2025 Program 6

C'S CHAT WITH ARJUN NIMMALA

JUNE 25

Supporting local charities in our community

$5 from every ticket sold will go directly to the Neil Squire Society

extravaganza Fireworks postgame

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

FRIDAYS

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

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.

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

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 strategydriven 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

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.

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.

ROB FAI DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING

Rob Fai returns to the Vancouver Canadians in 2025, marking his 15th year with the organization. He has previously served as Communications Director and Broadcaster. In his new role as Director of Sales & Marketing, Rob will focus on expanding the organization’s outreach, managing outgoing sales and sponsorships, overseeing merchandise, and revitalizing the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation. In 2015, Rob was inducted into the Vancouver Canadians Broadcast & Journalism Hall of Fame. He also received Baseball B.C.’s Meritorious Award that same year in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the sport of baseball in British Columbia. During his time away from the organization, Rob hosted weekend programming at 980 CKNW and is currently a faculty member in the Journalism Department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Rob's voice is well-known across the province for his work at TSN1040, where he hosted Rob Fai Nation Radio. Additionally, he co-founded Nation Extreme Wrestling, which has become one of Canada’s premier independent wrestling promotions.

JACOB NAKHLEH MANAGER, TICKET OPERATIONS

Jacob joined the C’s for the 2016 season, starting his time at the Nat 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 2022 and 2023 seasons working in sales and community relations, Jacob is thrilled to be back where it all started – working in (and now running) the Nat Bailey Box Office.

Prior to joining the C’s in a full-time role, Jacob earned his Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Saskatchewan. When he’s not at the Nat, Jacob can be found dreaming about ice fishing back in Saskatchewan or rooting on his USask Huskies, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Seahawks.

ROSEMARY ALBERTS MANAGER, MARKETING SERVICES

Rosemary enters her second year with the Canadians and first as Marketing Services Manager. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Bachelor of Arts in May 2023 and her Master of Management in Dec 2023. Born in Richmond, Rosemary was raised in Victoria 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.

TYLER ZICKEL

MANAGER, BROADCASTING & MEDIA RELATIONS

2025 is Tyler’s fifth with the Canadians, eighth within the Toronto Blue Jays organization and 11th in the MiLB. 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 in-game 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, newborn son Archer – who shares a birthday with Nat Bailey himself – 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.”

CHARLENE YAROSHUK

ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR

Charlene has been with the Vancouver Canadians since the 2018 season. She spent her first summer working as a co-op student before transitioning to working full time in the accounting department.

Charlene graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2020 with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

Growing up in New Westminster Charlene spent over 10 years practicing martial arts and currently holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Before joining the Canadians she previously worked as an assistant martial arts instructor.

COOPER MISIC

SENIOR COORDINATOR, SALES

Cooper enters his 4th season with the Canadians and his first season as Senior Coordinator, Sales. He is excited to take on more responsibilities and to continue to grow within the Canadians Organization.

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 time in nature, playing golf, or trying out every new restaurant in town.

ZACH MAHAFFY COORDINATOR, SALES

Zachary is entering his fourth season with the Vancouver Canadians. He spent the 2022 & 2023 seasons as Box Office Assistant for the club and transitioned to sales prior to the 2024 season.

In April 2023, Zachary graduated with a BBA from the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, concentrating in Marketing and Strategic Analysis. Born in Mississauga, Ontario, but raised in 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. Outside the Nat, you can find him at your local arena officiating a hockey game, at the gym, or watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Blue Jays, or Seattle Seahawks.

DAWSON MARCHAND SALES ASSOCIATE

2025 marks Dawson’s first season with the Vancouver Canadians as a Sales Associate. He is excited to apply his skills and continue growing within the organization.

Growing up in Maple Ridge, Dawson graduated from BCIT in 2024 with a diploma in Marketing Management, specializing in Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy. His passion for sports and marketing led him to pursue a career in the sports industry, where he is eager to contribute to the team’s success.

When Dawson’s away from The Nat, you can find him training in Muay Thai Kickboxing, going to the gym, watching NBA basketball, or cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

DREW HOWSON

COORDINATOR, SALES

2025 marks Drew’s fourth season in the Toronto Blue Jays organization and third full season in Vancouver. This season will be his first as a Sales Coordinator after joining the office in an Associate role last season.

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 savant. 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!

BEN LETWIN SALES ASSOCIATE

Ben enters his first year with the Canadians as a sales associate. He will graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Langara College in December 2025.

He formerly worked at Nat Bailey for two seasons on the food service side as a lead cook in the premium third base porch section and is excited about his new role as a sales associate with the Vancouver Canadians.

Growing up in Vancouver, Ben played rep hockey with the Vancouver Thunderbirds and won the AAA Provincials with the team in 2018. Outside of the Canadians, he enjoys playing hockey In the UBC Rec League, playing golf in his free time, and watching the Seahawks and Canucks.

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.

Fireworks NIGHTS

BROOKS PRIMO ASST GROUNDSKEEPER

CHARLIE O’NEILL DIRECTOR, STADIUM OPS

CHRIS GEORGES BROADCAST & MEDIA

NOLAN BOWKER CLUBHOUSE ATTENDANT

CAM CARELSE GROUNDSKEEPER

PHIL CHAN BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT

2025 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

BY TYLER ZICKEL AND ELI FISHMAN

THREE HEADED MONSTER: YESAVAGE, STEPHEN & STANIFER HAVE COME STOMPING INTO THE NORTHWEST LEAGUE

TWO TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS AND THE BLUE JAYS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM’S BIGGEST BREAKOUT STORY SPENT THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR DOMINATING IN DUNEDIN. NOW THEY’RE IN VANCOUVER AND READY TO KEEP THE SUCCESS – AND THE STRIKEOUTS – COMING.

Since the Canadians became the High-A affiliate of the Blue Jays in 2021, each season has featured the arrival of a can’t miss prospect. First it was Orelvis Martinez in 2021, then Ricky Tiedemann in 2022. Alan Roden became a household name with the C’s in 2023 and Dasan Brown cemented his status as a Canadians legend in 2024.

This year, we’ve already enjoyed the exploits of top Jays prospect Arjun Nimmala. He’s done it all, from leading the roster and the league in almost every offenseive category to making stellar plays at shortstop all while playing in more games than anyone else on the team.

But with the arrival of pitchers Trey Yesavage, Khal Stephen and Gage Stanifer, the bulk of Toronto’s exciting young talent now finds themselves wearing “Canadians” across their chest.

Yesavage, Toronto’s first-round pick in 2024 and MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 Blue Jays prospect (No. 71 overall), dominated in seven starts for Dunedin, going 3-0 with a 2.43 ERA and 55 strikeouts over 33.1 innings. He walked just two batters in his final five outings spanning 25.2 IP while striking out 47. The Blue Jays went a perfect 7-0 in games started by Yesavage.

At the time of his promotion, Yesavage led the Florida State League in strikeouts (55), opponents’ average (.162), K/9 (14.85), and WHIP (0.81). He also ranked top-five in ERA (5th), innings (6th), and K/BB ratio (2nd, 6.88).

On May 1 vs. Clearwater, Yesavage earned his first pro win with six scoreless innings and eight strikeouts, earning FSL Pitcher of the Week honors for April 29–May 4. He ended his Dunedin stint with a career-high 12 strikeouts in five innings on May 13 against Bradenton — the most by an FSL pitcher in a game this season and the most by a Dunedin arm since 2019.

He made his C’s debut in Eugene on May 18 and established a teamhigh when he punched out 10 Emeralds in four innings. He followed that up with nine Ks on May 23 in another four-inning outing. Yesavage’s Nat Bailey debut was on May 31; that day, he tossed 5.1 scoreless innings to lead the Canadians to a shutout win.

Stephen, Toronto’s second-round pick in 2024 and the club’s No. 10 prospect, went 3-0 with a 2.06 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 39.1 innings across eight outings (seven starts). He led the FSL in innings pitched and ranked top five in ERA (4th), strikeouts (T-2nd), WHIP (2nd, 0.92), K/9 (3rd, 10.98), BB/9 (3rd, 1.6), and opponents’ average (4th, .200). At home, Stephen posted a 0.95 ERA with 26 strikeouts and just two walks in 19 innings at TD Ballpark.

After a decent debut in Eugene, Khal earned the win in his first start on The Nat on May 28. Last week at Tri-City, the righty established a new career high with 11 strikeouts in six innings.

