"The former all-star was returning to his home country for the first time since he became the starting catcher for the New York Yankees and Russell Martin said it is a feeling that never gets old.

"It reminds me of the memories back in the day, just watching Joe Carter hit the home run against the Phillies," Martin said before Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. "But there's a different feeling when you cross the border into Canada.

"It feels homey."

Complementing those good vibes is the fact that Martin, if the early returns are to be believed, is exhibiting signs that he's regaining the form of a few years back when he was considered one of the best all-round catchers in major-league baseball.

"I'm just having fun playing the game," the 28-year-old said from within the confines of the Yankee dugout at Rogers Centre. "Worked hard in the off-season just to get back healthy. I feel strong again, I feel quick, athletic.

"I'm just going out there, playing hard, and seeing some results and it feels good."

After five seasons in Los Angeles as a Dodger, the Toronto-born and Montreal-raised athlete had worn out his welcome in Tinseltown after injuries robbed him of much of his early-career productivity."