2024 Program 6 by vancanadians

Q&A WITH C’S PITCHER

LAZARO ESTRADA

9 GET TO KNOW YOUR CANADIANS FRONT OFFICE STAFF

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

14 2024 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

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

17 ROAD TO THE SHOW

Climbing through the Blue Jays system.

18 LAZARO ESTRADA NAMED NWL PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Seven-inning no-hitter June 18 at Tri-City makes him second C’s hurler to earn honour

20 TEAM ROSTERS 24 MEET THE 2024 VANCOUVER CANADIANS

This year’s squad is looking to bring home Northwest League Championship #5! Let’s meet this year’s ‘Boys of Summer’! 32 CANADIANS TO REACH THE MAJOR LEAGUES

A list of alumni who have gone to 'The Show'

34 HOW TO SCORE THE BASEBALL GAME A Scorekeeping 101. 36 Q & A WITH GRAYSON THURMAN

Each week, Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium PA announcer and de facto team historian Niall O’Donohoe catches up with a different C’s player. The latest C’s Chat is with 2024 Vancouver Canadians pitcher Grayson Thurman

46 BIRMINGHAM’S RICKWOOD FIELD FEATURES BASEBALL’S PAST AND PRESENT

Negro Leagues baseball endured a serious decline in the 1950s and completely died out by the 1960s. Given the passage of time – more than 55 years – it’s not surprising that few of the Negro Leagues ballparks remain in existence.

52 MEET OUR MASCOTS!

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.

54 KIDS FUN PAGE

Fun kids activities

8,000,000+ Kilometers | 500,000+ Passengers Every year | We're going your way

Whatever the event, no matter how large, Universal has the experience and the fleet to make it happen in comfort and style. From customer shuttles, team buses, student transportation, to major conventions and multi-departure tour programs, we do it all.

FRIDAYS

Gates Open at Noon. First Pitch 1:05 BUY TICKETS

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.

FRONT OFFICE STAFF

JAKE KERR

CHAIR OF VANCOUVER CANADIANS BASEBALL

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.

JEFF MOONEY CHAIR OF THE VANCOUVER CANADIANS BASEBALL FOUNDATION

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

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 the Team Operations handling everything from player housing and travel right through to Information Technology (IT).

Born in Victoria, B.C., Allan was raised on the North Shore and up on the 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 North Shore Twins of the B.C. Premier League.

STEPHANI ELLIS

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER 2024 is Stephani’s tenth season with the Vancouver Canadians. She was promoted to the role of Assistant General Manager in 2019 and was the recipient of the 2019 Northwest League Female Executive of the Year for her work with the C's.

Stephani has led the Canadians Group Sales, Social Media, and Community platforms during her time out at historic Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

After a standout collegiate softball career at California University of PA where Stephani played for the Vulcans, 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 to The Nat. Even with the demands that come with that responsibility alone, Stephani still lends her time to the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation and its fundraising efforts.

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 Canada, Granville Island Brewing and Steamworks Brewing.

With a longstanding corporate partnership with the Canadians prior to his arrival in May of 2019, Walter joined the organization fully aware of the standard that has put the C's among the best in Minor League Baseball.

BRENDA

CHMILIAR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Brenda enters her 16th season at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium and her sixth as Financial Controller for the Canadians. She spent the first 10 of those years with Aramark Food Services in the company's financial division, dividing her time between the ballpark and Rogers Arena. Her knowledge of stadium operations thanks to her time with both Aramark and the Canadians have proven to be invaluable during her tenure.

Brenda is responsible for all aspects of the financial operations and is right at home here at The Nat; much of her childhood was spent on local baseball fields up in Kamloops.

JACOB NAKHLEH

MANAGER,

TICKET OPERATIONS

Jacob returns for his eighth season with the C’s and his first as Manager, Ticket Operations.

He first joined the club for the 2016 season, when he began his time with the C’s in the Box Office. Jacob was first hired as a member of the game day staff, then promoted to Box Office Assistant before joining the sales team at the conclusion of the 2021 season. After spending the last couple of years working in sales and community relations, Jacob is excited to be back at home in the Box Office.

Prior to joining the C’s in a full-time role, Jacob graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance).

When Jacob’s away from The Nat, you can find him watching Blue Jays baseball, Seahawks football, or dreaming about ice fishing in Saskatchewan.

ROSEMARY ALBERTS COORDINATOR, MARKETING SERVICES

Rosemary enters her first year with the Canadians as a Marketing Services Coordinator. She recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Bachelor of Arts in May 2023 and her Master of Management in December 2023.

Born in Richmond, Rosemary was raised in Victoria, B.C. where she grew up playing volleyball. Her previous work experience includes being the Communications & Administrative Coordinator for Athletics for Kids and a Varsity Game Day Statistician for UBC Athletics. She is excited to help the C’s organization in any way she can.

When Rosemary is not at the Nat, she enjoys her time watching the Canucks, kickboxing, or spending time with family and friends.

CHARLENE YAROSHUK ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR

Charlene is excited to be entering her sixth 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

2024 is Tyler’s fourth with the Canadians, seventh within the Toronto Blue Jays organization and 10th in Minor League Baseball.

Before the C's, Tyler served as the Director of Promotions & Entertainment and Radio Broadcaster for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Over the course of three seasons in Manchester, he oversaw the entire ingame presentation and promotions departments while traveling throughout the Eastern League calling 'Cats games. He has especially fond memories of the 2018 campaign, when he worked alongside current Jays (and former C’s) skipper John Schneider and the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio and Jordan Romano. He began his MiLB career in 2014 as a communications intern for the Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm in the California League. He made his professional baseball radio debut with the Storm in 2015 and handled the middle innings of road games for the rest of his tenure. Tyler, his wife Kate and dog Rosie make their offseason home in Portland, OR, where they play copious amounts of pickleball and obsess over the University of Texas Longhorns football season each fall. Born and raised in San Diego, Tyler is a lifelong Padres fan and will always “Keep The Faith.

Proud to support the

AVAILABLE ON THE CONCOURSE AND at THE 3RD BASE CRAFT ZONE

LEVI WEBER HEAD GROUNDSKEEPER

Levi―the 2023 Northwest League Groundskeeper of the Year―is no stranger to this circuit, with prior experience as the Head Groundskeeper for the Spokane Indians at Avista Stadium. His talents have also taken him to the desert, where he was 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 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.

COOPER MISIC CO-ORDINATOR, SALES

Cooper enters his third season with the Canadians and his second season as Coordinator, Sales. He is excited to take on more responsibilities during the 2024 season.

A former Langley Blaze star pitcher who took his talents south of the border to play for both Galveston College and Central Washington University, Cooper graduated from CWU with a degree in Sports Management with a Specialization in Business.

When Cooper’s away from The Nat, you can find him enjoying even more baseball, playing golf, or trying out every new restaurant in town.

DREW HOWSON SALES ASSOCIATE

2024 marks Drew’s third season in the Toronto Blue Jays organization and second full season in Vancouver. This season will be his first in an office role as a Sales Associate.

After graduating St. Clair College with a degree in Sport and Recreation Management and interning with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, Drew began his career in professional baseball as a member of the Canadians Grounds Crew. He would go on to gain experience with the Toronto Blue Jays Facility Department, assisting with the renovation and clean-up of Rogers Centre before returning to Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Drew is a baseball junkie. He played and coached at many levels in his hometown community of Windsor, Ontario, most notably with the Tecumseh Rangers. In his off time, you’ll usually find him hiking, playing his guitar, or cheering on the Detroit Tigers and his beloved Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!

LIAM GUERRIERO

CO-ORDINATOR, SALES

2024 is Liam’s second season with the C’s, and first as a Sales Coordinator. The 24-year old graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from their four-year program.

A native of Waterloo, Ontario, Liam grew up playing competitive hockey for the Waterloo Wolves. He loves playing and watching hockey, baseball, golf and football. He’s a fan of the Boston Bruins, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Browns and Rory McIlroy.

IZZY DINO SALES ASSOCIATE

Izzy joins the C’s as a Sales Associate for the 2024 season. She recently graduated from Seattle University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Media Studies. A native of North Vancouver, Izzy grew up playing competitive softball in both Vancouver and Richmond. She went on to log five NCAA Division I seasons between the University of Hawaii and Seattle University. In her spare time, she coaches youth softball pitchers on the North Shore. Izzy’s hobbies include watching and playing softball, yoga, going to the beach, and travelling to new places.

ZACH MAHAFFY SALES ASSOCIATE

Zachary returns to The Nat for his third season with the Canadians and his first in sales. He spent the previous two seasons as Box Office Assistant for the club.

In April 2023, Zachary graduated with a BBA from the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, concentrating in Marketing and Strategic Analysis.

A native of Surrey, Zachary played rep hockey with Semiahmoo MHA from U15 to U18, while also playing one season in the Pacific Junior Hockey League with the White Rock Whalers and Port Moody Panthers. During the baseball offseason, Zachary officiates hockey, from U15 all the way up to the Pacific Junior Hockey League. He achieved his Member High Performance certification with Hockey Canada in December 2023.

STADIUM OPERATIONS

MONday, JuLY 1

foam glove giveaway

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

BROOKS PRIMO TRAVIS PORTER CAMERON CARELSE

ADAM HAUXWELL

2024 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

CRAFT CORNER ICE COLD - FRESH BEER -

LOCATED IN THE -

3RD BASE FOOD COURT

PROUDLY SERVING

ROAD TO THE SHOW

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.

