Their mission statement is listed on the Canada Cup website as follows;

To advocate and encourage the development of the sport of softball by staging a first class, family oriented elite international softball event for girls 16 and under and young women under 19. 

The event is devoted to providing young high caliber female athletes the opportunity to expand their potential and ability by fielding elite level softball teams, offer exposure to potential university and college scholarships, provide a source of inspiration and mentorship to the youth of the sport and provide an entertaining, fun-filled sporting experience for the Canada Cup spectator.

Their objectives are also listed on their site as follows: 

• To develop an elite level international fastpitch event that will provide the most optimum play possible for young female athletes (U19) and (U17), provide an atmosphere that encourages the athlete to be the best they can be and provide possible college and university scholarship opportunities as well as opportunities to enhance their personal and athletic development.
  
• To stage a first class event which inspires young talent, promotes the sport, enhances community involvement, profiles sponsors and supporters and provides a great entertainment experience for the spectator.
  
• To provide mentorship to the youth and support Softball Canada by providing a forum to showcase Team Canada and other top International Women’s teams in the Canada Cup Women’s International Championship.

Over the years they have undertaken various changes working with different minor organizations with the most recent being the Delta Fastpitch who play out of the North Delta Park on 84th as well noting that they host various tournaments and events that bring exceptional ball to the area.

We continue to receive info on various sports and in keeping with our ongoing promotion of amateur sports we wanted to share the most recent press release from the World Baseball Softball Confederation and Newdin Contents Co., Ltd.

Enjoy the read: 

They officially have released via a press release announcing the renewal and expansion of the partnership which is to deliver the WBSC Virtual Cup, the world’s first official international screen baseball competition.

Working to build on the successful collaboration initiated in 2022, the new agreement solidifies and secures Newdin as the Official Hosting and Delivery Partner of the WBSC Virtual Cup running through to 2028.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari mentioned “This renewed partnership with Newdin marks an important milestone in WBSC’s eSports strategy,” 

He continued to mention “With the WBSC Virtual Cup, we are creating a new competition platform that connects fans, players and nations in a truly innovative way, furthering our mission to grow baseball and softball worldwide.”

Mr. Seung Seok Noh, CEO of Newdin Contents mentioned “We are proud to extend our collaboration with WBSC and through Strikezon’s proven screen baseball technology and WBSC’s leadership in international sport, we will deliver world-class competitions that inspire new fans and players across the globe.”

The inaugural WBSC Virtual Cup in 2022 attracted record-breaking international participation with over 8,000 entries across Opening Rounds in Japan, Korea, Mexico and the USA, culminating in 12 teams advancing to the World Finals in Seoul.

The WBSC Virtual Cup represents the third pillar of WBSC’s broader eSports strategy, which also includes mobile/console/PC gaming and physical simulators. 

Together, these initiatives highlight WBSC’s commitment to innovation and to engaging future generations through digital platforms.

Categories: WBSC , Press Releases , eSport

The post WBSC/Newdin Contents Extend Partnership Launching The WBSC Virtual Cup 2026-2028 first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Friday’s Nooners game was attended by lots of youngsters from the Vancouver Boys and Girls Club in the area who weren’t short of being loud who came to cheer on the C’s.

While some might question or think why would any group have a ball game on their agenda but one might simply ask “why not” as they were apparently using this day as a wrap-up to a summer full of fun.

I did find it ironic that the group sitting directly in front of me at the top of the bleachers directly behind home plate were from Tsawwassen who operate near Winskill Park so naturally we spoke.

To no real surprise the stands were packed as expected on a Friday Nooners which takes in a wide variety of fans of all ages.

The game ended up on a two-hit shutout 4-0 win against the Tri-City Dust Devils (LAA) that was credited to both Silvano Hechavarria and Juanmi Vasquez.

The press release is from Tyler Zickle play by play for the C’s.

Enjoy the read and make plans to attend one of the upcoming games as the season is slowly coming to a close.