Stanifer, 21, transitioned to a relief role this season and posted a 4-0 record with a 0.69 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 26 innings. He allowed just two runs all season and none over a four-outing, 14-inning stretch from April 19 to May 7. The Indiana native was selected in the 19th round of the 2022 Draft and returned to Dunedin this year after logging 17 starts in 2024.

He has followed Yesavage in relief each week and has shown no signs of slowing down since coming to Vancouver. Stanifer – who used to consume 8,000 calories a day to bulk up in high school – has been mowing down opposing batters left and right, racking up 20 Ks in 11 Northwest League innings.

Yesavage is slated for a Wednesday night start this week, Stephen is set to start Tuesday and Sunday while fans can expect to see Stanifer pitch after Yesavage does.

CRAFT CORNER

- LOCATED IN THE -

3RD BASE FOOD COURT

ROAD TO THE SHOW

BRENT LAVALLEE

CATCHER LUIS HURTADO

BY NIALL O’DONOHOE

PUBLIC ADDRESS VOICE OF THE NAT NIALL O’DONOHOE COVERS ALL THINGS CANADIANS AT CSPLUSBASEBALL.CA. HE’S BACK ON THE BUMP WITH ANOTHER

C’S

CHAT, THIS TIME JOINED BY VANCOUVER CANADIANS INFIELDER AND TOP BLUE JAYS PROSPECT ARJUN NIMMALA.

Born in Tampa, Florida, Nimmala inherited his athletic genes from his parents. His father Balu played cricket and basketball along with track and field while his mother Neeru played hoops and volleyball in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Arjun would be exposed to cricket during many visits to India as a youngster, but cricket, basketball and soccer would give way to baseball.

Nimmala was on the radar of Florida State University early on as he committed to being a Seminole during his freshman year at Strawberry Crest High School in Dover. Over his four seasons with the Chargers, Nimmala helped them to win back-to-back District titles in 2021 and 2022. He punctuated his high school career in 2023 by hitting .479/.573/.904 for a 1.477 on-base-plus slugging percentage with six home runs and 29 runs batted in over 25 games. Nimmala was named the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year and received the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award in recognition of his "exemplary athletic, academic, and community service achievements" in Hillsborough County.

MLB Pipeline rated Nimmala as the 11th-best prospect for the 2023 Draft while Baseball America ranked him 17th. He would be taken by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 20th selection. Brandon Bishoff was credited with scouting Nimmala, who received a $3,000,000 signing bonus.

ARJUN NIMMALA

Nimmala's pro debut came with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays in August and showed a really good eye at the plate by drawing 14 walks in his nine games, leaving him with an on-base percentage of .500 in his 40 plate appearances.

The spotlight really shone on Nimmala when he was featured in a documentary, "Indian Baseball Dreams," which was released in the fall of 2023 and aired on MLB Network in 2024.

The 2024 season would be one of highs and lows for Nimmala. The highs began in his Grapefruit League debut when he drew a walk in his first professional plate appearance and followed that up with a home run off former Blue Jay Brian Moran in his next trip to the dish against Atlanta on March 20. He would get one more at-bat against Baltimore and worked the count to ball four against Baltimore on March 23 to give him a tidy 5.000 OPS for the spring.

Assigned to Low-A Dunedin for his first full season of professional baseball, Nimmala went 4-for-12 with a home run, three RBI and a stolen base in the first three games of the year against Lakeland. However, an ominous sign was six strikeouts against one walk in those three contests and he hit just .171 for the month of April.

Another home run for Nimmala came on May 2 with a two-run shot,

along with a double against Tampa. Other highlights were a double and three walks versus Tampa on May 5 and a two-run dinger and single at Fort Myers on May 12. However, a total of 43 strikeouts in 29 games were cause for concern and the Blue Jays decided to give Nimmala a reset by assigning him to the Development List on May 14.

It was in early June when Nimmala got back on the field with the FCL Jays. Things began to click when he homered and tripled against the FCL Yankees on June 22. After an eight-game stint at the Complex, Nimmala returned to Dunedin to finish up the season strong. He announced his return to the Florida State League with a home run in his first game back at Lakeland on June 27 and ran off a seven-game hitting streak. After slugging .568 in 22 games in July, Nimmala really caught fire in August. He finished a triple short of the cycle with three runs batted in twice at Daytona on August 1 and at Bradenton on August 14 along with a four-hit effort at Clearwater on August 20. A batting line of .296/.330/.541 with seven doubles, a triple, five home runs, 17 RBI and two stolen bases resulted in Nimmala winning the Florida State League Player of the Month for August. In 82 games with the D-Jays, he slugged 16 home runs and finished with a slugging percentage of .476. The 2025 season saw Nimmala homer again in Spring Training, taking

NIMMALA

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Yohan Ramirez deep at Bradenton on March 5. There was a school of thought among seasoned observers that he would be back in Dunedin to start the year. However, the Blue Jays would challenge Nimmala with an assignment to High-A Vancouver instead. So far, he has met that challenge by starting the year with a 11game on-base streak that included 10 straight with a base hit. Nimmala really enjoyed hitting at Funko Field in Everett by homering in three straight games on April 25, April 26 and April 27, ending the month with a .294/.362/.541 batting line along with six doubles, five homers and 12 RBI.

The momentum for Nimmala continued into May, which included Northwest League Player of the Week plaudits for May 19-25. He batted .360 with a double, a triple, two homers, six RBI and two stolen bases in six games at Eugene. Nimmala and the C's returned home on May 27 to wear their South Asian Heritage jerseys and he commemorated the occasion with a three-hit night, including a double, in a big win over Hillsboro. Nimmala slashed .284/.381/.516 with 13 extra-base hits, four of them homers in May. Heading into early June, Nimmala is on a 15-game on-base streak.

C's Plus Baseball spoke with the 19-year-old Nimmala during the team's homestand against Hillsboro in late May. This interview has been edited for clarity.

C's Plus Baseball - You won the Northwest League Player of the Week. How did you find out about it and how did you feel when you found out?

Arjun Nimmala - I kind of found out about it from a couple of friends texting me. I didn't really see it and they were like 'Congrats bro, I'm proud of you.' And I was like, 'What could they be talking about?' And I opened it up and it says Player of the Week and I was like, 'Wow, this is super cool.' I thought we had a little tough stretch going but we broke out in a really good way and I think we're in a good spot as a team, putting up a lot of good runs, pitching staff's been great and, you know, the Player of the Week is just a little accomplishment from that week but you keep going forward.

CPB - What was the key to your success that week in Eugene?

AN - I think it's the same thing that we've been doing all season long. You know, I think the at-bats have been very, very crucial. Every at-bat is important and that's the mindset I've been having in the box. Trying to execute my approach and my plan. I think I did a very good job of that, not only last week, but I think, you know, overall in the season. Of course, we can keep getting better and keep winning, but I think I just was in a good spot last week, and we're going to keep carrying that forward.

CPB - Certainly the one thing looking at your stats this year, you've really cut down on the strikeouts. Is there anything you can say about your approach right now in making more contact and hitting a few out?

AN - Yeah, I think the biggest goal this year was to keep that power while also cutting down some of the swing-and-miss strikeouts. But, you know, I've always believed that I was a good hitter. I don't think that was ever going to be a problem, and I think that's showing this year as well. I think just swinging at better pitches and doing damage on the pitches that I'm getting. I think just being an overall better hitter and having a better understanding of what I'm trying to do at the plate and what the pitcher's trying to do. He's trying to get me out. What is he going to do? All these things. Just becoming a more complete hitter has definitely helped me a lot.

CPB - I've heard some of the tweaks that you made. It was kind of described you're kind of like a "feel hitter" but you're trying to kind of take that out of the equation. What kind of mechanical changes did you make with your swing?

AN - Yeah, I remember, you know, going on the Development List last

year. The main reason was I wasn't able to get to pitches consistently. I was a little long and really couldn't be super consistent up at the plate. I think the biggest mechanical change was just getting myself in a better position to be more consistent at bat-to-ball. As quick as I can and as quick and powerful as I can to get to the ball. That's what we worked on while also improving, you know just seeing pitches things like that and it helped a lot going back.

CPB - That's also to do with the positioning of your hands, trying to get to the ball quicker and a quicker bat path?

AN - Yeah, I was definitely a lot higher last year when in the early season, my hands were a lot higher so it does take a little bit more time to, you know, get to the ball from that spot. So I dropped them a little bit and kept them a little closer and just allowed myself to naturally do what I do good anyways.

CPB - The Development Complex with all the tools, the bells and whistles. I've heard of the Trajekt machine. What was the key to getting you back on track as far as the technology that was used? What really helped you out the most?