JOHN SCHNEIDER MANAGER

MARK BUDZINSKI FIRST BASE COACH

GIL KIM FIELD COORDINATOR

LUIS RIVERA THIRD BASE COACH

DON MATTINGLY BENCH COACH

HUNTER MENSE ASSISTANT HITTING COACH

PETE WALKER PITCHING COACH

DAVE HUDGENS MAJOR LEAGUE HITTING STRATEGIST

MANAGER CASEY CANDAELE BENCH COACH DONNIE MURPHY HITTING COACH RYAN LONG

GUILLERMO MARTINEZ HITTING COACH

JEFF WARE ASSISTANT PITCHING COACH, BULLPEN

ADAM YUDELMAN MAJOR LEAGUE COACH ALEX ANDREOPOULOS BULLPEN CATCHER

PITCHING COACH DREW HAYES

POSITION COACH JUSTIN ECHEVARRIA

DAVID HOWELL ASSISTANT PITCHING COACH, STRATEGY

HURTADO BULLPEN CATCHER

BULLPEN COACH ANTHONY GOMEZ

MANAGER CESAR MARTIN BENCH COACH JAKE MCGUIGGAN

HITTING COACH MITCH HUCKABAY

PITCHING COACH JOEL BONNETT

BRENT LAVALLEE MANAGER

BARRETO BENCH COACH

WRIGHT HITTING COACH

Seven-inning no-hitter June 18 at Tri-City makes him second C’s hurler to earn honour

LAZARO ESTRADA NAMED NWL OF THE WEEK

VANCOUVER, BC – Minor League Baseball has named Canadians starter Lazaro Estrada as the Northwest League Pitcher of the Week for June 17-23 after he tossed a seven-inning no-hitter against the Tri-City Dust Devils [LAA] on Tuesday, June 18. He is the second C’s pitcher to earn the weekly honor this year.

Estrada, 25, was tremendous in his seventh start of the season. He faced the minimum over the first five innings – which included a two-out walk that was erased on an inning-ending caught stealing – then stranded a lead-off free pass to protect a 1-0 lead in the sixth with three straight outs. He went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the seventh to turn in the first complete game shutout by a Canadians pitcher in the High-A era and the second C’s no-hitter in franchise history.

The Havana, Cuba native has been a stalwart at the top of the Vancouver rotation this year. He has lowered his season ERA to 2.15 in 29.1 Northwest League innings while racking up 37 strikeouts to 10 walks with a .186 opponent’s batting average against and a 0.99 WHIP.

ESTRADA PITCHER WEEK

PITCHERS HT WT B/T AGE DOB HOMETOWN ’23 CLUBS ACQUIRED

30 Alex Amalfi 6-1 185 R/R 23 02/18/01 Ashland, MA Dunedin MiLB FA, 07/26/22

35 Lazaro Estrada 6-0 200 R/R 25 04/24/99 Havana, CUB Dunedin INT FA, 01/04/18

11 Pat Gallagher 6-0 200 R/R 23 06/30/00 Leominster, MA Dunedin, Vancouver 11th, ’22, Connecticut

3 Ryan Jennings 6-0 190 R/R 24 06/23/99 New Braunfels, TX Dunedin, Vancouver 4th Rd, ’22, Louisiana Tech

25 Conor Larkin 6-1 215 R/R 25 03/17/99 Royersford, PA Vancouver 9th Rd, ’21, Penn State

28 Johnathan Lavallee 6-4 240 R/R 24 08/11/99 Simi Valley, CA Fort Myers (MIN) MiLB FA, 02/02/24

26 Chris McElvain 6-0 205 R/R 23 09/15/00 Thompson Stn, TN Daytona, Dayton (CIN) Trade w/CIN, 03/20/24

40 Josh Mollerus 6-3 215 R/R 24 10/06/99 Campbell, CA Dunedin 10th, ’23, Oregon

17 Connor O’Halloran 6-2 195 R/L 21 09/01/02 Mississauga, ON College, Dunedin 5th Rd, ’23, Michigan

10 Aaron Munson 5-10 180 L/R 22 03/15/02 San Antonio, TX FCL, Dunedin 19th, ’23, Angelo State (TX)

32 Rafael Ohashi 6-1 185 R/R 21 10/08/02 Mogi Guacu, BR Dunedin INT FA, 07/02/19

4 Naswell Paulino 5-11 205 L/L 23 4/17/00 San Cristobal, DOM Vancouver INT FA, 07/04/16

18 Carson Pierce 6-3 215 R/R 22 09/10/01 Edmond, OK College, FCL, Dunedin ND FA, 08/04/23

23 Rafael Sanchez 6-1 215 R/R 24 08/22/99 Antilla, CUB Dunedin, Vancouver INT FA, 05/13/22

34 Grayson Thurman 6-3 205 R/R 25 12/27/98 Lynch Station, VA Dunedin, New Hampshire MiLB FA, 03/24/23

36 Geison Urbaez 6-1 185 R/R 23 07/05/00 Cabral, DOM DNP INT FA, 10/14/20

20 Chay Yeager 5-11 180 S/R 21 09/11/02 Fort Wayne, IN FCL, Dunedin 12th, ’23, Pasco-Hernando State JC

CATCHERS (3) HT WT B/T AGE DOB HOMETOWN ’23 CLUBS ACQUIRED

22 Robert Brooks 5-9 215 R/R 25 11/21/98 Marietta, GA FCL (TB) MiLB FA, 06/07/24

19 Jommer Hernandez 5-11 205 R/R 23 10/20/00 Puerto Plata, DOM Vancouver MiLB FA, 09/08/21

31 Jackson Hornung 6-2 215 R/R 23 02/06/01 Ashland, MA College, Dunedin 16th, ’23, Skidmore

INFIELDERS (6) HT WT B/T AGE DOB HOMETOWN ’23 CLUBS ACQUIRED

21 Jean Arnaez 5-10 175 R/R 21 08/22/02 Aguadulce, PAN Dunedin INT FA, 7/2/19

15 Jamari Baylor 5-11 195 R/R 23 08/25/00 Richmond, VA JS (PHI), ACL (COL), FRE (COL), SPO (COL) MiLB FA, 05/22/24

1 Nick Goodwin 6-1 205 R/R 22 09/06/01 Overland Park, KS College, DUN, VAN 7th Rd, ’23, Kansas State

14 Estiven Machado 5-10 190 S/R 21 10/04/02 Barlovento, VEN Dunedin INT FA, 7/3/19

7 Jeff Wehler 6-0 195 R/R 25 01/10/99 St. Marys, PA College ND FA, 6/9/23

44 Peyton Williams 6-5 255 L/L 23 9/14/00 Johnston, IA Dunedin, Vancouver 7th Rd, ’22, Iowa

OUTFIELDERS (4) HT WT B/TAGE – DOB HOMETOWN ’23 CLUBS ACQUIRED

8 Jace Bohrofen 6-2 205 L/R 22 10/19/01 Oklahoma City, OK College, FCL, Dunedin 6th, ’23, Arkansas

6 Dasan Brown 6-0 195 R/R 22 9/25/01 Oakville, ON Dunedin, Vancouver 3rd Rd, ’19, Abbey Park HS (ON)

9 Marcos De La Rosa 5-11 175 S/R 24 01/28/02 Santo Domingo, DOM FCL, Dunedin, Vancouver INT FA, 06/15/19

27 Dylan Rock 6-0 210 R/R 25 08/21/98 Sugar Land, TX FCL, Dunedin, New Hampshire 8th, ’22, Texas A&M Jaden Rudd 5-11 190 L/L 21 08/16/02 Panama City, FL Dunedin 7th, ’21, Mosley HS (FL)

24 Je'Von Ward 6-2 195 L/R 24 10/25/99 Cerritos, CA Wisconsin (MIL) MiLB FA, 06/15/24

TOR SYSTEM: BUF – AAA | NH – AA | VAN

MANAGER: 33 Brent Lavallee

BENCH COACH: 13 Deiferson Barreto

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING: Bailey Forst

ASSISTANT S&C: Zane Hunt

PITCHING COACH: 29 Austin Bibens-Dirkx ATHLETIC TRAINER: Rob Shifrin

HITTING COACH: 12 Ryan Wright

POS. PLAYER COACH: 2 Ashley Stephenson

BULLPEN COACH: XX Carson Phillips

MENTAL COACH: Raul Pimentel

ATHLETIC THERAPIST: Katie Reyes

TECH ASSISTANT: Cristian Cordova

PITCHERS T HT WT AGE

40 Jhosmer Alvarez R 6-1 155 22 6/29/01 Puerto Cabello, VZ INT FA, 7/2/17

39 Roman Angelo R 6-5 220 23 5/17/00 Bakersfield, CA Fresno State ND FA, 7/17/23

23 Alec Baker R 6-3 202 24 12/4/99 East Longmeadow, MA Dallas Baptist U 18th Rnd, 2023

15 Junior Cerda R 5-11 180 23 6/15/00 Tenares, D.R. INT FA, 7/13/20

26 Logan Clayton R 6-5 188 24 5/2/00 New Smyrna Beach, FL U No. Fla / Coll of Central Fla / U Houston 17th Rnd, 2022

34 Joe Elbis R 6-1 175 21 9/24/02 Caracas, VZ INT FA, 7/12/19

20 Spencer Giesting L 6-4 210 22 7/2/01 Hamilton, OH UNC-Charlotte 11th Rnd, 2022

41 Carlos Meza L 6-1 205 23 2/10/01 Charallave, VZ Juan España INT FA, 3/23/18

44 Alfred Morillo R 6-3 225 22 11/14/01 Santo Domingo, D.R. INT FA, 12/14/21

Liam Norris L 6-4 215 22 8/13/01 Cary, NC Green Hope HS 3rd Rnd, 2020

27 Peñiel Otaño R 6-4 220 23 10/7/00 Peravia, D.R. INT FA, 7/16/21

25 Zane Russell R 6-3 200 21 6/12/02 Kingwood, TX Dallas Baptist U 10th Rnd, 2023

45 Eli Saul R 6-5 235 22 8/16/01 Vancouver, BC Sacramento State U. 13th Rnd, 2022

17 Avery Short L 6-1 205 23 3/14/01 Indianapolis, IN Southport HS 12th Rnd, 2019

31 Landon Sims R 6-2 225 23 1/3/01 Cumming, GA Mississippi State U 1st Rnd, 2022

28 Listher Sosa R 6-5 260 22 9/6/01 La Vega, D.R. Trade (PIT), 4/1/22 Shane Telfer L 6-1 210 22 7/17/01 San Diego Pepperdine U ND FA, 7/17/23

