Cathal Kelly - The Globe and Mail

Cathal Kelly

StaffColumnistToronto, Canada

ckelly@globeandmail.com

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Cathal Kelly is a columnist for The Globe and Mail.

Cathal Kelly abides by The Globe and Mail Editorial Code of Conduct

Latest articles

4 hours ago

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 18: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks to the dugout during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on September 18, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 18: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks to the dugout during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on September 18, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

opinion

With its latest baseball failure, the Jays’ front office has figured out how to finesse its fan base

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

Yesterday

Sep 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller speaks to his players in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Sep 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller speaks to his players in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

opinion

After weeks of hype, the revamped Leafs fall short on opening night

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

September 28, 2026

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard speaks at the Raptors media day in Toronto on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard speaks at the Raptors media day in Toronto on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

opinion

Kawhi Leonard’s return gives the Raptors a presence they haven’t had since 2019

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

September 28, 2026

Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller (centre) speaks to his players on the bench during a pre-season game against the Montreal Canadiens in Toronto on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller (centre) speaks to his players on the bench during a pre-season game against the Montreal Canadiens in Toronto on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

opinion

It’s a new season and the Maple Leafs have their fans fooled once again

Cathal Kelly

5 min read

September 28, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider, left, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, look on before a baseball game against the Athletics Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider, left, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., right, look on before a baseball game against the Athletics Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

opinion

Monday Morning Halfback: Trying to find the good left in sports

Cathal Kelly and Jamie Ross

5 min read

September 27, 2026

TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays salutes the crowd after he is taken out of the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays salutes the crowd after he is taken out of the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

opinion

The Blue Jays’ failed 2026 season confirms it: The 2025 run was a fluke

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

September 25, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is wrapping up the first year of a 14-year, US$500-million contract.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is wrapping up the first year of a 14-year, US$500-million contract.

opinion

Guerrero apologized, but his recent behaviour should raise a red flag for Blue Jays

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

September 25, 2026

Members of the Arizona State University hockey team skate on the ice at Mullett Arena four years ago in Tempe, Ariz.

Members of the Arizona State University hockey team skate on the ice at Mullett Arena four years ago in Tempe, Ariz.

opinion

After senseless tragedy, Arizona State shamefully focuses on hockey

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

September 24, 2026

Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) bats during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) bats during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

opinion

Blue Jays are handcuffed to underperforming Guerrero for 13 more years

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

September 23, 2026

When Leonard wants to, he can become the most irresistible force in the NBA, Cathal Kelly writes.

When Leonard wants to, he can become the most irresistible force in the NBA, Cathal Kelly writes.

opinion

His wrist barely slapped by the NBA, Kawhi Leonard scores a payday with Raptors

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

September 21, 2026

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 16: An ad from sports betting site Novig featuring Actress Sydney Sweeney is displayed in Times Square on September 16, 2026 in New York City. The ad featuring an undressed Sweeney is causing controversy with a range of female athletes voicing their displeasure with ad, stating that the actress was encouraging the objectification of female bodies and minimized the women’s contributions to sports. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 16: An ad from sports betting site Novig featuring Actress Sydney Sweeney is displayed in Times Square on September 16, 2026 in New York City. The ad featuring an undressed Sweeney is causing controversy with a range of female athletes voicing their displeasure with ad, stating that the actress was encouraging the objectification of female bodies and minimized the women’s contributions to sports. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

opinion

Monday Morning Halfback: Everyone involved in the Sydney Sweeney ad outrage got what they wanted

Cathal Kelly and Jamie Ross

6 min read

September 20, 2026

Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. The team should not play along with the request, Cathal Kelly writes.

Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. The team should not play along with the request, Cathal Kelly writes.

opinion

Every Canadian hockey fan should feel the chill of Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request out of Winnipeg

Cathal Kelly

5 min read

September 14, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. acknowledges the fans after hitting a solo home run and his first of the season at home while playing against the Baltimore Orioles during fifth inning American League MLB baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. acknowledges the fans after hitting a solo home run and his first of the season at home while playing against the Baltimore Orioles during fifth inning American League MLB baseball action in Toronto on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

opinion

Monday Morning Halfback: Saturday Night Hockey’s lineup, and Guerrero finally hits one out of Rogers Centre

Cathal Kelly and Simon Houpt

6 min read

September 11, 2026

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck against Anaheim Ducks during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 30, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck against Anaheim Ducks during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 30, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

opinion

With Babcock and Formenton on board, the Oilers – with McDavid’s approval – are the NHL’s villains

Cathal Kelly

5 min read

September 7, 2026

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Professional golfer and Stanford Cardinal alumni Tiger Woods stands on the sidelines during the first half of the Stanford Cardinal game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Stanford Stadium on September 04, 2026 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Professional golfer and Stanford Cardinal alumni Tiger Woods stands on the sidelines during the first half of the Stanford Cardinal game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Stanford Stadium on September 04, 2026 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

opinion

Monday Morning Halfback: Tiger still commands our attention, and picking the perfect hockey panel

Cathal Kelly and Jamie Ross

6 min read

August 31, 2026

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) looks up as Detroit Red Wings' Marco Kasper (92) taps the puck before Lucas Raymond (left hidden) taps it again for the goal during third period NHL action in Winnipeg, Saturday, January 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) looks up as Detroit Red Wings' Marco Kasper (92) taps the puck before Lucas Raymond (left hidden) taps it again for the goal during third period NHL action in Winnipeg, Saturday, January 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

opinion

Monday Morning Halfback: Hellebuyck’s trade demand and the contract that could change the NHL

Cathal Kelly and Jamie Ross

6 min read

August 25, 2026

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (centre) was helped off the field after being sacked during a preseason NFL game earlier this month.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (centre) was helped off the field after being sacked during a preseason NFL game earlier this month.

opinion

Latest reporting on the dangers of football offers a revealing look at the American psyche

Cathal Kelly

5 min read

August 24, 2026

Montreal Victoire's Marie-Philip Poulin (29) raises the PWHL Walter Cup after the team's win against the Ottawa Charge in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Montreal Victoire's Marie-Philip Poulin (29) raises the PWHL Walter Cup after the team's win against the Ottawa Charge in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

opinion

Monday Morning Halfback: The PWHL’s missing trophy; could Félix Auger-Aliassime win the U.S. Open?

Cathal Kelly and Jamie Ross

6 min read

August 21, 2026

Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios

opinion

Suspended tennis star Nick Kyrgios takes another shot at redemption

Cathal Kelly

4 min read

August 18, 2026

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever, seen here during Tuesday's game against the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, shared her opinion on transgender athlete participation last month. Those comments have led to an avalanche of attention on her, the Fever and the WNBA.

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever, seen here during Tuesday's game against the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, shared her opinion on transgender athlete participation last month. Those comments have led to an avalanche of attention on her, the Fever and the WNBA.

opinion

Will uncomplimentary coverage of the WNBA cost you your seat in the Toronto Tempo’s press box?

Cathal Kelly

4 min read