Thank You Vancouver

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, B.C.) - The season ended almost the same way it started - with the Canadians struggling offensively looking for answers on the field. When you pull the lens back however you are quickly reminded that beyond the stumble toward the finish line the Canadians accomplished much this season. The C's finish with one of the best home record in the Northwest League (22-16), one of the best overall records in the Northwest League behind only Hillsboro and once again set the benchmark for attendance welcoming more than 239,000 fans out to sun-soaked Scotiabank Field.
First-year Manager Dallas McPherson kept the Canadians in the post-season conversation until the final day of both halves and along with his players gave the best they had this summer. Many of them will head back home with stories of a sold-out stadium, the sheer beauty of our city and the warmth they received from our housing families, drivers and staff. This was anything but a lost season despite the fact our reign as Champions of the Northwest League has gone on a temporary hiatus.
To watch a young player like RHP Will McAffer get the chance to pitch just moments away from his home in North Vancouver was inspiring as was the evolution of RHP Josh Winckowski who emerged not just as the ace of the Canadians pitching staff, but Pitcher of the Year for the entire Northwest League. CF Otto Lopez was electric over his 50 games with the C's this summer receiving the Player of the Year honour in Vancouver adding his name to a long list of players that went on to have celebrated careers. Yes, some had struggles this season and that comes with the challenges of professional baseball - but none steered clear of community involvement and representing our city with pride and class.
Countless children left Scotiabank Field feeling fulfilled having watched their heroes on the field win or lose and are already sifting through baseball cards remembering the day they met Sean Wymer, Denis Diaz and the many players who stayed well afer the final pitch to sign autographs until every single child walked away with a moment that will live forever in their hearts.
We wish we could tell you the Canadians were off to the playoffs, but we can't. What we can tell you is that our entire organization could not be prouder of this young group of men and our coaching staff for showing up at the ballpark every single day ready to compete and ready to represent us as Canada's only affiliated Minor League Baseball team.
To each and every one of our players, coaching staff and the Toronto Blue Jays organization - thank you.
To our partners, Foundation supporters, housing families, drivers, game day staff and those who work behind the scence to make our ballpark the best in Minor League Baseball - thank you.
Most importantly, to all of our fans, and in particular our young ones. Please know that we are already working toward the 2019 season and will bring you another season filled with excitement, optimism and a ballpark environment that you will be proud to once again call 'home'.
Until next season, thank you sincerely for your unwavering support of Vancouver Canadians Baseball.