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When it comes to former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, he was a popular fan favourite that the entire nation of Canada had grown to adore during his time with the ballclub. After all, Martin helped lead the Blue Jays to two exciting postseason runs during his tenure with the team. Despite being with Toronto for only four years, many felt that he had been with the Blue Jays his whole life considering his Canadian roots.
Well, Martin will have the Canadian fans behind him once again in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic as he return to the coaching staff for Team Canada in the tournament. The former Blue Jays catcher was also a coach for the Canadian team back in the 2023 World Baseball Classic that was managed by another former Blue Jays legend and all-time fan favourite, Ernie Whitt. Also confirmed to be part of the 2026 coaching staff is long-time Team Canada staple Stubby Clapp, as he will serve as their third base coach in the tournament.
A couple of notes from the Baseball Canada Awards banquet on Saturday night:
— Kevin Glew (@coopincanada) January 12, 2026
-Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) will return as a coach for Canada at the WBC.
-Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) will serve as Canada's 3B coach at the WBC.@WBCBaseball
Ex-Blue Jays catcher and fan favourite will be part of the coaching staff for Team Canada at WBC
Martin had once played for Team Canada during the 2009 World Baseball Classic as a catcher. However, Canada would be eliminated after just two matches. He had attempted to return to the WBC in 2013 and 2017 taking up a new position at shortstop, but due to various concerning reasons for better or for worse, that dream never came to fruition.
RUSSELL, RUSSELL, RUSSELL 🇨🇦
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 4, 2025
Russ Martin threw today's First Pitch! pic.twitter.com/xEZSnwLoMd
Nevertheless, Martin returned as a coach as part of the 2023 Canadian squad, leading the team to a 2-2 record during the group stage but was eliminated from contention as they finished in third in Pool C behind both Mexico (3-1) and the United States (3-1). By joining the coaching staff once again for the 2026 Canadian team, the former Blue Jays star catcher will have a chance for redemption as they aim to get past the preliminary round for the first time in the history of the tournament.
Although that task might have just gotten a little tougher as star first baseman Freddie Freeman has recently been forced to withdraw from the 2026 WBC due to personal reasons. But with the likes of Josh Naylor and Jameson Taillon and the up-and-coming Owen Caissie leading the way, Canada will still have a good shot at finally advancing past the first round this time around.
We wish Martin and the rest of Team Canada all the best at the WBC!