Hechavarria (W, 2-0) was fantastic from the first pitch. He retired the side in order in the first, stranded a one-out walk in the second, escaped the third after a lead-off double then went 1-2-3 in the fourth before the C’s got to Tri-City starter Chris Cortez in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Arjun Nimmala and Carter Cunningham singled to put runners at the corners with no outs and a double play in the next at-bat made it 1-0 Vancouver.

Staked to a one-run advantage, Hechavarria – MLB Pipeline’s #26 Blue Jays prospect – would retire the next seven hitters before a one-out single in the seventh, but he responded with his fourth K of the day against what would be his last batter. His final line: 6.2 IP / 0 R / 2 H / 1 BB / 4 K.

Vasquez (S, 1) turned in 2.1 perfect innings of relief to close it out and secure at least a series split with the Dust Devils this week.

While the lone run proved to be enough, Jay Harry added a two-out, two-RBI double in the sixth and Sean Keys clubbed his team-high 15^th homer of the year in the eighth to put the game away for good.

All nine starters reached base and six had a hit. Keys led the way with two knocks while Harry’s two RBI paced the offence.

As you can see in the photo below construction is still on-going and won’t officially be finished but will be ready for the opening day at the start of the 2026 season.

If you have (and I hope you have) attended games in the past this was the picnic area but is being renovated with the club house on the bottom and the top will be a restaurant (so we were told) for fans to take in the game.

Things are progressing rather well so if and when you attend a C’s game be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to your fellow fans!

It’s going to be quite the facility once completed.

The series continues tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Jackson Wentworth toes the slab for the C’s opposite #3 Angels prospect Ryan Johnson.

Catch the action on the C’s Broadcast Network: Bally Sports Live and Sportsnet 650.

All photos credit to Mark Steffens – fotoguy.org

The post Newcomers HECHAVARRIA, VASQUEZ PITCH SHUTOUT WIN first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Anyone who has had a chance to take in games played at Scotia Bank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium this year have their sights set on the C’s managing to pull off the 2025 Championship which currently seems within reach.

The hot and humid weather clearly does not deter fans from taking in any game such as I did this past Friday that saw them hammer Spokane with their eighth straight win with a 15-0 win in a mid-day game in front of just over 5,000 boisterous fans. 

The winning continues that saw them make history Sunday afternoon as they pulled off a 3-2 win over the Spokane Indians [COL] in front yet another sellout crowd. 

The win is their 10^th consecutive victory and 18^th in the last 20 games for the hottest team in North America. 

It’s interesting to know that they matched a winning streak record for a third time in the last four years and with yesterday’s win the C’s now own the longest winning streak since the franchise began at the turn of the century. 

Sunday’s game saw them trailing 1-0 after Spokane hit a solo homer in the third, but never say never as they managed a push back in the fourth tying the game. 

Aaron Parker led off with a double then advanced to third after two walks, which set up a game-tying sacrifice fly from Je’Von Ward.

Vancouver took the lead for good in the fifth. Sean Keys worked a one-out free pass then raced home on a Cutter Coffey RBI double to make it 2-1.

MLB Pipeline’s #9 Blue Jays prospect Khal Stephen (W, 3-0) made his fifth High-A start and turned in five strong innings in which he gave up one run on three hits, walked one and K’ed two over 71 pitches. 

He was followed by Pat Gallagher (H, 4), who gutted out two scoreless frames despite not having his trademark command and control.

He scattered a hit and three walks with three strikeouts while stranding the tying and go-ahead runs on base in both of his innings.

Parker hammered a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth, which proved to be the winning run. Leading 3-1 to start the top of the ninth, the C’s survived a lead-off homer in the inning as JJ Sanchez (S, 1) put a bow on his six-out save with three consecutive outs after the long ball.

 Despite collecting just three hits in the game, all three factored into the final result. It was the seventh time in 27 games this year where Vancouver came out on top despite getting outhit by their opponent.

With the win, the Canadians are now 35-28 and maintain sole possession of first place in the Northwest League first half standings. 

