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WINNIPEG - Baseball Canada is thrilled to honour its 2025 national award winners who were honoured at the Baseball Canada Fall Convention hosted by Baseball Manitoba.

Baseball Canada Volunteer of the Year Award - MICHELLE HEALY (St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador)

This award was created in 2001 to recognize the contribution of the most dedicated, enthusiastic person who has devoted at least ten years of volunteering within their provincial association. 

In 2025, Michelle took on her most demanding summer yet — serving as Team Manager for the Canada Games female team and as Venue Lead at St. Pats Ball Park, where her tireless planning ensured a world-class experience for all involved. For over a decade, Michelle has managed "The Bullpen" canteen at St. Pats, while also overseeing the province’s 14U and 16U female programs — often without having any children involved. Her work behind the scenes — organizing travel, fundraising, apparel, and team logistics — has been instrumental to the success and sustainability of these programs. Michelle’s commitment is driven by her love for the game, and her example is a reminder of how vital volunteers are to the future of our sport.

Lionel Ruhr Elite Coach of the Year Award - BRITTANY CHAN (Stouffville, Ontario)

The Lionel Ruhr Elite Coach of the Year Award is awarded to acknowledge outstanding leadership and guidance as a coach demonstrated by an individual.

Brittany had a remarkable 2025 season that reflects her leadership and commitment to excellence. She was an integral piece of Team Ontario’s 16U women’s team coaching staff that won a historic gold medal at the inaugural Canada Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland — a milestone moment for women’s baseball in Canada. Brittany provided year-round instruction to female athletes across Ontario, coached at numerous Blue Jays Academy clinics, and even competed as a player, helping the Ontario Women’s team capture a bronze medal. She also achieved Competition Development Trained status in Baseball Canada’s NCCP, demonstrating her dedication to continuous learning and high-performance coaching. Through her coaching, mentorship, and impact on player development, Brittany continues to shape the future of female baseball in Canada.

Dick Willis Memorial Award for Umpire of the Year -  BLAISE LAVEAY (Kelowna, BC)

The Dick Willis Memorial Award recognizes Canada’s official of the year for their outstanding contribution and umpiring of the game of baseball. 

Blaise had an outstanding 2025 season, setting the standard for leadership, mentorship, and performance both on and off the field. As Provincial Supervisor in British Columbia, Blaise led elite development through national training camps, the Umpire Academy, and mentorship that helped three female umpires earn national assignments this year. He was selected to officiate at the Canada Games, the Toronto Blue Jays Showcase, and several premier collegiate and senior championships — often choosing to elevate others by assigning key playoff games to up-and-coming officials. Blaise also played a critical role in supervision across the West Coast League, Canadian College Baseball Conference, and BC’s Premier Baseball Leagues, delivering high-caliber instruction and feedback to officials at all levels. His integrity, professionalism, and tireless commitment continue to shape the next generation of Canadian umpires.

2025 Baseball Canada Lifelong Umpiring Award - BRIAN HODGSON (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

To be eligible for this award, the umpire must have long-time contribution to baseball officiating at the national level; be an ambassador of the Baseball Canada Umpires' Program, officiate or supervise in a minimum of 15 National and/or international events, and show a significant contribution to the structure of umpiring in Canada.

Brian’s impact on the game spans more than five decades as both a standout player and internationally respected official. After a championship-filled playing career with the Carman Goldeyes, Brian transitioned to umpiring and has since officiated at provincial, national, and professional levels, including the Northern League, American Association, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He has served as Vice-President of Umpires for Baseball Manitoba, contributed to the Umpire Committee, and continues to give back by mentoring young officials throughout the province. Brian’s dedication to the craft, both behind the plate and in developing the next generation, is a cornerstone of Manitoba’s baseball community. His lifelong service to the game reflects an extraordinary commitment that continues to shape baseball across the province and beyond.

2025 Baseball Canada Lifelong Coaching Award - MORGAN de PEÑA (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

To be eligible for this award, the coach must have made a positive, long-time contribution to coaching baseball in Canada at the local, Provincial, National and/or International level, be in good standing with with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and have demonstrated outstanding leadership, performance and guidance as a baseball coach throughout their coaching career.

Morgan has dedicated more than four decades to shaping the game of baseball in Manitoba. A former power pitcher and Redboine MVP, Morgan began coaching in 1984 and has since led teams at every level, highlighted by a Western Canadian Championship and recognition as Manitoba’s High Performance Coach of the Year. Beyond the field, he served as Technical Director and then Executive Director of Baseball Manitoba for over two decades, earning the Sport Manitoba Administrator of the Year award in 2005. He has coached dozens of provincial teams, mentored countless athletes and coaches, and remains at the heart of development today as the head coach of Manitoba’s 16U provincial team. Morgan’s legacy is one of passion, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to growing the game across his province.

Province of the Year Award - BRITISH COLUMBIA

While all other awards acknowledge individual contribution to baseball in Canada, this prestigious award recognizes the outstanding achievements of member provinces.

Now a 6-time winner of the Province of the Year Award since 1986, Baseball BC scored first in the categories of Coach and Umpire Development while placing near the top in Program Delivery and Membership. Highlights also included placing numerous athletes on Baseball Canada National Teams while winning six medals at National Championships including golds at Canada Games men’s baseball, the Ray Carter Cup, 18U and Women’s Championships.