Vancouver Canadians

Last updated

Vancouver Canadians
Vancouver C's.PNG Vancouver Canadians Cap insignia.png
Team logoCap insignia
Minor league affiliations
Class High-A (2021–present)
Previous classes Class A Short Season (2000–2020)
League Northwest League (2000–present)
Major league affiliations
Team Toronto Blue Jays (2011–present)
Previous teams Oakland Athletics (2000–2010)
Minor league titles
League titles (5)
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2017
  • 2023
Division titles (7)
  • 2004
  • 2005
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2017
First-half titles (1)
  • 2023
Second-half titles (2)
  • 2022
  • 2024
Team data
ColorsRed, dark red, black, silver, white
     
Mascot Bob Brown Bear [1]
Ballpark Nat Bailey Stadium (2000–present), Ron Tonkin Field (2021)
Owner/
Operator
Diamond Baseball Holdings [2]
General manager Allan Bailey
Manager José Mayorga [3]
Website milb.com/vancouver
A game at Nat Bailey Stadium in 2007 Natbailey.jpg
A game at Nat Bailey Stadium in 2007

The Vancouver Canadians are a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. They are members of the Northwest League and the High-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Canadians play their home games at Nat Bailey Stadium. They have been the only MiLB team based in Canada after the Ottawa Lynx folded in 2007.

Contents

History

Prior to the 1999 season, the Vancouver Canadians Pacific Coast League franchise was purchased by a group led by Art Savage with the intention of relocating to Sacramento, California. [4] Despite winning the Pacific Coast League title and Triple-A World Series, the Canadians moved to California's capital city. The Southern Oregon Timberjacks of the Northwest League announced their relocation to Vancouver. [5] The team, a member of the Class A Short Season Northwest League, assumed the Canadians' name in 2000.

Like the predecessor Pacific Coast League franchise, the new Canadians signed a player development contract with the Oakland Athletics. The Canadians had players such as Nick Swisher, Jeremy Brown, Jason Windsor, Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Travis Buck, Dallas Braden, and Dan Straily during this period.

2007

In 2007, local Vancouver businessmen Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney purchased the Vancouver Canadians and secured a 25-year lease with the City of Vancouver Parks Board. Extensive work began that offseason in a full-scale stadium renovation which improved washrooms, concessions, concourses, and children's play area. Point-of-purchase concessions increased substantially.

In January 2008, former Washington Nationals executive Andy Dunn become the President and General Manager of the Canadians.

2010–2012

In spring 2010, the Vancouver Canadians and Scotiabank announced a long-term partnership that would see Nat Bailey Stadium renamed to Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

The Canadians became the Short-Season A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays following the 2010 season. The team's attendance rose to 162,162 in 2011, a team record. In September 2011, the Vancouver Canadians won their first Northwest League title, defeating the Tri-City Dust Devils, 9–2, to win the final series, 2–1. The following year, the Vancouver Canadians became back-to-back champions for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Boise Hawks, 12–9, to win the final series, 2–1.

2013

In August 2013, outfielder Kevin Pillar became the first alumnus of the team to play in the major leagues for Toronto. [6]

On September 9, 2013, the Canadians became just the third Northwest League team to win three straight championships, defeating the Boise Hawks, 5–0, at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium to win the final series, 2–1, in front of a sellout crowd. [7] The 2013 season also saw the Vancouver Canadians draw over 195,000 fans to Scotiabank Field, a fifth consecutive team record which included 23 sold-out games.

On November 4, 2013, the Canadians were named the 2013 recipient of the John H. Johnson President's Award, given to Minor League Baseball's top organization. It was the first time a Canadian-based franchise won the award. [8]

2016–2017

In 2016, the Canadians led the Northwest League with a total attendance of 222,363, averaging 6,177 per game. [9] This earned them the 2016 Esurance "Home Field Advantage Award", given to the organization in each affiliated minor league with the greatest attendance per percentage capacity. [10] In 2017, the Canadians won another championship, defeating Eugene, 2–1, to win the series, 3–1. [11] They beat their previous record with 239,527 people in total attendance for the 2017 season, averaging 6,303 per game. On January 26, 2018, Toronto extended their player-development contract with Vancouver through the 2022 season. [12]

2018

Although the Canadians were unable to make the playoffs in 2018, coming in a close second in both the first and second half of the season, they still lead the league in attendance with an impressive 239,086 in total attendance.

