Nanaimo’s baseball community has another chance this week to show its love for the game with a special-event ballgame at Serauxmen Stadium.
The Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League will make a short road trip up the Malahat for an exhibition game against a Nanaimo all-star team this Friday, June 28.
The Serauxmen Stadium Amateur Baseball Association is hosting the event and looking forward to it, said Lorne Goodall, association president.
He said the HarbourCats game is part of a busy week of baseball, with a range of levels taking to the ballpark for weeknight games and then weekend doubleheaders.
The Serauxmen Stadium association is continuing to work towards its goals of upgrading the ballpark, with lighting in the works, and a current fundraising priority is a new scoreboard. RLR Lawyers have committed half of the $28,000 cost, Goodall said, and other private money has been committed for other stadium work.
“Nanaimo’s in the final stages to bring a West Coast League team to our community, and have a multi-phase renovation project for the stadium to bring it to its true glory in the works for city consideration,” he said.
Friday’s game is expected to be competitive, as Goodall said the Nanaimo Coal Miners senior men’s reps will bolster their lineup for the matchup. There will be expanded concession offerings, a beer garden and more, and Mayor Leonard Krog will throw the ceremonial first pitch.
“Cheer loudly, show community spirit and show everyone what a great place Nanaimo would be to be one of the newest additions to the West Coast League,” Goodall said.
Fans are advised to arrive early for the pre-game ceremonies. Game time is 6 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the gate, or in advance at all Central Drugs locations, Centre Court Collectibles and Kirby’s Source for Sports.
The Serauxmen Stadium Amateur Baseball Association is encouraging sports fans to take in other games this week at the ballpark, too. The Hub City Paving Mid Island Pirates play the Parksville Royals tonight, June 26, at 6 p.m and the junior Mid Island Pirates play the Fraser Valley Cardinals on June 30 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
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