Hazel Mae

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Hazel Mae Barker was born on April 7, 1970, to a Filipino father who was a lawyer before immigrating to Canada in 1973. She grew up in Toronto, where she attended St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary School. Mae's passion for sports broadcasting began during her university years at York University in Toronto. While on campus, she launched her career by hosting a sports update show, an early demonstration of her on-air talent and determination. This foundational experience provided her with the practical skills and confidence needed to pursue professional broadcasting in a competitive industry. Her early work reflected a stubborn belief that she belonged in sports media, a field that was not historically welcoming to women of colour.

Broadcast Career at Rogers Sportsnet

Hazel Mae's professional breakthrough came in 2001 when she joined Rogers Sportsnet at the age of 31. She initially provided sports updates to the network's radio affiliates across Ontario, a role that honed her reporting skills. Mae quickly advanced to anchor the morning edition of Sportsnetnews, a flagship program on one of Canada's national all-sports networks. In addition to her news anchoring duties, she hosted JZone, a weekly magazine show dedicated entirely to the Toronto Blue Jays, a team also owned by Rogers. This dual role established her as a versatile broadcaster with a particular affinity for baseball, endearing her to a dedicated fanbase across the country.

Tenure at NESN and MLB Network

In December 2004, Mae moved to Boston to become the lead anchor for NESN's SportsDesk, a position she held until June 2008. During her tenure in New England, she became a central figure in local sports coverage, also hosting The Ultimate Red Sox Show and The Buzz, a Boston Bruins top-ten program. Her popularity was evident when she was nominated for consideration as the first president of Red Sox Nation, though the position ultimately went to Jerry Remy. Following her departure from NESN, Mae joined MLB Network in August 2008. There, she served as a host and reporter on prominent programs including Hot Stove, MLB Tonight, 30 Clubs in 30 Days, and Quick Pitch, significantly expanding her national profile in American sports media.

Return to Sportsnet and Blue Jays Coverage

Mae returned to Sportsnet in November 2011, announced on-air during a Toronto Maple Leafs broadcast. She debuted as the anchor of the 6 p.m. edition of Sportsnet Connected, a role she held until the show ended on July 1, 2015. Since her return, her primary focus has been on baseball, where she has become an integral part of Sportsnet's Toronto Blue Jays coverage. Mae currently works as the field-level reporter for Blue Jays broadcasts, a role that places her directly in the dugout and on the field. In this capacity, she has built a notable rapport with players and coaches, known for pulling honest, human stories from athletes in the immediate aftermath of games, often while dodging celebratory Gatorade showers.

Awards and Recognition

The pinnacle of Hazel Mae's career recognition came in 2026 when she was awarded the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism at the 14th Canadian Screen Awards. This lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television is the highest honour Canada bestows upon a broadcast journalist. The award capped a remarkable period of acclaim, following her reception of the Jack Graney Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in December 2025, which recognizes lifetime achievement in baseball broadcasting. Mae is only the second woman in history to receive the Jack Graney Award. These honours collectively validate a 25-year career of significant contribution to Canadian sports media and journalism.

Memoir and Public Speaking

In November 2026, Hazel Mae published her memoir, titled Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting, Baseball, and Beyond. The book offers a candid and inspirational look at her life, from her early days in the Philippines and arrival in Canada to her rise through the ranks of sports journalism. Promotional events for the book included signings and talks at the Toronto Public Library's Bram & Bluma Appel Salon and the Filipino-Canadian Book Festival in Vancouver. Concurrent with her writing, Mae has also become a sought-after keynote speaker, represented by ProSpeakers.com. Her speaking engagements draw on her experiences breaking barriers in broadcasting and working in the high-pressure world of professional sports media.

Personal Life

Hazel Mae is married to Kevin Barker, a former Major League Baseball first baseman. The couple has one son together named Chase. Her family life intersects with her professional world, given her husband's background in the sport she covers. This personal connection to baseball provides her with a unique perspective and deep understanding of the game and its culture. Mae maintains a residence in Canada, where she continues her broadcasting work while balancing her commitments as an author and public speaker.

Questions about Hazel Mae

What is Hazel Mae best known for?

Hazel Mae is best known as a Filipino-Canadian sportscaster who has been a leading voice in sports media for over 25 years. She is widely recognized for her work as a field-level reporter for Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts on Sportsnet. Canadian fans also know her from her earlier roles anchoring Sportsnet Connected and from her tenure as a host on MLB Network and lead anchor for NESN in Boston. Her trusted on-air presence and pioneering status as one of Canada's first prominent female sports anchors of colour have made her a beloved figure in sports broadcasting.

What award did Hazel Mae win in 2026?

In 2026, Hazel Mae won the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism at the 14th Canadian Screen Awards. This award, presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, is the single highest honour Canada gives to a broadcast journalist. It is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes an exceptional body of work and significant contributions to Canadian media. The award ceremony was held at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in Toronto on May 31, 2026, capping what was described as the most remarkable year of her career.

Did Hazel Mae write a book?

Yes, Hazel Mae authored a memoir titled Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting, Baseball, and Beyond, which was published in November 2026. The book is a candid and inspirational account of her life, covering her childhood, immigration to Canada, and her rise in sports journalism. It offers behind-the-scenes stories from her career, including her experiences breaking into broadcasting, working in the United States, and covering the Toronto Blue Jays. The memoir was promoted through a series of public events and signings across Canada following its release.

Where did Hazel Mae go to university?

Hazel Mae attended York University in Toronto. It was during her time on campus that she began her sports broadcasting career by hosting a sports update show. This university radio experience provided her with the initial platform and practical training that launched her professional journey. Her education and early work at York University were foundational steps that led to her first major industry job at Rogers Sportsnet in 2001.

Is Hazel Mae still with Sportsnet?

Yes, Hazel Mae is still with Sportsnet. After returning to the network in November 2011, she anchored Sportsnet Connected until 2015. She continues to work for Sportsnet as the field-level reporter for Toronto Blue Jays game broadcasts. In this role, she conducts interviews from the dugout and field, providing immediate post-game analysis and player insights. Her long-standing association with the network and the Blue Jays has made her a fixture for Canadian baseball fans.

Who is Hazel Mae married to?

Hazel Mae is married to Kevin Barker, a former Major League Baseball first baseman. The couple has one son together named Chase. Her marriage connects her personal life directly to the professional baseball world she covers, providing her with an intimate understanding of the sport's demands and culture. This family connection is occasionally referenced in her broadcasting, adding a layer of personal insight to her coverage.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-22.