AN - I think everything helped, you know? First of all, I thought it was a really good reset for the for the brain, for the mindset. I think I've always been very confident in my skill set since day one and just having that reset to really think about how good I actually am and what I can do on the baseball field definitely helped. But utilizing those tools like the Trajekt to see more pitching, to see (arm) angles, things like that, to recognize pitches. Just using those and the coaches around me definitely helped a lot.

CPB - I've heard that Trajekt can simulate major league pitchers. I don't know if you can tell me what pitchers were used on this machine, but obviously, they are big league calibre?

AN - Yeah, a lot of big league pitchers, you know. Lefties, righties. I faced a lot of Gerrit Cole, that's for sure. I faced Clayton Kershaw. I faced a bunch of guys. Anyone that I wanted to face that day, whether it be a heater, a sinker guy, a guy that's gross off speed. Anything that was the plan that day, we got to work and we attacked it for any MLB pitcher. CPB - You talked about the mental aspect as well. I know there are mental performance coaches. How did they help you kind of get that reset and get you to hit the ground running again back in Dunedin?

AN - I think everyone did a great job and just reminding me of who I am. Like I said, I've always been confident in my skills and who I am but just having those people around me to really enforce that and tell me that they believe in me and that I'm a great player definitely helps me. I'm never gonna forget about that, and I'm just always gonna stay confident in those skills.

CPB - I want to ask about the media portion of your job right now. I think it really kind of more or less started with that feature on MLB Network, which is a great documentary. How did that all come together and what was that process like, being really the main subject of that feature?

AN - I think MLB took an interest with just being able to, you know, really learn about me. You don't really see a lot of Indian baseball players at all, and I think I was in a really good spot to be put in that situation. They reached out to my agent, and we got it done and I thought it was a super cool experience getting to go to India, and film with some other young baseball players. They're very good players and I thought the overall experience was very cool.

CPB - You were seeing a lot of TV crews. How long a process was that?

AN - It definitely took (a while). More of the process was spent on planning and what to do and how to put everything together. We only spent a couple of days in India and got to do all that stuff, but it did take a while to set it all up. But it came out pretty good.

CPB - We've seen you on MLB Network, CBC, Sportsnet, the Blue Jays broadcast. You've gotten lots of media requests, but you seem to handle it all in stride. When did you first start getting really comfortable dealing with the media?

AN - I think I've always been pretty good with the media. I just like to be myself and give you the most honest answers I can give. That's kind of how I've been. I think I've been very blessed to be able to kind of be good at it. I'm not gonna say I'm really good at it but I've been able to answer questions well. I think I've been blessed in that and I'm just gonna keep working at it, but just getting better over time for sure.

CPB - How much preparation does it take right now? The media is always gonna be a constant presence of baseball games, especially more so now. How are you able to compartmentalize and just kind of get on with your day after you're done your media obligations?

AN - There's things that come with playing professional sports, you know? Media is one of those so it's just separating those little things and being able to to stay focused on the baseball part of the game. I think that's the most important part. The reason we're here is to play baseball at the highest level and to win games as a team. So whatever comes with it, we take it in stride and we do it. That's kind of that's how I look at it, you know? I'm gonna do what I have to do off the field and also be the best on the field that I can be.

CPB - I wanted to ask about getting assigned here to Vancouver. I know there's some talk on if you would come out to Vancouver (to start 2025) but you were ready for the challenge and I'm sure you're happy that you're making the step up.

AN - Yeah, I thought personally I'd be ready for that for Vancouver to start the year and the Blue Jays have the same front (office) staff, got the same coaches and teammates. They're all cheering for me to be in Vancouver, and I think it's been very good so far. We're just going to keep getting better every day.

CPB - I saw your parents were here in Vancouver and I know you've certainly depended on them a lot to help you develop as a young man. What does it mean having your parents and brother giving you their full support?

AN - It means a lot. My brother has not gotten the chance to visit me yet but my parents did come for a few days. Just having them you know in my corner to support me after every game, staying up late because it's three hours ahead there. It's like 1:00, 2:00 (in the morning) when the games are over and they're still awake cheering me. Having that support from them is huge for any kid. I'm never going to take that for granted.

CPB - Starting off the year, you saw more time at the designated hitter position due to an arm injury. I hear of some players going kind of crazy, just only batting and being off the field. How were you able to make that adjustment because it didn't seem to affect your hitting?

AN - Yeah, it kind of must have been something with the weather changing a little bit. My arm was a little bit sore, nothing major, but they did a great job taking care of me. Gave me a couple days off, a couple DH games, but I think it's the same process every day. It's just those days I just didn't do anything on the field for ground balls or at least I did ground balls, just not in the game. I didn't play short, but it was the same process as a hitter. Nothing's gonna affect those things. Defence and offence are separate. Just having that mindset and just being locked in on every at-bat was the same thing I'm doing now, even while I play short.

CPB - You got off to a tremendous start, hitting a few early home runs. I think the one in Tri-City was the one that got the most attention? Would you say that it's maybe the farthest you've ever hit a ball?

AN - Yeah, I will say that is a top-five homer for me, distance-wise. I

didn't get to see where it landed but I was just looking for a good pitch to hit. That was probably the third game of the season, I think, and just looking for good pitches, trying to stick to an approach, like I said. He gave me a good pitch to hit and I put a good swing on it, but definitely a top-five longest homer that I've probably hit.

CPB - I got to see you hit one out in Everett and the one here in Vancouver. I noticed a bow and arrow celebration (for the latter). Is that something you've done before, or do you only break it out for special occasions?

AN - I'm named after an archer in Hindu mythology so just using that kind of represents that. I think any special moment that we have as a team, whether it be a double, a homer, anything. That's a celebration I use. Just different guys have different things that they do, but that's the meaning behind what I do.

CPB - Speaking of home runs, I know you hit one in spring training (and another the year before). What were those experiences like being able to go deep twice like that in spring training?

AN - It feels amazing. I think any opportunity you get to kind of play with the top squad is something that you should cherish and I think every opportunity I had to play with them in spring training, I took full advantage of it. I was very lucky and I'm very proud to have been able to do that in that moment.

CPB - Was there anyone you've really connected with as far as the big league club goes?

AN - Yeah, I think I'm very close to Barger, (Addison Barger). Barger is from where I grew up too. He went to King (High School). I went to Crest (Strawberry Crest High School), pretty close to each other, so I've always been pretty close to him. Even this year, just growing the bond with him, hitting with him off the Trajeckt. Just learning how it is in a big league environment, what to expect, things like that. Just having that kind of relationship with him has been amazing.

CPB - As far as your current teammates, taking photos of you around the batting cage, Eddie Micheletti always seems to be nearby. Is there anyone on this year's team you just kind of bonded with right away?

AN - I think all of them all of them are now my brothers, my family now, they're always going to be. I think I'm very very close with all of them. I can't single out anyone, I mean, I'm very close to all these guys and I love them all.

CPB - Hitting here at Nat Bailey Stadium, how big of a challenge has it been? I believe the team is second in the league in home runs, but the majority of them have come on the road. What are the challenges of hitting here at Nat Bailey Stadium because it really is kind of considered a pitcher's park?

AN - Yeah, I would agree. I think at least early in the season, it's a lot harder to hit the long ball at this field. You really got to get into one to get it out here so it's just knowing that and playing to the advantage of the field. Hit them low, hit them hard, which we've already been doing.

CPB - What's it been like playing here at the Nat? The crowds are bigger. In Spokane, you had some big crowds too but how would you compare playing in Vancouver compared to where you played before?

AN - It's amazing. It's everything I expected. People always said that Nat Bailey was the best. It's probably one of the better affiliates that we have and it gets packed and all of that's true. Just seeing all the fans, hearing them. The anthems before the games is amazing. That's the excitement that they have for the team and how into the game they are. I love it and I love just being here in general.

CPB - The (C's) pocket schedules, you are the featured player. How does that make you feel when you see yourself on a pocket schedule like that, that they're promoting you?

AN - Yeah, I think it's super cool. But you know just staying focused on on the game, you know? I have seen it and I won't lie to you, I think it's very cool. But you know it could be any of us up there. I think everyone's very special and very good players so I'm gonna take what I can from that.

CPB - The South Asian jerseys, you were actually catching the ceremonial first pitch. How special was that for you getting to wear that jersey?

AN - Super special. I never been a part of that in my life never had that kind of experience so you know having that experience here at home at Nat Bailey. I think was something I'm always gonna cherish. Just hearing the music and just seeing the crowd was into it. That's something I'm always going to remember.

