C's Program #11

OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE VANCOUVER CANADIANS

2022 SEASON - ISSUE 11

A CHAT WITH STEWARD BERROA

BRENT LAVALLEE

A SPECIAL HOMECOMING SEASON FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY

MEET OUR

MASCOTS

SCOREKEEPING 101 HOW TO SCORE A BASEBALL GAME

A CHAT WITH ANDRES SOSA

TEAM ROSTERS

VANCOUVER CANADIANS VS EUGENE EMERALDS

DON’T MISS A&W FAMILY FUN

GATES OPEN AT NOON. FIRST PITCH 1:05 APRIL 24

Umbrella Giveaway

JUNE 19

Father's Day Hat Giveaway

FIRST 500 FANS

FIRST 500 DADS (WITH A CHILD PRESENT)

MAY 8

JULY 3

Mother's Day Hat Giveaway

Mini Bat Giveaway

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 AND UNDER

MAY 22

JULY 17

Mascot Socks Giveaway

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 AND UNDER

JUNE 5

JULY 31

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 AND UNDER

AUGUST 28

Backpack Giveaway

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 AND UNDER

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 AND UNDER

Pennant Giveaway

jersey lunch bag Giveaway FIRST 500 KIDS 12 AND UNDER

FIRST 500 MOMS (WITH A CHILD PRESENT)

Autograph Book Giveaway

AUGUST 7

SEPTEMBER 11

Blanket Giveaway FIRST 500 FANS

Replica Jersey Giveaway FIRST 500 KIDS 12 AND UNDER

And

ENJOY $2 A&W ROOT BEER FLOATS!

®

WITH ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TO LOCAL CHARITIES

2 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

CONTENTS

4 MESSAGE FROM VANCOUVER CANADIANS

34 HOW TO SCORE THE BASEBALL GAME

9 GET TO KNOW YOUR CANADIANS FRONT OFFICE STAFF

36 C’S CHAT – STEWARD BERROA

A letter from owners Jake Kerr & Jeff Mooney.

Meet the team behind our team as we feature those who work around the clock to ensure your best ballpark experience.

14 2022 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

This is your chance to map out the entire summer using our vibrant and colourful Promo Sked that shows you every single moment this season. A great tool to plan out the games you absolutely HAVE to see this season.

A Scorekeeping 101.

Niall caught up with outfielder Steward Berroa to find out more about his past, what he’s working on this season and how his first Nat Bailey Stadium experiences have been.

46 C’S CHAT – ANDRES SOSA

Niall caught up with catcher Andres Sosa to find out more about his past, what he’s working on this season and how his first Nat Bailey Stadium experiences have been.

16 STEINER STORIES: BRENT LAVALLEE

52 MEET OUR MASCOTS!

23 ROAD TO THE SHOW

53 KIDS FUN PAGE

24 TEAM ROSTERS

54 2022 BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Each week, our own Ben Steiner sits down with a C’s player or coach to find out more about the path that brought them to The Nat. This week: manager Brent Lavallee Climbing through the Blue Jays system.

27 MEET THE 2022 VANCOUVER CANADIANS

This year’s squad is looking to bring home Northwest League Championship #5! Let’s meet this year’s ‘Boys of Summer’!

The Canadians feature not one, not two, but seven amazing mascots all with their own claim to fame! Take a look at the colourful characters that keeps fans smiling all summer long.

Fun kids activities With more games on radio than ever before and a MiLB.TV broadcast package as well – the Canadians and Sportsnet 650 have baseball in Vancouver covered like never before!

32 CANADIANS TO REACH THE MAJOR LEAGUES

Check out the complete list of every Canadians player (20002021) to have made it to the bright lights of MLB

The Souvenir Program is published by the Vancouver Canadians Professional Baseball Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission of Vancouver Canadians Professional Baseball Club is prohibited. Copyright 2022 Vancouver Canadians Professional Baseball Club. 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver, BC Canada V5V 3H4. Phone: 604-872-5232 Fax: 604-872-1714 Email: staff@canadiansbaseball.com Web: www.canadiansbaseball.com

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 3

A MESSAGE FROM JAKE KERR & JEFF MOONEY Welcome to Nat Bailey Stadium.

This season we are celebrating 44 years of Vancouver Canadians Baseball as we welcome both you and our “Boys of Summer” back once again to historic Nat Bailey Stadium.

2022 is set to be a remarkable year in many ways. First and foremost, C’s baseball is back at The Nat for the first time since August 2019. So much has happened between now and then; the global pandemic wiped out the 2020 season and we spent all of 2021 playing away from home. There were times when we were not sure what the future would hold, but as caretakers of your professional baseball team we remain steadfast in our commitment to the ballclub, to you, the fans, and to this wonderful community. We cannot tell you just how excited and grateful we are to be back home.

Through it all, we strive to create what we feel is the best sports experience not just in Vancouver, but in all of Minor League Baseball. We hope by the end of today’s game, you’ll agree with us.

Team president Andy Dunn and his staff have been working tirelessly to ensure that our return to Nat Bailey Stadium gives you any number of opportunities to create new and lasting memories with your colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

We have continued our important work through the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation. Over 300 local children will join our program this year and we look forward to getting back out in the local community through a multitude of commitments that we proudly honour. We hope that you will continue to support our team and our community alongside us.

Enjoy the game and thank you for choosing to spend your time with us. We are proud to showcase the future stars of the Toronto Blue Jays for you and hope that today is another chance for you to create a memory with us all summer long.

Here’s to many, many more years of fun and memories here at historic Nat Bailey Stadium.

Go C’s!

Jake Kerr & Jeff Mooney

4 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2017 2022

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 5

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VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 7

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FRONT OFFICE STAFF JAKE KERR

MAJORITY OWNER, MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER Born and raised in Vancouver, Jake Kerr attended the University of British Columbia before completing his MBA in Economics and Finance at the University of California at Berkeley. A Canadian business icon, Mr. Kerr has been the recipient of the Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia for his remarkable contributions to both our country and province.

Taking ownership of the Canadians back in 2007, Mr. Kerr has led the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club to eight (8) franchise attendance records, multiple Larry McPhail Awards for excellence within the Northwest League, and Minor League Baseball’s most coveted accolade - the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, awarded to MiLB’s most complete franchise.

ANDY DUNN

PRESIDENT Andy Dunn has been with the Vancouver Canadians since 2007, helping guide Canada's only affiliated Minor League Baseball franchise to a number of national accolades including the coveted John H. Johnson President's Trophy (2013) presented to the most complete franchise in MiLB - marking the first time in the award's 40-year history that a Canadian-based organization received the honour.

Known by many in the baseball world, Andy has twice been named Florida State League Executive of the Year (1999, 2000) and also Northwest League Executive of the Year (2008), and has helped the Canadians reach new heights with 10 Northwest League awards during his tenure in Vancouver including multiple John H. Johnson & Larry MacPhail Awards

JEFF MOONEY

CO-OWNER In addition to his valuable contributions to the Vancouver Canadians, Jeff Mooney is Chairman Emeritus and a major shareholder of A&W Food Services of Canadians Inc. Today, A&W is a strategy-driven organization that has grown to over 1,000 locations across Canada. A&W has been recognized as one of the 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada for the past 10 consecutive years, and in 2008, it was honoured to become an official member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Platinum Club.

Mr. Mooney is an alumnus of both the University of Saskatchewan and Harvard University Graduate School of Business. In 2003, Mr. Mooney received Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee Medal and three years later was inducted into the Restaurant Hall of Fame(2006). In 2016, Mr. Mooney was inducted into the B.C. Business Laureates Hall of Fame and this year received the Order of Canada

TOM BACKEMEYER

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Tom, who most recently served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Lancaster Jethawks 2014-2021. The Jethawks were the sister organization to the Vancouver Canadians held under the same ownership group of Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney.

The native of Lincoln, Nebraska has a vast background in Minor League Baseball as prior to his arrival in Lancaster, Backemeyer helped develop franchises in Nashville, Rancho Cucamonga, Fresno, and Everett. He is a graduate of Colorado State University (BA) with an MBA from the University of Denver.

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 9

ALLAN BAILEY

GENERAL MANAGER Allan Bailey has been with the Vancouver Canadians since 2007 and was appointed General Manager on September 5th, 2018, after spending the previous seven seasons as the organization's Assistant General Manager. Allan has led several departments during his tenure with the C's including the Nat Bailey Stadium Box Office and its ticket operations as well as his more recent efforts in Team Operations handling everything from player housing and travel right through to Information Technology (IT). Born in Victoria, B.C., and raised on the Lower Mainland's Sunshine Coast, Allan completed his education at McGill University while playing five seasons with the McGill Redbirds baseball program.

Prior to university, Allan played for the NorthShore Twins of the B.C. Premier League

WALTER COSMAN

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING With more than 20 years of Sales& Marketing experience here in Vancouver, Walter decided to put those skills to work in the sport he's most passionate about, baseball.

With a B.A. from the University of New Brunswick, Walter has worked with Proctor & Gamble, Molson Canda, Granville Island Brewing and Steamworks Brewing. Walter was also General Manager of Petcurean leading a staff of more than70 people. With a longstanding corporate partnership with the Canadians prior to his arrival in May of 2019, Walter joins our club fully aware of the standard that has put the C's among the best in Minor League Baseball

STEVEN MAISEY

MANAGER OF TICKETING OPERATIONS Steven enters his third season with the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club, and his first as Manager of Ticket Operations.

After graduating from Langara College with a diploma in Recreation Leadership Management, and interning for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Steven began his career with the Canadians on the operations side of the club, spending the two seasons (2018 – 19) as a member of the A&B Tools Rental Grounds Crew.

Steven transitioned into his current role as Manager of Ticket Operations in January 2020, and looks to maintain the service standards that fans have come to expect of the Canadians.

In the offseason, Steven volunteers his time as a skills coach for the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey.

10 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

STEPHANI ELLIS

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Returning for her seventh season with the Vancouver Canadians Stephani handles a wide variety of key organizational elements including Group Sales as well as the C's social media platforms. She was promoted to Assistant General Manager role prior to the 2019 season and was the recipient of the 2019 Northwest League Female Executive of the Year for her work with the C's.

After a standout collegiate softball career at California University of PA where Stephani played for the Vulcans and was named a Regional All-American, the Prince of Wales Secondary graduate and former Team BC member began her marketing career with the Canadians.

Stephani works in concert with group leaders who expect the Canadians to provide an excellent ballpark experience with each visit out at Nat Bailey Stadium.

BRENDA CHMILIAR

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Brenda is entering her 15th season out at Nat Bailey Stadium but her second as Financial Controller for the Vancouver Canadians. She spent the first 10 years with Aramark Food Services in the company's financial division, dividing her time between at Nat Bailey Stadium and Rogers Arena.

Brenda is responsible for all aspects of the Vancouver Canadians financial operations. She is right at home here at Nat Bailey Stadium, as much of her childhood was spent playing baseball on the local fields in Kamloops

CHARLENE YAROSHUK

ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR Charlene is excited to be entering her 4th season with the Vancouver Canadians as their Accounting Coordinator. In 2020 she graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Growing up in the Vancouver area she spent most of her free time practicing martial arts and currently has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

TYLER ZICKEL

MANAGER OF BROADCASTING & MEDIA RELATIONS Tyler joined the Canadians in 2021 for his fourth season in the Blue Jays organization and seventh in MiLB. Before the C's, Tyler served as the Director of Promotions & Entertainment and Road Radio Broadcaster for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Over the course of three seasons in Manchester, he oversaw the entire in-game presentation and promotions departments while traveling throughout the Eastern League calling 'Cats games. He began his MiLB career in 2014 as a communications intern for the Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm in Southern California and was promoted twice in three years. As Assistant Director of Marketing and Director of Digital Content, respectively, Tyler was heavily involved in growing the team's online presence.

CHARLES O'NEILL

MANAGER OF STADIUM OPERATIONS Charles joins the Canadians in 2022 after working for a variety for baseball clubs including the Long Island Ducks, and the New York Mets. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his prior experiences to Nat Bailey Stadium.

He previously completed his Bachelors of Sports Management from Farmingdale State College in New York.

He earned his B.A. in English from Whittier College in Los Angeles, where he played on the Poets baseball team and was elected Student Body President.

KENDRA CHIN

MARKETING COORDINATOR Kendra joins the C’s Marketing department for her first full season of baseball. She has recently completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with specialization in Marketing and Human Resource Management.

Prior to joining the team at The Nat, she worked for several years in the health & fitness industry. Her goal is to intertwine her passion for sports with her business background. In her spare time, she is coaching basketball to inner city kids. This Vancouverite also likes spending her free time playing basketball, tennis, golf, and skiing.

LEVI WEBER

HEAD GROUNDSKEEPER Levi is no stranger to the Northwest League, with prior experience with the Spokane Indians as their Head Groundskeeper at Avista Stadium. His talents have also allowed him to be the field manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Spring Training Facility in Arizona.