30 Armando Vasquez L 5-11 190 23 5/4/01 Hato Mayor del Rey, D.R. INT FA, 1/27/22 Wyatt Wendell R 6-5 220 24 2/11/00 Castle Rock, CO Indian Hills JC (Ottumwa, IA) / Purdue U ND FA, 7/23/22

19 Ricardo Yan R 6-4 195 21 11/14/02 Santo Domingo, D.R. INT FA, 1/22/21

NO CATCHERS (3) B-T HT WT AGE BORN HOME TOWN SCHOOL ACQUIRED

9 Christian Cerda R-R 6-0 210 21 12/27/02 San Pedro de Macoris, D.R. Trade (TB), 7/30/22

29 Gavin Logan L-R 5-11 210 24 1/14/00 Oyen, Alberta Oregon State U 9th Rnd, 2022

8 David Martin L-R 6-1 210 23 10/28/00 Chino Hills, CA Cal Baptist U 16th Rnd, 2022

NO INFIELDERS (6+2) B-T HT WT AGE BORN HOME TOWN SCHOOL ACQUIRED

11 Gavin Conticello L-R 6-4 215 20 6/11/03 Coconut Creek, FL Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS 8th Rnd, 2021

35 Juan Corniel S-R 6-0 184 21 10/2/02 Santiago, D.R. CNP INT FA, 7/2/19

10 Jose Fernandez R-R 6-3 215 20 9/22/03 Cumana, VZ INT FA, 2/5/21 Gino Groover R-R 6-2 215 22 4/16/02 Morrow, GA NC State U 2nd Rnd, 2023

5 Manny Peña L-R 6-2 200 20 12/5/03 Santo Domingo, D.R. INT FA, 1/22/21

24 Kevin Sim R-R 6-2 225 22 2/7/02 San Diego U of San Diego 5th Rnd, 2023

Tommy Troy R-R 5-10 200 22 1/17/02 Los Gatos, CA Stanford University 1st Rnd, 2023

21 Jean Walters S-R 5-11 160 22 8/13/01 Matanzas, Cuba INT FA, 2/29/20

NO OUTFIELDERS (4) B-T HT WT AGE BORN HOME TOWN SCHOOL ACQUIRED

37 Neyfy Castillo R-R 6-3 220 23 3/2/01 Higuey, D.R. Josue Herrera INT FA, 7/2/17

16 Jack Hurley L-R 6-0 195 22 3/13/02 Boalsburg, PA Virginia Tech 3rd Rnd, 2023

4 Brett Johnson l-R 5-11 195 24 1/6/00 Joliet, IL

Spoon River CC / SIUE (Edwardsville, IL) 10th Rnd, 2022

14 Andrew Pintar R-R 6-2 200 23 3/23/01 Spanish Fork, UT Brigham Young U 5th Rnd, 2022

PRONUNCIATIONS: Roman Angelo (ROW-mun ANN-jul-oh)... Neyfy Castillo (NAY-fee cass-TEE-oh)... Christian Cerda (SIR-duh)...

Junior Cerda (SIR-duh)... Gavin Conticello (kahn-tih-SELL-oh)... Juan Corniel (corny- ELL)... Spencer Giesting (hard “g,” GEE-sting)... Gabriel Hernandez (GAY-bree-ul, but he goes by “Gaby,” rhyming with “tabby”)... Carlos Meza (MAY-zuh)... Alfred Morillo (mo-REE-oh)... Haruki Mukohchi (hah-roo-kee moo- COE-chee)... Peñiel Otaño (peen-YELL oh-TAWN-yo)... Manny Peña (PAIN-yuh)... Andrew Pintar (pin-tar, just as it looks)... Eli Saul (ee-lye sawl)... Jean Walters (Gene)... Wyatt Wendell (win-DELL)... Ricardo Yan (yahn)...

Manager: 22 Javier Colina

Pitching Coach: 18 Gabriel Hernandez

Hitting Coach: 33 Ty Wright

Coach: 7 Mark Reed

Trainer: Haruki Mukohchi

Strength Coach: Nate Kolb

Video Coordinator: Eduardo Escribano

# PITCHERS POS HT WT D.O.B HOMETOWN

20 Burgos, Juan RHP 6-0 185 12/22/99 Santiago, DOM

13 Cummings, Ty RHP 6-2 190 11/01/01 Clayton, NC

28 Davila, Nick RHP 6-3 215 11/21/98 Pembroke Pines, FL

32 Garcia, Brandyn LHP 6-4 235 05/27/00 Granby, CT

15 Hawks, Ryan RHP 6-2 230 11/24/00 Bowling Green, KY

14 Jefferson, Chris RHP 6-2 205 01/24/97 Pearland, TX

10 Kingsbury, Jimmy RHP 6-1 190 02/13/99 Phoenixville, PA

25 Laws, Holden LHP 6-2 205 12/08/99 Creedmore, NC

9 Morales, Michael RHP 6-2 205 08/13/02 Enola, PA

40 Peavyhouse, Shaddon RHP 6-3 215 08/18/98 Jonesborough, TN

17 Perez, Marcelo RHP 5-10 195 11/16/99 Laredo, TX

30 Pope, Bryan RHP 6-2 215 01/27/99 San Juan Capistrano, CA

37 Raeth, Stefan RHP 6-1 195 08/31/00 Lafayette, CA

33 Ruffcorn, Jason RHP 6-2 225 07/27/98 Cedar Park, TX

46 Saathoff, Allan RHP 6-1 210 09/18/99 Ridgely, MD

18 Taylor, Troy RHP 6-0 205 09/09/01 Fontana, CA

21 Townsend, Blake LHP 6-4 245 04/05/01 Traralgon, AUS

# CATCHERS B-T HT WT D.O.B HOMETOWN

PREVIOUS TEAM(S) ACQUIRED YEAR

Modesto (A) – 2023 NDFA 2019

Campbell University 7th Round 2023

Everett (A+) – 2023 MiLB Free Agent 2023

Modesto (A) – 2023 11th Round 2023

Modesto (A) – 2023 8th Round 2023

Modesto (A) – 2023 NDFA 2021

Everett (A+) – 2023 17th Round 2021

Modesto (A) – 2023 16th Round 2019

Modesto (A) – 2023 3rd Round 2021

Modesto (A) – 2023 NDFA 2023

Everett (A+) – 2023 11th Round 2022

Springfield (AA) – 2023 MiLB Free Agent 2024

Modesto (A) – 2023 17th Round 2022

Jersey Shore (A+) – 2023 TRADE (PHI) 2024

Arkansas (AA) – 2023 NDFA 2023

Everett (A+) – 2023 12th Round 2022

Modesto (A) – 2023 NDFA 2018

PREVIOUS TEAM(S) ACQUIRED YEAR

19 Batista, Freuddy R-R 6-0 225 12/12/99 Santo Domingo, DOM Modesto (A) – 2023 NDFA 2017

27 Miller, Andrew R-R 6-2 230 09/02/97 Frisco, TX Modesto (A) – 2023 NDFA 2021

# INFIELDERS B-T HT WT D.O.B HOMETOWN PREVIOUS TEAM(S) ACQUIRED YEAR

29 Fitz-Gerald, Hunter L-R 6-5 230 12/09/00 Margate, FL

Mariners (R) – 2023

11 Hood, Josh R-R 6-2 200 07/21/00 Vineland, NJ Everett (A+) – 2023 6th Round

38 Moncada, Gabriel L-L 6-2 215 12/17/01 Caracas, VEN

8 Rodden, Brock S-R 5-9 170 05/25/00 Oktaha, OK

5 Sanchez, Axel R-R 6-0 185 12/10/02 Navarette, DOM

16 Williamson, Ben R-R 6-0 210 11/05/00 Fairfax, VA

# OUTFIELDERS B-T HT WT D.O.B HOMETOWN

7 Knight, Bill R-R 6-1 195 08/24/99 Perkins, GA

(A) – 2023 NDFA 2018

(A) – 2023 5th Round 2023

(A) – 2023 2nd Round 2023

TEAM(S) ACQUIRED YEAR

(A+) – 2023 10th Round 2022

1 Labrada, Victor L-L 5-9 195 01/16/00 Havana, CUB Everett (A+) – 2023 INT’L FA 2021

12 Schreck, Rj L-R 6-1 205 07/12/00 Los Angeles, CA Modesto (A) – 2023 9th Round 2023

4 Sundstrom, Jared R-R 6-3 230 06/21/01 Gualala, CA

6 Washington, Jr., Curtis S-R 6-2 180 05/22/00 West Memphis, AR

NO. FIELD STAFF

MANAGER: 22 Ryan Scott BENCH COACH: 2 Sergio Plasencia HITTING COACH: 31 Seth Mejias-Brean PITCHING COACH: 56 Cameron Ming HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER: Stephanie McLain TRAINER: Brooke Giltner

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH: Jose Alcantara Beas

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT INTERN: Ted Stephenson

Modesto (A) – 2023 10th Round 2023

–

PRONUNCIATIONS: Freuddy Batista (fre-YOU-dee); Nick Davila (DAH-VEE-luh); Seth Mejias-Brean (meh-HE-iss BREEN); Shaddon Peavyhouse (SHAD-un PEE-VEE-house); Stefan Raeth (stef-AWN RAY-th), Brock Rodden (ROD-en); Allan Saathoff (SAT-off).