2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minor League Baseball season was cancelled. In the winter of 2020 as part the reorganization of minor league baseball, Vancouver received an invitation to continue as the Blue Jays' High-A affiliate. [13] In a further change, they were organized into the High-A West along with five other teams previously of the Northwest League. [14]

2021

The team began the 2021 season playing its home games at Ron Tonkin Field (the home field of the Hillsboro Hops) in Hillsboro, Oregon due to COVID-19 border restrictions. [15] The Canadians finished 5th in 2021, missing out on playoffs.

2022

Prior to the 2022 season, the High-A West became known as the Northwest League, the name historically used by the regional circuit prior to the 2021 reorganization. [16] Vancouver finished 2nd in the 2022 season, qualifying for the first time to the new Northwest League playoffs system. Under the new playoffs system, a single best-of-5 series is played to determine the championship winner. Vancouver lost 3–0 to Eugene to finish runner-up.

2023

In the 2023 season, the Canadians had the best overall record in the Northwest League at 77–54 and qualified for the playoffs by winning the first-half title with a 38–27 record. Vancouver defeated the Everett Aquasox 3–1 to win their first High-A Northwest League Championship. [17]

2024

The 2024 season saw the Canadians again qualify for the playoffs, but they lost the championship series 3–1 to Spokane.

2025

In the 2025 season, the Vancouver Canadians set a new franchise record with an eight-game losing streak from May 15 to 23. [18] The skid began with a 5–4 home loss to the Everett AquaSox on May 15. During the same series, the Canadians also dropped both games of a May 18 doubleheader to Everett. They then traveled to Eugene, Oregon, where their struggles continued with four more losses to the Eugene Emeralds. The losing streak finally ended on May 24, when the Canadians shut out the Emeralds, 9–0, at PK Park.

In June, the Canadians set a new franchise record for consecutive wins. The streak began on June 5, with a 9–4 victory over the Tri-City Dust Devils in Pasco, Washington, at Gesa Stadium. They matched their nine-game winning streak record on June 14 with a 6–1 home victory over the Spokane Indians in front of a sold-out crowd, and then set a new franchise record the following day with a 3–2 win over the Indians before another sold-out home crowd. The Canadians also swept the six-game series, marking the first time in Spokane Indians history that they had been swept since being promoted to High-A.

The franchise record was extended to an 11-game winning streak on June 17, 2025, with a 12–8 victory over the Emeralds at PK Park. The Canadians fell short on June 18 with an 8–1 loss, ending their record-setting winning streak. The Canadians had previously matched their nine-game winning streak three times in the past four years but had not been able to break that record until the 2025 season. [19] They finished the first-half with a 37–29 record, tied with Everett who got the playoff berth due to head-to-head tiebreaker. [20]

On August 13, the Canadians turned their first triple play in High-A franchise history against the Indians in Spokane. [21] A 1-6-3-2 triple play that happened in the bottom of the 7th, where pitcher Aaron Munson threw to shortstop Arjun Nimmala, who then threw to first baseman Carter Cunningham, who threw home to catcher Edward Duran who tagged the runner out. [22] The Canadians missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021, when they placed second-place in the second-half, 11 games behind the Eugene Emeralds.

Ballpark

The Canadians play their home games at Nat Bailey Stadium which had hosted previous minor league teams.

Season-by-season records

Season-by-season records (last five seasons)
SeasonLeagueRegular-seasonPostseasonMLB affiliateRef.
RecordWin %LeagueDivisionGBRecordWin %Result
2021 A+W 55–64.4625th14 Toronto Blue Jays [23]
2022 NWL 67–62.5192nd140–3.000Won Second-Half title [24]
Lost NWL championship vs. Eugene Emeralds, 3–0 [25]
Toronto Blue Jays [26]
2023 NWL 77–54.5881st3–1.750Won First-Half title [27]
Won NWL championship vs. Everett AquaSox, 3–1 [27]
Toronto Blue Jays [28]
2024 NWL 68–61.5272nd10+121–3.250Won Second-Half title [29]
Lost NWL championship vs. Spokane Indians, 3–1 [30]
Toronto Blue Jays [31]
2025 NWL 75–57.5862nd6 Toronto Blue Jays [32]
Totals342–298.5344–7.364