The Colton, WA native graduated from Washington State University with a Double Major in Turfgrass Management and Fruit and Vegetable Management and two minors in Horticulture and Agricultural Systems.

In his time away from the ballpark, you can find him on the golf course, weight training or enjoying time with family and friends.

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 11

JACOB NAKHLEH

OWEN SCURALLI

Joining the club for the 2016 season, Jacob began his time with the C’s in the Box Office, first as a Ticket Sales Representative, then as Box Office Assistant, with his transition to sales coming at the conclusion of the 2021 season.

After graduating from Brock University in St. Catharines ON with a degree in Sport Management, Owen completed an internship for a local athlete representation company doing sales and marketing prior to the start of the

SALES ASSOCIATE Jacob returns for his sixth season with the C’s and his first as Sales Associate.

Jacob graduated from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan in 2021 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance.

When Jacob’s away from the Nat, you can find him watching Blue Jays baseball, Seahawks football, or, if he’s lucky, ice fishing in Saskatchewan.

SALES ASSOCIATE Owen enters his first season with the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club as a Sales Associate.

pandemic.

Owen moved here from Ontario in March 2021, working as a Telus Sales Rep, and spent time as a waiter at Craft Brewery before joining the C’s this past January. He brings a great deal of passion for sports and customer service to the team.

In his spare time, Owen loves reading books, working out, and spending his summertime at Kitsilano Beach, a 5 min walk from his apartment.

COOPER MISIC

LANE DEPLAEDT

SALES ASSOCIATE Cooper is a former Langley Blaze pitcher, took his talents south of the border to play for both Galveston College and at Central Washington University. He graduated from CWU with a Sports Management degree with a specialization in Business.

Prior to joining the Canadians, he was a member of the Ground Crew at Northview Golf & Country Club.

SALES ASSOCIATE Lane joins the C’s for his first season in Minor League Baseball after recently working with the Coquitlam Express Junior A Hockey Club in Game Day Operations. He is recently graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a bachelor’s or Business Administration with a Major in Marketing.

While away from the ballpark he enjoys spending time in his hometown of Port Moody or playing golf.

BALLPARK AND STADIUM OPERATIONS

BROOKS PRIMO

CHRISTIAN WILSON

12 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

COLE WARKENTIN

DREW HOWSON

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2022 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI 8

APRIL

SAT

SPO 6:35

9

TRI 6:30

16

SPO 5:09

SUN

MON

TUE

WE 1

JUNE

SP

PRESENTE

10 SPO 1:05

111

122

TRI 6:30

TRI 6:30

13

MAGNETIC SCHEDULE GIVEAWAY

TRI 1:30

19 EUG 7:05

18

TRI 6:30

15

TRI 6:30

5

SUPPORTING BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

FIRST 2,500 FANS

17

14

20 EUG 7:05

BLANKET GIVEAWAYY

SPO 1:05

TRI 6:30

6

7

1 13

14 1 EUG 7:05

8

TR

PRESENTED BY A&W

21 EUG 7:05

22 EUG 1:05

23 EUG 1:05

122

6:30 6: :3 :30 :30 TTRRRII 66:3 TRI

15 EU

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

24 EUG 1:05

26 HIL 6:35

25

2277

6::35 66:3 :3355 HHIL I 6:35 IL

228 HIL 6:35

29 HIL 6:35

PRESENTE SUPPO YM

PRESENTED BY BCLC

30 HIL 6:35

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY

HIL 7:05

22 HI

28 SPO 7:05

29 SP

PRESENTED BY BCLC

PRESENTE SUPPO BC CHILDREN’S HOS

21 FAMILY FUN SUNDAY

- AND -

- AND -

UMBRELLA GIVEAWAY

FATHER'S DAY

FIRST 500 FANS

PRESENTED BY A&W

PRESENTED BY A&W

1:05

MAY

227

TRAVEL MUG GIVEAWAY FIRST 500 FANS

1

HIL 1:05

2

3

EVE 7:05

PRESENTED BY BCLC

8

EVE 1:05

9

EUG 7:35

10

4

EVE 7:05

PRESENTED BY RBC SUPPORTING BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

11

5

EVE 7:05

EVE 1:05

6

PRESENTED BY VAN HOUTTE COFFEE

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

12 EUG 7:35

13 EUG 7:35

7

EVE 1:05

JULY

14 EUG 6:05

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY

3

SPO 1:05

4

EVE 7:05

5

6

EV

13

HI

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY

- AND -

- AND -

MOTHER'S DAY

MINI BAT GIVEAWAY

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

PRESENTED BY A&W

17

22 TRI 1:05

23

TRI 7:05

18

TRI 7:05

PRESENTED BY BCLC

PRESENTED BY RBC SUPPORTING BIG SISTERS

24 HIL 6:35

25 HIL 6:35

19

TRI 7:05

20 TRI 1:05

21

TRI 1:05

10 EVE 4:05

12

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

26 HIL 6:35

27

HIL 6:35

HIL 7:05

PRESENTED BY BCLC

28 HIL 6:35

17

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY

AUTOGRAPH BOOK GIVEAWAY

MASCOT SOCKS GIVEAWAY

- AND -

11

HIL 1:05

PRESENTE SUPPO GREATER VANCOU

18

19

20

25

26 EVE 7:05

27 EV

- AND -

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

PRESENTED BY A&W

2299 HI 1: HIL HIL IL 1:05

PRESENTED BY A&W

30

31 SPO 7:05

24 SPO 6:35

PRESENTED BY BCLC

PRESENTED BY BCLC

31

05 EVE 1:05

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY - AND -

REPLICA JERSEY GIVEAWAY FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

PRESENTED BY A&W

14 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

PRESENTE

ED

PO 7:05

THU SPO 7:05

2

FRI SPO 1:05

3

SAT 4

SPO 7:05

RKZAS FIREWAGOAN EXTRAV

ED BY RBC

RI 6:30

INDIGENOUS DAY PRESENTED BY ROGERS

TRI 6:30

9

PRESENTED BY CLOVERDALE PAINT

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

10

TRI 6:30

SUN

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

AUGUST

TRI 6:30

11

MON

1

SAT

TRAVEL POUCH GIVEAWAY FIRST 500 FANS

2

TRI 7:05

TRI 7:05

3

4

TRI 7:05

5

TRI 1:05

6

TRI 7:05

ORKS FIRTREW AVAGANZA EX

PRESENTED BY RBC SUPPORTING OUT ON SCREEN VIDEO & FILM SOCIETY

PRESENTED BY BCLC

UG 7:05

16 EUG 7:05

17 EUG 1:05

18 EUG 7:05

RKZAS FIREWAGOAN EXTRAV

PET FOOD N’ MORE

PO 7:05

30 SPO 7:05

EUG 6:35

10 EUG 6:35

8

9

14 EUG 4:05

15

16 EVE 7:05

17

EVE 4:05

22

23 HIL 7:05

24 HIL 7:05

EUG 6:35

12 EUG 6:35

13 EUG 5:05

18 EVE 7:05

19 EVE 7:05

20 EVE 7:05

25 HIL 7:05

26 HIL 1:05

27

11

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY - AND -

JERSEY LUNCH BAG GIVEAWAY

PRESENTED BY RETURN-IT

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

23 HIL 7:05

TRI 1:05

PRESENTED BY CLOVERDALE PAINT

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

ED BY RBC ORTING MCA

L 7:05

7

PRESENTED BY PHILLIPS BREWING

24 HIL 7:05

PRESENTED BY A&W

25 HIL 7:05

21

ORKS FIREW AVAGANZA EXTR

EVE 7:05

YOUTH BASEBALL NIGHT

EXTR

BEER KOOZIE GIVEAWAY

ED BY RBC ORTING SPITAL FOUNDATION

FIRST 500 FANS

1

SPO 1:05

2

SPO 7:05

RKZAS FIREWAGOAN EXTRAV

28 HIL 1:05

29

PRESENTED BY BCLC

PRESENTED BY RBC

30 SPO 6:35

31 SPO 6:35

HIL 7:05

ORKS FIREW AVAGANZA

PRESENTED BY ROGERS

PRESENTED BY RE/MAX

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY - AND -

BACKPACK GIVEAWAY

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

PRESENTED BY SLEEMAN BREWERIES

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

VE 12:05

7

L 7:05

14

ED BY RBC

8

HIL 7:05

15

EVE 7:05

9

HIL 1:05

16

Peoples Night

PRESENTED BY ROGERS

21

EVE 7:05

PRESENTED BY A&W

1

SPO 6:35

2

SPO 6:35

3

8

EUG 7:05

9

EUG 1:05

10 EUG 7:05

SEPTEMBER

HIL 7:05

4

RKZAS FIREWAGOAN

6:355 SPO 6:3

5

6

EUG 7:05

7

EUG 7:05

EXTRAV

lndigenous

ED BY RBC ORTING UVER FOOD BANK

VE 7:05

EVE 7:05

ORKS FIRTREW AVAGANZA EX

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

22 SPO 6:35

SPO 6:35

PRESENTED BY BCLC

23 SPO 6:35

11

SUPPORTING PRESENTED BY RBC FOUNDRY BC

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

PRESENTED BY TURNER CONSTRUCTION

EUG 1:055

A&W FAMILY FUN SUNDAY - AND -

BLANKET GIVEAWAY FIRST 500 FANS

PRESENTED BY A&W

28 EVE 7:05

29 EVE 1:05

30 EVE 7:05

ORKS FIRTREW AVAGANZA EX

PRESENTED BY FORTIS BC

PRESENTED BY NÜTRL VODKA

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 15

BY BEN STEINER

It was just 2017 when Brent Lavallee and his son took pictures in the stands of Nat Bailey Stadium. Brent, originally from North Delta, BC, hadn’t been named the manager of the Vancouver Canadians, and he had brought his family up to his hometown for a holiday.

It was just 2017 when Brent Lavallee and his son took pictures in the stands of Nat Bailey Stadium. Brent, originally from North Delta, BC, hadn’t been named the manager of the Vancouver Canadians, and he had brought his family up to his hometown for a holiday.

In 2020, the Toronto Blue Jays named Brent the manager of the Canadians, only for the chance to evaporate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet, on the evening of April 18, 2022, the rain covered Vancouver, as it so often does, but as the hours ticked down to the C’s home opener on April 19, blue skies emerged, and MiLB baseball returned north of the border for the first time since 2019.

“Welcome inside the Nat Bailey. Last night, there was lots of rain, but overnight the field withstood the deluge,” C’s broadcaster Tyler Zickel said over the Sportsnet 650 airwaves, his first broadcast in Vancouver. “After some terrific work from the grounds crew, the diamond is shining, and the boys are ready to take it to the Eugene Emeralds.”

While Lavallee and the C's were already ten games into the season, North Delta’s own was getting his first chance to manage at The Nat, the opportunity which eluded him two years earlier.

Although getting to Vancouver isn’t the end goal, it is undoubtedly a special stop for someone who spent 15 years as a player and coach with Louisiana State University Shreveport, especially given the affiliation with Toronto.

16 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

A SPECIAL HO

BREN

OMECOMING SEASON FOR

NT LAVALLEE AND HIS FAMILY

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 17

SUPER 50/50 JACKPOT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 BC GAMING LICENSE #132781 KNOW YOUR LIMIT, PLAY WITH IN IT. 19+ 18 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

As the season draws to a close and the C’s battle for a playoff spot, Lavallee grabs some water and sits in the dugout to get out of the blazing sun. Baseball bat across his lap, he has nearly managed Vancouver through the season and to the precipice of the Northwest League Final.

“It was amazing, just to stand and hear our national anthem for the first time,” he recalls of the first home game, a 6-5 loss to Eugene. “It gave me goosebumps, and it still does every game.”

“Seeing the sunset or a ‘Nooner here at The Nat, it’s something that just brings me back to my childhood.”

After missing out on Vancouver in 2020, he spent his 2021 summer managing in the Florida Complex League. Before returning to Vancouver in 2022, the first High-A season in British Columbia.

However, it wasn’t just the pandemic that sent ripples throughout the minor leagues and the world; baseball starred down the contraction of 40 minor league teams. For the C’s, rumours swirled about losing minor league status or moving to a different organization.

Every day in minor league baseball looks similar, but each one is different at the same time. For a team on the precipice of a final, each day is critical as well.

As a team, though, it has been paramount for the group to keep their heads level and on the grind each day. “WFG,” the workout shirts say; “We Freaking Grind.”

Throughout the season, Vancouver has enjoyed a 10-game win streak that saw the club boast the hottest record in professional baseball.

Still, there have also been low moments in losing streaks, close losses and injuries.

“SEEING THE SUNSET OR A ‘NOONER HERE AT THE NAT, IT’S SOMETHING THAT JUST BRINGS ME BACK TO MY CHILDHOOD.”

