Meet the C's Front Office: Allan Bailey
With the C's coming off of a record year for attendance (149,000+), Bailey knows that he will have to be sharp as baseball season returns and the desire to head out to 'The Nat' is full steam ahead.
Bailey, 27, grew up on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast along with his parents and older brother where sports ruled the household so finding a career in baseball seems like a pretty logical progression. Back in his youth, the damp, West Coast winter was full of early morning hockey practices and the development of a pretty decent slap shot. In the summer, baseball was king.
"Dinner time was usually based on our sports schedule. If I had a game or a practice or day usually revolved around that - but I know how hard my parents worked to get me around as a child and I truly appreciate their effort," says Bailey who earlier in the year was promoted to Director of Ticket Operations for the Vancouver Canadians.
That dedication to Bailey's amateur sports career was taken to the next level once the pitcher / infielder decided he wanted to take his game wherever it could be showcased.
With a daunting multi-hour commute ahead of him, Bailey would board a bus, then a ferry and another bus each way, each day to maintain his spot on the highly competitive North Shore Twins roster.
"It was a long trek with the round trip effort usually taking about three hours per day. If we had a weekend tournament in the Interior of the province, I was almost assured an extra day's wait on the Lower Mainland because I wouldn't make it back for the last ferry".
As Bailey's high school days came to an end, the soft-spoken teenager had the same choice many have in the same situation. Stay close to home and go to a local school? Or branch out and see what the world truly looks like. Bailey opted for the latter and was off to Le Belle Province and historic McGill University.
Why McGill?
They had what very few universities in Canada could offer - a baseball program.
Bailey would join the Redbirds and play five straight seasons against competition from both the US and Canada and was rewarded for his service by being named team captain during his final season.
"I was never the best player on the McGill team but I tried to work with the new players and help them develop their skills and confidence at the University level. For me, at that point in my "career" it was more about enjoying the game of baseball, helping out where I could all while working towards an education".
Bailey would graduate from McGill and head back West where he would briefly work a construction job before the Canadians came knocking.
"I was thrilled to join the Canadians and don't need much motivation to wake up in the morning. It is not hard to wake up and go to work at a baseball stadium that is for sure".
Trading his cleats in for ticket packages a few seasons ago, Bailey now heads up the Vancouver Canadians Ticket Department having worked alongside current General Manager Jason Takefman for two seasons before accepting the promotion during this past off-season.
"Working with Jason really helped me understand how to run this department thoroughly," adds Bailey who now handles the ticketing elements for the C's on a daily basis.
What does Bailey do when he is not at the ballpark working to help fans find the best seats in the house?
"I like a good video game. Usually a sport typed one. Or, if the chance arises, fishing or sailing in the Gulf Islands".
What the Canadians like about Bailey is his attention to detail and the consistency he brings to the park each day.
"I rely on Allan a lot more than some might think," says Assistant General Manager Rob Fai.
"He might be the best proof-reader I have ever come across and he is super detail-oriented. The beauty of Allan is his diversity," adds Fai who handles the teams publications in addition to his broadcast duties.
To hear about others on the Canadians staff praising Bailey and his ability to branch out and work in a team environment shouldn't come as a surprise.
Being a member of a team for a majority of your life helps. But being a person that understands that an ounce of performance is worth a pound of promises helps the Canadians even more.