Four players have been signed ahead of the Nanaimo NightOwls first season. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

WHO'S ON FIRST

Nanaimo NightOwls lock in first four players ahead of inaugural season

Sep 26, 2020 | 11:28 AM

NANAIMO — The upstart Nanaimo NightOwls have their name, a new head coach and now a handful of players.

The WCL team, starting play in summer 2021 at Serauxmen Stadium announced Thursday, Sep. 26 the first four players signed to the team for the inaugural season.

Aidan Huggins and Nick Gile, both infielders will wear NightOwl blue next year along with outfielder Dayton Peters and pitcher Chase Florendine.

“It’s very exciting to start filling out our roster, and telling the people of Nanaimo about the talented players who will represent the city,” said Greg Frady, NightOwls head coach.

All four players are from Illinois State University however three are Canadians.

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“To begin by getting the starting middle infield combo at a school like Illinois State is a very good start, and we’ll expect leadership and production from Huggins and Gile,” Frady said. “Peters is a scrappy, all-hustle outfielder with a big bat, and Florendine will have every chance to play a key role for us getting outs.”

Florentine, a 20-year-old pitcher with a 90 mile per hour fastball, comes to the team with family living in Parksville.

On Friday, Sep. 25, the team also announced Mike Spears as the team’s new pitching coach.

Spears has WCL experience with both Victoria and Port Angeles.

“Mike’s knowledge of the WCL, from recruiting, to the travel in the league, to the nuances of the WCL will be invaluable for us in getting ready for this first season in Nanaimo,” Frady said.

The NightOwls were officially unveiled as the WCL’s newest Island franchise in July.

During day games, the team will play under the Nanaimo Bars moniker.

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