It started with hockey, then he picked up a bat. Meet the Toronto catcher headed to the World Series

While the Blue Jays failed to reach the World Series this season, Toronto will still have a representative in this year's Fall Classic. 

Growing up in Toronto, Tampa Bay Rays catcher Liam Hicks wasn't seen as a can't-miss prospect.

But Hicks, who developed his elite bat-to-ball skills as a teen with the Toronto Mets of the Canadian Premier Baseball League, was armed with a strong work ethic and desire to improve.

In just his second big league season after debuting with the Miami Marlins last year, the Rays catcher will be taking on the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the World Series at 8 p.m. ET Friday. 

Rays catcher Liam Hicks spent teenage years in Toronto area before baseball career blossomed

For Hicks' former Toronto Mets coach, Duncan Watt, it's not surprising to see the success he's had on the field. Hicks always stood out for his work ethic and ability to perform in challenging situations, he said. 

"It wouldn't surprise me if he has some kind of big moment here in the World Series," Watt said. 

Hicks' parents, Jennifer and Bill Hicks, said it was inspiring to see Canadians rally together for the Blue Jays last year and they hope people will do the same for their son this year. 

"He's the last Canadian player playing baseball at this point in the season," Jennifer said. "There's no reason we can't all pull together for a player."

Hicks also made his World Baseball Classic debut for Team Canada in 2026.

Toronto's Liam Hicks will play in his first World Series, starting Friday, after only his second season in the major leagues. (Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo)

Jennifer and Bill Hicks spoke to CBC News as they drove down to Milwaukee on Thursday.

It's a drive they've made hundreds of times for tournaments with their