FIELD STAFF

BRENT LAVALLEE 33 MANAGER

• Entering his second year as Manager in Vancouver, coming off a 67-62 campaign... Served as a Manager for the first time in 2021 while with the FCL Blue Jays...Played at LSU Shreveport until 2009 and joined their coaching staff as a Graduate Assistant in 2010...Started as a full-time assistant in 2012 and was named the Head Coach in 2016...In three years, his teams produced with an overall record of 126-57 and claimed the last two conference championships.

• The North Delta, British Columbia, native played for LSU for five seaons, including a medical redshirt campaign...Played a total of 200 games and earned 2009 1st Team All-Canada while runner up for Canadian College Baseball Player of the Year.

DEIFERSON BARRETO 13 BENCH COACH

• Moving up to Bench Coach after spending the last two seasons as Position Coach for the DSL Blue Jays...Started his coaching career in 2018 with Advanced-A Dunedin by assisting the coaching staff...In 2019, was assigned as Assistant Pitching Coach at The Toronto Blue Jays Dominican Academy...That July, he transitioned to the infield coach for the J2 signed players...In 2020, served as Infield Coach for the Dominican Academy and was instrumental in assisting the club with the Venezuelan players who were unable to get back home because of the pandemic.

• Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an international free agent in September of 2011....Played as an infielder in the Blue Jays system from 2012-2017, reaching as high as Triple-A Buffalo..

AUSTIN BIBENS-DIRKX 29 PITCHING COACH

• Officially retired in January and is entering his first year in professional baseball as a coach, taking on Bullpen Coach for Vancouver.

• The native of Salem, OR, was selected out of the University of Portland by the Seattle Mariners in the 16th round of the 2006 draft...Eventually reached the Majors for 37 games while with Texas in 2017 and 2018... Has also pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League, the Dominican Winter League, the Mexican League, and the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

RYAN WRIGHT

HITTING COACH

• Made his Minor League coaching debut in 2021, in his current role, after his debut with Class-A Lansing was cancelled in 2020...Began his coaching career at Capital High School in Boise, ID, from 2015-2016... Was a Graduate Assistant at California State University Northridge in 2016... Joined the organization from Montana State University Billings where he was on staff since 2017... Served as the Hitting Coach & Recruiting Coordinator at MSUB...Has also managed the Spearfish Sasquatch Baseball Club in Spearfish, SD (2018-2019), and the Kelowna Falcons Baseball Club in Kelowna, BC (2019).

• Played collegiately at the University of Utah, Treasure Valley Community College, and Oklahoma City University.

ASHLEY STEPHENSON 2 POSITION COACH

• 2024 is Ashley’s second season with the Blue Jays...Follows Jaime (Vieira) Lever as the second female coach in the organization...Coached with the Canadian Women’s National Team since 2018, leading to a Bronze medal at the COPABE Women’s Pan-American Championships in 2019, and was the first woman to manage the Women’s National Team when Canada played against USA in Thunder Bay in 2022...Was also the first woman to coach in the Canadian Futures Showcase, hosted by the Blue Jays baseball academy in Ottawa last year...Made history in November as she became the first woman to capture Baseball Canada’s Lionel Ruhr Elite Coach of the Year Award.

• Was an original member of the Women’s National Team in 2004 and played for 15 years...Won four Women’s Baseball World Cup medals (three bronze, one silver), and a silver at the Pan American Games in 2015.

• 2024 Inductee into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

CARSON PHILLIPS

37 BULLPEN COACH

• Joins the Vancouver Canadians for his first season in the organization...Was working at the University of Arizona as a Graduate Assistant Pitching Coach.

• Played at Dixie State University where he completed a Bachelors in Exercise Science... Also attended the University of Arizona.

ROSTER

ALEX AMALFI

HT: 6-1 WT: 185

B/T: R/R

DOB: 02/18/01

HOMETOWN: Ashland, MA

23 CLUBS: Dunedin

AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 07/26/22

CONOR LARKIN 25

HT: 6-1 WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 03/17/99

HOMETOWN: Royersford, PA

23 CLUBS: Vancouver

AQUIRED: 9th Rd, ’21, Penn State

RAFAEL OHASHI

HT: 6-1 WT: 185

B/T: R/R

DOB: 10/08/02

HOMETOWN: Mogi Guacu, BR

23 CLUBS: Dunedin

AQUIRED: INT FA, 07/02/19

LAZARO ESTRADA

HT: 6-0 WT: 200

B/T: R/R

DOB: 04/24/99

HOMETOWN: Havana, CUB

23 CLUBS: Dunedin

AQUIRED: INT FA, 01/04/18

JOHNATHAN LAVALLEE

HT: 6-4 WT: 240

B/T: R/R

DOB: 08/11/99

HOMETOWN: Simi Valley, CA

23 CLUBS: Fort Myers (MIN) AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 02/02/24

CHRIS McELVAIN 26

HT: 6-0 WT: 205

B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/15/00

HOMETOWN: Thompson Station, TN

23 CLUBS: Daytona, Dayton (CIN) AQUIRED: Trade w/CIN, 03/20/24

AARON MUNSON

HT: 5-10 WT: 180

B/T: L/R

DOB: 03/15/02

HOMETOWN: San Antonio, TX

23 CLUBS: FCL. Dunedin

AQUIRED: I19th, ’23, Angelo State (TX)

PAT GALLAGHER 11

HT: 6-0 WT: 200

B/T: R/R

DOB: 06/30/00

HOMETOWN: Leominster, MA

23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver

AQUIRED: 11th, ’22, Connecticut

JOSH MOLLERUS 40

HT: 6-3 WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 10/06/99

HOMETOWN: Campbell, CA

23 CLUBS: Dunedin

AQUIRED: 10th, ’23, Oregon

NASWELL PAULINO 4

HT: 5-11 WT: 205

B/T: L/L

DOB: 4/17/00

HOMETOWN: San Cristobal, DOM

23 CLUBS: Vancouver

AQUIRED: INT FA, 07/04/16

RYAN JENNINGS 3

HT: 6-0 WT: 190

B/T: R/R

DOB: 06/23/99

HOMETOWN: New Braunfels, TX

23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver AQUIRED: 4th Rd, ’22, Louisiana Tech

CONNOR O' HALLORAN

HT: 6-2 WT: 195B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/01/02

HOMETOWN: Mississauga, ON 23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin AQUIRED: 5th, ’23, Michigan

CARSON PIERCE

HT: 6-3 WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/10/01

HOMETOWN: Edmond, OK

23 CLUBS: College, FCL, Dunedin

AQUIRED: ND FA, 08/04/23

RAFAEL SANCHEZ

HT: 6-1 WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 08/22/99

HOMETOWN: Antilla, CUB

23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver

AQUIRED: INT FA, 05/13/22

GRAYSON THURMAN 34

HT: 6-3 WT: 205

B/T: R/R

DOB: 12/27/98

HOMETOWN: Lynch Station, VA

23 CLUBS: Dunedin, New Hampshire

AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 03/24/23

JACKSON HORNUNG 31

HT: WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 02/06/01

HOMETOWN: Ashland, MA

23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin

AQUIRED: 16th, ’23, Skidmore

PEYTON WILLIAMS 44 OUTFIELDER

HT: 6-5 WT: 255

B/T: L/L

DOB: 9/14/00

HOMETOWN: Johnston, IA

’23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver

ACQUIRED: 7th Rd, ’22, Iowa

GEISON URBAEZ 36

HT: 6-1 WT: 185

B/T: R/R

DOB: 07/05/00

HOMETOWN: Cabral, DOM

23 CLUBS: DNP

AQUIRED: INT FA, 10/14/20

ARNAEZ 21

HT: 5-10 WT: 175

B/T: R/R

DOB: 08/22/02

HOMETOWN: Aguadulce, PAN

23 CLUBS: Dunedin AQUIRED: INT FA, 7/2/19

JEFF WEHLER 7

HT: 6-0 WT: 195

B/T: R/R

DOB: 01/10/99

HOMETOWN: St. Marys, PA

23 CLUBS: College

AQUIRED: ND FA, 6/9/23

CHAY

YEAGER 20

HT: 5-11 WT: 180

B/T: S/R

DOB: 09/11/02

HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN

23 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin

AQUIRED: 12th, ’23, PascoHernando State JC

JAMARI BAYLOR 15

HT: 5-11 WT: 195

B/T: R/R

DOB: 08/25/00

HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA

23 CLUBS: JS (PHI), ACL (COL), FRE (COL), SPO (COL)

AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 05/22/24

JACE BOHROFEN 8

HT: 6-2 WT: 205

B/T: L/R

DOB: 10/19/01

HOMETOWN: Oklahoma City, OK

23 CLUBS: College, FCL, Dunedin

AQUIRED: 6th, ’23, Arkansas

ROBERT BROOKS 22

HT: 5-9 WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 11/21/98

HOMETOWN: Marieta, GA

23 CLUBS: FCL (TB)

AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 06/07/24

NICK GOODWIN 1

HT: 6-1 WT: 205

B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/06/01

HOMETOWN: Overland Park, KS

23 CLUBS: College, Dunedin, Vancouver AQUIRED: 7th Rd, ’23, Kansas State

DASAN BROWN 6

HT: 6-0 WT: 195

B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/25/01

HOMETOWN: Oakville, ON

23 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver

AQUIRED: 3rd Rd, ’19, Abbey Park HS (ON)

