Dodgers News: Eric Gagne to Pitch for Team Canada in WBC

Father Time is undefeated, but Eric Gagne apparently feels he has a fighting chance.

The former Dodgers closer will reportedly pitch for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, according to Shi Davidi of SportsNet. The 41-year-old hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2008.

Ryan Dempster and Eric Gagne planning to pitch for Canada at World Baseball Classic

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 14, 2017

This would be fascinating if it comes to fruition. Gagne pitched in one game for the Ottawa Champions in the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball last year, perhaps foreshadowing his intent. His name popped into the news in December when he reportedly pitched to New York Mets minor league outfielder (among other titles) Tim Tebow.

From MLB source: Earlier this wk in Phx area, former CyYoung winner, Eric Gagne, threw BP to @TimTebow. Didn't go well for Tim #mets #mlb

— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) December 30, 2016

Gagne was once considered the best closer in baseball. He won the Cy Young in 2003 – an astonishing accomplishment for a reliever – after gathering 55 saves to go with a 1.20 ERA and adding 137 strikeouts. He pitched for the Dodgers from 1999-2006, collecting 161 of his 187 saves in Los Angeles. Gagne was the franchise’s all-time saves leader before being passed by Kenley Jansen in 2016.