LitFest is thrilled to host treasured Toronto Blue Jays sportscaster Hazel Mae this November to celebrate the launch of her memoir, Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting, Baseball, and Beyond.

About the Book
Before I Let You Go: My Life in Broadcasting, Baseball, and Beyond is a candid and inspirational memoir by beloved sportscaster Hazel Mae. From her early days in the Philippines to her arrival in Canada and her rise through the ranks of sports journalism, Mae offers a candid, behind the scenes look at her life. With warmth and wit, she reflects on breaking into broadcasting, navigating the US sports media scene, returning home to cover the Toronto Blue Jays, and mastering the art of the post game interview—often while dodging celebratory Gatorade showers. Open, honest, and insightful, Mae's memoir offers a fresh, intimate glimpse into the life of one of Canada's most recognizable broadcasters.

Hazel Mae
Hazel Mae is a key member of Sportsnet's Blue Jays broadcasts, providing on-field reports, studio analysis, exclusive interviews, and pre-/post-game coverage. She is also widely recognized for her post-game walk-off interviews and in-depth player insights. With a wealth of broadcasting experience, Mae has one of the most trusted and respected voices in sports media today. In 2025, she was honoured with the prestigious Jack Graney Award from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of her significant contributions to baseball media in Canada. Mae is only the second woman to receive this prestigious award. On March 4, 2026, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television announced Mae as the recipient of the 2026 Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism.