Hazel Mae, the sportscaster for the Toronto Blue Jays, is a well-known figure among fans and players alike. Her 25-year career has been highlighted by her ability to bring the stories of players to life on and off the field.
Recently, Mae was honored with the Jack Graney Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism at the Canadian Screen Awards. These accolades recognize her outstanding contributions to sports journalism.
Mae’s journey to success was influenced by her father, who immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in search of a better life for his family. Despite initial reservations about sports journalism as a career choice, Mae’s father eventually supported her path, leading her to cover teams like the Boston Red Sox before returning to Toronto to cover the Blue Jays.
As a trailblazing woman of color in a male-dominated industry, Mae understands the importance of representation. She acknowledges the challenges she faced as a Southeast Asian woman in a field with few role models but embraces her role as an inspiration to others.
Mae’s memorable moments with players, such as the viral “born ready” interview with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., showcase her ability to connect with athletes on a personal level. Despite the demands of her job and the scrutiny she faces, Mae remains dedicated to her craft and values the impact she has on viewers and aspiring journalists.
Her story of perseverance and success serves as a testament to the power of passion and determination in the face of obstacles.