“I was a little worried that time about the team being eliminated or the C’s moving to a different organization, but after we signed the 10year [professional development deal], I was pretty confident I could get back here,” Lavallee said.

“At the end of the day, though, Vancouver isn’t the deal breaker with the Blue Jays; it’s the whole package and being home in Vancouver was the icing on the cake.”

After a rollercoaster couple of years, Lavallee is back in his old surroundings, on the hallowed grounds of Nat Bailey Stadium, where he and his family used to watch the Triple-A Canadians, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angles.

In 2022, though, the 35-year-old manager isn’t in the crowd as a kid or with his kid but on the field leading the team amidst a run for the NWL pennant.

For this C’s group, the mood has stayed level and relativity positive.

“We’re a pretty relaxed group, and the players know what is required of them,” Lavallee said. “As a staff, we try to let the players play their game and be who they are. Sure, sometimes we take our lumps, but I think the consistency of work from staff and player and support staff has been terrific.”

Even with the highs, lows and repetition of gameday six days of seven, a few moments stand out for the first-year manager.

Really, the C’s have had an abundance of standout moments this season, such as Damiano Palmegiani and his three grandslams or when the 6,413 fans on Ontario Street chanted “Sosa, Sosa, Sosa!” for Andres Sosa’s hot streak. Can’t forget about packed ‘Nooner Fridays to see Ricky Tiedemann or PK Morris consistently dialing in it for walk-off wins.

“There's been a lot of great moments. You know, and many great situations for our players to be a part of in their career,” Lavallee said.

Still, amid it all, no moment shines brighter for him as when his 10-year-old son was in town, taking batting practice and seeing the professional level, even though he may be a long way away from the pro game.

While most of the team makes their home in the University of British Columbia dormitories, Lavallee has returned to the Fraser Valley, living in White Rock near family, where he welcomed his wife and kids during the summer.

“He loves baseball, but he never really got to come to the yard much with me, especially in the last two years,” Lavallee said.

“It was really memorable to have him come out here to see the guys, even take some BP and throw some bullpens; he definitely improved.”

FINDING THE SPECIAL MOMENTS EVERY DAY

While the Little League evaluators in Florida are impressed by [SON’S NAME]’s progress, it's been a big summer for Lavallee and his family. After missing out on the opportunity to manage at his home ballpark two years ago, he’s comfortable now. He has the C’s on the edge of a playoff spot in a year that saw a former Nat Bailey manager take over the MLB club in Toronto.

The daily routine is slightly different from the manager's chair and onwards through the baseball club. Although most of the team live just footsteps from each other, there are many Zoom calls and meetings to keep the group's cohesiveness, even when they’re apart.

“We’ve got a lot of coaches and team calls in the morning, and in the late morning, I’ve got Spanish lesions,” Lavallee said. “Then we drive in, the beautiful drive through the Lower Mainland, and we get to the Nat Bailey and start the work for the day before the game.”

“We appreciate the support from everyone; our players and staff are getting what they deserve with the backing and the community from the Canadians fans, so we are incredibly grateful for all of that support.”

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 19

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Each office is independently owned and operated.

20 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

FRIDAYS

Gates Open at Noon. First Pitch 1:05 BUY TICKETS VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 21

D L O C E IC

T F A R C - LOC

R E E B H S E FR

R E N R CO

E H T N ATED I

F E S A B D 3R

T R U O C D OO

PROUDLY SERVING

22 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

ROAD TO THE SHOW

The Canadians are a part of the Toronto Blue Jays organization. The C’s are a High A affiliate of the Blue Jays.

That means they are in the middle of the Toronto farm system, slightly higher than the Dunedin Blue Jays (Low A) and the Gulf Coast Blue Jays (Rookie). Baseball players work their way up through the organization in hopes of getting to the big leagues. Toronto is in the American League and pulls its talent from these teams.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (MLB) | TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA (416) 341-1000 | BLUEJAYS.COM CHARLIE MONTOYO

JOHN SCHNEIDER

MANAGER

GUILLERMO MARTINEZ

BENCH COACH

MARK BUDZINSKI

HUNTER MENSE

HITTING COACH

FIRST BASE COACH

LUIS RIVERA

THIRD BASE COACH

MATT BUSCHMANN

DAVE HUDGENS

ALEX ANDREOPOULOS

LUIS HURTADO

HITTING STRATEGIST

PITCHING COACH

DAVID HOWELL

BULLPEN COACH

BULLPEN CATCHER

PETER WALKER

ASSISTANT HITTING COACH

PITCHING STRATEGIST

GIL KIM

BULLPEN CATCHER

FIELD COORDINATOR

BUFFALO BISONS (AAA) | BUFFALO, NEW YORK (716) 846-2000 | BISONS.COM CASEY CANDAELE

JEFF WARE

COREY HART

MANAGER

PITCHING COACH

HITTING COACH

CALEB DANIEL

JUSTIN BATCHER

KARA TERRY

ATHLETIC TRAINER

S&C COACH

DEVON WHITE

JAKE McGUIGGAN

POSITION COACH

DEVELOPMENT COACH

ROB DiBERNARDO

DIETITIAN

BRIAN SHERIDAN

MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHERCATS (AA) | MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE (603) 641-2005 | NHFISHERCATS.COM CESAR MARTIN

JIM CZAJKOWSKI

MANAGER

MATT HAGUE

PITCHING COACH

LUKE GREENE

CASEY CALLISON

ATHLETIC TRAINER

CHRIS SCHAEFFER

HITTING COACH

GEOFF STALLMAN

S&C COACH

MATT VON ROEMER

POSITION COACH

DIETITIAN

DANIEL TUCKER

DEVELOPMENT COACH

RAUL PIMENTEL

BULLPEN COACH

KEVIN MCCARTHY

MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

VANCOUVER CANADIANS (HIGH A) | VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA (604) 872-5232 | CANADIANSBASEBALL.COM BRENT LAVALLEE

PHIL CUNDARI

RYAN WRIGHT

ASHLEY PONCE

ROELVIS VARGAS

TOMMY LABRIOLA

YUKA SANUI

RAUL PIMENTEL

MANAGER

PITCHING COACH

ATHLETIC TRAINER

HITTING COACH

S&C COACH

JOEL BONNETT

POSITION COACH

DIETITIAN

BULLPEN COACH

AJ ARIAS

MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS (LOW A) | DUNEDIN, FLORIDA (727) 733-9302 | DUNEDINBLUEJAYS.COM DONNIE MURPHY

DREW HAYES

MANAGER

MATT YOUNG

PITCHING COACH

BRANDON HAMMERSTROM ATHLETIC TRAINER

DANNY CANELLAS

HITTING COACH

ROSWELL DEL ROSARIO S&C COACH

POSITION COACH

GEOFF STALLMAN DIETITIAN

TAYLOR HILL

MAX GLASSER

BULLPEN COACH

ERIKA MONSALVE

MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH

COACHING ASSISTANT

CARLOS POLANCO

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

GULF COAST BLUE JAYS GULF COAST LEAGUE (ROOKIE) | DUNEDIN, FLORIDA (727) 734-8007 JOSE MAYORGA

GEORGE CARROLL

MANAGER

BENCH COACH

JAIME VIEIRA

ATHLETIC TRAINER

S&C COACH

PITCHING COACH

PETR STRIBRCKY

POSITION COACH

SYDNEY JENKINS

CORY RIORDAN

PITCHING COACH

DENNIS HOLMBERG

HITTING COACH

FRANK ESPOSITO

ANTONIO CACERES

DEVELOPMENT COACH

EDWIN ORTIZ

HITTING COACH

ADRIAN MARTIN

DIETITIAN

PAUL ELLIOTT HITTING COACH

JON WOODWORTH

COMPLEX PITCHING COACH

BRYAN ROSALES

S&C COACH

JUSTIN ECHEVARRIA

ATHLETIC TRAINER

ERIKA MONSALVE

MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH

STEVEN CARDONA

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE BLUE JAYS DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE (DSL) | BOCA CHICA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ANDY FERMIN MANAGER

ALAIN PACHECO

ATHLETIC TRAINER

YOEL HERNANDEZ PITCHING COACH

YSIDRO REYES

ATHLETIC TRAINER

FRED LANDERS HITTING COACH

IMBEWER ALVAREZ S&C COACH

DEIFERSON BARRETO POSITION COACH

JOSEPH CARDONA S&C COACH

BRYAN ROSALES DIETITIAN

JOSE MATEO

POSITION COACH

ERIKA MONSALVE

MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH

JAIR MORELOS

COACHING ASSISTANT

ISIDRO LOPEZ

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 23

VANCOUVER CANADIANS PITCHERS HT 19 TJ Brock 6-1 18 Connor Cooke 6-1 26 Chad Dallas 6-0 22 Michael Dominguez 5-10 17 Garrett Farmer 5-11 25 Mason Fluharty 6-2 32 Hunter Gregory 6-3 36 Devereaux Harrison6-0 Roither Hernandez 6-4 40 Justin Kelly 6-1 34 Conor Larkin 6-1 23 Abdiel Mendoza 5-11 16 Eric Pardinho 5-10 4 Naswell Paulino 5-11 30 Nathanael Perez 6-1 44 Sam Ryan 6-3 15 Dahian Santos 5-11 24 Matt Svanson 6-5 32 Trenton Wallace 6-1 14 Troy Watson 6-2

WT 200 205 205 180 190 215 220 190 185 195 205 195 190 205 175 205 170 235 200 180

B/T R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/L R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R

DOB 8/10/99 11/02/99 6/6/00 8/17/00 5/14/97 8/13/01 11/16/98 11/8/00 03/05/98 12/2/98 3/17/99 9/19/98 1/05/01 4/17/00 6/5/98 9/22/98 2/26/03 1/31/99 3/31/99 6/11/97

HOMETOWN Cincinnati, OH Sulphur, LA Orange, TX Tampa, FL Huntsville, AL Milton, DE Chesapeake, VA Vacaville, CA Bonao, DR West Jordan, UT Royersford, PA Chitre, PAN Bastos, Sao Paulo, Brazil San Cristobal, DR Azua, DR Clifton, VA Acarigua, VZ Hawthorn Woods, IL Rock Island, IL Gunter, TX

‘21 CLUBS College FCL, Dunedin Pro debut FCL, Dunedin Aberdeen (BAL A+) College Dunedin College Dunedin, Vancouver Dunedin Dunedin Down East (TEX A-) FCL Dunedin Dunedin Vancouver, New Hampshire FCL, Dunedin Dunedin Dunedin Vancouver

ACQUIRED 6th Rd, ’22, Ohio State 10th Rd, ’21, Louisiana-Lafayette 4th Rd, ’21, Tennessee INT FA, 8/31/16 MiLB FA, 4/12/22 5th Rd, ’22, Liberty 8th Rd, ’21, Old Dominion 9th Rd, ’22, Long Beach State INT FA, 7/4/16 ND FA, 7/21/21 9th Rd, ’21, Penn State Waivers, 12/8/21 INT FA, 7/2/17 INT FA, 7/4/16 INT FA 7/11/16 12th Rd, ’19, VCU INT FA, 7/2/19 13th Rd, ’21, Lehigh 11th Rd,'21, Iowa 15th Rd, ’18, Northern Colorado

CATCHERS HT WT 31 Jommer Hernandez 5-11 185 20 Anthony Morales 6-0 190 21 Andres Sosa 6-0 215

B/T R/R S/R R/R

DOB 10/20/00 11/13/98 11/7/97

HOMETOWN Puerto Plata, DR Aibonito, PR Hermosillo, MX

‘21 CLUBS DSL DUN, VAN, NH, BUF FCL, Dunedin

ACQUIRED MiLB FA, 9/8/21 ND FA, 2/12/21 INT FA. 8/16/21

INFIELDERS HT 27 Alex De Jesus 6-2 5 Miguel Hiraldo 6-0 8 Leo Jimenez* 6-0 12 P.K. Morris 6-1 37 Rainer Nuñez 6-3 7 Damiano Palmegiani 6-1 1 Glenn Santiago 6-0 29 Riley Tirotta 6-3 29 Michael Turconi 5-11

WT 175 190 200 195 180 195 175 215 185

B/T R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R

DOB 3/22/02 9/5/00 5/17/01 11/30/98 12/4/00 1/24/00 12/14/00 8/21/98 6/24/99

HOMETOWN Santo Domingo, DR Santiago, DR Las Tablas, PAN Tampa, FL La Romana, DR Caracas, VZ Yauco, PR South Bend, IN Beaver Falls, PA

‘21 CLUBS Rancho Cucamonga (LAD) Dunedin FCL, Dunedin Dunedin, Vancouver FCL, Dunedin FCL Bluefield, Dunedin Dunedin College