JOMMER HERNANDEZ

HT: WT: 205

B/T: R/R

DOB: 10/20/00

HOMETOWN: Puerto Plata, DOM

23 CLUBS: Vancouver

AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 09/08/21

MACHADO 14

HT: 5-10 WT: 190

B/T: S/R

DOB: 10/04/02

HOMETOWN: Barlovento, VEN

23 CLUBS: Dunedin AQUIRED: INT FA, 7/3/19

MARCOS DE LA ROSA 9

HT: 5-11 WT: 175

B/T: S/R

DOB: 10/25/1999

HOMETOWN: Santo Domingo, DR

23 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin, Vancouver AQUIRED: INT FA, 06/15/194

DYLAN ROCK 27

HT: 6-0 WT: 210

B/T: R/R

DOB: 08/21/98

HOMETOWN: Sugar Land, TX

23 CLUBS: FCL, Dunedin, New Hampshire

AQUIRED: 8th, ’22, Texas A&M

ROB SHIFRIN HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER

JADEN RUDD 24

HT: 5-11 WT: 190

B/T: L/L

DOB: 08/16/02

HOMETOWN: Panama City, FL

23 CLUBS: Dunedin AQUIRED: 7th, ’21, Mosley HS (FL)

KATIE REYES ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER

JE'VON WARD 24

HT: 6-2 WT: 195

B/T: L/R

DOB: 10/25/1999

HOMETOWN: Cerritos, CA

23 CLUBS: Wisconsin (MIL) AQUIRED: MiLB FA, 06/15/24

FORST HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

HUNT ASSISTANT STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

RAUL PIMENTEL MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACH

CORDOVA TECH ASSISTANT

MANAGER

BAILEY

ZANE

STEPHANIE BOVILLE DIETICIAN

CRISTIAN

GLENN HALL HOME CLUBHOUSE MANAGER

COLE HOWES VISITOR CLUBHOUSE

CANADIANS TO REACH THE MAJOR LEAGUES

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 ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Rich Harden P 2001 21-Jul Oakland

Neal Cotts P 2001 12-Aug Chicago (AL)

Mike Wood P 2001 21-Aug Oakland

2004 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Santiago Casilla P 2002 09-Aug Oakland

Nick Swisher OF 2002 03-Sep Oakland

Joe Blanton P 2002 24-Sep Oakland

2005 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Mark Teahen INF 2002 04-Apr Kansas City

Dan Johnson INF 2001 27-May Oakland

Omar Quintanilla INF 2003 31-Jul Colorado

Freddie Bynum INF 2000 30-Aug Oakland

Nelson Cruz OF 2002 17-Sep Milwaukee

2006 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

John Rheinecker P 2001 22-Apr Texas

Andre Either OF 2003 02-May Los Angeles (NL)

Chris Mabeus P 2001 29-May Milwaukee

Kurt Suzuki C 2004 12-Jun Oakland

Jason Windsor P 2004 17-Jul Oakland

Jeremy Brown C 2002 03-Sep Oakland

Mark Kiger INF 2002 13-Oct Oakland

2007 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Travis Buck OF 2005 02-Apr Oakland

Jared Burton P 2002 04-Apr Cincinnati

Danny Putman OF 2004 23-Apr Oakland

Dallas Braden P 2004 24-Apr Oakland

Connor Robertson P 2004 17-May Oakland

Marshal McDougall INF 2000 05-Jun Texas

Kevin Melillo INF 2004 24-Jun Oakland

Bill Murphy P 2002 03-Sep Arizona

2008 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Gregorio Petit INF 2004 18-May Oakland

John Baker C 2002 09-Jul Florida

Jeff Gray P 2005 08-Sep Oakland

2009 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Andrew Bailey P 2006 06-Apr Oakland

Landon Powell C 2004 11-Apr Oakland

Tommy Everidge INF 2004 28-Jul Oakland

Brad Kilby P 2005 02-Sep Oakland

Jeff Baisley INF 2005 09-Sep Oakland

2010 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

A.J. Griffin P 2010 24-Jun Oakland

Alexi Ogando P 2004 15-Jul Texas

2011 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Justin Sellers INF 2005 12-Aug Los Angeles (NL)

Anthony Recker C 2005 25-Aug Oakland

Corey Brown OF 2007 06-Sep Washington

2012 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Pedro Figueroa P 2007 21-Apr Oakland

Sean Doolittle P 2007 05-Jun Oakland

Dan Straily P 2009 30-Aug Oakland

2013 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Ian Krol P 2009 05-Jun Washington

Kevin Pillar OF 2011 14-Aug Toronto

Max Stassi C 2009 20-Aug Houston

Michael Choice OF 2010 02-Sep Oakland

2014 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Bo Schultz P 2009 23-Mar Arizona

Marcus Stroman P 2012 04-May Toronto

Aaron Sanchez P 2011 23-Jul Toronto

Dalton Pompey OF 2012 02-Sep Toronto

Daniel Norris P 2012 05-Sep Toronto

2015 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Miguel Castro P 2014 06-Apr Toronto

Roberto Osuna P 2012 08-Apr Toronto

Noah Syndergaard P 2011 12-May New York (NL)

Justin Nicolino P 2011 20-Jun Miami

Dusty Coleman INF 2008 03-Jul Kansas City

David Rollins P 2011 04-Jul Seattle

2016 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Andy Burns INF 2011 09-May Toronto

Matt Dermody P 2013 03-Sep Toronto

2017 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Dwight Smith Jr. OF 2012 18-May Toronto

Seth Frankoff P 2010 09-Jun Chicago (NL)

Ian Parmley OF 2013 23-Jun Toronto

Franklin Barreto INF 2014 24-Jun Oakland

Taylor Cole P 2012 09-Aug Toronto

Tim Mayza P 2014 15-Aug Toronto

Jairo Labourt P 2014 01-Sep Detroit

Carlos Ramirez P 2012 01-Sep Toronto

Richard Urena INF 2014 01-Sep Toronto

Tim Locastro INF 2014 29-Sep Los Angeles (NL)

2018 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Ryan Borucki P 2014 26-Jun Toronto

Justin Shafer P 2014 18-Aug Toronto

Murphy Smith P 2009 27-Aug Toronto

Dawel Lugo INF 2013 30-Aug Detroit

Jose Fernandez P 2014 01-Sep Toronto

Jonathan Davis OF 2014 05-Sep Toronto

Jon Berti INF 2011 26-Sep Toronto

2019 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

John Schneider MGR 2011/14-15 28-Mar Toronto

Travis Bergen P 2015-17 29-Mar San Francisco

Cavan Biggio INF 2016 25-May Toronto

T.J. Zeuch 2016 03-Sep Toronto

Lane Thomas OF 2015 17-Apr St. Louis

Ryan McBroom INF/OF 2014 03-Sep Kansas City

2020 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Nate Pearson P 2017 29-Jul Toronto

Dany Jiménez P 2017 23-Jul San Francisco

Patrick Murhpy P 2016 18-Sep Toronto

Ángel Perdomo P 2015 18-Aug Milwaukee

2021 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Josh Palacios OF 2016 09-Apr Toronto

Alek Manoah P 2019 27-May Toronto

Riley Adams C 2018 08-Jun Toronto

Tayler Saucedo P 2015 17-Jun Toronto

Nick Allgeyer P 2018 02-Jul Toronto

Otto López INF 2018 17-Aug Toronto

2022 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Zach Jackson P 2016 9-April Oakland

Zach Logue P 2017 19-April Oakland

Christian Lopes INF 2012 20-April Oakland

Vinny Capra INF 2018 1-May Toronto

Danny Young P 2015 9-May Seattle

Josh Winckowski P 2018 28-May Boston

Jake Fishman P 2017 31-July Marlins

2023 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Samad Taylor INF 2017 18-Jun Kansas City

Spencer Horwitz OF 2021 19-Jun Toronto

Davis Schneider INF/OF 2022 4-Aug Toronto

Hagen Danner P 2021 11-Aug Toronto

Cam Eden OF 2021 21-Sep Toronto

Jose Espada P 2018 24-Sep San Diego

2024 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Addison Barger INF/OF 2021 24-Apr Blue Jays

Brandon Eisert P 2021 17-Jun Toronto

Orelvis Martinez INF 2021 21-Jun Toronto

Steward Berroa INF 2022 23-Jun Toronto

APRIL 10 SUPPORTING

APRIL 24 SUPPORTING

MAY 8 SUPPORTING

MAY 29 SUPPORTING

JUNE 12 SUPPORTING

JUNE 26 SUPPORTING

AUGUST 7 SUPPORTING

AUGUST 21 SUPPORTING

JULY 3 SUPPORTING

SEPT 4 SUPPORTING

JULY 31 SUPPORTING

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: 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.

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.

If a runner scores, put a circle at the bottom of the box, and inside the

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

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.

1. CENTER FIELDER

2. SHORTSTOP

3. 1ST BASEMAN

4. 3RD BASEMAN

5. RIGHT FIELDER

6. LEFT FIELDER

7. DESIGNATED HITTER

8. 2ND BASEMAN

9. CATCHER

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).

