James McCann’s toughness made him indispensable in 2024

Unlike with most players, it is possible to pinpoint the exact moment when James McCann cemented himself in team folklore forever. It was July 29, a home game against Toronto, and the Blue Jays’ command-challenged starter had already given up three runs in the first inning. James McCann stepped to the plate, and took a 95-mph fastball right to the face. He dropped to the ground, his nose streaming with blood.

A horrified Oriole Park watched in silence for ten minutes while trainer Brian Ebel try to stop McCann’s nosebleed. Then, the O’s catcher got up, jersey spattered with blood, tapped first base, went to the dugout for a change, and took his place on first as if everything were normal.…