ACQUIRED Trade, 8/2/22 INT FA, 7/2/17 INT FA, 7/2/17 14th Rd, ’17, Steinbrenner HS (FL) INT FA, 7/5/17 14th Rd, ’21, College of S. Nevada 10th Rd, ’19, Lazaro HS (PR) 12th Rd, ’21, Dayton 15th Rd, ’22, Wake Forest

OUTFIELDERS 19 Steward Berroa 18 Dasan Brown 2 Gabby Martinez 28 Garrett Spain

WT 178 185 175 185

B/T S/R R/R R/R L/R

DOB 6/05/99 9/25/01 7/24/02 9/21/00

HOMETOWN Santo Domingo, DR Oakville, ON Maracaibo, VZ Clarksville, TN

‘21 CLUBS New Hampshire Dunedin FCL, Dunedin FCL, Dunedin

ACQUIRED INT FA, 7/4/16 INT FA, 7/4/16 INT FA, 7/24/18 15th Rd, ’21, Austin Peay State

EVERETT AQUASOX SPOKANE INDIANS

HT 5-10 6-10 6-0 6-0

INJURED LIST 7-day Steward Berroa 7-day Leo Jimenez 7-day Hunter Gregory 7-day Conor Larkin

7-day Roither Hernandez 7-day Riley Tirotta

60-day Cobi Johnson 60-day Alex Nolan 60-day Donnie Sellers

60-day CJ Van Eyk

PRONUNCIATIONS Jol Concepcion – Yol con-sep-see-YONE | Fluharty – flew-hardy | Abdiel – AWB-d-yell | Pardinho – par-DEEN-yo | Dahian – dye-in | Svanson – rhymes with “Swanson” | Jommer – Jaw-murr | Rainer – rain-er | Damiano Palmegiani – dom-ee-AWN-oh pal-meh-jeeAWN-ee | Tirotta – tir-AW-tuh | Turconi – turk-oh-knee | Dasan – duh-sawn | Lavallee – luh-VALLEY | Cundari – cun-dare-ee | Ponce – PAWN-say | Roelvis – row-ELVIS | Labriola – LAB-ree-ola | Yuka Sanui – yoo-kah sa-NEW-ee | Pimental - pim-en-TELL | Arias – AIR-ree-us MANAGER: 35 Brent Lavallee PITCHING COACH: 13 Phil Cundari HITTING COACH: 10 Ryan Wright POS. PLAYER COACH: 11 Ashley Ponce

BULLPEN COACH: 38 Joel Bonnett ATHLETIC TRAINER: Roelvis Vargas STRENGTH & CONDITIONING: Tommy LaBriola DIETITIAN: Yuka Sanui

MENTAL COACH: Raul Pimental TECH ASSISTANT: AJ Arias

* 40-Man Roster 24 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

EUGENE EMERALDS PITCHERS 39 Abel Adames 49 Tanner Andrews 35 Mason Black 48 Brooks Crawford 16 Hunter Dula 40 Trevor McDonald 45 Nick Morreale 29 Tyler Myrick 17 Mat Olsen 37 Juan Sanchez 19 Carson Seymour 49 Brett Standlee 31 Nick Swiney 34 Ty Weber 23 Jake Wong 28 Nick Zwack

T HT WT RHP 6’5 190 RHP 6'3 220 RHP 6'3" 230 RHP 6'4 215 RHP 6'1 195 RHP 6'2 180 RHP 6'5 220 RHP 6'0 205 RHP 5'11" 185 LHP 6'2 165 RHP 6'6 260 RHP 6'4 223 LHP 6’3 185 RHP 6'4 220 RHP 6'2 218 LHP 6'3 230

DOB 12/8/95 11/15/95 12/10/99 8/19/96 3/8/99 2/26/01 7/27/97 6/25/98 07/08/00 11/12/00 12/16/98 9/14/98 2/12/99 3/19/98 9/3/96 8/1/98

BIRTHPLACE Fantino, DR Rochester, IN Scranton, PA Athens, GA Troutman, NC Mobile, AL Minneapolis, MN Gainesville, FL Florence, AZ Valencia, VZ Poway, CA Tulsa, OK Nashville, TN Menomonee Falls, WI Chandler, AZ Minneapolis, MN

HIGH SCHOOL -Tippecanoe Valley (IN) Valley View (PA) Oconee County (GA) South Iredell (NC) George County (MS) St. Thomas (MN) Columbia (FL) Florence (AZ) -Great Oak (CA) Jenks (OK) Hough (NC) Menomonee Falls (WI) Chandler (AZ) Monticello (MN)

SCHOOL ACQUIRED -IFA, 7/2/15 Purdue Trade 12/8/22 (ATL) Lehigh 3rd Rd, 2021 Clemson 29th Rd, 2019 Wingate University 18th Rd, 2021 -11th Rd, 2019 Georgetown 14th Rd, 2019 Florida Intl 14th Rd, 2021 Central Arizona JC 9th Rd, 2021 -IFA, 7/2/17 Kansas St. Trade 8/2/22 (NYM) Oklahoma State 17th Rd, 2021 NC State 2nd Rd, 2020 Illinois UFA, 6/14/20 Grand Canyon 3rd Rd, 2018 Xavier Trade 8/2/22 (NYM)

CATCHERS 12 Patrick Bailey 8 Robert Emery 13 Andy Thomas 14 Max Wright

B/T S/R R/R L/R L/R

HT 6'1 6'0 6'2 6'3

WT 210 210 210 215

DOB 5/29/99 10/22/96 6/17/98 1/8/1998

BIRTHPLACE Greensboro, NC San Francisco, CA San Diego, CA Toronto, ON

RESIDES Greensboro, NC St. Ignatius (CA) Murrieta Mesa (CA) Lawrence Park (ON)

SCHOOL ACQUIRED NC State 1st Rd, 2020 Univ. of San Francisco UFA, 6/24/20 Baylor Trade 8/2/22 (SEA) Indiana State UFA, 5/21/21

INFIELDERS 15 Hayden Cantrelle 6 Jimmy Glowenke 10 Marco Luciano 33 Luis Toribio 5 Simon Whiteman

B/T HT S/R 5'11 R/R 5'10 R/R 6'2 L/R 6'1 R/R 5'10

WT 175 200 178 185 165

DOB 11/25/98 6/5/97 9/10/01 9/28/00 1/28/97

BIRTHPLACE Lafayette, LA Chicago, IL San Francisco de Macoris, DR San Francisco de Macoris, DR Trumbull, CT

VANCOUVER CANADIANS

RESIDES SCHOOL ACQUIRED Teurlings Catholic (LA) LA-Lafayette Trade 5/26/22 (MIL) Lewisville, TX Dallas Baptist 2nd Rd, 2020 --IFA, 7/2/18 --IFA, 7/2/17 Fairfield Coll. Prep (CT) Yale 9th Rd, 2019

OUTFIELDERS 9 Hunter Bishop 32 Jared Dupere 1 Luis Matos 7 Grant McCray 14 Carter Williams

B/T HT L/R 6'5 L/R 5'11 R/R 5'11 L/R 6'2 L/R 6'3"

WT 210 200 160 170 210

DOB 6/25/98 1/23/99 1/28/02 12/7/00 01/14/98

BIRTHPLACE San Carlos, CA Amesbury, MA Valera, VZ Billings, MT Brown Summit, NC

RESIDES SCHOOL Palo Alto, CA Arizona State Amesbury (MA) Northeastern --Lakewood Ranch (FL) -Northeast Guilford (NC) NC Central

HILLSBORO HOPS

TRI-CITY DUST DEVILS

EVERETT AQUASOX

ACQUIRED 1st Rd, 2019 13th Rd, 2021 IFA, 7/2/18 3rd Rd, 2019 UFA, 6/18/20

PRONUNCIATIONS Nick Morreale (more-ee-al-ee), Nick Swiney (Swin-ee), Ty Weber (web-er), Jimmy Glowenke (Glow-en-key), Jared Dupere (Dup-ree) , Luis Toribio (Tor-ee-bee-oh) MANAGER: 21 Carlos Valderrama PITCHING COACH: 43 Alain Quijano HITTING COACH: 46 Cory Elasik FUNDAMENTALS COACH: 2 Eliezer Zambrano TRAINER: Tim Vigue STRENGTH COACH: Nick Fajardo

SPOKANE INDIANS

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 25

Dream come two.

Introducing our new Premium cabin with spacious 2x2 seating.

We are proud to be an official partner of the Vancouver Canadians.

2x2 Premium seats are available on select Boeing 737 aircraft and will be retrofitted across our 737 fleet throughout 2019 - 2020.

Not available on our 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 767, or flights operated by WestJet Encore or WestJet Link.

26 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

2022 ROSTER

BRENT

LAVALLEE MANAGER

35

PHIL

CUNDARI

PITCHING COACH

RYAN

19

CHAD

10

WRIGHT

HITTING COACH

11

ASHLEY

PONCE

POSITION PLAYER COACH

JOEL

BONNETT

BULLPEN COACH

38

B:11 in

S:9.75 in

T:10.75 in

13

T.J.

BROCK

19

HT: 6-1 WT: 1200 B/T: R/R DOB: 8/10/99 HOMETOWN: Cincinnati, OH ’21 CLUBS: College ACQUIRED: 6th Rd, ’22, Ohio State

MASON

FLUHARTY

25

HT: 6-2 WT: 215 B/T: R/L DOB: 8/13/01 HOMETOWN: Milton, DE ’21 CLUBS: College ACQUIRED: 5th Rd, ’22, Liberty

CONNOR

COOKE

HT: 6-1 WT: 1205 B/T: R/R DOB: 11/02/99 HOMETOWN: Sulphur, LA ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: 10th Rd, ’21, Louisiana-Lafayette

HUNTER

GREGORY PITCHER

32

HT: 6-3 WT: 215 B/T: R/R DOB: 11/16/98 HOMETOWN: Chesapeake, VA ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: 8th Rd, ’21, Old Dominion

DALLAS PITCHER

26

HT: 5-11 WT: 206 B/T: R/R DOB: 6/6/00 HOMETOWN: Orange, TX ’21 CLUBS: Pro Debut ACQUIRED: 4th Rd, ’21, Tennessee

DEVEREAUX

HARRISON PITCHER

36

HT: 6-0 WT: 190 B/T: R/R DOB: 11/8/00 HOMETOWN: Vacaville, CA ’21 CLUBS: College ACQUIRED: 9th Rd, ’22, Long Beach State

MICHAEL

DOMINGUEZ PITCHER

22

HT: 5-10 WT: 180 B/T: R/R DOB: 8/17/00 HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: ND FA 1/27/22

JUSTIN

KELLY

PITCHER

GARRETT

FARMER PITCHER

17

HT: 5-11 WT: 195 B/T: R/R DOB: 5/14/97 HOMETOWN: Huntsville, AL ’21 CLUBS: Aberdeen (BAL A+) ACQUIRED: MiLB FA, 4/12/22

40

HT: 6-1 WT: 195 B/T: R/R DOB: 12/2/98 HOMETOWN: West Jordan, UT ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: ND FA, 7/21/21

CONOR

LARKIN PITCHER

34

HT: 6-1 WT: 205 B/T: R/R DOB: 3/17/99 HOMETOWN: Royersford, PA ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: 9th Rd, ’21, Penn State

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 27

ABDIEL

MENDOZA PITCHER

23

HT: 5-10 WT: 160 B/T: R/R DOB: 9/19/98 HOMETOWN: Chitre, PAN ’21 CLUBS: Down East ACQUIRED: (TEX) Waivers, 12/8/21

DAHIAN

SANTOS PITCHER

15

HT: 5-11 WT: 170 B/T: R/R DOB: 2/26/03 HOMETOWN: Acarigua, VZ ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/2/19

ANTHONY

MORALES CATCHER

20

HT: 6-0 WT: 175 B/T: S/R DOB: 11/13/98 HOMETOWN: Aibonito, PR ’21 CLUBS: DUN, VAN, NH, BUF ACQUIRED: ND FA, 2/12/21

ERIC

PARDINHO PITCHER

16

HT: 5-10 WT: 190 B/T: R/R DOB: 1/05/01 HOMETOWN: Sao Paulo, Brazil ’21 CLUBS: FCL ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/2/17

MATT

SVANSON PITCHER

24

HT: 6-5 WT: 235 B/T: R/R DOB: 1/31/99 HOMETOWN: Hawthorn Woods, IL ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: 13th Rd, ’21, Lehigh

ANDRES

SOSA

CATCHER

21

HT: 5-11 WT: 210 B/T: R/R DOB: 11/7/97 HOMETOWN: Hermosillo, MX ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA 8/16/21

28 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

NASWELL

PAULINO PITCHER

4

HT: 5-11 WT: 170 B/T: L/L DOB: 4/17/00 HOMETOWN: San Cristobal, DR ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/4/16

TRENTON

WALLACE PITCHER

32

HT: 6-1 WT: 200 B/T: L/L DOB: 3/31/99 HOMETOWN: Rock Island, IL ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: 11th Rd, '21, Iowa

ALEX

DE JESUS INFIELDER

27

HT: 6-2 WT: 175 B/T: R/R DOB: 3/22/02 HOMETOWN: Santo Domingo, DR ’21 CLUBS: Rancho Cucamonga ACQUIRED: Trade, 8/2/22

NATHANAEL

PEREZ

PITCHER

30

HT: 6-1 WT: 160 B/T: R/R DOB: 6/05/98 HOMETOWN: Azua, DR ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/11/16

TROY

WATSON PITCHER

HT: 6-2 WT: 180 B/T: R/R DOB: 6/11/97 HOMETOWN: Gunter, TX ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: 15th Rd, '18, Northern Colorado

HIRALDO INFIELDER

HT: 5-11 WT: 170 B/T: R/R DOB: 9/5/00 HOMETOWN: Santiago, DR ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/2/17

RYAN

PITCHER

44

HT: 6-3 WT: 205 B/T: R/R DOB: 9/22/98 HOMETOWN: Clifton, VA ’21 CLUBS: Vancouver, New Hampshire ACQUIRED: 12th Rd, ’19, VCU

14

MIGUEL

SAM

JOMMER

HERNANDEZ CATCHER

31

HT: 5-11 WT: 185 B/T: R/R DOB: 10/20/00 HOMETOWN: Puerto Plata, DR ’21 CLUBS: DSL ACQUIRED: MiLB FA, 9/8/21

5

LEO

JIMENEZ INFIELDER

8

HT: 5-11 WT: 160 B/T: R/R DOB: 5/17/01 HOMETOWN: Las Tablas, PAN ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/2/17

P.K.

