“Lacks prototypical size for right-handed starter. Little room for projections.” This was the scouting report before Marcus Stroman was selected 22^nd overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2012 MLB draft. It seems the scouts all had the same question, could Marcus’ swagger and heart counterweigh his lack of physical stature. This was not the first-time critics had questioned Marcus’ size. He had been confronted with doubters long before he was an ace with the Toronto Blue Jays. It was during his college days at Duke that Marcus coined the term “Height Doesn’t Measure Heart” (HDMH) which has now lead to his clothing line.

On Thursday July 27^th 2017, the Toronto Blue Jays hosted an event titled “Extra Innings: A Night out with Stro. The event hosted at the Rogers Centre, comprised of a Q&A style story of Marcus’ Journey from his beginnings in Medford, New York all the way to being a starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and starting his own clothing brand, “Height Doesn’t Measure Heart.” Upon arrival to the Rogers Centre, there was a sense of enthusiasm and optimism that still hung in the minds of Torontonians due to the day’s prior events. Earlier that day the Blue Jays completed the sweep of the Oakland A’s capped off with a walk off grand-slam in extra innings. This was not the only theatrics of the day. Marcus who started the game, was ejected for arguing with the umpire. It was this fight inside Marcus, that he described over the evening, that propelled him into the positon he is in today. This is what HDMH is all about. The culture around the apparel and not just the design. HDMH is strictly an in-house operation run by Marcus’s mother, sister and brother in-law. The “warehouse” is a shed located in the backyard of the house that Marcus was born and raised in. The three had been hesitant to bring more members to the HDMH team due to wanting to the keep the operation in the family and learn all aspects of running a clothing line first hand.

The night included an open bar as well as unlimited pizza, hotdogs and appetizers both before and after the interview. Additionally, there were arcade-style games where guests could win Blue Jays water bottles, sun glasses, bracelets and tote bags. The night geared at young professionals 18-35 years was a great avenue for networking, socializing and supporting a local charity. In total, over 150 thousand dollars was raised for JaysCare. If you are a Blue Jays or Stroman fan, who enjoys a fun night out in Toronto and supporting a great charity this is the event for you!

Lucas Freeburn-Hing

Atmosphere Medias

Want to learn more about HMDH?

Check out their website https://store.stroshow.com/pages/all-items and Instagram account @hdmhapparel