NANAIMO — The Nanaimo NightOwls are entering year five in the West Coast League.
There is optimism for the team’s first playoff berth in 2026 and excitement about a new video board which fans will experience during games.
Team Owner Jim Swanson said the season begins with a full travel day on Friday, May 29 to play on the same day against the Ridgefield Raptors.
“We start with a tough road trip. Ridgefield is just north of Vancouver, Washington, which is essentially Portland. It’s the Raptors’ home opener. We’re going down there with the intent of being strong and coming away with a series victory. It’s probably our second toughest road trip of the year.”
Fans will see the new scoreboard for the home opener on Tuesday, June 2 when the NightOwls start a three-game series against the Kelowna Falcons.
Kelowna will be a team whic is expected to generate some extra buzz this year with a former major league baseball player behind the bench.
“They’re always a tough team,” Swanson said. “They’ve got a new head coach in Gregg Zaun the former Blue Jays catcher and broadcaster. Just having him in the ball park will bring extra excitement in the league, especially in the Canadian cities.”
Swanson said success on the field starts in the front office, and the staff led by general manager Tina Cornett, who has laid the foundation.
“We do like the players we’ve put together. Our coaching staff with Cody Andreychuck and Gorm Heimueller with some of our new coaches is a really exciting group. We’re going to do the best we can to develop players in a winning atmosphere. We’ve been close the past couple of years but it’s a testament to the West Coast League that after four years we haven’t tasted that first playoff game.”
Fans will know many returning players, including three-year NightOwls Ryder Florence and Cole Carmichael.
2025 all-stars Talan Zenk and Jacob Hayes are also back for a second season.
“You don’t get those guys if they didn’t value the program, the development, and the opportunity to play in front of the fans. It’s quality baseball, and people realize there are legitimately players going from the West Coast League to the major leagues.”
The WCL season runs from May 29 until Aug. 5.
Nanaimo has 27 regular season home games plus four exhibition games at Serauxmen Stadium.
Swanson said fans will have plenty to enjoy at the ballpark both on and off the field.
“We have some new ideas around theme nights that we’ll be announcing soon, but that video scoreboard in left field is a 20 by 10-foot board. It’s very clear with a new generation of video. It’s going to provide opportunities for people to showcase their products and services through advertising and promotions in the park, and it’s going to show graphics for our players. It will grow and improve as we go on.”
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