CPB - What would you say is the best part of your game and what is the part of the game that you think you need to still work on?

AN - I think my answer for this is, I believe that I can and will be a fivetool player. I think every part of my game is a strength I'm not gonna say 'I'm really really good at this, I'm really not good at this'. I think I'm good at everything. I'm gonna keep getting better at all of it, you know? So I continue working on the defense, on the running, on the hitting, everything. Just getting better at the same rate and keep making a difference on the field.

CPB - As far as shortstop goes, you certainly have shown the arm and the range for it. How is that process been going in getting used to the everyday grind of professional baseball and getting your reps in short?

AN - It's been great, I think. I take a lot of pride in playing shortstop and I want to play there as long as I can at the big league level. As long as the team needs me to play short, I'm gonna go out there and give it my best as long as I can every day. Having pride in playing that position and being a leader on the field is something that I'm gonna continue doing to help the team win.

CPB - I know you're in the same agency with Francisco Lindor and and I know he's been a big role model for you. He was one of your favourite players growing up. Who else did you follow growing up?

AN - I was a huge Giancarlo Stanton fan when he was in Miami. I went to the games to go see him, drove a lot of hours to go see him but he was, other than Lindor, he was the guy that I loved. Watching him smash homers out of the park all the time, especially that 2017 season where he won MVP. It's like every day it was a homer. Funny enough, he was on a homer streak. I go to see him and he doesn't (homer). I'm like, 'Okay, I guess I'm not coming'. And then he homers. He was one of the guys I love, but if I had to pick a favourite player, it's definitely Francisco Lindor.

CPB - You went to Marlins games. Did you go to Rays games as well growing up?

AN - Yeah, I went to Marlins games, went to Rays games. I went to more Rays games because it was more local but just the baseball game in general was exciting already.

CPB - Did you see a lot of Blue Jays games when they were in town against the Rays or occasionally against the Marlins? Do you remember anything about the Blue Jays growing up?

AN - Funny enough, I'm gonna let this pass but funny enough, I had a Blue Jays lunch box in middle school. I actually was a big fan of Blue Jays then especially when it was like Bautista and Encarnacion, that kind of era. Huge fan of the Blue Jays but I kind of grew out of it. I just kind of went to the Rays, you know, just bouncing around. I used to bounce around with Lindor wherever he was staying. I've never had a team, specifically, even though I guess the answer should be the Rays. But I never had a team, I always enjoyed watching everyone. But funny enough that you mentioned the Blue Jays, I actually had a Blue Jays lunch box.

CPB - I want to ask a little bit about your cricket background. I know there's similarities but a bit of an oddball question. Is there anything about cricket you'd like to see maybe implemented in baseball, or maybe something in baseball you'd like to see implemented in cricket?

AN - I would say no. I think both of them are very unique to each other. I think cricket is cricket and baseball is baseball. I don't think they should be messed with and tampered around. I think they're both very beautiful sports and have their own uniqueness to them so I would say I'd hope nothing in baseball would be included and vice versa.

CPB - Not like maybe having your home runs count for six points or something like that?

AN - I mean that would be cool. I mean, now that you put it like that, that would be crazy, but then I guess there'd be a lot of runs scored in the game.

CPB - Final couple of questions. Did you have a favourite baseball uniform growing up? What would you say maybe was the best major league uniform you've seen?

AN - I couldn't single out a certain uniform. I've always loved teams with powder blue uniforms. I love powder blue uniforms. My favourite colour is blue, just powder blue in general. I've always been attracted to them. The Blue Jays have some, the Rays, the Brewers. Just powder blue uniforms I've always liked. I am a big fan of the City Connects that the Blue Jays have now. A huge fan of those. But when I'm watching baseball, I'm not really looking at the jerseys as much, but yeah, powder blues.

CPB - Final question. The Canadians jerseys-the South Asian jersey, red, black, blue, white and gray. Do you have a favourite?

AN - I think my favourite is the black. I like the black uniform a lot. All the uniforms are pretty sick but my personal favourite would be black.

ARJUN NIMMALA FILE

Born - October 16, 2005, in Tampa, Florida. Height/Weight - 6-foot-1, 170 pounds

Bats/Throws - Right/Right

Uniform Numbers - Wore number 36 for the Florida Coast League Blue Jays in 2023. Wore number 72 with the FCL Blue Jays and number 18 for the Dunedin Blue Jays in 2024. Professional Debut - August 1, 2023, for the Florida Complex League Blue Jays at FCL Tigers. Drew walk in third professional at-bat against Donye Evans.

First Professional Hit - August 3, 2023, for the FCL Blue Jays at FCL Yankees. Singled against Allen Facundo.

First Professional Home Run - April 7, 2024, for the Dunedin Blue Jays. Homered against Sawyer Gipson-Long.

C's Debut - April 4, 2025, at Tri-City Dust Devils. Drew a walk in first Northwest League plate appearance.

First C's Home Run - April 6, 2025, at Tri-City. Homered off Logan Britt.

Twitter - @arjun_baseball_

Walk-Up Music - "Intoxicated" by Martin Solveig & GTA.

Instagram - @arjunnimmala99

Now You Know - Younger brother Ahkil Nimmala completed his freshman season with Florida Tech University as an 18-year-old. He was teammates with Arjun at Strawberry Crest High School and was named a 2023 Perfect Game All-American, one year after Arjun was a PGAA.

TUESDAY, JULY 1 | 1:05

HAZEL MAE

TUESDAY

JUNE 24 | 7:05

39 Edinson Batista 6-2 210 R/R 22 – 05/19/02 Santiago, DOM Asheville (HOU) Trade w/HOU, 04/01/25

25 Bo Bonds 5-11 200 R/R 24 – 01/10/01 Live Oak, FL DUN, VAN 13th, ’22, Louisiana-Lafayette

4 Irv Carter 6-4 210 R/R 22 – 10/09/02 Fort Lauderdale, FL DUN, VAN 5th, ’21, Calvary Christian Academy (FL)

11 Pat Gallagher 6-0 200 R/R 24 - 06/30/00 Leominster, MA VAN 11th, ’22, Connecticut

32 Colby Martin 5-11 195 R/R 24 – 04/02/01 Lititz, PA DUN 16th, ’24, Southeastern (FL)

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

5 Aaron Munson 5-10 180 L/R 23 - 03/15/02 San Antonio, TX DUN, VAN 19th, ’23, Angelo State

26 Connor O’Halloran 6-2 195 R/L 22 - 09/01/02 Mississauga, ON DUN, VAN 5th, ’23, Michigan

45 Julio Ortiz 6-3 175 R/R 24 - 12/30/00 San Pedro de Macoris, DOM FCL, DUN MiLB FA, 07/21/23

37 Fernando Perez 6-3 180 R/R 21 - 02/12/04 Rivas, Nicaragua DUN INT FA, 01/15/22

30 Kai Peterson 6-1 195 L/L 22 - 08/14/02 Roseville, CA DUN, VAN 20th, ’23, Sierra College

Kendry Rojas 6-2 190 L/L 21- 11/26/02 Ciego De Avila, CUB Dunedin INT FA, 10/14/20

