Former Toronto Blue Jay Homer Bush addresses the crowd at the annual Dawgs Awards Banquet. (Photo by Sean Emmett)

Every year, the Okotoks Dawgs invite a Keynote Speaker for their Annual Awards Banquet.

This year it came in the form of World Series of Baseball winner and former Toronto Blue Jay Homer Bush.

Bush, whose career was cut short by injuries, delivered a powerful and inspirational speech about his path through life that led him to Major League Baseball.

Surprisingly enough, it began with high school football.

An undersized person his whole life, Bush recalled the ups and downs of his football days, from nearly quitting the sport all together, to earning his place as a starter.

His message to the Dawgs and Junior Dawgs was very clear and simple; work hard and don't ever give up on your dreams.

During his first trip to Okotoks, Bush was blown away by the strength of the Dawgs' organization.

"I didn't even know organizations like this existed, so it's been eye-opening for me."

A member of the Toronto Blue Jays Care Organization, Bush says it's an honour to come out and inspire up and coming baseball players.

"I've really fallen in love with coaching and teaching baseball, as well as teaching what I've learned at the Major League level to the young players coming up behind me."

Bush adds he has no plans to end his involvement with Baseball Canada, or the development of young players.

"I'll definitely have a chance to stay in front of the young Canadian Baseball players, which has been a thrill for me the past few years."

Bush won a World Series title with the New York Yankees in 1998, before going to the Toronto Blue Jays in the trade that sent Roger Clemens to the Yankees.

He spent three seasons with the Jays between 1999 and 2002, and after stints with the Florida Marlins and New York Yankees, retired in 2005 due to a lingering hip problem.