Canadians attendance

YearTotal
Attendance
AveragePercent ChangeRef
2000109,5762,884N/A [33]
2001118,3573,115+8.0% [34]
2002127,0993,345+7.4% [35]
2003137,0263,606+7.8% [36]
2004140,0373,685+2.2% [37]
2005124,7083,370–8.5% [38]
2006123,8783,260–3.3% [39]
2007126,4913,419+4.9% [40]
2008129,0733,585+4.9% [41]
2009149,2973,929+9.6% [42]
2010154,5924,068+3.5% [43]
2011162,1624,267+4.9% [44]
2012164,4614,445+4.2% [45]
2013184,0424,843+9.0% [46]
2014180,1874,870+0.6% [47]
2015215,5355,825+19.6% [48]
2016222,3636,177+6.0% [49]
2017239,5276,303+2.0% [50]
2018239,0866,292–0.2% [51]
2019235,9806,210–1.3% [52]
2020 [Note 1] --- [53]
2021 [Note 2] 15,822286- [54]
2022 [Note 3] 313,2564,857+1879.88% [54]
2023297,4374,541–5.05% [54]
2024274,8924,262–7.58% [55]
2025277,9904,212+1.13% [56]

Roster

PlayersCoaches/Other

Pitchers

  • 39 Edinson Batista
  • 25 Bo Bonds Injury icon 2.svg
  •  4 Irv Carter
  • 27 Austin Cates
  • 15 Javen Coleman
  • 43 Chris McElvain
  • 35 Brett Garcia
  • 48 Silvano Hechavarria
  • 31 Colby Holcombe
  • 32 Nate LaRue
  • 36 Austin Marozas Injury icon 2.svg
  •  5 Aaron Munson
  • 45 Julio Ortiz
  • 40 Grant Rogers
  •  3 J. J. Sanchez
  • 33 Jonathan Todd
  •  1 Juanmi Vasquez
  • 41 Jackson Wentworth

Catchers

  • 26 Nicolas Deschamps
  •  6 Hayden Gilliland
  •  6 Aaron Parker Injury icon 2.svg
  • 12 Peyton Powell

Infielders

Outfielders

  • 16 Carter Cunningham
  • 20 Edward Duran
  • 19 Eddie Micheletti Jr.
  •  8 Matt Scannell


Manager

  • -- Jose Mayorga

Coaches

  • -- Robelin Bautista (assistant pitching)
  • -- Petr Stribrcky (coach)
  • 12 Ryan Wright (hitting)
  • -- Matt Van Roemer (bench)
  • -- Eric Yardley (pitching)

60-day injured list

  • 26 Connor O'Halloran (full season)
  • 15 Brennan Orf (full season)
  • -- Carson Pierce
  •  9 Sam Shaw (full season)
  • 22 Jacob Wetzel

Injury icon 2.svg 7-day injured list
* On Toronto Blue Jays 40-man roster
~ Development list
# Rehab assignment
∞ Reserve list
‡ Restricted list
§ Suspended list
† Temporarily inactive list
Roster updated September 11, 2025
Transactions
→ More rosters: MiLB    Northwest League
Toronto Blue Jays minor league players

Media

In the 2019 season, radio rights moved from CKST to CISL Sportsnet 650. As part of the deal, Sportsnet Pacific also gained rights to air a package of Canadians games on television. [57]

Notable former players in the major leagues

Notes

  1. The 2020 Minor League Baseball season was cancelled due to the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  2. Due to pandemic restrictions during the 2021 MiLB Season, the Canadians played in front of reduced crowds at Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro, OR.
  3. Due to being promoted from Class A Short Season to High-A, Northwest League teams began playing an increased number of games beginning in 2021.

