By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez
Blue Jays sportscaster Hazel Mae writes about her childhood in the Philippines, career life in the US, Canada
Toronto Blue Jays sportscaster Hazel Mae will publish her memoir, Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting, Baseball, and Beyond, on Nov. 10, HarperCollins Canada announced Tuesday.
“We are thrilled to share that we will be publishing the candid and inspirational memoir from beloved sportscaster and recipient of the 2026 Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, Hazel Mae!,” they posted on their Instagram account.
Before I Let You Go will feature her life story, from her childhood in the Philippines to becoming a long-time Sportsnet reporter for the Blue Jays.
“Before I became Hazel’s editor, I was one of her fans,” said HarperCollins Canada executive editor Janice Zawerbny in a press statement.
“Working with such an iconic and trail-blazing broadcaster in sports media has been an incredible experience. This memoir offers readers a rare look into her life and a chance to really get to know Hazel.”
It will include details on what it was like to break into the U.S. media scene as a young reporter, and then getting to come home and cover the Jays.
“I’m truly thrilled for the upcoming release of my new book, which shares the journey that’s shaped who I am today, both on and off the field,” Hazel Mae said in a press statement.
“My hope is that readers find it inspirational, entertaining and motivating, and that it encourages them to believe in their own unexpected path, no matter the obstacles.”
Hazel Mae, a trailblazer in the sports media field, has won the Jack Graney Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame (only the second woman to do so), and the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, according to a CBC report.
Born Hazel Mae Cagulada in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, her family immigrated to Canada in the 1970s.
Her father, Tito, gave up his law practice to bring the family to a new country and with his daughter’s success, all the sacrifices had paid off.
Hazel Mae has been delivering the latest sports news and updates to Canadians across the country since 2001.
Her passion for sports was influenced by her father who watched with her the Toronto Maple Leafs since she was younger.