MORRIS

INFIELDER

12

HT: 6-1 WT: 195 B/T: L/L DOB: 11/30/98 HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver ACQUIRED: 14th Rd, ’17, Steinbrenner HS (FL)

MICHAEL

TURCONI INFIELDER

29

HT: 5-11 WT: 185 B/T: L/R DOB: 6/24/99 HOMETOWN: Beaver Falls, PA ’21 CLUBS: College ACQUIRED: I15th Rd, ’22, Wake Forest

RANIER

NUÑEZ

INFIELDER

27

HT: 6-3 WT: 180 B/T: R/R DOB: 12/4/00 HOMETOWN: La Romana, DR ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/5/17

STEWARD

BERROA

OUTFIELDER

19

HT: 5-10 WT: 178 B/T: S/R DOB: 6/05/99 HOMETOWN: La Sabana, VZ ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin, NH ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/4/16

DAMIANO

PALMEGIANI INFIELDER

7

HT: 6-1 WT: 195 B/T: R/R DOB: 1/24/00 HOMETOWN: Caracas, VZ ’21 CLUBS: FCLr ACQUIRED: 14th Rd, ’21, College of Southern Nevada

DASAN

BROWN

OUTFIELDER

6

HT: 6-0 WT: 185 B/T: R/R DOB: 9/25/01 HOMETOWN: Oakville, ON ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: 3rd Rd, '19, Abbey Park HS(ON)

GLENN

SANTIAGO

1

HT: 6-0 WT: 165 B/T: R/R DOB: 12/14/20 HOMETOWN: Yauco, Puerto Rico ’21 CLUBS: GCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: 10th Rd, '19,

GABBY

MARTINEZ OUTFIELDER

HT: 6-0 WT: 175 B/T: R/R DOB: 7/24/02 HOMETOWN: Maracaibo, VZ ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: INT FA, 7/24/18

2

RILEY

TIROTTA

INFIELDER

HT: 6-3 WT: 195 B/T: R/R DOB: 8/21/98 HOMETOWN: South Bend, IN ’21 CLUBS: Dunedin ACQUIRED: 12th Rd, ’21, Dayton

GARRETT

SPAIN

OUTFIELDER

YUKA

JESSE

AJ

ROELVIS

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

DIETITIAN

CLUBHOUSE MANAGER

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

ATHLETIC TRAINER

SANUI

MENDEZ

ARIAS

28

HT: 5-11 WT: 180 B/T: L/R DOB: 9/21/00 HOMETOWN: Clarksville, TN ’21 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin ACQUIRED: 15th Rd, ’21, Austin Peay State

TOMMY

LaBRIOLA

24

VARGAS

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 29

30 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

Honda Odyssey

PROUDLY SPONSORING THE VANCOUVER CANADIANS FROM THE CORNER OF 8TH AVENUE AND BURRARD ST.

604 736 2821 www.carterhonda.com 8th & Burrard VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 31

THE ROAD TO THE MAJOR LEAGUES CAN BE SEEN FROM VANCOUVER

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club has welcomed more than 800 players onto its rosters since 2000. That’s a lot of guys all striving to one day reach the bright lights of the Major Leagues. Here is a list of every one of our players who has arrived at the game’s highest stage and play in Major League Baseball.

2003 POS C'S ALUMNI Rich Harden Neal Cotts Mike Wood 2004

P P P

Santiago Casilla Nick Swisher Joe Blanton 2005

P OF P

Mark Teahen Dan Johnson Omar Quintanilla Freddie Bynum Nelson Cruz 2006

INF INF INF INF OF

John Rheinecker Andre Either Chris Mabeus Kurt Suzuki Jason Windsor Jeremy Brown Mark Kiger 2007

P OF P C P C INF

Travis Buck Jared Burton Danny Putman Dallas Braden Connor Robertson Marshal McDougall Kevin Melillo Bill Murphy 2008

OF P OF P P INF INF P

Gregorio Petit John Baker Jeff Gray

INF C P

2001 2001 2001

POS C'S ALUMNI

2002 2002 2002

POS C'S ALUMNI

2002 2001 2003 2000 2002

POS C'S ALUMNI

2001 2003 2001 2004 2004 2002 2002

POS C'S ALUMNI

2005 2002 2004 2004 2004 2000 2004 2002

POS C'S ALUMNI

2004 2002 2005

MLB DEBUT

21-Jul 12-Aug 21-Aug MLB DEBUT

TEAM

2009

Oakland Chicago (AL) Oakland

Andrew Bailey Landon Powell Tommy Everidge Brad Kilby Jeff Baisley 2010

TEAM

09-Aug Oakland 03-Sep Oakland 24-Sep Oakland MLB DEBUT

04-Apr 27-May 31-Jul 30-Aug 17-Sep MLB DEBUT

22-Apr 02-May 29-May 12-Jun 17-Jul 03-Sep 13-Oct MLB DEBUT

02-Apr 04-Apr 23-Apr 24-Apr 17-May 05-Jun 24-Jun 03-Sep MLB DEBUT

TEAM

Kansas City Oakland Colorado Oakland Milwaukee TEAM

Texas Los Angeles (NL) Milwaukee Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland TEAM

Oakland Cincinnati Oakland Oakland Oakland Texas Oakland Arizona TEAM

18-May Oakland 09-Jul Florida 08-Sep Oakland

POS C'S ALUMNI

P C INF P INF

2006 2004 2004 2005 2005

TEAM

2017

Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland

Dwight Smith Jr. Seth Frankoff Ian Parmley Franklin Barreto Taylor Cole Tim Mayza Jairo Labourt Carlos Ramirez Richard Urena Tim Locastro 2018

OF P OF INF P P P P INF INF

Ryan Borucki Justin Shafer Murphy Smith Dawel Lugo Jose Fernandez Jonathan Davis Jon Berti 2019

P P P INF P OF INF

POS C'S ALUMNI

MLB DEBUT

TEAM

A.J. Griffin Alexi Ogando 2011

2010 2004

24-Jun 15-Jul

Oakland Texas

POS C'S ALUMNI

MLB DEBUT

TEAM

P P

Justin Sellers Anthony Recker Corey Brown 2012

INF C OF

Pedro Figueroa Sean Doolittle Dan Straily 2013

P P P

Ian Krol Kevin Pillar Max Stassi Michael Choice 2014

P OF C OF

Bo Schultz Marcus Stroman Aaron Sanchez Dalton Pompey Daniel Norris 2015

P P P OF P

2005 2005 2007

POS C'S ALUMNI

2007 2007 2009

POS C'S ALUMNI

2009 2011 2009 2010

POS C'S ALUMNI

2009 2012 2011 2012 2012

POS C'S ALUMNI

Miguel Castro P Roberto Osuna P Noah Syndergaard P Justin Nicolino P Dusty Coleman INF David Rollins P 2016 POS

2014 2012 2011 2011 2008 2011

Andy Burns Matt Dermody

2011 2013

C'S ALUMNI

32 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

MLB DEBUT

06-Apr 11-Apr 28-Jul 02-Sep 09-Sep

INF P

12-Aug Los Angeles (NL) 25-Aug Oakland 06-Sep Washington MLB DEBUT

TEAM

21-Apr Oakland 05-Jun Oakland 30-Aug Oakland MLB DEBUT

05-Jun 14-Aug 20-Aug 02-Sep MLB DEBUT

23-Mar 04-May 23-Jul 02-Sep 05-Sep MLB DEBUT

06-Apr 08-Apr 12-May 20-Jun 03-Jul 04-Jul MLB DEBUT

TEAM

Washington Toronto Houston Oakland TEAM

Arizona Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto TEAM

Toronto Toronto New York (NL) Miami Kansas City Seattle TEAM

09-May Toronto 03-Sep Toronto

POS C'S ALUMNI

2012 2010 2013 2014 2012 2014 2014 2012 2014 2014

POS C'S ALUMNI

2014 2014 2009 2013 2014 2014 2011

POS C'S ALUMNI

MLB DEBUT

18-May 09-Jun 23-Jun 24-Jun 09-Aug 15-Aug 01-Sep 01-Sep 01-Sep 29-Sep MLB DEBUT

26-Jun 18-Aug 27-Aug 30-Aug 01-Sep 05-Sep 26-Sep MLB DEBUT

TEAM

Toronto Chicago (NL) Toronto Oakland Toronto Toronto Detroit Toronto Toronto Los Angeles (NL) TEAM

Toronto Toronto Toronto Detroit Toronto Toronto Toronto TEAM

John Schneider MGR 2011/14-15 28-Mar Travis Bergen P 2015-17 29-Mar Cavan Biggio INF 2016 25-May T.J. Zeuch 2016 03-Sep Lane Thomas OF 2015 17-Apr Ryan McBroom INF/OF 2014 03-Sep 2020 POS C'S MLB

Toronto San Francisco Toronto Toronto St. Louis Kansas City

Nate Pearson Dany Jiménez Patrick Murhpy Ángel Perdomo 2021

P P P P

Toronto San Francisco Toronto Milwaukee

Josh Palacios Alek Manoah Riley Adams Tayler Saucedo Nick Allgeyer Otto Lopez 2022

OF P C P P INF

Vinny Capra Danny Young Jake Fishman

INF P P

ALUMNI

2017 2017 2016 2015

POS C'S ALUMNI

2016 2019 2018 2015 2018 2018

POS C'S ALUMNI

2018 2015 2017

DEBUT

29-Jul 23-Jul 18-Sep 18-Aug MLB DEBUT

09-Apr 27-May 08-Jun 17-Jun 02-Jul 17-Aug MLB DEBUT

1-May 9-May 31-July

TEAM

TEAM

Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto TEAM

Toronto Seattle Marlins

Supporting local charities in our community APRIL 20

JUNE 15 YMCA

OUT ON SCREEN VIDEO & FILM SOCIETY

MAY 4

JUNE 29

AUGUST 24

BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

AUGUST 3

BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF BC

BOYS & GIRLS SOCIETY

MAY 20

JULY 13

SEPT 7

BIG SISTERS

GREATER VANCOUVER FOOD BANK

JUNE 1

JULY 27

UNITED WAY BC

FOUNDRY BC

CHALLENGER BASEBALL

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 33

HOW TO SCORE A BASEBALL GAME Different fans have different methods of keeping a scorecard, and many use their own notations. But here's a simple method:

If a runner scores, put a circle at the bottom of the box, and inside the circle put the symbol of the play and/or the player that drove him in. For example, if the No. 5 hitter drives in two runs with a single, mark his single in the bottom right of his box and mark a circle with the number "5" in the boxes of the runners who score (Some people like to use uniform numbers here, so you can tell who did what, even after lineup changes).

For example, If the hitter grounds out to shortstop, for example, write in "6-3," which shows the shortstop threw him out at first base. If the hitter flies out to left field, write a "7."

If the batter gets a hit, write in the hit according to which base he reached. Each corner of the box represents a base, with the lowerright corner being first.

At the end of each inning, total the hits and runs for that inning only. At the end of the game you'll be able to add the innings total to get the game score.

If he singles, put a "-" in the lower right. If he doubles, write a "=" in the upper right, and so on. For a walk, use "BB" in the lower right. As the runner advances, mark the appropriate symbol in the appropriate corner.