References

  1. "Meet Bob Brown Bear".
  2. Ewen, Steve. "Vancouver Canadians sold to American company, promise business as usual". theprovince.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  3. "Blue Jays Announce 2025 Canadians Coaching Staff". Minor League Baseball. February 13, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  4. Johnson, Kelly (November 2, 1998). "Who's on first? Baseball war heats up after team purchased". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  5. "Timberjacks will make move to Vancouver, B.C." Eugene Register-Guard. Oregon. Associated Press. October 27, 1999. p. 6F.
  6. "Echoes From 527: Kevin Pillar | Back in Blue Network – Toronto Blue Jays Website and Weekly Video Podcast". Backinblue.kc-media.net. June 11, 2013. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  7. "Canadians win third consecutive championship". milb.com\date=September 10, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  8. "Canadians earn 2013 President's Award". Minor League Baseball . November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  9. "Northwest League Attendance | MiLB.com Stats". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  10. @vancanadians (April 11, 2017). "We have the best fans in @MiLB! Come celebrate winning the 2016 @esurance Home Field Advantage Award with your hometown team today!" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  11. "Canadians win fourth title in seven years". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on February 18, 2018. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  12. "Vancouver Canadians on Twitter". Twitter . January 26, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  13. "Blue Jays retain Vancouver Canadians as minor league affiliate". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  14. Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  15. "Vancouver Canadians to call Oregon home at start of baseball season due to COVID-19". CBC.ca. The Canadian Press. March 29, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  16. "Historical League Names to Return in 2022". Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  17. Weinrib, Ben (September 17, 2023). "Canadians stake claim to fifth NWL crown High-A Blue Jays prospects log timely hits, strong pitching in Finals". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  18. Zickel, Tyler (May 25, 2025). "C's End Skid With Masterful Shutout Win". Vancouver Canadians. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  19. Zickel, Tyler (June 15, 2025). "Historic 10th Straight Win Hands C's Series Sweep". Vancouver Canadians Baseball. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  20. Zickel, Tyler (June 20, 2025). "C's Wrap First Half With 9-5 Win". Vancouver Canadians Baseball. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  21. Zickel, Tyler. "Career Night For Stanifer, Triple Play Lead C's To Win". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  22. Zickel, Tyler. "Career Night For Stanifer, Triple Play Lead C's To Win". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  23. "2021 High-A West". Baseball-Reference . Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 10, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  24. Ewen, Steve (September 8, 2022). "Canadians to face Emeralds in Northwest League finals Monday". The Province . Archived from the original on May 31, 2025. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  25. Resnick, Jacob (September 17, 2022). "Glowenke's blast hands Eugene '22 NWL title". Major League Baseball . Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  26. "2022 Northwest League". Baseball-Reference . Sports Reference. Archived from the original on May 30, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  27. 1 2 Ewen, Steve (September 17, 2023). "Vancouver Canadians win Northwest League title before loud, proud Nat Bailey crowd". The Province . Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
  28. "2023 Northwest League". Baseball-Reference . Sports Reference. Archived from the original on May 30, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  29. Ewen, Steve (September 9, 2024). "Vancouver Canadians repeat chase starts tonight against Spokane team featuring celebrated prospect Charlie Condon". The Province . Archived from the original on May 31, 2025. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  30. Mast, Allison (September 15, 2024). "'Spokane needed a title': Rockies' High-A affiliate snaps championship drought". Major League Baseball . Archived from the original on May 31, 2025. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
  31. "2024 Northwest League". Baseball-Reference . Sports Reference. Archived from the original on May 30, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  32. "2025 Northwest League". Baseball-Reference . Sports Reference . Retrieved September 30, 2025.
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  39. "Canadians Attendance (2006)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  40. "Canadians Attendance (2007)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  41. "Canadians Attendance (2008)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  42. "Canadians Attendance (2009)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  43. "Canadians Attendance (2010)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  44. "Canadians Attendance (2011)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  45. "Canadians Attendance (2012)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  46. "Canadians Attendance (2013)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  47. "Canadians Attendance (2014)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  48. "Canadians Attendance (2015)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  49. "Canadians Attendance (2016)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on September 16, 2017. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  50. "Canadians Attendance (2017)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on January 2, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  51. "Canadians Attendance (2018)". Minor League Baseball . Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  52. "Northwest League Attendance". Northwest League. Archived from the original on January 2, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  53. "2020 Minor League Baseball season shelved". Minor League Baseball . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
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  56. "2025 Vancouver Canadians". BaseballReference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  57. Ewen, Steve (October 23, 2018). "Vancouver Canadians jump to Sportsnet 650, get TV games in the deal". The Province. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
Preceded by Northwest League franchise
2000–present
Succeeded by