Eric Spearin Named 2026 CBL Executive of the Year - Hamilton Cardinals

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Cardinals Owner/President Eric Spearin has been named the 2026 Canadian Baseball League Executive of the Year, earning the David E. Hastings Trophy for the second time in four seasons. Spearin, who first received the honour in 2023, becomes the first Cardinal to win the award twice. Other Cardinals recipients of the David E. Hastings Trophy include Larry Wood in 2024, Mike Fortuna in 2013, Brian Hanson in 1999 and Ralph Stewart in 1985. The 2026 season marked a landmark year for the organization, highlighted by the first regular-season pennant in CBL history and the club’s first trip to the CBL Finals since 2002. Away from the field, Spearin served on the CBL Executive Committee and dedicated countless hours to helping deliver the league’s new website platform. He also helped maintain the Cardinals’ high standard for live broadcasts through the organization’s partnership with Cable 14. The Cardinals partnered with more than 60 charities throughout the year, while attendance continued to rise for a fourth consecutive season. Regular-season attendance climbed from 23,631 fans in 2025 to 43,049 in 2026, with per-game attendance increasing 59 per cent from 1,125 to 1,794. “A special thank you to Cardinals fans, staff, volunteers, partners and our entire baseball team, especially my wife Anna Spearin and our Director of Business Operations, Sophie Samek, for all of their help and support,” said Spearin. Congratulations, Eric. Secure your 2027 Season Pass today