C’s Off To Rocky Start

There’s no question that the home opener for the C’s wasn’t the start they were looking at given that they had the die-hard fans venture to the new look Rogers Field Nat Bailey as well as the stadium changes.

From the media perspective we are hearing that the changes are on-going and their annual media day won’t be until June – this year, but the biggest change that hits you in the pocket book is pay parking.

That alone was (as we were told) was a shock to the fans attending the home opener but if you take in a Tuesday night game you can get a three-dollar ($3.00) hot dog which suits my taste buds.

Regardless, the nights are still somewhat coolish so if your bringing the youngsters be sure to have them (and you) dress warm so you can at least stay for all nine innings.

There’s no question that the C’s planned and pulled off an impressive opening ceremonies started with the Pipe Band walking on the diamond from the outfield which everyone we spoke with were very impressed considering it was a cold (12 C – 54f for our American friends) for the first visit of the season from the Eugene Emeralds

2026 is the 75th anniversary of Nat Bailey Stadium (originally Capilano Stadium),  Each Tuesday night game the “C”s will be wearing special “Nat” jerseys.

It was a long contest well into the night in front of 2796 hardy fans.  The Emerald spoiled the evening by winning the close game.

For the first time in 2026, the Canadians found the win column given the offense exploded for 14 runs on 12 hits hammering Eugene (farm team for SF) 14-5 that saw the C’s take the lead in the bottom of the first.

JR Freethy led off with a walk and a Carter Cunningham single put two men aboard with one out that saw Dub Gleed single home Freethy  later scored on a Manny Beltre double making it 2-0.

Landen Maroudis (starter) managed consecutive zeroes in the first two then surrendered a run in the third before being removed after working 2.2 innings. On came Gilberto Batista (W, 1-0), who inherited the bases loaded and two outs but struck out the final man of the frame to keep the Canadians up 2-1.

The C’s hit the road after the noon-er Sunday who are off to a dismal 1-7 start managing to be behind by a 6.0 record returning home April 21st hosting Tri-City which features a 75th Anniversary Pin give-away.