38 Yondrei Rojas 5-10 180 R/R 22 - 11/22/02 San Juan de los Morros, VEN DUN INT FA, 02/10/21

3 JJ Sanchez 5-11 175 L/L 25 - 09/08/99 Los Fresnos, TX DUN, VAN ND FA, 07/20/23

22 Gage Stanifer 6-3 205 R/R 21 - 11/18/03 Indianapolis, IN Dunedin 19th, ’22, Westfield HS (IN)

27 Khal Stephen 6-4 215 R/R 22 - 12/21/02 Williamsport, IN College 2nd, ’24, Mississippi State

33 Jonathan Todd 6-6 225 L/R 23 - 08/21/01 Reidsville, NC DUN 15th, ’24, Western Carolina

41 Jackson Wentworth 6-1 210 R/R 22 - 08/08/02 Urbandale, IA College 5th, ’24, Kansas State

20 Chay Yeager 5-11 185 S/R 22 - 09/11/02 Gainesville, GA VAN 12th, ’23, Pasco-Hernando State JC

NO. CATCHERS HT WT B/T AGE – DOB HOMETOWN ’24 CLUBS ACQUIRED

26 Nicolas Deschamps 5-11 190 L/R 21 - 08/25/02 Quebec City, QC Dunedin ND FA, 08/16/21

35 Hayden Gilliland 5-11 175 L/R 23 - 10/29/01 Maryville, TN College ND FA, 07/21/24

31 Jackson Hornung 6-2 215 R/R 24 - 02/06/01 Ashland, MA VAN 16th, ’23, Skidmore

6 Aaron Parker 5-9 200 R/R 22 - 01/17/03 Los Altos, CA College, DUN 6th, ’24, UC Santa Barbara

NO. INFIELDERS HT WT B/T AGE – DOB HOMETOWN ’24 CLUBS ACQUIRED

28 Cutter Coffey 6-1 190 R/R 20 - 05/21/04 Bakersfield, CA GVL (BOS), VAN Trade w/BOS, 07/27/24

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

21 Sean Keys 6-2 225 L/R 21 - 05/26/03 Centerport, NY DUN 4th, ’24, Bucknell

18 Arjun Nimmala 6-1 175 R/R 19 - 10/16/05 Tampa, FL FCL, DUN 1st (20th ovr.), ’23, Strawberry Crest HS (FL)

1 Adrian Pinto 5-8 170 R/R 22 - 09/22/02 Caucagua, VEN FCL, DUN, VAN Trade w/COL, 07/09/22

NO. OUTFIELDERS HT WT B/T AGE – DOB HOMETOWN ’24 CLUBS ACQUIRED

2 Victor Arias 5-11 180 L/L 21 - 08/24/03 Maracay, VEN DUN, VAN INT FA, 08/24/19

16 Carter Cunningham 6-4 215 L/R 24 - 11/06/00 Haymarket, VA College, DUN 10th, ’24, East Carolina

19 Eddie Micheletti Jr. 6-1 220 L/R 23 - 12/29/01 Wilmington, DE DUN 8th, ’24, Virginia Tech

24 Je’Von Ward 6-2 195 L/R 25 - 10/25/99 Long Beach, CA KCO (Indy), VAN MiLB FA, 06/15/24

22 Jacob Wetzel 5-10 220 L/L 25 - 03/26/00 Walkersville, MD MB, SB (CHI) Rule 5 (CHI), 12/11/24

TORONTO SYSTEM: AAA - Buffalo; AA - New Hampshire; A+- Vancouver; A - Dunedin ^Development List

PRONUNCIATIONS: Yondrei – YAWN-dray | Khal Stephen – Cal Steven | Yeager – YAY-ger | Yesavage – yuh-SAV-ij | Deschamps – day-SHAWM Arjun Nimmal – ar-jin ni-MAUL-uh | Arias – AH-ree-us | Micheletti – mick-uh-LET-ee | Mayorga – my-OR-guh | von Roemer – von ROW-mer Robelin – RO-be-lean | Petr Stříbrcký – Peter stree-BRICK-ski | Holemo – ho-LEH-mo | Cardona – car-DOUGH-nuh | Tavel – rhymes with gavel

FIELD STAFF

17 Manager: Jose Mayorga

13 Bench Coach: Matt Von Roemer

29 Pitching Coach: Eric Yardley

34 Bullpen Coach: Robelin Bautista

12 Hitting Coach: Ryan Wright

14 Position Coach: Petr Stříbrcký

Athletic Trainer: Katie Reyes

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Dalton Holemo

Strength & Conditioning: Joe Cardona

Assistant S&C: Noah Or Dietitian: Stephanie Tavel

Tech Assistant: Owen Ruddock

PITCHERS

20 Logan Britt R 6-5 221 7/16/2000 17th/2023 (Abilene Christian) Aledo, TX Fort Worth, TX

10 Chris Cortez R 6-1 210 10/6/2002 2nd/2024 (Texas A&M) Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV

16 Ryan Cousteiu R 6-0 200 11/28/2000 7th/2021 (Arkansas) Clayton, CA Walnut Creek, CA

23 Carlos Espinosa R 6-3 222 8/8/2001 Trade w/ HOU - 1/2024 Najasa, Cuba Najasa, Cuba

14 Leonard Garcia L 6-2 215 8/11/2003 INTL FA - Signed 8/2019 Barcelona, Venezuela Anzoategui, Venezuela

40 Sandy Gastón R 6-3 224 12/16/2001 MiLB FA [prev. TB] - 2/2025 Miami, FL Matanzas, Cuba

55 Max Gieg R 6-5 230 6/8/2001 18th/2022 (Boston College) Lynn, MA Lynn,MA

30 Austin Gordon R 6-5 210 6/14/2003 4th/2024 (Clemson) Myrtle Beach, SC Myrtle Beach, SC

49 Bridger Holmes R 6-4 218 8/27/2002 Draft - 7th/2024 (Oregon State) Anacortes, WA Anacortes, WA

46 Ryan Johnson R 6-6 215 8/5/2002 2ndC/2024 (Dallas Baptist) Dallas, TX Dallas, TX

13 Keythel Key R 6-3 181 10/10/2003 INTL FA - Signed 2/2021 Valencia, Venezuela El Tigrito, Venezuela

28 Jorge Marcheco R 6-1 197 8/6/2002 INTL FA - Signed 9/2021 San Cristóbal, DR Bayamo, Cuba Alex Martinez R 5-10 170 09/15/2002 INTL FA - Signed 9/2019 Santiago, DR Santiago, DR

17 Roman Phansalkar R 6-1 195 06/02/1998 Draft - 7th/2022 (Oklahoma St) Edmond, OK Edmond, OK

24 Dylan Phillips L 6-0 220 06/16/1999 Draft - 8th/2022 (Kansas St) Omaha, NE Omaha, NE

21 Montana Semmel R 6-4 245 01/01/2002 MiLB FA [prev. NYY} - 2/2025 Stamford, CT Stamford, CT

25 Jake Smith R 6-4 189 10/4/1999 Draft - 6th/2021 (U. of Miami [FL]) Chapel Hill, NC Chapel Hill, NC

7 Najer Victor R 6-1 219 11/28/2001 Draft -14th/2024 (Central Florida) Clermont, FL St. Thomas, VI

NO. CATCHERS B/T HT WT DOB ENTERED ANGELS ORG RESIDES BIRTHPLACE

12 Peter Burns L/R 5-10 202 10/14/1999 NDFA - 7/2023 (Boston College) Reading, MA Boston, MA

9 Juan Flores R/R 5-10 215 2/13/2006 INTL FA - Signed 1/2023 Lara, Venezuela Quibor, Venezuela

15 Caleb Pendleton R/R 6-2 219 04/05/2002 NDFA -7/2023 (Florida Atlantic) Palm City, FL West Chester, PA

NO. INFIELDERS B/T HT WT DOB ENTERED ANGELS ORG RESIDES BIRTHPLACE

33 Matt Coutney L/R 6-1 230 7/8/1999 10th/2022 (Old Dominion) Wetaskiwin, AB, CAN Wetaskiwin, AB, CAN

18 Cole Fontenelle S/R 6-3 220 03/10/2002 Draft - 7th/2023 (Texas Christian) Sammamish, WA Kirkland, WA

26 Ryan Nicholson L/R 6-1 226 8/29/2000 10th/2024 (Kentucky) Louisville, KY Westwood, CA

4 Capri Ortiz S/R 6-0 182 4/1/2005 INTL FA - Signed 1/2022 Santo Domingo, DR Santo Domingo, DR

2 Adrian Placencia S/R 5-11 184 6/2/2003 INTL FA - Signed 7/2019 Santiago, DR Los Alcarizzos, DR

6 Arol Vera S/R 6-2 230 9/12/2002 INTL FA - Signed 7/2019 Valencia, Venezuela Valencia, Venezuela

NO. OUTFIELDERS B/T

3 David Calabrese L/R 5-10 190 09/26/2002 Draft - 3rd/2020 (St. Elizabeth HS) Vaughan, ON, CAN Richmond Hill, ON, CAN

19 Randy De Jesus R/R 6-4 239 2/13/2005 INTL FA - Signed 1/2022 Bonao, DR Bonao, DR

22 Rio Foster R/R 6-3 219 6/18/2003 16th/2023 (Florence-Darlington Tech JC) Athens, GA Athens, GA

31 Alexander Ramirez R/R 6-3 237 8/29/2002 INTL FA - Signed 8/2018 San Cristóbal, DR San Cristóbal, DR

1 Anthony Scull L/L 6-2 202 1/26/2004 INTL FA - Signed 9/2021 La Habana, Cuba La Habana, Cuba

LA ANGELS SYSTEM: AAA - Salt Lake; AA - Rocket City; A+ - Tri-City; A - Inland Empire

PRONUNCIATIONS: Cousteiu - COST-yew | Espinosa - es-pih-NO-suh | Gastón - gas-TONE | Gieg - GIG | Keythel - KEY-thel | Najer - naw-JEER

