Former Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder to take part in WCL All-Star game home run derby
Photo credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays star Kevin Pillar will be gracing the outfield with his presence at the WCL All-Star game this summer.
The Victoria HarbourCats have confirmed that the 2026 WCL All-Star Game will take place at Royal Athletic Park on July 15.
Leading into the main event, fans can catch Kevin Pillar in action during the home run derby on July 14, where he’ll compete alongside some of the league’s top hitters and outfielders.
Pillar, who officially retired in 2025, wrapped up a 13-year professional career that included seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Over that span, he appeared in 1,234 games, hit 114 home runs, and became known for his highlight-reel defensive plays, often stealing home runs at the wall.
Pillar giving back to the community where he once played
Having previously played for the Vancouver Canadians, Pillar now returns to British Columbia for the derby—and will don a Blue Jays jersey for the occasion.
The derby itself will feature a unique format: a three-on-three, three-inning contest where each hitter has two minutes and thirty seconds to rack up as many home runs as possible.
Meanwhile, the opposing trio will be in the field, attempting to rob home runs within a designated catch zone near the fence to take away points.
Hitters can also aim for special target zones worth double points, adding a strategic layer to the competition.
“This is all about the home runs, but the twists on defence make it an absolute blast — pardon the pun,” said Brenda MacFarlane, co-chair of the 2026 WCL All-Star Game.
“Having Kevin Pillar as one of the players in this, wearing a Blue Jays uniform, will be a must-attend for any Jays fan, any sports fan.”
The home run derby is just one part of the broader WCL All-Star Game Festival, which will span multiple locations across Vancouver Island, with Royal Athletic Park serving as the central venue.
The home run derby is just one part of the broader WCL All-Star Game Festival, which will span multiple locations across Vancouver Island, with Royal Athletic Park serving as the central venue.
Tickets for the July 14 derby are currently available online, either as standalone passes or bundled with admission to the All-Star Game on July 15. Package prices range from $40 to $85.
Victoria last hosted the WCL All-Star Game in 2013, and additional announcements about this year’s festival are expected soon.
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