EXAMPLE SCOREBOARD

SYMBOLS FOR PLAY

1ST INNING 1. SINGLED, ADVANCED ON NEXT BATTER'S WALK, TOOK 3RD ON FIELDER'S CHOICE, SCOREO ON NO. 4 BATTER'S DOUBLE 2. WALKED, LATER FORCED OUT, SHORTSTOP TO SECOND BASE 3. REACHED ON FIELDER'S CHOICE, ADVANCED TO 3RD ON NEXT BATTER'S DOUBLE, SCORED ON NO. 5 BATTER'S SINGLE 4. DOUBLED, SCORED ON NO. 5 BATTER'S SINGLE 5. SINGLED, ADVANCED TO 2ND ON NEXT BATTER'S SINGLE, STOLE 3RD BASE, THROWN OUT ON GROUNDER, SHORTSTOP TO CATCHER 6. SINGLED, STOLE 2ND BASE 7. REACHED 1ST ON FIELDER’S CHOICE 8. POPPED OUT TO 2ND BASE 2ND INNING 9. LEADOFF WITH DOUBLE 1. FLIED OUT TO CENTERFIELD 2. POPPED OUT TO SHORTSTOP 3. STRUCKOUT SWINGING

TEAM BATTING ORDER

1

3 2

Single: S or – Double: D or = Triple: T or = Homerun: HR or =

2

1. CENTER FIELDER 8 4 6-4 6 2. SHORTSTOP BB 3 3. 1ST BASEMAN 5 FC K = 4. 3RD BASEMAN 5 SB 2 5. RIGHT FIELDER 6-2 SB 6. LEFT FIELDER 7. DESIGNATED HITTER FC 8. 2ND BASEMAN 4 / 9. CATCHER = R H 3 4 0 1 TOTALS

Passed Ball: PB Stolen Base: SB Double Play: DP Error: E Sacrifice Fly: SF

Sacrifice: SH or SAC Walk: BB Strikeout: K

Intentional Walk: Foul Fly: Force Out: Line Drive:

Called Out on Strikes: K Balk: BK Fielder’s Choice: FC Hit by Pitch: HP Wild Pitch: WP

IBB F FO L

Bunt: B Unassisted: U

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS BY THE NUMBERS 1 PITCHER 2 CATCHER 3 1ST BASEMAN 4 2ND BASEMAN 5 3RD BASEMAN 6 7 8 9

SHORTSTOP LEFT FIELDER CENTER FIELDER RIGHT FIELDER

8 7

9

6 5

4 1

3

BASIC UMPIRE SIGNS FOR THE PLAYERS AND FANS Umpires use a number of signals. Some of these are familiar and are associated with the Rules of Baseball, like safe, out, foul, etc. These are a few you are likely to see when scoring a game.

FOUL TIP

DOUBLE

TRAPPED BALL/SAFE

DELAYED DEAD BALL

TIME/DEAD BALL

COUNT

HOLD UP PLAY

HOME RUN

PLAY BALL

INFIELD FLY

FAIR BALL

FOUL BALL

STRIKE OUT

34 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

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STEWARD 36 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

BY NIALL O’DONOHOE

Each week, we’ll feature a conversation between Niall O’Donohoe of C’s Plus Baseball and one member of the Canadians roster. Niall caught up with outfielder Steward Berroa to find out more about his past, what he’s working on this season and how his first Nat Bailey Stadium experiences have been.

The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a 17 year-old on July 4, 2016 and received a $10,000 signing bonus. The switch-hitting Berroa made his pro debut with the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays in 2017 and collected his first professional hit in his first game against the DSL Orioles June 3. He got on base twice June 5 with a single, a walk and stole his first professional base. His first multi-hit games came against the DSL Diamondbacks1 with two hits June 8 and had three hits, a walk and two stolen bases June 9. Berroa ran off a nine-game hitting streak from July 20 – August 5. His first professional homer was against the DSL Reds August 16. He finished the year with a batting line of .261/.352/.367 with 20 stolen bases in 54 games.

The 2018 season saw Berroa make his U.S. debut by reporting to the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays where he improved his batting average and on-base percentage to .282 and .386 respectively and stole 17 bases in 23 attempts in 39 games. He was assigned to Bluefield in 2019 and batted .236 with a .349 OBP with his first two homers on American soil and stole 14 bases in 19 tries in 50 contests.

D BERROA Berroa’s full-season debut was in 2021 with the Dunedin Blue Jays and he set career highs with seven home runs and 55 stolen bases as he slashed .245/.361/.399. His best game was a 3-for-3 effort against Palm Beach July 23 where he finished a triple shy of the cycle. He had 15 multi-stolen base games, including four in Clearwater July 16.

The first mid-season promotion of Berroa’s career came September but it was not to Vancouver/Hillsboro. Instead, he went to Double-A New Hampshire and recorded a hit in three straight games to end his season and stole three bases. Berroa had a sacrifice fly in his first Double-A plate appearance and would later single, steal two bases and score a run against Harrisburg September 17.

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 37

38 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

After ending 2021 in Manchester, Berroa began his 2022 campaign back with New Hampshire FC. His first Double-A homer came on Opening Day with the Fisher Cats as he hit a three-run shot that turned out to be the difference in a win over Hartford April 12.

That was the start of a five-game hitting streak which stretched to April 20 when he singled twice, walked and stole three baes in Altoona. Berroa’s batting average was up to .318 at that point but Double-A hurlers made the adjustment to Berroa as the BA plummeted to .182. Though he was successful on the basepaths by going 7-for-7 in stolen bases, Berroa was reassigned to Vancouver May 12.

In his second game with the C’s, Berroa had a double, a single and a stolen base in a win over Eugene at P.K. Park May 14. In his Nat Bailey Stadium debut, he singled, stole two bases and scored a run in a win over Tri-City May 17. Berroa hit a leadoff homer against the Dust Devils May 19 as part of a three-hit night that included two stolen bases. He would hit his second roundtripper against Spokane May 31 that held up as the game winner and added a single and a stolen base. That was also the night Berroa cemented his fan favourite status by becoming a Nat Bailey Stadium dancing legend.

After an eight-game hitting streak from June 23 – July 1, Berroa’s best game with the bat and legs was July 13 against Hillsboro when he had three hits and four stolen bases. In the series finale against the Hops, Berroa doubled home two runs including the game winner to help the C’s complete a six-game sweep at the Nat July 17. Berroa had two hits and reached the 40-stolen base mark against Everett July 27 but his season would come to a tragic end July 29. He was picked off at first and jammed his right hand into the foot of AquaSox first baseman Dariel Gomez while trying to dive back headfirst into the bag.

During his 60 games with Vancouver, Berroa racked up 11 doubles, six triples and six homers and stole bases in 47 attempts.

His OBP was a respectable .331 and he slugged a career-best .409.

He and Addison Barger (currently with New Hampshire) remain tied for the team lead in runs scored with 46.

C’s Plus Baseball caught up with the 22 year-old Berroa just after he injured his hand during the homestand against Everett. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

C’s Plus Baseball – You joined the Blue Jays in 2016. How did you wind up with them?

Steward Berroa – Hi, man. Thank you for the opportunity first of all. Glad to be here talking with you about life and about how everything’s been going. I was a little kid with a big dream.

I tried to play for a big league organization. I was down in the D.R working hard and I was like 14, 15 years old when I started to think about signing as a professional. I think at some point, because of my skill that I have with my feet, the speed skill that I have, I figured out that I can be a pro with all the hard work that I put in. And in the D.R., they have like a complex where they have scouts too, in Latin America, when they are around the country, around the Caribbean, They go to Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia looking for some good players that can impact the organization.

I think they found me. I was just trying to work hard and do my best. I got Sandy Rosario who was the guy who really impacted me. And I really appreciate the opportunity that he gave to me. As

soon as I signed, that really changed my life.

CPB – How did it feel signing that contract knowing that, ‘Hey, you’re gonna be in professional baseball?’ That must have been really an incredible feeling for you.

SB – Oh yeah. It is an incredible feeling especially when you don’t have that big talent, when you have to earn and work hard for every opportunity that you’re going to get. I trust a lot in God and when God has something for you and you work for it, I think you’re going to get it. It was a really special feeling because as a kid, I saw a lot of professionals. That was cool seeing them playing baseball, being young and having the opportunity to change the life of the family, the parents, that was a big experience for me. It was really cool. Trying out as a professional, it was really cool. To be young and do what you love to do and get paid for it, you know, that’s really awesome.

CPB – How did you get started playing baseball?

SB – in my family, I’m the only one who played baseball. When I started, I was like five years old. The guy who really like inspired me to play ball was my Dad because my Dad started playing softball and he got some friends on the softball team who saw me being on the baseball field and the softball field every time.

And he had a Little League team. He told my Dad like, ‘Oh, you can bring him. ‘ And the league was Los Gigantes. And that guy’s nickname is Poncho. That was something that was really fun.

CPB – You start your professional caree in your home country with the Dominican Summer League Blue Jays. What was that experience like?

SB – That’s something that I can’t describe because it was a lot of feelings at the same moment. First year as a professional. And then a couple times my family see me play. That was one of the best things ever. The way that we play, the effort that we put in every day, the coaches that we have, the staff that we have down there, it was incredible with us. And yeah, the first year you’re excited to see how that is going and you’re excited to put your best effort to keep going. It was something really fun and really excited to be a part of.

CPB – I understand they played the games (in the Dominican) really early in the morning. What was that like, those morning ball games?

SB – For me at that moment, it was something like when I wake up to practice at 6:00 or 5:00 a.m. But now I’m up here, I play at night. So thinking about that, it makes you tired a little bit but yeah, at that moment, that was something that I was used to. And it was something like I told you, it was something that I wanted.

It was something that I was excited about. Even in the hard times in the past, at that moment, it was beautiful because, you know, it was a big experience. My first year ever as a pro. So that’s something that you have to enjoy.

CPB – You make your way to Bluefield in 2019. What was that experience like?

SB – It was a big year mentally away for me because it wasn’t like that good year, you know, with numbers and all the stats. But at the same time, it was a year where I learned a lot about baseball, like I mentally grew up. That change from early games, from morning games to night games. It was something to get familiar

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 39

with because now you got to go to bed late, wake up late, do kind of different things, practice in the afternoon. But it’s something that you can be familiar with in a couple days. It’s nothing crazy, but yeah, the city was a good city, good people down there, beautiful people down there and something that I really enjoyed too.

CPB – You got to play against the Princeton Rays. What was that like playing Princeton with the two cities basically right next door to each other?

SB – That was something cool because we have a mini series between us.

CPB – The Mercer Cup. SB – Yeah, the Mercer Cup. And that was something that each game with them, it was more than just a regular season (game).

Each game with them is something that you have to put like more focus on because we wanted (to win). That’s something that helped the Blue Jays and helped us because they want to develop winners. So that was something that we were proud of. And that was something really cool. It was really cool.

CPB – How did you get through COVID first of all with no baseball in 2020 at least as far as the minor leagues go? How did you stay prepared?

SB – Honestly that was a big job for me too. I took a couple months, just at home, tried to be healhy and take care. The COVID didn’t get me yet so I’m thinking I’m blessed because of that. As soon as I figured out how to go out and practice and do my gym and do my stuff, I never stopped. I just put my mask on and I was on the field every single day to prepare myself because I knew that at some point when we get back, something’s going to change.

And that was what happened, everything to affiliate (ball and) up, they have to cut off the roster. So I was trying to be the best player that I can be to try to get that opportunity to stay in the game and I did. God blessed me with the opportunity to be here. And that’s something that every single day I appreciate it. And I just try to be the best that I can every single day.

40 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

CPB – In Dunedin last year, you had a really good year especially as far as stolen bases went. How was that year for you?

SB – Dunedin was a special year for me because I saw what kind of player I can be. That year showed me like all the effort and all the work that I put in the pandemic year, in the COVID year, I put in all the effort and it come out in the season. I couldn’t be able to have that year without the staff. I have a really good staff down there who helped me a lot. Some of them teach me how hard I can be, because you never know like how hard you can be until somebody shows you. And that was something big for me. I was doing bad a couple times. My body hurt a lot. (Hitting coach) Matt Young was just like pushing me every day, every single time. And at the moment I was like, ‘Hey, I think that’s too much.’ But now I understand that he just pushed me to be the best man I can be.

And yeah, that was something really fun. And I figured out like what can I do on the field. It was a cool year. I really enjoyed that.

Stealing the bags, playing good defence, being the man when I have to be for the team. That was a really cool year for me.

CPB – This year, you start off with New Hampshire. What was that like?

SB – New Hampshire, that was huge. You know, Double-A is another level. It’s the same baseball but like mentally you gotta be ready for it. And the experience was really fun, really good.

We have a good staff up there too. And we have good teammates up there too that help us, like we support each other. It was the same thing, trying to do my best. Things didn’t go my in my way, but l just try to (make) the best work and the best effort I can do every single day.

