Thunder Bay

Toronto Blue Jays throw support behind Under-18 World Baseball Classic

The Toronto Blue Jays are stepping up to the plate to offer baseball clinics in Thunder Bay during the leadup to the 2017 Under-18 Baseball World Cup, organizers announced on Thursday.

Major League team will host Youth Baseball Day in the city

Children from Thunder Bay Little League, Challenger Baseball and the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay participate in a media event on Thursday. The Thunder Bay International Baseball Association announced that the Toronto Blue Jays will host Youth Baseball Day in Thunder Bay prior to the Under-18 Baseball World Cup this fall. (Submitted/James Mirabelli)

The Toronto Blue Jays are stepping up to the plate to offer baseball clinics in Thunder Bay during the lead up to the 2017 Under-18 Baseball World Cup, organizers announced on Thursday.

The Major League Team will host Toronto Blue Jays Youth Baseball Day on August 30 in Thunder Bay. While here, team representatives will run baseball clinics in association with the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay and Challenger Baseball.

"The Toronto Blue Jays are excited to be coming to Thunder Bay to support the organizers of the U-18 Baseball World Cup and their effort to grow the game in their community and region," said TJ Burton, Blue Jays coordinator of amateur baseball.

Warren Philp, executive director of the Thunder Bay International Baseball Association (TBIBA), said the involvement by the Blue Jays will help build the sport of baseball in the city.

Adam Desmarais of the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay speaks at a Thunder Bay International Baseball Association media event on Thursday. (Submitted/James Mirabelli)

"This event is an important part in ensuring we are achieving our objective of leaving a legacy for baseball in Thunder Bay," Philp said. "Being associated with such a great organization will help bring profile to our event for certain, but it is about encouraging an interest and participation in the sport that will see long-range benefits."

The Under-18 Baseball World Cup runs Sept. 1-10 in Thunder Bay, and will include national under-18 baseball teams from 12 countries compete.

Single game tickets can be purchased through the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium or thunderbay2017.com.