The Nanaimo NightOwls had a memorable first half of their season with many tight games, an appearance from hall of famer Manny Ramirez and a record crowd on Canada Day. (Nanaimo NightOwls)

By Dan Marshall

First Half

NightOwls look to build of first half success in July and August

Jul 6, 2024 | 6:17 AM

NANAIMO — The Nanaimo NightOwls are now officially into the second half of their West Coast League baseball season.

The team finished below .500 in the first half but co-owner Jim Swanson said the group is coming together in all facets.

“The pitching has been really solid and we’re been in every single ball game. The defence has played quite well and our hitting has been really good with Wylie Waters, Riley Paulino and Nevan Noonan. We’re getting contributions from other guys as well. We just seem to have lost a couple of hard luck games that would turn a decent record in the hunt for playoffs, into where we’re in the driver’s seat for the playoffs.”

In the West Coast League, there is no training camp and players arrive in Nanaimo just days before the start of the season.

For that reason the first few weeks are spent evaluating and building chemistry.

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“The way our coaches were using our players in the first half it really was an audition process for them,” Swanson said. “But it really built a team atmosphere and it’s a tremendous group of young men and they have really bonded together. There’s a really strong feeling that they want to make a strong run in the second half. There is nobody around the league that takes the Nanaimo NightOwls lightly.”

Close games, exciting baseball and an appearance at Serauxmen Stadium by hall-of-famer Manny Ramirez made the first half memorable but Swanson felt a recent doubleheader against Victoria on Canada Day has been the highlight so far.

“That was an outstanding day of people being together and baseball. We had a record and I’m not even sure there’s ever been a crowd of 3127 at a sporting event in Nanaimo before. It was outstanding to see everybody there. People watched some amazing baseball and after the games, the fireworks blew everybody’s mind.”

This season marks the first time Nanaimo has played their island rivals the Victoria Harbourcats nine times.

Swanson believes that’s the sweet spot for head-to-head matchups but he wishes the games were more spread out.

“We think it’s great for both markets and the fanbases. We have a lot of local players on both teams. To have Nanaimo and Victoria play nine times and have the series come out 5-4 for Victoria didn’t do either team any favours in terms of the standings. It definitely dropped both teams down in the hunt for the first-half title because they’re so evenly matched.”

The second half will bring several of the top US-based teams to Serauxmen Stadium and Swanson is also looking forward to some promotional events in early July for the NightOwls first six-game home stand.

Fans will have a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas on July 7 and the club will conclude their Taylor Swift ticket giveaway by July 10.

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