Jorge Marcheco - HOR-hey mar-CHECK-oh | Phansalkar - FAN-sahl-ker | Flores - FLOR-ez | Coutney COOT-knee | Fontenelle - FON-tuh-nell

Capri Ortiz - cah-PREE or-TEEZE | Placencia - plah-SENSE-ee-uh | Arol Vera - ah-ROLL VEHR-uh | Calabrese - cal-uh-BRAY-see | De Jesus - deh-HEY-soos Rio - REE-oh | Scull - SCHOOL

FIELD STAFF

11 Manager: Dann Bilardello

51 Pitching Coach: Doug Henry

15 Hitting Coach: Raywilly Gomez

5 Infield/1B Coach: Trevor Nyp

Game Planning Strategist: Michael Portela

Athletic Trainer: Chase Galloway

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Dalton Holemo

Strength & Conditioning: Matt Gabriel

Video Assistant: Nathan Hemingway

Clubhouse Manager: Joe Creason

Assistant Clubhouse Manager: Angel Gonzalez

FIELD STAFF

JOSE MAYORGA

17 MANAGER

Mayorga has been managing in the Blue Jays system since 2022. He spent two seasons at the helm for the FCL Blue Jays then managed Single-A Dunedin to a 69-61 record in 2024, the club’s best mark since 2019. This won’t be his first stop at The Nat; the Pueblo Nuevo, Panama native was the bench coach for the C’s in 2018. Mayorga brings a championship pedigree to Vancouver, leading the Federales de Chiriqui to back-to-back Panamanian Professional Baseball League titles in 202223 and 2023-24. The latter squad went 5-1 in the 2024 Caribbean Series and placed third in the tournament. He also skippered Panama in the WBSC Premier12 tournament last year, where former C’s bench coach Ashley Ponce and pitcher Abdiel Mendoza joined him. As a player, Mayorga was a catcher in the Philadelphia Phillies system from 2010 to 2015.

MATT VON ROEMER

BENCH COACH

13

Matt von Roemer, Bench Coach – von Roemer takes on his largest role as a professional coach since joining the Blue Jays as an intern in 2019. He has rapidly ascended the organizational ranks, first as Technology Operations Coordinator then as Double-A New Hampshire’s development coach in 2023 before making his bench coach debut on Mayorga’s staff with Single-A Dunedin last year. The Kendall Park, NJ native played collegiately at Kenyon College from 2015 to 2018, slashing .366/.416/.503 with a .919 OPS in 147 games played across four seasons with the Lords (now known as the Owls).

ERIC YARDLEY

PITCHING COACH

29

Eric Yardley, Pitching Coach – Yardley assumes the role of pitching coach for the first time as a professional following a three-year big league career with the Padres and Brewers. A native of Richland, WA, the former right-handed reliever posted a career ERA of 3.52 in 53.2 innings of work across 51 MLB games. Yardley, 34, also logged Triple-A innings with the Cubs and Blue Jays in 2022. He joined the coaching ranks last season and served as Double-A New Hampshire’s bullpen coach.

RYAN WRIGHT

12 HITTING COACH

Ryan Wright, Hitting Coach – Wright is the team’s hitting coach for the fifth consecutive season. The Boise, ID native’s mentorship of Blue Jays prospects Peyton Williams, Jace Bohrofen and Dasan Brown last year had all three among the Northwest League’s top hitters. He has overseen the offensive evolutions of big leaguers Davis Schneider, Spencer Horwitz, Addison Barger and Leo Jimenez during their respective tenures with the C’s and contributed to the rapid development of Alan Roden and Josh Kasevich as potential Major Leaguers in 2025.

ROBELIN BAUTISTA

34 BULLPEN COACH

Robelin Bautista, Bullpen Coach – Bautista will handle the Vancouver relief corps in 2025 after two seasons as the pitching coach for the DSL Blue Jays. Originally from El Seibo, DR, Bautista graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2019 and joined the Blue Jays as Player Development Intern later that year.

PETR STŘÍBRCKÝ

14 POSITION COACH

Petr Stříbrcký, Position Coach – Stříbrcký makes his High-A debut after serving in the same role for Single-A Dunedin last season. The Blansko, Czech Republic native has played and coached all over the world, including an eight-year stint as the director of the Portuguese Baseball Academy. Stříbrcký joined Toronto’s organization as the hitting coach of the DSL Blue Jays in 2019 and returned to that role in 2021 before arriving stateside as the development coach of the FCL Blue Jays in 2022. He first joined the Dunedin staff as development coach in 2023.

2025 ROSTER

EDINSON BATISTA

PITCHER

HT: 6-2 WT: 210 B/T: R/R

DOB: 05/19/02

HOMETOWN: Santiago, DR ’24 CLUBS: Asheville (HOU)

ACQUIRED: Trade w/HOU, 04/01/25

COLBY MARTIN

HT: 5-11 WT: 195

B/T: R/R

DOB: 04/02/01

HOMETOWN: Lititz, PA

’24 CLUBS: DUN

ACQUIRED: 16th, ’24, Southeastern (FL)

FERNANDO PEREZ 37

PITCHER

HT: 6-3 WT: 180

B/T: R/R

DOB: 02/12/04

HOMETOWN: Rivas, Nicaragua

’24 CLUBS: DUN

ACQUIRED: INT FA, 01/15/22

BO BONDS 25 PITCHER

HT: 5-11 WT: 200 B/T: R/R

DOB: 01/10/01

HOMETOWN: Live Oak, FL ’24 CLUBS: DUN, VAN ACQUIRED: 13th, ’22, LouisianaLafayette

CHRIS McELVAIN 43

HT: 6-0 WT: 205

B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/15/00

HOMETOWN: Thompson Station, TN ’24 CLUBS: VAN AQUIRED: Trade w/CIN, 03/20/24

KAI PETERSON 30

PITCHER

HT: 6-1 WT: 195

B/T: L/L

DOB: 08/14/02

HOMETOWN: Roseville, CA

’24 CLUBS: DUN, VAN

ACQUIRED: 20th, ’23, Sierra College

IRV CARTER 4 PITCHER

HT: 6-4 WT: 210

B/T: R/R

DOB: 10/09/02

HOMETOWN: Fort Lauderdale, FL

’24 CLUBS: DUN, VAN

ACQUIRED: 5th, ’21, Calvary Christian Academy (FL)

AARON MUNSON 5 PITCHER

HT: 5-10 WT: 180

B/T: L/R DOB: 03/15/02

HOMETOWN: San Antonio, TX ’24 CLUBS: DUN, VAN ACQUIRED: 19th, ’23, Angelo State

KENDRY ROJAS

HT: 6-2 WT: 190

B/T: L/L

DOB: 11/26/02

HOMETOWN: Ciego de Avila, CUB ’24 CLUBS: Dunedin, Vancouver ACQUIRED: INT FA, 14/10/20

PAT GALLAGHER 11

PITCHER

HT: 6-0 WT: 200

B/T: R/R

DOB: 06/30/00

HOMETOWN: Leominster, MA ’24 CLUBS: VAN

ACQUIRED: 11th, ’22, Connecticut

CONNOR O’HALLORAN 26

PITCHER

HT: 6-2 WT: 195

B/T: R/L

DOB: 09/01/02

HOMETOWN: Mississauga, ON ’24 CLUBS: DUN, VAN ACQUIRED: 5th, ’23, Michigan

YONDREI ROJAS

HT: 5-10 WT: 180

B/T: R/R

DOB: 11/22/02

HOMETOWN: San Juan de los Morros, VZ ’24 CLUBS: DUN ACQUIRED: INT FA, 02/10/21

JULIO ORTIZ

PITCHER

HT: 6-3 WT: 175

B/T: R/R

DOB: 12/30/00

HOMETOWN: San Pedro de Macoris, DR

’24 CLUBS: FCL, DUN

ACQUIRED: MiLB FA, 07/21/23

JJ SANCHEZ 3

PITCHER

HT: 5-11 WT: 175

B/T: L/L

DOB: 09/08/99

HOMETOWN: Los Fresnos, TX

’24 CLUBS: DUN, VAN

ACQUIRED: ND FA, 07/20/23

GAGE STANIFER 22

HT: 6-3 WT: 205

B/T: R/R

DOB: 11/18/03

HOMETOWN: Indianapolis, IN

’24 CLUBS: Dunedin

ACQUIRED: 19th, ’22, Westfield

HS (IN)

