Hazel Mae: The Unsung Hero of Sportsnet's Blue Jays Broadcast Team

Strategic Insights -

Hazel Mae's determination and skill have made her the most valuable player of Sportsnet's broadcast team, covering the Toronto Blue Jays' run to the World Series. With years of experience and a relentless work ethic, she has become an indispensable asset to the team. From interviewing coaches and players to writing her own scripts, Mae is always on the move, often forgetting to eat in the process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hazel Mae has been Sportsnet's on-field Blue Jays reporter for over 10 years, becoming the network's most valuable player.
  • She has covered the major league playoffs for five weeks every fall, regardless of the team's performance.
  • Mae was born in the Philippines to parents who immigrated to Canada in the early 1970s and grew up in Toronto, becoming a huge Blue Jays fan.
  • She pursued a career in broadcasting despite her parents' wishes for her to become a doctor or lawyer.
  • Mae has worked with the Blue Jays since 2001, with a stint from 2001 to 2011 and again since 2011.
  • She is known for her in-depth knowledge of the game and has earned the trust of the clubhouse, making her one of the best in the business.
  • Mae has become a role model for women in similar positions, having few to look up to when she started.
  • She has a great relationship with key coaches and players, including Bo Bichette, who considers her a mentor.
  • Mae's biggest fear is being the weakest link in her crew, emphasizing the importance of her work ethic.

Statistics:

  • Mae has been covering the Blue Jays for over 20 years, with a 10-year stint as Sportsnet's on-field reporter.
  • She has covered five weeks of major league playoffs every fall for over a decade.
  • The Blue Jays reached the American League Championship Series in 2015 and 2016 but lost on both occasions.
  • Toronto finished last in the American League East division last season.
  • Mae's team, the Blue Jays, won the American League championship to reach the World Series for the first time in 32 years.
  • The World Series sees the Blue Jays facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sources:

  • The Canadian Press
  • Sportsnet
  • The Globe and Mail