As of press time second place Everett the farm team for Seattle was leading 4-0 in the fourth inning against Tri-City [LAA]. 

Vancouver’s magic number which is a combination of C’s wins and Everett losses is currently three, though third place Hillsboro is also still in contention; they’re two games back of first. 

Should Everett lose tonight, they would be tied with the Hops for second place and find themselves two games behind the C’s with three to play. If the Frogs win, they will remain one game back of first. 

The Canadians own the tiebreaker over Hillsboro, but Everett has the tiebreaker over Vancouver.

After an off day tomorrow, the Canadians travel to Eugene to take on the Emeralds [SF] in a six-game series starting Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m. 

The first three games of the series are the final three games of the first half. 

Catch all the action on Sportsnet 650 and stay up to date with the playoff race via CanadiansBaseball.com and @vancanadians on social.

Thanks to Tyler Zickle for the press release!!

The post HISTORIC 10TH STRAIGHT WIN HANDS C’S SERIES SWEEP first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The upgrades that have been completed are impressive and once finished it’ll be a “state of the art” diamond in the league.

For those planning on attending, arrive early as parking is still a work in progress and we all knew that the upgrades would take time to complete.

Once inside you’ll notice that the lobby is virtually the same with no changes to speak of but once in the stands you’ll notice that the teams are in the same dugouts as in the past.

From the first base line you’ll notice that the picnic area is now a ‘pit” which will eventually be the clubhouse that will feature  the training room for the Canadians.

The third base side of the diamond is still the same dugout for the C’s but deep in left field behind the porch you’ll notice that the bullpen has changed so rather than one for the home team you’ll see two.

This area has expanded to include a bullpen for both teams with the visitors directly in front of the porch while the C’s have a new state-of-the-art area for the pitchers.

The outfield wall is much higher which will create havoc for the outfielders to make some miraculous game winning catches.

Overall the facility once completed will be able to attract more fans considering that the area beside the porch is still being worked on, so we’ll see what the plans are for that area.

To the  surprise of many the opening week of  ball proved to be exceptional for both the team as well as the weather which was different from past seasons that saw torrential rain flood the infield.

Not only did the grounds crew have the infield looking so pristine they were working even through the media walk through mid-day which saw a different opening media day from what we have seen in the past.

The C’s are on the road and return next Tuesday April 29th to kick-off yet another exciting week of ball against Hillsboro for a six game series so make plans to attend and catch some exciting C’s ball.

Key’s to Remember:

Let’s not forget that the C’s announce they have signed a 10-year Professional Development License with Major League Baseball to be the Toronto Blue Jays High-A Affiliate.

The change in classification for the Canadians baseball will be played in the newly formed High-A West League. 

The six-team league will include the Eugene Emeralds (San Francisco Giants), Everett AquaSox (Seattle Mariners), Hillsboro Hops (Arizona Diamondbacks), Tri-City Dust Devils (Los Angeles Angels), and Spokane Indians (Colorado Rockies).

The Canadians have been promoted to full season which will see the C’s schedule increase from 76 to 132 regular season games, in a typical season. 

As a result of the higher level, there will be higher level of baseball played at Nat Bailey Stadium from April to early September. 

The post Changes To The Home Of The C’s first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

It’s not just about the sporting world which has and continues to not necessarily embrace change we must understand how changes are affecting the world.

It’s not just the past year but quite possibly over the past five years that has changed in part due to the Covid Pandemic as well as changes to pro sports.

Sports has changed from paper to the overall computerised technological changes for both teams which affects both commercial and business for all sports teams and leagues.

This impact has been affected given the increase with social media with athletes reacting to the way in which fans can now connect with sports.

It’s fair to say that the pro Athletes play a huge “influencer status” reaching the fan base who find themselves being engulfed in the sports betting world which clearly reaches out to all levels and ages.

Big business as we have seen are eager to “eat up”, capture and look at all games in a new light when it comes to high finance.

Locally hockey fans were wishing and more so dreaming of a Stanley Cup run for the Canucks which never happened – again!