CPB – What did the organization tell you when they said, ‘Look, we’re going to send you to Vancouver.’ I’m sure it might have been a disappointment at first, but things are working out here so far.

What did they tell you to work on here in Vancouver?

SB – We got to be able to have a good routine. So that is something that I’m doing right here, right now. I try to have a good routine either in defensive ways, hitting ways and base running ways too

Tuesdays at the NAt

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 41

because this is what it is all about. Sometimes things don’t still work right but if you stick to your routine, it’s something that you know you can improve on. And that’s something that they sent me down here for. But it was a good move because I wasn’t like going good but now, like I have a good routine. I found myself back like who I am right here. You know, man, I have a great staff, great players, great city, great crowd. And that’s something that, you know, reminds me who I am and brings me back to the cool stuff that I can do on the field.

like really serious. The play here in Vancouver is really different because we play for a country. We play for a city and the good thing about that, like the fans just come here, every single game to support us. And that gives me an extra energy. That gives me the extra piece that I need to click. And even if I don’t feel good that day, the fans, the crowd bring me that last push that I need to, to be out there and do my best. But yeah, it’s something that don’t scare me. That’s something that just like push me to try to do my best every single time because I love that. I love it.

CPB – I want to ask you about the rule changes, the bigger bases.

I’m sure you weren’t disappointed that (MLB) decided to increase the size of the bases. Has that made a big difference for you as far as stealing bases go?

CPB – One game this year, you stole four bases. I guess the legs must have been feeling really good that night. What you remember about that night?.

SB – Honestly, maybe for some guys it’s going to have some difference but like for me, it was something like, ‘Okay, they want to speed up the game.’ Right? And that’s something that we understand. But at the same time, like it’s going to be easier if every time that I’m on base, the (pitchers) try to pick me off two times and they can’t do it anymore but like, they always try the pick off one time. They have one left so for me mentally, it’s nothing different because I know like every time that I try to go still, they always have at least two chances or one chance to try the pick off, you know? But I think a huge part is the work that I put in with the staff. I put in the hard work trying to see what can I get off the pitcher, try to know the situation of the game, where I can run, where I can’t run, you know? And that’s something that has been huge for me. But yeah, at some point that rules helped some guys and maybe help me one day, one time. But I don’t know.

I maybe don’t see it that way but yeah, it maybe does.

CPB – How are you able to be as so successful as a base stealer? I know it’s not just pure speed. You have to know when to go, when to anticipate but what makes you a successful base stealer?

SB – I’m not scared. Do not be scared. That’s something that helps me because like if you got the right information, you got the speed but if you are scared of going, you’re not helping yourself.

So that was a switch that I make for myself. Instead of thinking, ‘Oh, I want do it.’ Now it’s ‘I’m going to do it and I do it.’ And that’s something that works for me. And of course, you got to have the speed. You got to have to know where I’m going, when I’m not going. But at the same time, you have to have the action and that’s something that I’m doing right now. I’m not scared to play the game, I just go out, have fun, try to get my best chance and just go out and do it.

CPB – I have to ask you about dancing with the grounds crew.

How did that all develop?

SB – (Laughs) Honestly, I was just trying to have fun that day. I think I had like one or two hits, so it was kind of a fun game and I just go out there and I saw them walking into the position to dance and I didn’t know what they were about to do but I just followed them, followed their lead and, I don’t know, that worked.

That was funny, that was funny. That was awesome. That was funny. That was funny.

CPB – It was great. That was awesome. Playing here in Vancouver, playing in front of big crowds. What’s it been like for you?

SB – That’s something that is great for me, especially the type of player I am and the play here in Vancouver is different. This is 42 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

SB – Oh yeah. I do remember. And it’s something that you really enjoy,. It’s not something that I’m surprised about because like I told you earlier, I know what I can and what I can’t do. This year, the hardest part is to being on base. And I know it’s something that I know if I’m on base, I know I can do cool stuff on the bags.

And that night I just get on base a couple times and I just did my work, you know? But yeah, it was something fun, especially when those numbers go up. That’s something that you really enjoy.

CPB – Hitting here at Nat Bailey Stadium. You’ve hit a couple of home runs here, What’s it like hitting here?

SB – You have to have the focus. You have to have the approach.

And I’m never looking for a homer. It’s just something that happened because the focus that you have, sometimes you just find the right pitch and you make the right swing and the ball goes out. And I think that’s a skill that I’ve been developing. The hitting for power is something that I didn’t have it but now I kind of have it. I have a couple homers here. And yeah, the left field here is kind of short as you can see. Right field, right-center, center field, it’s kind of regular dimensions but you have a big wall where you can have the right exit velocity and right height to go out. But yeah, it’s something that you really enjoy, especially when you hit bombs and you are like, ‘Man, I got some juice, you know?’ Yeah, it’s something that is really fun too.

CPB – Defensively you’ve been in left, center and right field. And now Dasan Brown is here. You certainly have a lot of guys who can go out and get the ball for sure.

SB – Oh yeah. The Blue Jays in general, we have good athletic players. We have good outfielders where they can play defense.

My final goal is win the game so I’m a type of player, whatever it takes to win the game., that’s what I do. When it is my turn. I just try to catch the ball and make the play. And at the same time, if I’m in center, I know I’m the boss, but if I’m in right or left, I know that somebody else is the boss. So I got to find and try to play my role that day. And that’s something that I do. I don’t really care if the manager go out and catch the ball. As long as there is an out, I’m okay with that.

CPB – Final question. Growing up, did you have a favorite player or favorite major league team?

SB – When I was young, I loved to see Derek Jeter and José Reyes play. I respect the game like Derek Jeter did when he played the game. I enjoy the game with the same intensity as José Reyes did. On deck, having fun, talking with the fans. And I think that’s something that I take from them. And I think that’s what I’m doing right now.

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 43

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AND 46 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

BY NIALL O’DONOHOE

Each week, we’ll feature a conversation between Niall O’Donohoe of C’s Plus Baseball and one member of the Canadians roster. Niall caught up with catcher Andres Sosa to find out more about his past, what he’s working on this season and how his first Nat Bailey Stadium experiences have been.

It was just over a year ago that Sosa joined the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent signing from the Tri-City Valley Cats of the independent Frontier League. The Hermosillo, Mexico-born backstop got the Blue Jays attention by putting up a batting line of .387/.406/.710 with four doubles, two home runs and eight runs batted in over 10 games with the Valley Cats.

After signing with the Blue Jays on August 16, 2021, Sosa made his professional debut two days later in the Florida Complex League and got his first professional hit in his second game against the FCL Phillies August 19. After a nine-game introduction at the FCL in which he batted .333 in nine at-bats, Sosa was promoted to Dunedin and saw action in five games to close out the year.

The journey to professional baseball began to take shape for Sosa at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio where he lettered in all four years. He was a First Team Underclass All-American in 2015 as a junior and an Honorable Mention All-American by Perfect Game in 2016 as a senior. Perfect Game rated Sosa as the third best shortstop in Texas and No. 21 in the nation.

“Andres P. Sosa is a 2016 SS/RHP with a 6-0 185 lb. frame from San Antonio, TX who attends Reagan HS. Strong athletic build, fairly mature physically. Right handed hitter, big hand load with good rhythm, looks to keep hands tight and short to the ball, explodes

DRES SOSA his hands at contact, has very good bat speed and looks to pull and drive the ball, has power and can get the ball in the air, ball jumps hard when squared, solid overall approach that will play quickly at the next level. 7.41 runner, easy and athletic actions defensively, stays balanced well, arm strength has improved, long and loose arm action, third base tools defensively down the road but is comfortable in the middle infield at present. Good student, verbal commitment to Texas.”

BaseballFactory.com saw potential for Sosa to be a two-way player back in 2015 during the Under Armour All-America PreSeason Tournament.

“Sosa showed at SS and on the mound for the first time with a promising future on the diamond, possibly as a two-way guy. In VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 47

the MIF, he moves well laterally, displaying range and shows soft / sure hands. Feet / hands work well through the fielding actions, displaying smooth / fluid actions. Athletic abilities are shown off in his feeds / turn of the double play and has big play potential in the MIF. At the plate, he shows an athletic setup. Hands are quick, generating plus bat speed through a level swing path. He shows a feel for the barrel and makes consistent contact as he works to keep hands inside the ball to utilize all fields. On the mound, arm strength is outstanding as indicated by his top velocity of 86 mph. Fastball showed a range of 84-86 mph with arm side run.

Breaking ball is dirty displaying 11/5 shape with late / sharp break. Control is outstanding as he pounds the zone with a lot of strikes.”

Sosa went to the University of Texas for his freshman season in 2017 where he was teammates with Detroit Tigers infielder Kody Clemens and 2017 C’s first baseman Kacy Clemens. After playing just 11 games with the Longhorns, Sosa opted to take the junior college route by joining San Jacinto in 2018 where 2019 C’s pitcher Mike Pascoe and 2019 and 2021 hurler Luis Quiñones also played. With the Gators, Sosa posted a .333 on-base percentage in 49 games while hitting four home runs and driving in 14. He also stole five bases in six attempts. After the juco season, Sosa played for the Cowlitz Black Bears of the West Coast League and got on base at a .351 clip with 14 doubles, four homers and 26 RBI. In 2019, Sosa returned to Division I baseball with Dallas Baptist University, the same institution attended by 2016 C’s infielder Nash Knight. Sosa slashed .262/.365/.468 with the Patriots and belted eight home runs, 34 runs batted in and seven stolen bases to help them win the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title. Sosa was named to the Lubbock Regional and MVC All-Tournament teams. In the summer, Sosa did another tour of duty with Cowlitz and batted .311 with a .426 OBP and a .464 SLG while racking up eight doubles, five homers and 22 RBI. The 2020 season saw Sosa play in just five games with Dallas Baptist due to injury where he hit .286 with one home run and five RBI. He returned to DBU for 2021 and put up an OBP of .427 with a slugging percentage of .467. The Patriots won the MVC Tournament title and the Fort Worth regional to reach to the NCAA Super Regional for the first time since 2011.

In 2022, Sosa is making strides in his first full season as a professional. He collected his first home run against Eugene at Nat Bailey Stadium April 24. The 24 year-old finished a triple shy of the cycle in Spokane July 23 and homered again at the Nat August 16 in a charged atmosphere against the Hillsboro Hops in which a near bench-clearing brawl took place. Sosa also helped the C’s pick up a road win in Everett August 18 with his legs as he walked, stole second and third and scored the winning run in the ninth as part of a 2-for-3 day with two walks. The heroics continued August 23 against Hillsboro when he threw out two runners trying to steal and had a three-hit night, including a tworun home run to help the C’s get a come from behind win over the Hops the Nat. Heading into the final week of August, Sosa has batted .400 in 12 games and has inflated his OBP to .399 on the season. The 5-foot11, 210-pound backstop is also tied for second in hit by pitches with 15, trailing Northwest League leader and teammate Leo Jiménez who has 17.

48 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

C’s Plus Baseball had a chat with Sosa during the team’s homestand against Everett in July. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

C’s Plus Baseball – Talk about how you wound up with the Blue Jays?

Andrés Sosa – First off, thanks for having me. I signed as a free agent last August out of independent ball. I signed out of the Frontier League with the Tri-City Valley Cats where I spent about three weeks with them once I concluded my career at Dallas Baptist. I went down to rookie ball down in Dunedin. And later that year I got promoted to Low-A and then this year out of spring training, I got promoted up here to High-A Vancouver.

CPB – Who was the one who made contact with you?

AS – He was an area scout out of Dallas (Max Semler). Charlie Wilson, our director (of minor league operations), he’s the one that eventually called me. So yeah, I didn’t really have anybody that like was the set guy but it was one of those things where the Blue Jays called and they asked me if I wanted to sign as a free agent. And that was really a no-brainer for me since I went undrafted. I wanted a place to play and I got that opportunity here.

CPB – You began your college career with Texas where 2017 Vancouver Canadian Kacy Clemens was on the roster. What was the beginning of your college days like?

AS – Kacy Clemens was actually the senior captain that year so he was my senior captain my freshman year and I got to interact with him a lot. One of the best teammates I’ve had, he was a great guy on and off the field. Great family, obviously great baseball family, but really awesome. Just a group of guys that really love to play the game. The Clemens family is awesome. I actually got to play with Kody, (current Detroit Tiger Kody Clemens) his younger brother throughout high school. So that was one of those connections where once I got into Texas, they really helped me out. And even now after I left Texas, they’re still good friends and I’m sure that if I ever need anything, they would help me out.

CPB – You spent some time at San Jacinto College, which is a very good JuCo college. What was your experience like there?

