the Ontario Blue Jays following his professional playing career.

P - Shawn Hill

Shawn was born in Mississauga, Ontario and raised in Georgetown, Ontario. Shawn played for the Ontario Blue Jays from 1998 - 1999 for Head Coach Gary Wilson and Bob Smythe. Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 33rd Round of the 1999 MLB Draft. Shawn opted to return to school and was drafted the following year in the 6th Round by the Montreal Expos.

He made his professional debut that Summer with the Expos Gulf Coast League affiliate and went on to make his Major League debut with the Expos in 2004. Shawn pitched in the big leagues for seven seasons and in addition to the Expos pitched for the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays before spending time with the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers. Shawn has represented Canada multiple times most notably winning a gold meal for Canada at the 2001 Pan-Am Games in Mexico. Shawn also competed fro Team Canada at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Coach - Gary Wilson

Gary was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Gary was the first Head Coach in the history of the Ontario Blue Jays, leading the team from its inception in 1996 through the 1999 season. Gary graduated from Glendale High School in Hamilton before attending Youngstown State University in Ohio.

He worked for 27 years at Procter and Gamble and served as an Area Scout for the Atlanta Braves for 2 years. Prior to coaching the Ontario Blue Jays, Gary served as a coach for the Kitchener Panthers, Hamilton Cardinals and Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League. Gary led the Ontario Blue Jays to AABC Connie Mack North Central Championships and the AABC Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico in both 1996 and 1997. He was selected AABC Coach of the Year in 1997. While catching the Ontario Blue Jays, Gary coached Major League players and fellow Hall of Fame members, Pete Orr, Adam Stern, Shawn Hill and Scott Thorman.

Class of 2016

P - Matt Kniginyzky

Matt was born in Oakville, Ontario and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario Blue Jays in 2000 having played for Coaches Joe Parisani and Dan Bleiwas. Matt came to the organization in the Fall of 1999. He was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 43rd Round of the 2000 MLB Draft but did not sign professionally at that time.

Matt attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College prior to transferring to High Point University where he graduated with B.Sc. in Business Administration while continuing his collegiate baseball career. He was selected in the 23rd Round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. He was chosen a Midwest League All-Star in his first full-season in the Royals organization in 2006. In 2008, Matt was selected Kansas City Royals Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Matt represented Canada the 2009 World Cup winning a bronze medal while starting 3 games with a 2 - 0 record and 0.00 ERA over 18 innings in the tournament.

OF - Michael Hook

Mike was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. He graduated the Ontario Blue Jays in 1997 having played for Coach Gary Wilson. Mike came to the organization that year and was a member of the Ontario Blue Jays team which won the AABC North Central Regional Tournament in Battle Creek, Michigan and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.

Mike played for Team Canada's Junior National Team in 1996 and in the same year represented Ontario on the provincial team. He attended Winthrop University in South Carolina prior to transferring to the University of Louisville in Kentucky to complete his education and playing career. At the University of Louisville he is 4th All-Time in Stolen Bases and committed the fewest errors of any player over a three year career. Mike also played for the Cotuit Kettlers in the Cape Cod League in 2000 where he lead the league in Stolen Bases.

OF - Paul Brown

Paul was born in Chatham, Ontario and raised in Grande Point, Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario Blue Jays in 1997 having played for Coach Gary Wilson. Paul was a member of the Ontario Blue Jays team that won the AABC North Central Regional Tournament in Battle Creek, Michigan and advanced to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico where he hit .481 and was selected to the All-Tournament Team.

He was a member of Team Canada's National Junior Team in 1995. Paul went to Paris Junior College in Texas where he received the J.R. McLemore Cup as he was selected Outstanding Athlete at the college. In 1998, he was selected team MVP at Paris and was All-Conference in Northeast Texas batting .461 with 5 home runs, 14 doubles and 5 triples. Paul transferred to the University of Louisville in Kentucky for the 1999 and 2000 season to complete his education and collegiate baseball career where he hit .3000 as a Senior and tied for the team lead with home runs with six.