New Year’s Resolutions were made and never kept and with hockey winding down Lacrosse was in full swing with the Vancouver Warriors entertaining their solid fan base at Rogers Arena.

Try as they might they only managed a record of 8-10 with 202 goals for and 211 against with Keegan Ball leading the team with 40 GF, 56 GA and 15 PP goals for the squad that finished 12th in the 15 team league.

The Warriors alone have a solid working relationship with the minor lacrosse community in the area all due to community involvement starting with Head Coach Curt Malawsky whose name in the area “ oozes” lacrosse.

From the Warriors the community quickly turns to the Vancouver Canadians who play at the “Nat” as it is commonly known as.

If you’ve never attended a game your quite possibly missing out on some of the best ball in the area not taking away from the minor baseball in the area who have lots to offer at your local ball diamond.

They were unable to win another championship but they were entertaining given that North Delta’s former minor ball player Brent Lavallee is their manager who in his minor days played goal for North Delta MHA.

Ball in the area continues to grow and if you were unable to catch a game you could have taken in some minor lacrosse games at your local rinks.

While the game is Canada’s National Summer Sport it has some interesting and unique rules that requires you to grasp before attending a game or better yet go to a game with someone who knows and understands the game.

If that doesn’t fancy your liking you can always catch some Delta Islanders games on Sportswave which streams all Junior games for your viewing pleasure.

Let’s not forget the BC Lions were in the hunt to finish playing in the CFL Grey Cup which they were hosting but for various reasons which we leave to the team were unable to reach the pinnacle of success being winning the League Championship.

Overall the past year for Sportswave was fun and we appreciate your support at all events we have covered.

The past year we have been fortunate to post some “first class” photos on the site thanks to Mark Steffens, Wes Shaw and last but not least Laird Allan who has been with us since the start in addition to the newest member Jagraj Lalli.

The past year was a roller coaster given the ever changing landscape in various leagues which will continue given the ever changing elected personnel who either get involved for the betterment of the game or want to put their agenda first.

The last part seldom works but it will continue with normally the root of all evil being money and wanting to promote their Son or Daughter to the next level rather than a league first policy.

Sportswave continues to be involved and if you have a sport you want to promote feel free to reach out for live streaming your games, promoting your sport as well as advertising for various  businesses in your area.

Without the support of your community and local business youth sport will no longer continue which simply put is a  sad state in  today;s world.

Sport isn’t cheap in various communities throughout the Province and we recommend that you contact “KidSport” in your area for assistance if needed.

They are a great organization and are in sport for all the right reasons.

On behalf of the Sportswave Team we wish you a Happy and a Safe 2025

The post Happy New Year first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

With hockey coming to a close many are wondering where they might spend their nights given that the area has so much to offer the families.

Nat Bailey Stadium as many know it as are set to hit the diamond in a contest that will see the Vancouver Canadians play host to the UBC Thunderbirds in an exhibition contest at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium April 3 with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35.

This marks the third consecutive year that the two teams will be meeting in a C’s preseason friendly with the C’s set to open the season two days later kicking off their thirteenth season as an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays – and fourth in High-A with the home April 9.

The turnstiles will open at 5:30 with both teams slatted to play seven inning with all proceeds being split between both clubs also noting that the concessions will be open.  

Tickets are $10 and are available now by clicking here or calling (604) 872-5232.

The 2024 Vancouver Canadians roster has yet to be determined by the Blue Jays and will be announced in April. 

North Delta Brent Lavallee returns for his third season as C’s manager after leading the team to its impressive fifth Northwest League title last year in addition to having Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Ashley Stephenson, returning for her second season as position coach.

“The preseason exhibition game with UBC has become a terrific celebration of baseball in British Columbia,” C’s General Manager Allan Bailey said. “We are proud to work with Chris Pritchett and the UBC Baseball program to showcase their players at The Nat. It’s also a great way for our roster – with many players taking the field in Vancouver for the first time in their careers – to get one last tune-up in before the season starts at April 5. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the ballpark.”