AS – It was awesome. Once I went to San Jac, it was one of those things where every single guy there kind of had a similar background where the first school that they went to wasn’t necessarily a great fit for them. So they had to go somewhere else to play. And San Jac was one of those programs where they took in every D-1 (Division 1) bounce back that needed a place to go back to play. The team was full of just really, really good players that wanted to work hard. And eventually that year, every single player on our team got to Division 1. And then the other guys went to NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) . We ended up finishing that year third in the JuCo World Series so it was a great year. It was a great time where I got to learn a lot and also play the game so it was really fun.

CPB – Dallas Baptist, you spent three years there. What would you say was your best memory there?

AS – There are a couple. In 2020, right before the season, we had an exhibition series in Cuba where we went to Cuba for about a week and we played three exhibition games against three professional teams down there. And not only did I get to play

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 49

baseball in Cuba but I got to serve in the community. So as one of my favorite memories, that was definitely the Cuba trip. And then my last season there, my fifth year, we won the Fort Worth Regional. And that was really big because we got to advance to the Super Regional. Winning that regional and then going up to the Super Regionals was one of my best memories too.

CPB – When you look back at your time, how did you develop as a player at Dallas Baptist?

AS – I think our motto at DBU instilled in me since the first day I got there is ‘1% better every day.’ So just that mindset of coming to the ballpark and getting better every single day definitely helped me develop as a baseball player but also off the field as a man and really just being able to catch. I got to learn how to catch while I was at Dallas Baptist. Coach Heefner (Danny Heefner) did a great job with me where he really taught me the basics but then he taught me how to really think the game between the game where it’s in between pitches, reading a batter, calling the baseball game and just controlling the running game so I got really good at that while just learning the game there. And then DBU is known as powerhouse hitting school so I got to develop hitting wise a lot there.

CPB – When did you start being a catcher?

AS – Originally I was a shortstop all my life. Shortstop, second base, third base but once I got to Texas, my coaches asked me if I’ve ever wanted to catch. And honestly, I didn’t like it. I said, ‘No,, I don’t think that’s the position for me.’ But, you know, the game really knows a way to like really humble you and be able to show you like, ‘No, really, that is what was best for me.’ So even though I didn’t see it at the beginning, once I got to Dallas Baptist, it was towards my senior year where I first started to really play the position in a real game. So I’ve been catching since my senior year of college and got to really play a lot last year as a catcher.

But yeah, this year has been one of full time catcher, part-time first base.

CPB – What is your favorite part about catching? What is it that you’ve grown to like about the position?

AS – Everything. I think when you watch me catch, you really try

50 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

to see me control the game. It’s one of those things for me, it’s like I take pride in my defense and I take pride in being able to call a shutout, you know, for the other team to not even touch first base.

I take pride in that and I like to study the hitters. I like to study the other team. So even before I’m out, I kind of want to know what my game plan is. So if there’s anything that I’ve love about that is my preparation for catching.

CPB – Talk about what it’s like to prepare for a game when you know, you’re goning to be behind the plate. What’s the routine like?

AS – I like to keep my energy because I’m a high energy player when I play. So I try to mostly just get my body loose, go through a series of mobility work where I’m fully ready to go with my body and then really just go over the game plan with the pitcher. That’s a big one. And then just really do everything that I need to do to get the pitcher ready. I have some individual catching work that I do with my catching coach here with Brent (C’s manager Brent Lavallee) but nothing really crazy, man. I just really prepare on the days that I’m not playing. So the days that I do play, I can go through my routine and just get after it.

CPB – As far as your drills go, what are they?

AS – Basically I split up my routines with blocking, throwing and receiving. Just really the three physical aspects of the game of catching. I try to break it up with different days, different schedules, but just fundamentals, keep it simple and just get ready for that night.

CPB – I know there’s always a lot of information on the other team. You have the scouting reports and all that. How are you able just to handle dealing with all the scouting reports, how to pitch to certain guys and all that?

AS – Do your homework prior to the test. And I think it’s also remembering we play the same five teams in the league. So being able to keep a good notebook on each and every team that we play and also ask questions, you know. We have a lot of resources, like our pitching staff, our pitching coach and also our hitting coaches that we could talk to that just come up with a game plan to pitch to.

CPB – Off the wall question here. Your facemask, have you always caught with that?

AS – The goalie style mask?

CPB – The hockey mask, yeah.

AS – I used the traditional mask in college. It was kind of hard for me to see a little bit and getting the hockey-style mask kind of just protects me a little bit more with foul balls. I feel like it’s better with my eyesight. It’s better at night whenever there’s a lot of glare from the lights. It’s almost like it works as a visor, you know, it just kind of zones into like what you’re looking at. Almost like a football helmet if you ever put one on, but I felt uncomfortable with the other one. So I kind of just go with that and I think it’s cool beacuse it’s unique. It’s my own version. And also Yadier Molina wears one so that was one of the things where I kind of look up to him as a catcher.

CPB – You play first base, you look pretty comfortable over there and really showed some good footwork to handle the throws.

What’s it been like playing at first base?

AS – It’s fun. I always say first base is one of the most exciting positions because a lot of people think it’s boring, but in reality it’s very important. I feel great out there. I played there in college.

I played there in 2019 and then a little bit in ’21. I’m comfortable around the bag. I’m comfortable with taking ground balls there.

So it’s one of those things when I see my name at first base, I get excited because it’s light on my legs and I get to hit, you know. I get to just go out there and have fun and help the team win.

CPB – You’ve had a couple of homers here at Nat Bailey Stadium.

There was the one on the Sunday afternoon and there’s also the one against Hillsboro. It was such a charged atmosphere that night with a near bench clearing ball. What do you remember about that night against Hillsboro?

AS – It’s one of those things where it’s like, the ball never lies, you know. It was one of those things where the Hillsboro pitcher (Gerald Ogando) was trying to throw at our guy and he made it pretty clear that he was doing it intentionally. So when those things happened, I definitely didn’t want to get hit in that situation. But once I saw that he was over the plate with the first

couple of pitches, I saw it pretty well. And really it was about just being ready for the situation and letting it happen, you know, and making it happen. But I remember it was exciting. I remember it was loud, defintely. The fans here were great that night and yeah, it was fun. It was just an overall really fun night.

CPB – How much do you enjoy playing here at Vancouver?

AS – It’s fun. This is what minor league baseball should be like.

We all want to make it to the big leagues. We all know that those stadiums fill up 30, 40 K so 4,000 (people) or 5,000, 6,000. It does get really loud so it’s definitely preparing us for the bigger stages, but man, it’s really fun playing here. The fans are great. All the workers here are amazing. They treat us really good. The city of Vancouver itself is just unbelievable. I’m definitely having a great time here.

CPB – Who would you say has helped you the most in your baseball career?

AS – I have to say my parents (Andrés and Lydia Sosa). They’ve always supported me every single step of the way. My grandfather (Miguel Sotelo), he really taught me the game. Just the little things about processing what’s about to happen on the next pitch and things like that. He really taught me like the mental side of the game physically. I’ve had a lot of great coaches, my high school coach Chans Chapman helped me a lot. Just being able to have that confidence in myself where no matter who you’re playing, treat yourself like that underdog that people may think (you are).

That has always helped me playing with that chip on my shoulder.

So definitely those four people in my life have had a great impact in my baseball career.

CPB – Final question. What are your goals for 2022?

AS – Just continue to have a great season where I stay healthy and help the team win. I think that’s a big one. Three goals that I had at the beginning of the year was being the hardest worker in the Blue Jays organization, being the best teammate and also winning in everything that I do. Like no matter what it is, taking ownership of my competitive level and no matter if I do win or lose, like at the end of the day, I know I won based on my effort level. So yeah, those are definitely my three personal goals.

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 51

BY LINA SETAGHIAN

MEET OUR MASCOTS The Vancouver Canadians have an army of mascots that are all designed with one common goal – ensure everyone out at historic Nat Bailey Stadium has fun! From a loveable bear to a trio of sushi that are ready to rock – not to mention a condiment and utensil? The Canadians mascots are truly one of a kind!

BOB BROWN BEAR

CHEF WASABI

MS. BC ROLL

MR. KAPPA MAKI

SADAHARU SOY

CHOP N’ STIX

Debut: 2007 Occupation: Canadians’ official mascot Favourite Pastime: Meeting fans, giving high fives and hugs, posing for photos About BBB: Makes more than 150 local community appearances every year and named after Vancouver’s Mr. Baseball, Bob Brown who dedicated his whole life to the game we love so dearly.

Debut: 2008 Occupation: Staying cool, Professional Racer Favourite Pastime: Attending birthday parties, winning races Make-Up: Few slices of cucumber wrapped in rice and then rolled in a piece of dried seaweed. Sleek and light - Mr. Kappa Maki is always a tough competitor.

52 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022

Debut: 2008 Occupation: Chef, professional racer Favourite Pastime: Running, cooking Make-Up: Whether you buy wasabi in root form or as a green powder, there is one thing that is for sure - Chef Wasabi is one spicy addition to our Sushi Race!

Debut: 2015 Occupation: Pot Stirrer, Professional Racer Favourite Pastime: Cooking, meeting fans, running Make-Up: Known to add a little saltiness to any meal, Sadaharu Soy was named after the legendary baseball slugger Sadaharu Oh who’s legend is global. Sadaharu is both physical and a little trickly during the sushi races!

Debut: 2008 Occupation: Pageant queen, professional racer Favourite Pastime: Beating Chef Wasabi in Sushi Races and hanging out at the ballpark Make-Up: Combination of barbecue BC smoked salmon and fresh cucumber with a little mayonnaise to keep her rollin'.

Debut: 2018 Occupation: Hand Tools, Professional Racers Favourite Pastimes: Helping people, racing Make-Up: Renewable, reusable and environmentally friendly! Chop & Stix come to the ballpark to keep the peace between the super competitive sushi and sauce.

Connected at the top, Chop & Stix have a few challenges to iron out during the race – but they always get an A for effort.

BASEBALL WORD SEARCH

BASEBALL CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

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CATCH THE FLY BALL

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BAG BALL BATTER BEAN BENCH BULLPEN BUNT CHARGE CLEANUP COUNT CURVE DECK DIAMOND DOUBLE DRIVE DUGOUT

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RBI RUN SACRIFICE SAVE SCORE SECOND SINKER SLIDE SPITBALL SPLITFINGER STRETCH STRIKE THIRD WALK WILD WINDUP

NAME THE MLB TEAM

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ERROR FIELD FIRST FLY FORCE FOUL GLOVE GROUNDER HIT HOME LINED MOUND OUT PITCH PLATE POPUP

CAN YOU NAME THE TEAM BY ONLY SEEING A PART OF THEIR LOGO?

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ACROSS 1. Baseball players are usually safe here 5. Leather object worn on hand to catch baseballs 6. Metal or wooden object used to hit the ball 7. Hat worn by baseball players 8. A ball hit out of bounds 10. Player who throws the ball over homeplate 13. The area between the three bases and home plate DOWN 1. A game played on a diamond 2. A baseball game has nine such divisions 3. Catches the ball thrown by the pitcher 4. The area of the field furthest from the batter and outside the diamond 9. Calls strikes and balls 11. Group of people playing a game 12. When a player can run around all the bases on just one hit

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL!

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BASEBALL WORD JUMBLE 1.

LALBSEAB

2. EOBULD 4. TARETB 4. ELVGO 5. ICADAANSN 6. LTESA

CAN YOU SPOT 5 DIFFERENCES

2 3 WHICH TWO ARE EXACTLY ALIKE?

1

7. ORROWABBNBBE 8. OMCPHNAIS

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9. HIPTRCE 10. DILESR

VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022 / 53

JUMBLE ANSWERS: 1. Baseball 2. Double 3. Batter 4. Glove 5. Canadians 6. Steal 7. Bob Brown Bear 8. Champions 9. Pitcher 10. Slider BASEBALL MATCH: 2 & 6 LOGO ANSWERS (L-R): Orioles; Brewers; Mets; Phillies; Tigers; Angels; Reds; Cubs; Braves; Yankees; Royals; Astros; Athletics; Mariners; Blue Jays; Twins; Red Sox; White Sox; Indians; Rockies; Cardinals; Pirates; Giants; Padres; Rays; Marlins; Nationals; Diamondbacks; Dodgers; Rangers CROSSWROD ANSWERS (Across) 1. Base 5.Mitt 6. Bat 7. Cap 8. Foul 10. Pitcher 13. Diamond (Down) 1. Baseball 2. Inning 3. Catcher 4. Outfield 9. Umpire 11. Team 12. Homerun

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The Vancouver Canadians Baseball League is looking for your help this season. Your assistance will help more than 300 local children between the ages of 6-11 learn a number of life skills on the diamond including teamwork, fair play and how to develop confidence and pride.

If you would like to make a donation to Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation, please go to www.vancouverfoundation.ca/vancouvercanadians and click on the donate button.

THANK YOU for supporting the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and Vancouver Canadians Baseball League. Because of your generosity, we can move forward and bring a summer of fun and memories to children from right here in our own neighbourhoods.

56 / VANCOUVER CANADIANS 2022