The 2024 Nanaimo NightOwls roster is coming together with a mixture of familiar names and new recruits. (Nanaimo NightOwls)

By Dan Marshall

Roster Taking Shape

NightOwls gathering talent for 2024 WCL baseball season

Mar 23, 2024 | 6:27 AM

NANAIMO — The NightOwls will return several key players for their third WCL baseball season.

The team has also been hard at work bringing in new talent from across North America and around the world.

Michael Easter, Nathan Buchan, Jake Fleury and Wylie Waters are some of the familiar faces back and NightOwls co-owner Jim Swanson said the most significant returnee is probably Aaron Marsh.

“He was the player of the year in 2023. He’s a local guy, he’s having a good season at UBC and he’s been a strong college player. It’s always been a heartwarming thing that Aaron’s been part of the group for three years. You can’t get more local than he is and it drives home how much we value that.”

In 2023 Elijah Ickes became the first NightOwls player selected in the MLB draft when he was chosen by the Texas Rangers.

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Elijah won’t be back this season but his older brother Tui Ickes has decided to come from Hawaii to Nanaimo for the 2024 campaign.

“Tui is a power hitting corner outfielder/infielder who’s still trying to find his way in college circles in Hawaii,” Swanson said. “He has a ton of potential. Every coach who’s ever had him likes him and his work ethic. We’re excited to see Tui follow in Elijah’s footsteps.”

This year’s NightOwls squad will have a truly global presence.

Swanson said he and the staff are utilizing contacts from around the world to expand their recruiting base.

“Hsu He-Chieh is coming as an infielder from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei. We haven’t announced it yet but we also have a pitcher coming from Japan and a second pitcher who’s playing college in the United States right now who’s a Japanese player. We may have another pitcher coming from Taiwan as well.”

The NightOwls are also banking on some Major League Baseball bloodlines paying dividends.

Tugg Hollandsworth is the son of twelve year MLB star and 2003 World Series champion Todd Hollandsworth.

Swanson said the younger Hollandsworth is a highly touted freshman at Illinois State.

“He’s a left handed hitter and left handed thrower who’s a defensively strong outfielder. He has power potential and speed on the base path. He’s a multi dimensional player who could really be a key piece for us this summer.”

Nanaimo has also announced several other signings over the offseason as they prepare for the first league game May 31 in Kelowna.

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