Meet the C's Front Office: JC Fraser
Yet as we try to catch those last few moments of comfort in our warm bed, one man has already been up, out the door and prepping for any variety of challenges at historic Nat Bailey Stadium.
JC Fraser hasn't stopped since he was given the responsibility of running the day-to-day operations of the ballpark and suddenly enters his fourth season with Vancouver's professional baseball franchise.
"I learned a lot early on through trial and error," says the assertive yet humble Assistant General Manager of the C's, a position he was promoted to late in 2009 after earning his stripes as the Ballpark Operations Manager.
"There is a standard here at Nat Bailey Stadium that is simple. Be the best. Our ownership (Jake Kerr, Jeff Mooney and Andy Dunn) come to our games; they sit in the seats, eat the food and are always looking at the effort level to ensure that our fans get the best possible experience from every member of our staff".
When asked if he feels the pressure of following the handful of names that have maintained 'The Nat' for the past few generations, Fraser admits it does cross his mind.
"We know that this was Rud Haar's stadium and Bill Posthumus' stadium from an operations and grounds crew standpoint and we know it is our turn to ensure that we take care of this landmark. Current Head Groundskeeper Tom Archibald is the one person that I have 100% trust in, along with Trevor Sheffield to protect what we have all come to appreciate, which is this stadium's legacy".
In addition to the long line of ballpark names that have helped motivated Fraser to bring his best to the ballpark each day, he is quick to admit his true source of motivation comes from closer to home.
"My father was my role model. When he was about my age, he worked for a mine in Northern BC and still found time to develop his tennis game to the point where he received a US-based scholarship (University of Michigan) and then earned his way into Law School where he articled for the Supreme Court".
"My mother also set the bar high as she is a tennis professional in her own regard representing Canada at the National Level. I am very fortunate to be able to draw from their success as I make my own way through the early stages of my career," adds Fraser.
With the support of the home front, Fraser looks poised for success, and admits this past off-season made him realize that despite his lack of experience, he could swim with the big fish by remembering his 'failure is not an option' mentality.
"The Olympic Games were a phenomenal moment for this city with tens of thousands of volunteers working to ensure our moment on the world stage would never been forgotten".
"To have our venue (Nat Bailey Stadium) utilized the way it was as a nucleus for many of the Olympic Curling venues needs operationally was great experience. To be able to work with people like VANOC's Brian Eaton who has a wealth of experience on the international stage was tremendous".
When the Vancouver Canadians ownership changed hands in 2007, one of their first commitments was to develop a group of young, energetic staff members and help them grow into a career in Minor League Baseball.
Fraser could be the prime example of developing someone by challenging them with achievable goals. From an intern to Assistant General Manager in just over three years speaks volumes about the trust the Canadians have put in Fraser and his commitment to Nat Bailey Stadium.
That alone is likely worth the early morning drive into work as many of us are still trying to figure out if we should get up or slam the snooze button for five more minutes before the rat race begins yet again.