Testimonials

A man wearing a red baseball cap and a white hockey jersey with red accents and the word 'Canada' on it, standing against a gray background.

“While there are many factors integral to the success of Baseball in Canada, no one is more important than the quality of our country's athlete developmental programs.  As an accomplished athlete and experienced leader in athletic development programming, Michael Saunders and Saundo Athletics will have an immediate impact on skills and personal growth development.

Having achieved the ultimate in world athletic excellence as a 2008 Olympian and All-World Team selection and MVP on Canada’s 2013 World Baseball Classic Team, Michael has reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement and represented his country in a manner reflecting the highest ideals of success and integrity. While Michael’s professional baseball accomplishments speak for themselves, there are many personal characteristics which have allowed him to become an exceptional leader of people.  As a player, he possessed the unique ability to both command respect and at the same time impart passion and enthusiasm in the minds and hearts of those around him.  In making a seamless transition to coaching and player development, Michael has shown a natural affinity for leadership and embraced all aspects of the associated challenges.

In closing, I would like to express Baseball Canada’s appreciation for Michael Saunders commitment and accomplishments as a National Team player and continued care and contribution to the growth and development of the next generation of Canadian Baseball players.  Michael’s vision through Saundo Athletics will raise the standard for athletic programming excellence, while contributing immeasurably to the growth and realization of the talents and dreams of many outstanding young athletes.”

Greg Hamilton

Head Coach & Director of Mens National Teams

A baseball player in a patriotic uniform waving his hat to the crowd at a stadium.

“Many players can hit. Many can run. Many can throw well. Very few players could do them all. Micheal Saunders did them all at a high level during his all star career. More importantly he was a good teammate and an even better person.”

Justin Morneau

MLB MVP - Minnesota Twins

A man in a Cincinnati Reds baseball jersey with the number 19, holding a Cincinnati Reds cap, at a stadium.

“Michael Saunders was a successful MLB player and a proud representative of Baseball Canada for many years. Michael and I played together many times and I enjoyed my time calling him a teammate.”

Joey Votto

MLB MVP - Cincinnati Reds

I've been a Major League Baseball Scout for 35 years. It's extremely rare to come across a 5-tool (run, throw, field, hit, power) talent anywhere on the globe. Michael Saunders is one of them and I had the good fortune to watch him develop those tools and talents from the grass roots of the BC premier League to the All-Star game with the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Center. Michael's path checked all the boxes. Starting on a Little League field in Victoria, BC to being member of the Canadian National Junior team then being selected in the Major League draft and from there to the Big Leagues.

Michael's humble character and sense of giving back are special qualities that make him really stand out. Along with his professional career he's never forgotten where he came from. He's always made time to represent Canada at many international events such as the Olympics and World Baseball Classic. I feel very fortunate to have had a front row seat watching Michaels journey. Now after his professional career, turning the page and sharing his vast knowledge and experiences to the new and next generation of athletes at Saundo Athletics. I have no doubt that all attendees will be impacted and shown the proper path to develop and improve their skills on all levels. 

Walt Burrows

MLB Scout/Director of the Canadian Scouting Bureau