There will be a distinctive North Delta flavor when the Vancouver Canadians open their 2022 season next month.
The Toronto Blue Jays have named Brent Lavallee as the C’s manager for what will be his second season in the organization and first in High-A.
The North Delta Minor Baseball alumni has over a decade of coaching and managerial experience to his name.
Originally hired by Toronto to manage the C’s in 2020, the 35-year-old made his professional debut last year managing the Florida Complex League Blue Jays to a 25-29 record. His offense outscored opponents 361-301.
It was back in December 2019 Lavallee stepped down as head coach of the Louisiana State University Shreveport Pilots baseball program to join the Blue Jays organization. He spent 15 years the LSUS program — initially as a catcher on a scholarship then moving on to the coaching staff.
As a head coach, he compiled a 126-57 career record which included leading the Pilots to three consecutive NAIA Regional appearances, two Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Tournament Championships in 2017 and 2019 and back-to-back RRAC Season Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Lavallee was also named the RRAC Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2019.
His playing career included a senior collegiate season that saw him hit 18 homers and earn First Team All-Conference Honours. He was named Delta’s Athlete of the Year and runner-up for Canadian College Baseball Player of the Year.
Upon signing with the Blue Jays, Lavallee reflected on his life-changing experience in Louisiana.
“For the past 15 years I have called Shreveport, Louisiana and LSU Shreveport as my home. When I was 17-years-old, I moved 3,000 miles from home to play baseball and since then I have seen my life transform before my eyes,” he said.
“I have attained two degrees, enjoyed successes and failures, met life-long friends, was introduced to my wife, got my first full-time coaching job, became a father to two wonderful children and achieved my dream of becoming a head coach. As I reflect I have aided many other young men to attain similar achievements in their own lives.
“Now I have a point in my life where it is time to turn the page and start a new chapter. The Blue Jays organization have been absolutely incredible throughout the whole process, they have great vision for the future and I am extremely excited for the next step.”
The Canadians open their season April 8 at Spokane. Lavallee will make his Nat Bailey Stadium debut on April 19 when the C's host Eugene.