NICOLAS DESCHAMPS

HT: 5-11 WT: 190

B/T: L/R

DOB: 08/25/02

HOMETOWN: Quebec City, QC

23 CLUBS: Dunedin

AQUIRED: ND FA, 08/16/21

NICK GOODWIN 7

INFIELDER

HT: 6-1 WT: 205

B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/06/01

HOMETOWN: Overland Park, KS

’24 CLUBS: VAN

ACQUIRED: 7th, ’23, Kansas State

KHAL STEPHEN 27

HT: 6-4 WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 12/21/02

HOMETOWN: Williamsport, IN

’24 CLUBS: College

ACQUIRED: 2nd, ’24, Mississippi State

HAYDEN GILLILAND

CATCHER

HT: 5-11 WT: 175

B/T: L/R

DOB: 10/29/01

HOMETOWN: Maryville, TN

’24 CLUBS: College ACQUIRED: ND FA, 07/21/24

SEAN KEYS 21

INFIELDER

HT: 6-2 WT: 225

B/T: L/R

DOB: 05/26/03

HOMETOWN: Centerport, NY

’24 CLUBS: DUN

ACQUIRED: 4th, ’24, Bucknell

JONATHAN TODD 33

PITCHER

HT: 6-6 WT: 225

B/T: L/R

DOB: 08/21/01

HOMETOWN: Reidsville, NC

’24 CLUBS: DUN

ACQUIRED: 15th, ’24, Western Carolina

JACKSON HORNUNG 31

OUTFIELDER

HT: 6-2 WT: 215

B/T: R/R

DOB: 02/06/01

HOMETOWN: Ashland, MA

’24 CLUBS: VAN

ACQUIRED: 16th, ’23, Skidmore

ARJUN NIMMALA 18

INFIELDER

HT: 6-1 WT: 175

B/T: R/R

DOB: 10/16/05

HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL

’24 CLUBS: FCL, DUN

ACQUIRED: 1st (20th ovr.), ’23, Strawberry Crest HS (FL)

JACKSON WENTWORTH 41 PITCHER

HT: 6-1 WT: 210

B/T: R/R

DOB: 08/08/02

HOMETOWN: Urbandale, IA

’24 CLUBS: College

ACQUIRED: 5th, ’24, Kansas State

AARON PARKER

6 CATCHER

HT: 5-9 WT: 200

B/T: R/R

DOB: 01/17/03

HOMETOWN: Los Altos, CA

’24 CLUBS: College, DUN

ACQUIRED: 6th, ’24, UC Santa Barbara

ADRIAN PINTO 1

INFIELDER

HT: 5-8 WT: 170

B/T: R/R

DOB: 09/22/02

HOMETOWN: Caucagua, VZ

’24 CLUBS: FCL, DUN, VAN

ACQUIRED: Trade w/COL, 07/09/22

CHAY YEAGER 20

PITCHER

HT: 5-11 WT: 185

B/T: S/R

DOB: 09/11/02

HOMETOWN: Gainesville, GA

’24 CLUBS: VAN

ACQUIRED: 12th, ’23, PascoHernando State JC

CUTTER COFFEY

INFIELDER

HT: 6-1 WT: 190

B/T: R/R

DOB: 05/21/04

28

HOMETOWN: Bakersfield, CA

’24 CLUBS: GVL (BOS), VAN

ACQUIRED: Trade w/BOS, 07/27/24

VICTOR ARIAS 2

OUTFIELDER

HT: 5-11 WT: 180

B/T: L/L

DOB: 08/24/03

HOMETOWN: Maracay, VZ ’24 CLUBS: DUN, VAN

ACQUIRED: INT FA, 08/24/19

CARTER CUNNINGHAM 16

INFIELDER

HT: 6-4 WT: 215

B/T: L/R

DOB: 11/06/00

HOMETOWN: Haymarket, VA

’24 CLUBS: College, DUN

ACQUIRED: 10th, ’24, East Carolina

EDDIE MICHELETTI JR. 19 OUTFIELDER

HT: 6-1 WT: 220

B/T: L/R

DOB: 12/29/01

HOMETOWN: Wilmington, DE

’24 CLUBS: DUN

ACQUIRED: 8th, ’24, Virginia Tech

JE’VON WARD 24 OUTFIELDER

HT: 6-2 WT: 195

B/T: L/R

DOB: 10/25/99

HOMETOWN: Long Beach, CA ’24 CLUBS: KCO (Indy), VAN ACQUIRED: MiLB FA, 06/15/24

JACOB WETZEL 22 OUTFIELDER

HT: 5-10 WT: 220 B/T: L/L

DOB: 03/26/00

HOMETOWN: Walkersville, MD ’24 CLUBS: MB, SB (CHI)

ACQUIRED: Rule 5 (CHI), 12/11/24

2025 TRANSACTIONS

APRIL

4/2 – Blue Jays announce C’s Opening Day roster

4/4 – UTL Jackson Hornung, C Hayden Gilliland placed on Development List

4/15 – RHP Connor O’Halloran placed on 7-Day IL

4/18 – UTL Jackson Hornung activated from the Development List, UTL Carter Cunningham placed on the Development List

4/19 – RHP Edinson Batista transferred from Single-A Dunedin to Vancouver, wearing #39

4/25 – UTL Jay Harry transferred to Double-A New Hampshire, UTL Carter Cunningham activated from the Development List

4/29 – OF Jacob Wetzel placed on 7-Day IL, C Hayden Gilliland activated from the Development List

MAY

5/6 – RHP Irv Carter placed on Development List, RHP Yondrei Rojas transferred from Single-A Dunedin to Vancouver wearing #38

5/8 – OF Victor Arias placed on 7-Day IL

5/12 – C Alex Stone transferred to Double-A New Hampshire, C Nic Deschamps #26 transferred from Double-A New Hampshire to Vancouver, OF Gabriel Martinez #8 transferred from Double-A New Hampshire to Vancouver

5/13 – UTL Brennan Orf placed on the 7-Day IL

5/16 – UTL Adrian Pinto placed on the 7-Day IL

5/20 – RHPs Kevin Miranda, Grant Rogers and Juaron Watts-Brown transferred from Vancouver to Double-A New Hampshire, RHP Irv

Carter activated from the Development List, OF Victor Arias activated from 7-Day IL, RHPs Trey Yesavage #15, Khal Stephen #27 and Gage Stanifer #22 transferred from Single-A Dunedin to Vancouver

5/28 – C Hayden Gilliland transferred from Vancouver to Double-A New Hampshire

JUNE

6/3 – C Hayden Gilliland #35 transferred from Double-A New Hampshire to Vancouver

6/4 – OF Gabby Martinez transferred from Vancouver to Double-A New Hampshire

6/7 – RHP Chris McElvain #43 activated from the 7-Day IL

6/12 – RHP Trey Yesavage transferred from Vancouver to Double-A New Hampshire

6/20 – RHP Colby Martin #32 transferred from Single-A Dunedin to Vancouver

Robin Roberts was one of several young stars who powered the Phillies to the 1950 National League pennant. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

THEY’RE STILL THE WHIZ KIDS

75 years after winning the NL pennant, Philadelphia’s 1950 heroes remain legends.

Dubbed the “Whiz Kids” because of the youth of their key players, the upstart 1950 Philadelphia Phillies remain memorable 75 years later despite being swept by another iconic club of the era, the star-studded New York Yankees, in the Fall Classic.

Few teams captured the spirit of their era better than the team that nearly brought the city’s National League franchise its first World Series title.

The Phils had trouble winning almost from their start as a National League member in 1883. Rarely finishing a campaign with a winning record, the team more often than not found themselves in the second division of an eight- or 10-team loop and posted 30 losing seasons in 31 years from 1918-48. But the tide was turning by the late 1940s, a positive change most often credited to new ownership, a front office shakeup, a midseason change at manager and an influx of young talent.

Along with the Junior Circuit’s Philadelphia Athletics, the two Philly teams shared the same ballpark, Shibe Park, since midseason 1938. While the A’s under longtime manager and owner Connie Mack had periods of success over the decades, including most recently three straight World Series appearances and two titles between 1929 and ‘31, their NL counterparts had never won a world championship while only winning one pennant when the 1915 aggregation was led by future Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander’s 31 victories.

Under the stewardship of Bob Carpenter, who acquired the Phillies in 1943, and the shrewd front office leadership of Herb Pennock, the onetime southpaw for the A’s who made his name as a Yankees hurler in the 1920s and named general manager of the franchise in December 1943, the groundwork was laid and the future looked bright. By 1949, the team, at 81-73, had their first above .500 mark since 1932.

