Jose Bautista on the cover of Canadian edition of MLB 12 The Show

Canadians and Toronto Blue Jays fans have something to be excited aboot today.  For the first time ever, MLB 12 The Show will have a separate cover athlete for the Canadian version of the game which will feature none other than Blue Jays star right fielder Jose Buatista.

“As we continue to deliver one of the most immersive baseball experiences on the market, we’re thrilled to have a player like Jose Bautista as the cover athlete for the Canadian edition of MLB 12 The Show,” said Stephen Turvey, General Manager, SCEC. “He had another stellar year at the plate in 2011 and we hope that 2012 proves to be an even bigger success for Jose, as well as MLB 12 The Show.”

Bautista has hit for a combined 97 home runs in the past two season, emerging into one of the premiere power hitters in Major League Baseball.  If a Canadian-based player and steroid-free (at least for now) home run hitter isn't enough to drive the Canadian masses to MLB 12 The Show, then nothing will.

“Being named the cover athlete for the Canadian edition of MLB 12 The Show is an exciting honor for me,” said Jose Bautista, American League Home Run Champion. “This is hands-down the best baseball game out there, which makes my inclusion as both cover athlete and an ambassador a very special one.”

Sony recently revealed the MLB 12 The Show box art for the rest of the world, featuring Red Sox slugger Adrian Gonzalez.