World Series Canadians Connections

The 2026 World Series begins tonight, and what a difference a year makes for C’s fans.

Last October, the Blue Jays embarked on an all-time battle with the Dodgers featuring former Canadians like Trey Yesavage, Addison Barger, manager John Schneider and more. For this edition of the Fall Classic, you almost have to cover one eye and squint to make out any Vancouver connections. But they are there, with the three most notable featured below. As usual, all roads lead back to The Nat.

Nick Martinez – Tampa Bay

When Rays manager Kevin Cash named the veteran right-hander as his Game 1 starter, it had been 15 years since Martinez made his pro debut after he was selected by Texas in the 18^th round of the 2011 draft out of Fordham. That first year saw the Miami native report to the Northwest League when he was promoted to Spokane – then a Rangers affiliate – at the end of July. He made the first start of his Indians career on August 3 at The Nat, a game in which he took the loss after the C’s got to him for four runs (one earned) on three hits with three walks and two Ks in four innings of work. Cash and Rays fans everywhere are hoping for a better line from Martinez tonight.

Daniel Vogelbach – Milwaukee Brewers

The Ruthian-physiqued ex-big leaguer is Milwaukee’s hitting coach, shepherding a group that has put up a tenacious attack throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. Vogelbach was the 68^th overall pick as a high schooler out of Florida when the Cubs selected him in 2011, and his first action outside of the Arizona League came as a member of the Boise Hawks in 2012. He made one trip to Vancouver that season, a five-game series August 22-26 in which he went 5-for-21 with two doubles, two runs scored an RBI and five walks.

Pat Murphy – Milwaukee Brewers

The two-time MLB Manager of the Year made two different stops in the Northwest League, separated by three decades. He pitched for the Tri-Cities Triplets in 1985 and 1986, the latter year also serving as his professional managerial debut when he was named player-manager. Of course, the C’s were in the Pacific Coast League as a Triple-A affiliate at the time. Fast forward to 2011. Murphy, now managing in the San Diego Padres organization, took the helm of the Eugene Emeralds and led them to a 46-30 record – including seven wins in 12 games against the C’s – but the Canadians got the last laugh; they bested the Ems in the semifinals that year before winning the pennant for the first of three consecutive seasons. Murphy’s woes against Vancouver continued in 2012, when his squad went 4-8 against the future Blue Jays but improved to a 47-29 overall record.

The 2026 Northwest League Champion Vancouver Canadians will return to The Nat on April 2, 2027. For tickets and more information, visit CanadiansBaseball.com.