Toronto Mets Celebrate Grand Opening of the Baseball Performance Center

The Toronto Mets officially opened the doors to their new Baseball Performance Center this past weekend, marking a major milestone for player development in the region. The state-of-the-art facility, located at 24 Desjardins Way in Aurora, will serve as the winter training home for more than a dozen teams and provide year-round opportunities for athletes across the province.

The weekend celebration began on Saturday, when the Mets hosted the MLB World Series Play Ball Camp, an unforgettable experience for young players. The event featured appearances from former MLB stars CC Sabathia, Kevin Pillar, Nick Swisher, and several others — including the Mets’ very own Denzel Clarke and Mitch Bratt. Kids from across the area took part in drills, games, and on-field instruction led by some of baseball’s biggest names, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Then, on Sunday, October 26, the Mets held the official Grand Opening Ceremony of the Baseball Performance Center. The event drew a large crowd of players, families, and community members eager to celebrate the next step in the organization’s growth.

Mayor Tom Mrakas and MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy were in attendance and shared their enthusiasm about the impact the facility will have on local athletes and the surrounding community. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Toronto Mets Vice President Rich Leitch to President Ryan McBride, officially marking the opening of the new facility.

For McBride, the moment carried special meaning.

“When the Toronto Mets program began, our goal was simple — to provide young athletes with an elite environment to train, compete, and grow both on and off the field,” said Ryan McBride, President of the Toronto Mets. “Seeing how far we’ve come and standing here in this new facility is a true testament to the hard work of our coaches, families, and players. The Baseball Performance Center represents the next step in that journey and the continued growth of the Mets program.”

As the ceremony continued, families and players explored the space, enjoyed music from DJ VDP, and connected with staff during guided tours. Rich Leitch, Vice President of the Toronto Mets, shared how meaningful the facility is for the club’s future.

“This facility is a game-changer for our athletes,” said Leitch. “The development opportunities our players will have here — from the youngest prospects to our top-tier talent — are incredible. I’m excited to see the progress, confidence, and growth that will come from training in a space designed entirely for their success.”

Lawrence Vera, General Manager of the Toronto Mets, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing what the project means to the program’s mission.

“Opening this facility represents years of hard work, growth, and a shared vision for player development,” Vera said. “It’s more than just a building — it’s a home for our players and a place where the next generation of baseball talent will continue to grow.”.

The weekend showcased everything the Toronto Mets stand for — community, opportunity, and a commitment to helping players reach their full potential.