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.

SYMBOLS FOR PLAY

Double: Triple: Homerun: Sacriﬁce: Walk: Strikeout: Called Out on Strikes: Balk: Fielder’s Choice: Hit by Pitch: Wild Pitch:

LEFT FIELDER CENTER FIELDER RIGHT FIELDER

FOUL BALL

FOUL TIP STRIKE OUT

BASIC UMPIRE SIGNS FOR THE PLAYERS AND FANS

GRAYSON THURMAN

Hailing from Lynch Station, Virginia, Thurman was originally a catcher at nearby Altavista High School. He joined Division III Lynchburg University as a walk-on in 2018 and eventually made the transition to the mound. Even though he called himself a “No-Feel Guy” when he arrived on campus, Thurman did show some feel as a pitcher with the Hornets. After logging three innings in 2018, he recorded a 2.67 earned run average over 27 innings in 2019 in which he struck out 32 batters, walked 13 and picked up a save. The 2020 pandemic-shortened season saw Thurman post a 0.68 ERA with three saves after striking out 14 batters and walking five over 13-1/3 innings.

The arrow continued to point up for Thurman in 2021 when he won five games and rang up 88 batters versus 27 walks in 49-1/3 innings to go with a 3.62 ERA. The Hornets reached the Old Dominion Athletic Conference final and Thurman was the winning pitcher by completing five innings of one-run relief with seven punchouts as Lynchburg knocked off Shenandoah to advance to the NCAA Division III tournament.

It was not the first time Thurman came up big in relief with the Hornets in 2021. He struck out 12 batters over six shutout stanzas against Bridgewater in an elimination conference playoff game on May 14.

GRAYSON THURMAN

BY NIALL O’DONOHOE OF C’S PLUS BASEBALL

In 2022, Thurman returned to Lynchburg and dominated with 107 strikeouts and only 16 walks in 65-1/3 innings, winning three games and earning 13 saves with a 2.07 ERA. He was recognized for his efforts by receiving ABCA All-American and NCAA tournament All-Regional team selections.

To further boost his credentials for professional baseball, Thurman had a pair of successful stints in the summer college circuit. In 2021, he joined the Sandusky Ice Haulers of the Great Lakes Collegiate League and sat down 41 batters in 19-2/3 innings while notching seven saves. In 2022, Thurman picked up 12 saves and whiffed 45 batters in 26 innings with the Kenosha Kingfish of the Northwoods League. He was named a Northwoods League All-Star for his efforts. Thurman also squeezed in some time with the West Virginia Black Bears of the MLB Draft League in 2022. He punctuated his season with 10 strikeouts over 3-1/3 innings to clinch a championship for West Virginia over the Williamsport Crosscutters.

The Toronto Blue Jays would come calling by signing Thurman as a free agent on March 24, 2023. He made his pro debut with the Dunedin Blue Jays and struck out the first batter he faced at Fort Myers on April 7. He collected four more Ks over two scoreless innings against Tampa on April 16. His first two saves came in Fort Myers during back-to-back outings on May 4 (0.1IP, 0R) and May 7 (2IP, 0R,2K). Thurman had two more saves in May with a two-inning, four-strikeout effort against Clearwater on May 14 and a one-inning, two K performance at Tampa on May 18.

Professional victory number one for Thurman came on July 2 in St. Lucie when he spun three shutout innings. He notched one more save on August 5 against Fort Myers.

After fanning 53 batters over 45 innings with Dunedin, Thurman was promoted to Double-A New Hampshire in September and got his first save with the Fisher Cats by stranding the bases loaded and striking out the first two men he faced in a perfect ninth at Bowie on September 10.

After getting a cup of coffee in Spring Training with the Blue Jays in which he recorded an out against Philadelphia on February 24, Thurman was assigned to Vancouver to begin the 2024 season. He struck out the only batter he faced in his C’s debut at Spokane on April 5. His first victory came on the road against Tri-City with 1-1/3 scoreless frames and two strikeouts on April 30. His second win of the year came at Spokane on May 15 with another 1-1/3 inning, twostrikeout effort. In his first eight appearances, Thurman did not walk a batter. He has logged a team-leading 16 appearances out of the bullpen heading into late May with a team-best four holds.

C’s Plus Baseball chatted with the 25-year-old Thurman during the Canadians homestand against Everett in May. This interview has been edited for clarity.

C’s Plus Baseball – How did you get involved in baseball? When did it start for you?

Grayson Thurman – At a really young age, I’d always been around sports in general. And then once I got into high school, that’s when I really kind of focused on baseball. And kind of a weird story going into college, but I walked onto a D3. It was kind of iffy back and forth if I was going to play college ball. And then I was given the opportunity to play at Lynchburg College with (Head Coach) Lucas Jones recruiting me. And from there, I mean, listening to him and talking about a championship mindset and what it took to get to that.

I think just the work ethic and everything that he said was necessary was where it kind of got me to where I could play professional baseball. A lot of ups and downs, you know, figuring out my role, figuring out who I was. And then, I had a couple summers where I got to go and travel a little bit, which was really cool being from such a small town. But I was given the opportunity to do it, I think I took it and ran with it.

CPB – When did you become a pitcher?

GT – In my freshman year of college. I was actually a catcher in my freshman year where I wasn’t a very good hitter going into college. I got carved up by the pitching machine pretty well. So they were like, ‘All right, we’ll give you a shot at pitching.’ At the time we were in a very good program overall. And so I had the chance to learn to pitch and then had two really good coaches that were able to work with me and get me to the point where I’m at.

CPB – Who are the coaches that helped you develop as a pitcher?

GT – It was (Lynchburg Assistant Coach) Michael Solbach, (Associate Head Coach) Travis Beazley and then Lucas Jones were the three big coaches I give credit to. I had Kyle Hoehne back in Altavista (High School). He was actually good buddies with Lucas Jones. It’s just a good area and a good group of guys that were able to help me.

CPB – Now having been a catcher, has that been a big benefit to you now that you’re on the other side of the battery on the mound?

GT – Yeah, I mean, I will say I was familiar with it but it’s kind of funny because at the end of the day, I still don’t think I was that developed even as a catcher from where I came from. There was a lot of knowledge that I wanted but I didn’t necessarily have. But I definitely think it did help a little bit, you know, just the competitiveness and trying to beat hitters and paying attention to things that I should be throwing and stuff like that. It’s definitely has helped a little bit. But I also just have so much respect for the guys that I throw to. My catchers, those are my guys, Those are the ones that, if they weren’t there, then I couldn’t do anything without them. So you just really appreciate them and everything they do for you.

CPB – You joined the Blue Jays (organization). When did it sink in that, ‘Oh my God, I’m a professional ballplayer?’

GT – Even before signing, once I started to get some recognition and talking to them, it was a crazy feeling where I didn’t really understand what I was getting into. And then, you know, once you put pen to paper, once you’re officially, they say, ‘You’re in the org.’ I think it still takes another month or two just to realize where you’re actually at and the realness of, ‘Hey, you’re one of the guys that you’ve always looked at on TV where they’re working and trying to become a major league baseball player. It’s just really cool to kind of take a step back but I think it was almost a few weeks into the season when I was in Dunedin, where I was like, ‘Wow, this is actual pro ball.’

CPB – Do you remember who reached out to you from the Blue Jays?

GT – It was (current Dunedin Blue Jays pitching coach) Cory Riordan. It was funny. He reached out to me on Twitter, just asking what my plans were for that coming season. I’m telling him that at the time, I hadn’t talked to any affiliates but I was going to an independent team, the Lincoln Salt Dogs in Nebraska. He said he was interested and to send video and all that. So that’s kind of where it took off. But yeah, Cory Riordan was the one who reached out.

CPB – How would you say your adjustment of pro ball has been going so far?

GT – I think it’s been a great experience, but I think I’ve really loved

the whole challenge myself and being able to adapt to not only what I need to do to get hitters out but also what they’re asking for me within the organization. I came in throwing a fastball and a curveball that was very 12-6. That was all I threw. And then I had a splitter that I didn’t really know what it was but I kind of played around with it. Then I come into the org, they’re like, ‘You know, the curveball is probably not going to be the pitch for you. We’re going to work on the slider so I changed that. Going from a pitch that I threw probably threw 40 to 60 percent (of the time), somewhere in that range, I threw it a lot in college. And so they come here, get rid of that pitch so it’s just trying to find what my identity was. I think there was some struggle there but again, just a great group of coaches and people that are really straightforward with you. And that’s what I was all about. I wanted the honesty of what I needed to do to not only benefit myself, but the team and how I can be a guy that they can rely on in situations. My biggest thing was just wanting to adapt to whatever they need me to do.

GT – I went from nothing similar to that at all. A lot of these guys come from bigger schools. I’m really grateful for everything I had at Lynchburg College but it’s just insane to see how advanced and developed these things are where every little thing that you need is going to be in that place. And you have guys that also are teaching you new things, things that you can use that to help you develop on the field and obviously off the field, too. It’s just crazy to see and I’m very lucky and fortunate to be somewhere where I have access to all that.

CPB – I want to talk to you about your delivery. It’s pretty unique, like it is almost cricket or something like that. How did you develop that?

CPB – Your fastball, a four-seam or a two-seam?

GT – It’s a four-seam. Actually, this season, it was a week-and-a-half before this season I started throwing a two-seam. Again, that was another thing where stuff I’ve never thrown in my life coming in and they say, ‘You know, we want you to throw this because we think it’ll work.’ And now I’m throwing a two-seam that I throw really well in the zone consistently and can get weak contact or just something to throw them off a little bit. It’s a cool feeling to see results.