Led by skipper Eddie Sawyer, who replaced Ben Chapman in July 1948, the Phillies had a youth movement taking place on the diamond, supported by a few important veteran leaders, as the 1950 season got underway. Unfortunately, Pennock wouldn’t live to see it, as the man who had acquired most of the team’s talent passed away in 1948, the same year he would be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

After an inauspicious start, the 1950 Phillies won 11 of 13 in early May to place them above .500 – where they would remain for the rest of the season – but also gave them their first taste of first place among the eight NL teams. Overall, they would spend 113 days during the ‘50

campaign in the top spot, an unfamiliar spot for this franchise.

Despite this unprecedented success, baseball writers persisted in referring to them as the “Phutile Phils.” Their prior Modern Era history, which included finishing in last place 17 times, almost demanded it.

The colorful moniker, the “Whiz Kids,” was apt for this team, with most of their roster aged 25-or-younger, including third baseman

Willie “Puddin’ Head” Jones (24), shortstop Granny Hamner (23), outfielders Del Ennis (25) and Richie Ashburn (23), and starting pitchers Robin Roberts (23), Bob Miller (24), Bubba Church (25) and Curt Simmons (21).

They had a combination of youth and experience, though, with veteran contributions coming from first baseman Eddie Waitkus (30), second baseman Mike Goliat (28), outfielder Dick Sisler (29), catcher Andy Seminick (29) and relief ace Jim Konstanty (33).

“They call this team the ‘Whiz Kids,’” said 35-year-old reserve outfielder Bill Nicholson. “But me … Jim Konstanty – we’re the ‘Was Kids.’”

In particular, the youthful starting mound crew benefited greatly from both Konstanty, who would set a then-MLB record with 74 appearances while winning 16 games and saving 22 more, and Seminick, whose knowledge of opposing hitters helped the young staff and whose bat, which walloped 24 home runs, provided needed power.

After a wait of 35 years for something to cheer about, no one blamed the fans for being enthusiastic. For only the second time in their history, the Phillies went over the one million-mark in attendance, 1,217,035. Even sheet music of a marching song, “The Fightin’ Phils,” became a bestseller in the city.

The Phillies won the flag on the last day of the season in dramatic fashion. Two weeks after holding their largest lead, 7½ games on Sept. 20, they faced the Dodgers at Ebbets Field on Oct. 1 in the final game of the regular season with a one-game lead on Brooklyn. The Phillies had lost five in a row entering the game.

Hoping to avoid a playoff, the Phils were tied with the Dodgers, 1-1, going into the ninth inning. The game remained even when Brooklyn’s Cal Abrams was thrown out at the plate by Ashburn after Duke Snider singled with two on and no outs. Roberts then escaped the jam without allowing a run.

The next inning, in the top of the 10th, Sisler clubbed a three-run homer to deep left field off Don Newcombe to give Philadelphia a 4-1 lead it would not relinquish. Sisler, who had three hits in the game prior to his heroics, was the son of Hall of Famer George Sisler, who was a Dodgers front office executive at the time and sitting behind the Dodgers’ dugout when his son connected.

The 1950 Phillies won the pennant with a 91-63 record, a season after coming in third at 81-73, 16 games back of Brooklyn. It was the first time the Phillies had consecutive winning seasons since 191517.

“Build up a fellow’s confidence and you build up his ability,” is how Sawyer once explained his philosophy. “Knock him all the time, his confidence disappears and the battle is lost.”

Though they would be swept in the World Series, the Phillies were game throughout – losing the first three by one run each and the finale by three.

BBWAA Career Excellence Award honoree Shirley Povich, in a column from the day the World Series began, joked about the perceived mismatch: “I like the Yankees to win it, but I don’t possibly see how they can do it in less than four games.”

The star-studded Yankees included future Hall of Famers Casey Stengel, Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, Johnny Mize and Phil Rizzuto. Cooperstown-bound Phillies numbered Ashburn and Roberts.

Phillies southpaw Curt Simmons was not available for the Fall Classic, his National Guard unit activated just before the Series. He had finished the regular season with 17 wins and a 3.40 earned run average. The 1950 World Series was also a matchup of league Most Valuable Players: Rizzuto batted .324 and scored 125 runs, while Konstanty compiled a 16-7 record with a 2.66 ERA.

“The way I set it up in my mind,” Konstanty said, “every hitter I face is in a slump.”

Konstanty, who had pitched in relief all season, started Game 1 for Philadelphia and lost, 1-0, to Vic Raschi, while Robin Roberts, a 20game winner during the season, dropped a 2-1 game to Allie Reynolds when DiMaggio homered in the 10th inning. Game 3 was tied in the bottom of the ninth when Jerry Coleman won it with an RBI single off of reliever Russ Meyer. Hall of Famer Whitey Ford, only 21 at the time, started the clinching game and got the win.

For the Yankees it was their second straight title, their 13th in 17 chances, and another sweep added to the ones achieved in 1927, 1928, 1932, 1938 and 1939.

“Pitching was the story of this series,” said Sawyer, who spent time in the upstate New York area near Cooperstown – having attended Ithaca College and received his Master’s degree from Cornell University prior to managing in the minors with Binghamton and Utica. “Excepting for Raschi’s job in the first game, I don’t think their pitching was much better than ours, if any. But, as I said before, all our mistakes cost us.”

The five pitchers used by the Yankees in the World Series had a combined 0.73 ERA. Of the 16 total runs scored by both teams, only five were tallied by Philadelphia.

The Game 1 start by Konstanty, the bespectacled righty who later in life opened a sporting goods store in Oneonta, N.Y., a 20-minute drive from the Baseball Hall of Fame, was his first in the majors since 1946. With Simmons unavailable, Sawyer bypassed Roberts, who would have been working on just two days’ rest.

The rubber armed Konstanty, a control pitcher with a slider and palm ball, had pitched nine innings of relief against Pittsburgh on Aug. 25 and 10 relief innings in a 19-inning game against Cincinnati on Sept. 15.

“That slowball and the control and the confidence really does something to every batter in the league,” said Waitkus. “They sort of roll over and play dead. He pitches to them like they’re all off-balance – and I’m sure they are.”

Writing for the Philadelphia Daily News in 1986, Ashburn, who would go on to become a beloved broadcaster for the Phillies, tried to explain the hold the Whiz Kids had on the Philadelphia faithful.

“The Whiz Kids never should be confused with the Yankees of the late ‘20s, the Brooklyn Dodgers of the early ‘50s, the Milwaukee Braves of the late ‘50s or the Cincinnati Reds of the late ‘70s,” Ashburn wrote. “Those clubs were legitimate dynasties in baseball. The Whiz Kids were a young team that won a National League pennant one time and then proceeded to lose the World Series to the New York Yankees in four consecutive games.

“Despite this, the Whiz Kids have endured and seem to have endeared themselves in the hearts of Phillies baseball fans everywhere. Maybe it was the long dry spell of winning baseball in Philadelphia. The third place ’49 Phillies, led by manager Eddie Sawyer, signaled a stretch of some pretty good baseball at Connie Mack Stadium. Indeed, Sawyer called a meeting after the final game of that season and told the players, ‘We didn’t win this year, but we had the best team in the league the last half of the season.’

“He added: ‘Come back next spring ready to win.’”

Bill Francis is the senior research and writing specialist 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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

COME DRESSED AS YOUR FAVOURITE SUPER HERO

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

Adam Kloffenstein P 2022 20-Jun St.Louis

Orelvis Martinez INF 2021 21-Jun Toronto

Steward Berroa INF 2022 23-Jun Toronto

Yosver Zulueta P 2022 25-Jun Cincinnati

Leo Jimenez INF 2022 4-July Toronto

Luis De Los Santos INF 2021 31-July Toronto

Griffin Conine OF 2018 26-Aug Miami

2025 POS ALUMN MLB DEBUT TEAM

Alan Roden OF 2023 27-Mar Blue Jays

Mason Fluharty P 2022 01-Apr Blue Jays

Matt Svanson P 2022 17-Apr Cardinals

Paxton Schultz P 2021 20-Apr Blue Jays

Will Robertson OF 2021 12-Jun Blue Jays

extravaganza Fireworks postgame

PLUS South Asian heritage NIght

TUESDAY, MAY 27

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.

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.

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

Called Out on Strikes:

LEFT FIELDER CENTER FIELDER RIGHT FIELDER

FOUL BALL

FOUL TIP STRIKE OUT

BASIC UMPIRE SIGNS FOR THE PLAYERS AND FANS

TUESDAY, July 22 | 7:05

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 ROGERS 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.