A familiar face from North Delta will once again be at the helm of the Vancouver Canadians.
The defending Northwest League champions announced this week that Brent Lavallee will return as manager for the third season with the club.
Also returning to the coaching staff this year are: Austin Bibens-Dirkx, Ryan Wright, Ashley Stephenson, Katie Reyes and Raul Pimentel. Former Canadian infielder Deiferson Barreto and newcomers Carson Phillips, Rob Shifrin, Bailey Forst, Zane Hunt, Alexis Maier and Cristian Cordova complete the coaching staff.
“I am beyond excited to return to Vancouver and the Northwest League this season,” Lavallee said in a news release on the Vancouver Canadians website. “What an honour to be asked to lead a great group of players and staff while representing one of the best Minor League teams in the world.”
Lavallee has a record of 144-116 with the C’s and a 169-145 record in his managerial career.
In 2002 he led the club to a 67-win season and topped that last year with 77 wins and the Northwest League title.
He just needs 56 wins in 2024 to reach the 200-win mark – a feat that few managers in team history have accomplished.
“Our experiences in Vancouver have been second to none,” Lavallee said. “The fans, the history, and the significance of being the only affiliated MiLB team in Canada is a responsibility I do not take lightly. We look forward to showcasing some of the best players that the Blue Jays have coming up through the system and defending our title from 2023.”
The 2024 season begins in Spokane on April 5 and Opening Night at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium is slated for Tuesday, April 9 at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit CanadiansBaseball.com or call 604-670-7536.