CPB – The splitter. How did you develop thatr?

GT – That’s funny because it went all the way back to high school because I would always play around with my coach. He always he loved the funky pitches and stuff like that so I always played around with it and it would be like a little bit of some weird movement. But again, in college, I never threw it because I didn’t really have control of it. It was kind of wild and I didn’t really need it at that level. And then when I come here, I’m trying to throw it. And basically, Corey puts me into the lab, where they’re able to see the Edgertronics of how it’s coming out of my hand. And they’re like, ‘No, you’re spinning this. We don’t want it to spin. We want it to knuckle.’ He was like, ‘Throw it like this.’ And from my arm angle, I’m very over the top. So he said, ‘You know, that’s going to be a good pitch for you.’ And so I started throwing it. We saw crazy numbers on it, crazy swings and misses and it ended up being one of my best pitches. So it’s just a really cool feeling to see that too.

CPB – It must be a real game changer for you to have that Player Development Complex in Dunedin. What’s it been like working with that?

GT – I think the biggest thing was just being a short-arm guy. I was a catcher in high school, obviously, so really short-arm. There are a few times too where even the pitching coaches at Lynchburg College were talking about it. They’re like, ‘You know, it’s really deceptive so it’s not a bad thing.’ They just wanted to make sure it looked healthy on my arm and everything. So I think we got to the point where we could modify it to where it looked and felt fine on my arm and everything. But again, it was just kind of how my body naturally moves. You stick with it and just see how you can build off of that. I didn’t want to change anything crazy so I stuck with it.

CPB – How do you enjoy coming out of the bullpen? What kind of mentality do you take on when they call for you out of the pen?

GT – Yeah, that’s the biggest thing I had in at Lynchburg. I brought that to summer league and then as well to Dunedin. I want to be that guy in any situation that can come in and shut things down. One of my favorite things is talking about guys that are like, ‘Oh, well, if somebody gets on first base with no outs, the likelihood of them scoring is this and that.’ And that’s just numbers based and things of the past. Every situation is different. I want to be the guy who can go out there and do things that are normal, things that typically don’t happen but to shut things down. Because you know if you prepare for things, you know you’re able to get things done. Again it’s just a shutdown mentality whether it’s coming into the third, fifth, seventh, eighth (inning), whenever. I just want to be a guy they can come to any time in any situation and be able to take care of what they need.

CPB – Looking back on your time in Dunedin, you were part of a nohitter. What was that like to be able to keep the zero up on the board?

GT – It was funny. I mean, I didn’t even really know what was going on and it’s weird because that last inning was when I go in and it’s like you don’t really realize it but everybody’s kind of quiet and there’s not a whole lot going on but it’s all because they’re waiting for that moment. The whole thing was my mindset never changes,

no matter the score, the situation, anything. To go out there and then to shut it down to complete the no-hitter. It was pretty sweet when everybody ran out on the field and was all excited about that.

CPB – Now you’re here in Vancouver. Is this the first time you’ve been in Canada?

GT – Yeah, this is the first time out of the States.

CPB – How do you like pitching here so far at The Nat?

GT – Man, it’s beautiful. We’re making the adjustment a little bit to the colder weather from being in Florida so much but it’s starting to heat up here. We got a ton of fans, a ton of people that support us. That’s probably one of the coolest things is having a lot of people that want to come out and watch you play and are rooting for you.

CPB -How much does the crowd pump you up coming out here out of the bullpen?

GT – It’s my favourite thing. You know you have to have that drive on your own whether anybody’s watching, whether it’s one person or a thousand, you know your focus has to be that you’re going to shut it down. But it just gets you going a little bit more when you have all those people there cheering you on. All the noise, just the hype and everything, it just adds to the environment and just makes it a lot more fun.

CPB – You guys have had a bit of unscheduled time off with the four rainouts in a row (back in April). What was that like trying to just try to stay active and try to keep good habits?

GT – I mean, especially as a reliever, there’s a lot of frustration being a guy that you want to pitch two, three times a week and then going pretty much the whole week just about getting canceled. The biggest thing is just being consistent on your work and making sure that even though it’s raining, you still have to get your work in. You still

got to get your mound time to just be comfortable and be ready for everything. And then at the end of the day you just got to flush it. There are multiple days where I’m frustrated because I just want to play baseball. That’s what i’m here for and if it’s my choice, there’s a lot of times where I’d play. I want to be out there and I want to compete. That was kind of tough to do, to chill out I guess but at the end of the day, it is what it is.

CPB – Ddid you have a favorite major league team or player growing up?

GT – I’d say my favorite player would probably be Tyler Glasnow. He’s very over-the-top, similar guy. He had a curveball for a while and then he kept playing baseball for like 10 years. Then he kind of came back and he actually changed it a little bit. Now he’s throwing like the cutter-slider kind of thing which is similar to what I’m starting to throw now. So it was really cool seeing that he changed that around the same time that I was trying to work on it. He was my favourite player. I was a big Red Sox fan but that was also when I was a catcher. It was a little bit of a different dynamic and I just enjoyed watching them. But once I started really diving into baseball, it was a lot more of specific players that I would start to watch. James Karinchak was another one with the (Guardians). He’s another player, he’s just really over-the-top, guys that I like to not necessarily mimic but to look at the stuff they do and see how it works for them so I can do the same.

CPB – And the final question, the Canadians have five uniforms — red, black, white, blue and gray. Do you have a favourite one of the bunch?

GT – I’ll say blue is number one, but black is a close second. Blue is the favorite by far.

Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala., is the oldest remaining Negro Leagues ballpark in the United States and continues to be used by high school and college teams. (Jason S. McCrory/The Rampant Lion Photography)

BIRMINGHAM’S RICKWOOD FIELD FEATURES BASEBALL’S PAST AND PRESENT

Of the ballparks that served as the primary home parks for Negro Leagues team, only five remain throughout the United States. The short list includes Hamtramck Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich.; Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson, N.J.; J.P. Small Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.; and League Park in Cleveland, Ohio.

There is just one other Negro Leagues park that remains standing– and it happens to be the oldest of the five. More remarkably, it is the oldest ballpark in the United States. Rickwood Field, located in Birmingham, Ala., continues to serve as a playing field for high school and college teams. First utilized as a Negro Leagues park in 1920, Rickwood dates all the way back to 1910, making it older than such venerable ballparks as Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

Billed initially as “The Finest Minor League Ballpark Ever,” Rickwood Field became the first minor league ballpark constructed from concrete and steel. Modeled after Forbes Field, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, it played as a pitcher’s park, with initial dimensions that could best be described as canyonlike. With a distance of more than 500 feet to straightaway center field, 470 feet down the left field line, and 335 to right field, Rickwood proved extraordinarily difficult for home run hitters. Only left-handed power hitters with a tendency to pull could readily take advantage of Rickwood’s dimensions. Expansive and stately (with its covered infield grandstand), Rickwood Field initially served as the home of the minor league Birmingham Barons. Like other ballparks of the era, the fences at Rickwood Field featured a variety of advertising. One sign promoted the Tutwiler Hotel, a place where some of the Barons players stayed. Another sign advertised Fatima Cigars, the favorite brand of the team’s owner and the builder of the ballpark, industrialist Rick Woodward. And along the left field line, a large, lettered sign reminded fans, “NO BETTING IN THIS PARK.”

In 1920, Rickwood Field took on a second tenant, the Birmingham Stars of the Negro Southern League, which operated as a minor league. The franchise was soon renamed the Birmingham Black Barons, who in 1924 earned the right to move up to the Negro National League, regarded as major league caliber.

The Black Barons found their first true star in the form of Mule Suttles, a hard-hitting first baseman and outfielder. Rickwood Park’s dimensions kept Suttles’ home run totals low (only 13 home runs combined for the two seasons), but didn’t stop him from hitting .318 and .331, respectively.

The mid-1920s brought improvements to Rickwood Field. The steel infield grandstand was extended to cover the right field bleachers, giving shade to more fans during the hot summer weather. And then in 1928, a Spanish mission-style façade was added to the park entrance, where picturesque arched openings and stucco walls welcomed fans to the games.

As a team, the Black Barons began to make their mark in 1927, winning the league’s second-half pennant on the strength of the pitching of a young Satchel Paige. The 20-year-old right-hander won seven of nine decisions, posted a 2.39 ERA and struck out nearly a batter per inning. Even though the renovations to the park made Rickwood Field somewhat more inviting to hitters, Paige and most of the other Black Barons pitchers still found Rickwood, with its lengthy distances to the outfield, most welcoming.

After a fourth consecutive dominant season in 1930, Paige left the confines of Rickwood, departing the Black Barons for a team known as the Cleveland Cubs. The Black Barons franchise soon fell back in status, demoted to the Negro Southern League. It was also during the mid-1930s that Rickwood Field added lights to its infrastructure. Four monumental steel-frame light towers were erected around the park, allowing for night games, a welcome addition in a city known for its heat and humidity.

In 1937, the Black Barons moved up again and became part of the Negro American League, where they struggled for the next few seasons. But they became competitive in the early 1940s, setting the stage for a league championship in 1943 and an appearance in the Colored World Series. Despite a lack of big name or headlining stars, the Black Barons pushed the favored Homestead Grays –a team that featured a “who’s who” of stars that included Josh

Gibson, Buck Leonard, and Cool Papa Bell – to the brink before losing the Series, four games to three. The Black Barons would tack on another NAL title in 1944.