With eight conference championships and a fourth place showing at the NAIA World Series to their name, the baseball program at the University of British Columbia has been a Region I powerhouse for over two decades. 

The program has developed 23 players who have been drafted since its inception in 1996, including long-time Colorado Rockies ace Jeff Francis who was selected ninth overall in 2002. They play their home games at Tourmaline West Stadium.

“To showcase the different levels of baseball we have here in Vancouver and in Canada is an amazing opportunity, and I’m really grateful to Allan, the C’s and the Blue Jays for making this happen,” long-time UBC head coach and former Canadian Chris Pritchett said.

He continues “From our players’ perspective, they all have that same dream of paying on TV someday. This gives them an unbelievable chance to be on the same field as high-level professional baseball players. They don’t have to guess what that looks and feels like; they actually get to experience it. It’s an amazing opportunity for them and a lot of fun. It’s going to be a great day for UBC and for the Canadians.”

To get tickets for Opening Night on April 9 or any other game throughout the 2024 season, visit CanadiansBaseball.com or call 604-872-5232.

The post C’s Host Exhibition Game Against UBC first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Given the change in the weather and hockey coming to an end in the next short while it’s almost time to turn our attention to other sports such as baseball and lacrosse to name only two.

Last year the C’s had a remarkable season grabbing yet another championship and to no surprise they are looking at having a repeat again this year.

The C’s have several special days they feature throughout the season and below is the press release we received from Tyler Zickel the play by play broadcaster.

Enjoy the read:

The defending Northwest League Champion Vancouver Canadians have released the preliminary 2024 Promotions Schedule in advance of their 13^th season as an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

After starting the season on Friday, April 5 in Spokane, the C’s will kick-off the home slate on Tuesday, April 9 with Opening Night at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium and a Sleeman Brewing Magnetic Schedule Giveaway.

Daily promotions return in 2024, beginning with the first of 11 RBC We Care Wednesdays on April 10. 

It’s the third season of collaboration on this program between RBC and the C’s as they continue to highlight organizations and initiatives that are making a difference across Lower Mainland communities.

Fortis BC ‘Nooners at The Nat – a Friday afternoon tradition unlike any in baseball – make up 11 of the 29 home day games with a 1:05 p.m. start on the docket. 

Others include six (6) Saturday Matinees (every home Saturday from April to June), 11 Family Fun Sundays where kids can run the bases after the game and of course the annual Canada Day game Monday, July 1.

There are six (6) postgame fireworks extravaganzas ready to blast off this summer. (Adding that this depends on any possible fire restrictions put in place)

The first one is scheduled for Thursday, June 27 followed by Saturday, July 20, three Thursdays in August and Saturday, September 7 for the final night game of the regular season.

With more standalone promotions and giveaways to be announced soon, there are a few one-off events already on the calendar:

Sunday, May 12 – Mother’s Day

Saturday, June 1 – Malmo Oat Milkers Night

Tuesday, June 11 – Dog Day of Summer

Sunday, June 16 – Father’s Day

For tickets and more information, visit CanadiansBaseball.com or call 604-872-5232.

The post C’s Promotional Schedule In Advance first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

After an impressive response to part one from the Vancouver Canadians we are posting the second of the top 5 Games in 2023.

Enjoy the read and remember to purchase your season tickets from the Vancouver Canadians via Email: tickets@canadiansbaseball.com or Phone: 604-670-7536

Enjoy part two:

#2 – NWLCS Game 4 (September 16)

Any game where you win a championship would typically be the best game of your season, but Game 4 of the Northwest League Championship Series – which put Vancouver over Everett three games to one to secure the crown – quickly became less edge-of-your-seat thriller and more house party to celebrate a 10-2 victory.

The scoring started in the second when Jeff Wehler led off with a double, Garrett Spain followed three pitches later with a two-bagger of his own to make it 1-0 C’s then scored after a pair of walks moved him to third and a double play brought him home.

