Former pro (Victoria Seals) and former HarbourCats coach Charlie Strandlund will be one of two Victoria team members to participate in the 2018 National Championship Home Run Derby Wednesday night August 22nd at Wilson’s Group Stadium (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)

Baseball Canada Men’s Championship will showcase big boppers on Wednesday, Burrows and Strandlund to represent Victoria

August 16, 2018

VICTORIA, B.C. — Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park is already known as a launching pad for home runs — fly balls that just won’t land.

On Wednesday, starting at 6pm, both youth players and reps from each of the Nationals entries will be putting power on display. The annual Home Run Derby for the Baseball Canada Men’s Championship will feature local youth players and the men who will be vying for a national championship — a celebration of tremendous talent.

Each of the 10 Nationals teams will have an entry, with one exception — representing the Victoria host team will be a pair of veterans in former pro Charlie Strandlund and Lanny Burrows, well known for his baseball exploits in these parts.

Prior to the men giving the night an exclamation point, youth players (12 and under, and 15 and under) will get to try hitting home runs to shorter distances.

“The home run derby is a great way to start this event, to give people a taste of the talent they’ll see on the field — and we wanted to involve local youth players,” said Dave Cockle, Tournament Chair.

“Last year, we did something very unique and had the derby held at Ogden Point, and people will never forget how the stiff winds coming off the Strait of Juan de Fuca took over. It was a great spectacle. This year, we’re doing it at the park, a last time for everyone to take a deep breath before the games get going on Thursday morning.”

The Baseball Canada Men’s Championship is the national tournament for amateur baseball in Canada, and this is the second-and-final time Victoria will play host.

The game schedule for the tournament, using mostly Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP, begins Thursday morning, with two 9am games — Newfoundland vs. Quebec at Wilson’s Groups Stadium, and Alberta vs. Ontario2 at Lambrick Park.

Team BC, the Coquitlam Angels, plays its first game at 3pm on Thursday vs. Alberta at Wilson’s Group Stadium. The Victoria host team, managed by Jim Swanson of the HarbourCats and featuring eight former HarbourCats, will be up against New Brunswick at 7pm at Wilson’s Group Stadium.

All teams will be on the main field at 6:15pm on Thursday for the Opening Ceremonies.

FULL SCHEDULE HERE

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
2018 Men’s Nationals Tickets are now on sale at the HarbourCats offices at 1814 Vancouver Street in Victoria, or by calling 778-265-0327.  Tournament Passes, which include the Home Run Derby and all 17 games at Wilson’s Group Stadium are $75, Game Day passes are $20 Thursday, Friday and Saturday and $30 Sunday. Individual game tickets are $8 for games Thursday, Friday and Saturday and $10 for games Sunday. Entry for the Home Run Derby Wednesday night is $5.  Games at Lambrick Park are by donation, or covered with your purchase of a day pass or tournament pass.

For more information, visit harbourcats.com or see the Baseball Canada site at http://old.baseball.ca/seniormen/index_eng.cfm?content=schedule