In 1948, the Black Barons added a player who would soon become an iconic figure. They signed a 17-year-old outfielder named Willie Mays, who was still in high school. Under an unusual arrangement, Mays played only at Rickwood Field and not in road games, presumably so that he could still attend school and play for the varsity team. Mays would appear in 17 games for Birmingham and bat just .233 while playing the outfield corners. That same year, Mays and the Black Barons advanced to the Colored World Series (being played for the final time), where they lost in five games to the powerhouse Homestead Grays.

Over the next three seasons, Mays emerged as a superstar. The large dimensions of Rickwood Field allowed him to show off his full arsenal of athleticism. With his quick jumps, blazing speed and remarkable range, Mays covered the Rickwood Field grass like no other outfielder in Black Barons history. Mays also drew the attention of several established major league teams, including the New York Giants, who signed him in June of 1950.

From 1949 to 1956, the Black Barons endured three changes in ownership. As with most Negro Leagues teams, Birmingham’s attendance suffered, with fan interest declining because of the departure of quality players to the American and National League. With the departure of Mays and their popular shortstop/ manager, Piper Davis, who left the team in 1950, the Black Barons had seen the last of their truly legendary players come through Rickwood Field.

In 1960, the Black Barons played their final game at Rickwood Field. Even with the Black Barons ceasing operations, Rickwood Field still had its original tenant in the form of the Birmingham Barons, a minor league franchise in the Southern Association since 1910. But Rickwood suddenly lost the minor league Barons after the 1961 season, for reasons directly related to race and segregation. In November of 1961, Major League Baseball mandated that all minor leagues would have to integrate by 1962, including the Southern Association. That league featured teams in Birmingham and New Orleans, where local laws continued to enforce Jim Crow segregation and did not allow Blacks and whites to play against each other on the same field.

Citizens who favored segregation pressured Barons owner Albert Belcher to fold the team instead of allowing Blacks to play for Birmingham. Belcher wanted to retain the team, but ultimately gave in to the local pressure and ceased operations. Without a Birmingham team, considered one of the league’s bellwether franchises, the Southern Association also collapsed.

In large part, Belcher was influenced by legislation that existed within the city of Birmingham. At the time, the city lived by an ordinance listed as Section 597, which was referred to as the “Checkers Rule.” This local law prevented Blacks and whites from participating in the same sporting contests. The ordinance stated, “It shall be unlawful for a Negro and a white person to play together or in company with each other in any game of cards, dice, dominoes, baseball, softball, football, basketball or similar games.”

This law covered every sport, and yes, it even included the game of checkers.

One of the most fervent proponents of the Checkers Rule was Theophilus “Bull” Connor, who happened to be the longtime public address announcer for the Birmingham Barons. In his fulltime job, Connor worked as the commissioner of public safety for Birmingham. The city’s government structure featured a three-man commission, of which Connor was one. That gave Connor plenty of power, including administrative control over the Birmingham Police Department.

Given his prominent role in city management, Connor oversaw the enforcement of the Checkers ordinance. He was also vehemently against the integration of baseball in Birmingham, so much so that he led an effort called “Keep Birmingham Baseball White.” As Larry Colton, the author of the acclaimed book, Southern League, told National Public Radio, Birmingham’s baseball history had always involved segregation, even with regard to the fans. “Basically [with] the white Barons, the white people went to see them,” said Colton. “And the Black Barons, the Black people went to see them. And they had a chicken wire fence that separated [white from Black]. If somebody from the opposite race went, they had to sit on the far side of the chicken wire fence.”

Bull Connor opposed integration at the ballpark – and in all aspects of Birmingham society. When civil rights activists known as the “Freedom Riders” came to Birmingham in 1961, Connor intentionally allowed them to be beaten by members of the Ku Klux Klan for a full 15 minutes without any help or intervention. Later on, in one of his final acts as commissioner, he directed policemen to use fire hoses and attack dogs against peaceful civil rights protesters.

Violent incidents like these proved so embarrassing for the city of Birmingham that voters changed the form of local government, eliminating the three-man commission, including Connor’s position. Birmingham adopted a new kind of government: it featured a mayor and a nine-man council. Connor then attempted to run for mayor, but lost the election. Even though the Checkers Rule would technically remain on the books for several more years, it would quickly become ignored and unenforced.

In the meantime, Albert Belcher wanted to see professional baseball restored to Birmingham. As the owner of the now defunct Barons, he had succumbed to the pressure of dissolving the team because of the Checkers Rule and local sentiment. But he was not a true opponent of integration – and saw the decline and fall of the Checkers Rule as an opportunity to restore baseball in Birmingham with a new Barons franchise in a newly proposed Southern League.

Belcher sought to own and operate the new team, but he faced stiff opposition, notably from the Ku Klux Klan. (In earlier years, the Klan had staged rallies at Rickwood Field.) Belcher received at least a dozen threats of violence over the phone. The callers all delivered a similar message: “If Blacks play at Rickwood Field, somebody’s gonna die.”

Even in the face of such threats of violence, Belcher remained steadfast. He also realized that he needed a major league owner to go along with the plan, someone who would be willing to put his minor league affiliate in a racially charged city, supply the team with players, and incur the expenses of running a franchise.

Belcher found his man in Kansas City Athletics owner Charlie Finley, a native of the Birmingham area. Finley agreed to place the Athletics’ Double-A minor league affiliate at Rickwood Field.

He would outfit the minor league Barons with green and gold uniforms, to reflect the colors of the parent Athletics. More importantly, he would supply the Barons with several Black players, including outfielder Tommie Reynolds and right-handed pitcher John “Blue Moon” Odom. The 1964 Barons would also include a few Black Latinos, notably shortstops Bert Campaneris and Ossie Chavarria.

With that, professional baseball, in the form of the city’s first integrated team, was re-born in Birmingham. And in a decision that epitomized the new integrated era of baseball, Belcher removed the chicken wire fence that had separated Black baseball fans from white fans.

In 1967, Finley renamed the franchise the A’s, keeping the team at Rickwood Field until 1975. Finley then pulled up stakes, leaving Birmingham without a franchise for the next five seasons. In 1981, the Detroit Tigers placed their Double-A franchise in Birmingham, restored the Barons nickname, and remained there until 1986, when the Chicago White Sox took over the operation of the team. The following year, the White Sox moved out of Rickwood and into a suburb of Birmingham known as Hoover. And then in 2013, the Sox returned to the city confines with the opening of Regions Field, which has remained the Barons’ home ever since.

While Rickwood no longer has a fulltime minor league occupant, it retains a connection to the legacy of professional baseball, including Black baseball. The ballpark, which still has a sizeable capacity of over 10,000, has been used as a backdrop for baseball scenes in three films: Cobb, Soul of the Game, and 42. Soul of the Game centers on three legendary players from the Negro Leagues (Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson) while 42 tells the story of Robinson’s first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers. More than 110 years after it first opened, the ballpark’s legacy remains vital to the city of Birmingham and a lasting reminder of the city’s racial history. A group called The Friends of Rickwood continues to put substantial money into the park, including renovations of the grandstand and the press box. Even with those changes, the park looks much like it did a century ago, with a feel that is reminiscent of the 1910s and twenties.

Rickwood Field continues to thrive as an active location. In 2023, it played host to a busy schedule of events, including the Rickwood College Classic in early May, an appearance by the Savannah Bananas in June, and a full slate of games involving Miles College, area high school teams and wood-bat tournaments. The ballpark made history this year by hosting a Major League Baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants as well as a MiLB game the week prior.

Bruce Markusen is the manager of digital and outreach learning at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Reprinted with permission from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum receive free admission to the Museum, as well as access to exclusive programs, such as the Voices of the Game Series. Additionally, members receive a subscription to the Hall of Fame's bi-monthly magazine, Memories and Dreams, the annual Hall of Fame yearbook and a 10% discount and free shipping on retail purchases. For information on becoming a member, please visit baseballhall.org/ join or call 607-547-0397.

NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

Trivia

1 2 3 4 5

Who is the only player in history with at least 200 homers and fewer than 300 strikeouts?

A. Bill Dickey

B. Wade Boggs

C. Joe DiMaggio

D. Tony Gwynn

Who was the ﬁrst pitcher to strike out at least 100 batters in 20 straight seasons?

A. Cy Young

B. Dizzy Dean

C. Don Sutton

D. Randy Johnson

Who is the only player in history to play at least half their games at third base while totaling at least 3,000 hits and 450 home runs?

A. George Brett

B. Eddie Mathews

C. Mike Schmidt

D. Adrián Beltré

Who was the ﬁrst major leaguer to compile both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs?

A. Lou Gehrig

B. Hank Aaron

C. Ted Williams

D. Babe Ruth

Which pitcher won a record 16 straight Gold Glove Awards?

A. Jim Kaat

B. Bob Gibson

C. Mike Mussina

D. Bobby Shantz

S

ince 1939, the Hall of Fame has served as the keeper of baseball’s history, preserving the majesty of The Game for future generations.

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 SCOTIABANK FIELD AT 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

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.

MR. KAPPA MAKI

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.

CHEF WASABI

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!

SADAHARU SOY

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!

MS. BC ROLL

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'.

CHOP N’ STIX

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.

ERIC GAGNÉ

AUGUST 6

PACIFIC TOYOTA DEALERS

KIDS FUN PAGE

Fans looking to watch Minor League games during the upcoming season have access to additional features with an At Bat subscription. At Bat subscribers can stream more than 7,000 Minor League games LIVE or on-demand on MiLB.com or in the MiLB app, watch their favorite MLB team's afﬁliates on MLB.TV and listen to EVERY out-of-market MLB game LIVE or on-demand throughout the 2024 season.