Vancouver starter Ryan Jennings – who toed the slab at The Nat for the first time as a pro – set the tone for the pitching staff with three scoreless and hitless innings that featured one walk, a hit batter and five strikeouts before he passed the baton to Anders Tolhurst (W, 1-0).

He retired the side in order in the top of the fourth, which proved to be the last time the game could have swung in either direction.

The C’s put Everett’s season to bed with a five-run fourth.

The inning began with a Spain single and a Dasan Brown walk before a pitching change. A strikeout brought Jommer Hernandez to the dish, who lofted a bloop single into shallow enter to load the bases.

A run-scoring fielder’s choice followed to put Vancouver in front 3-0. A crucial error in the next at-bat proved to be the hinge on which the rest of the game swung. Instead of an inning-ending groundout, a high throw allowed a run to score and put two men on for Cade Doughty, who socked a two-RBI double to left field for a six-run Canadians advantage.

Gabby Martinez followed with a single to plate Doughty and the C’s led 7-0. The Frogs managed to score two runs in the fifth to end Vancouver’s 19.2 scoreless innings streak in the series, but the Canadians responded with a run in the sixth on another Doughty double and Martinez base hit and two in the seventh thanks to Spain’s second double of the night and 2023 draftee Nick Goodwin’s first career High-A homer.

Up 10-2 after seven, the Canadians got scoreless innings of relief from Eric Pardinho and Justin Kelly in the eighth and the ninth, respectively, to close out the game and secure the title.

#1 – NWLCS Game 3 (September 15)

With the series tied 1-1 after the first two games in Everett (and smarting from a blowout loss in Game 2), the C’s put together their signature win of the year that in many ways settled the Northwest League Championship Series a game early.

A wall-ball RBI single from Gabby Martinez and another sparkling shutout pitching performance from a quartet of arms led the C’s to a 1-0 triumph in front of a raucous sellout crowd.

Canadians starter Hunter Gregory did his best Philippe Petit impression in the first two frames to keep the game scoreless early; he stranded runners at second and third with back-to-back Ks in the first then hit a batter and walked two with two outs in the second before striking out #2 Mariners prospect Harry Ford to keep the game tied. His final line: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 3 BB, HBP, 6 K. E

verett lefty Brandon Schaeffer matched Gregory zero for zero. He surrendered two singles, issued a walk, hit a batter and struck out three in his four frames before handing the ball off to Jimmy Kingsbury, who retired the side in order in the fifth before allowing the decisive run in the sixth.

Ryan McCarty led the inning off with a single and Cade Doughty was hit by an 0-2 pitch to put two on for Martinez.

The #27 Blue Jays prospect launched a deep drive to left that Mike Salvatore tracked to the wall but couldn’t quite catch, which allowed McCarty to race home from second to put Vancouver in front 1-0. Everett did well to limit the damage by striking out the next three hitters to douse the rally. Ian Churchill – who was instrumental in the Game 1 win – was the first man out of the ‘pen.

The lefty got out number one in the fifth, walked the next man then induced a ground ball for what could have been an inning-ending double play but instead turned into a fielder’s choice and an error to put runners at the corners with one away.

He K’ed the next two hitters to end the threat, went 1-2-3 in the sixth then got the first out of the seventh before surrendering two soft singles.

That brought on Ryan Boyer, who stranded both runners he inherited to keep the C’s ahead by a run then worked around a single in the eighth to preserve the lead.

Conor Larkin secured the win in style, striking out Ford with the tying run at first in the ninth to end the game while 6,413 rabid fans stood in unison.

A remarkable, awe-inspiring evening on Ontario Street to be sure.

As you’ve come to learn, the 2023 Canadians seemed to be at their best when opposite those future Mariners down in Everett. A classic case of “That’s Baseball!” 

Warmest wishes to you and yours this holiday season and into the new year.

The C’s begin their title defense on April 5 and will celebrate the home opener at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium on April 9. Tickets and more information are available at CanadiansBaseball.com.

The post Top 5 Canadians Games In 2023 Part 2 first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.