At Home With the Canadians

Today, we speak with Andrew Seymour, first-year general manager of the Northwest League's Vancouver Canadians (Class A Short-Season affiliate of the Oakland Athletics). The Canadians occupy a special place in the world of affiliated Minor League Baseball, as they are the only club that is located outside of the continental U.S. Prior to taking a job with the Canadians, Seymour served as assistant GM of the Florida State League's Fort Myers Miracle. There, he earned renown for his innovative and risk-taking promotions.

MiLB.com: How would you characterize your team's fan base?

AS: We have a generous and loyal fan base that enjoys both afternoons and evenings of affordable entertainment. The best way to describe a Canadians fan is one who enjoys a warm summer outing alongside family and friends in the comfy confines of historic Nat Bailey Stadium. A saying that's common among our fan base is, "I first came here with my grandparents and parents, and now as a parent I enjoy bringing my kids."

Spirited, sporty and good-natured is the makeup of our fan base. And because our stadium is set right in the heart of a great community, it's not uncommon for Canadians fans to walk, cycle and/or take public transit to Nat Bailey Stadium. From seniors to young families, many memories are shared and created at this 58-year-old facility. And when you take in the postcard-esque setting -- a beautiful public park with a mountain backdrop in the heart of a quaint community -- you realize why Nat Bailey Stadium is a coveted destination spot.

MiLB.com: How has this fan base grown or changed in recent years?

AS: Just short of two years ago, two very successful local businessmen -- Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney -- purchased the Canadians. Alongside president Andy Dunn, the operation put forth a concerted effort to make the Canadians the community's team once again. The effort generated a great response from Jake and Jeff's friends, who essentially make up the community as a whole. Beyond their community-minded approach and passion for sports, Jake and Jeff also put a ton of time, care and money into stadium upgrades, which truly make Nat Bailey Stadium "the place to be."

MiLB.com: What type of marketing strategies do the fans respond to?

AS: Quality entertainment! We pride ourselves on "'Fordable Family Fun." When people see added value, they really respond, like fireworks displays, specialty acts like "The Famous Chicken" and quality giveaways. Fans are very complimentary of our "extra value" nights. When we add these things to what is already deemed a very affordable night out, at no-additional cost, the response is strong!

At a Glance: Vancouver Canadians

• First season: The current incarnation of the club was established in 2000 after relocating from Medford, Ore. Prior to that, the city had been home to a Triple-A Pacific Coast League franchise. The PCL Canadians relocated to Sacramento following the 1999 campaign. • Affiliation: Oakland Athletics (2000-present) • Stadium: Nat Bailey Stadium (2000-present) • League Championships: None • City Population: Approximately 600,000 • Notable Vancouver Alumni: Joe Blanton Jeremy Bonderman Rich Harden Nick Swisher • People who've called Vancouver home: Bryan Adams (singer) Pamela Anderson (actress) Michael J. Fox (actor) Leslie Nielsen (actor)

MiLB.com: Has your team staged any notable creative or offbeat promotions in recent years?

AS: Team president Andy Dunn introduced the Famous Chicken to our Canadians fan base -- a successful intro that still has fans cluckin'! Mullet Night was a hit, because there's nothing like seeing a house full of mullets! This season, we're welcoming a series of superstar guests to the ballpark. Details will be revealed soon!

MiLB.com: How has the internet affected the way your team is run?

AS: The access to information on the internet has helped us grow immensely. It broadens our appeal, sells tickets and merchandise for us, and allows us to broadcast all of our games worldwide. It also serves as a great point of introduction for us. As an information source, the internet allows us to learn a great deal about how to enhance, build and further our operation.

MiLB.com: Does your concession stand serve any regional specialties or otherwise remarkable items?

AS: When Jake and Jeff took over the operation, they listened and responded to fans' wants and needs. The result is a menu board that includes traditional ballpark favorites as well as fan requests that reflect on the area's makeup. We have Sapporo Japanese beer, sushi, veggie dogs, red and white wines, and select microbrews from nearby Granville Island Brewery.

MiLB.com: What type of merchandise sells best at the team store? Are there any unique items available for purchase?

AS: Caps, caps and caps! Our caps are a hit, and this year, with our new logo, we anticipate even better cap sale numbers. As for unique items, we have flannel throwback jerseys from three of Vancouver's former professional baseball teams -- very nostalgic! These teams are the Capilanos, the Mounties and the Beavers.

MiLB.com: How large of a role does your mascot play, both at the stadium and within the community?

AS: We will be introducing our first-ever mascot this season. It will play a big role in furthering our presence at civic events, Little League games, schools, libraries, ribbon-cutting ceremonies and more.

MiLB.com: Minor League stadiums often vary greatly from one another. What are the positives of playing in your facility? Any drawbacks?

AS: Players have told us many-a-time that they enjoy playing at Nat Bailey Stadium because of the energy of the stadium. We get good, energetic crowds and are proud of the long list of celebrated players who've come through here -- Brooks Robinson, Garret Anderson, Darrin Erstad, Nick Swisher, Rich Harden, Troy Percival and Jim Abbott to name just a few.

The drawback used to be that the outfield wall was so far away, so home runs were very hard to come by. That's no longer a gripe, as the fences were moved in a few feet.