Garrett Goodall was on the mound for the Nanaimo NightOwls first ever WCL game on May 31 in Portland. Nanaimo will take on the Edmonton Riverhawks in their inaugural home game at Serauxmen Stadium June 3. (Nanaimo NightOwls)

By Dan Marshall

Opening Night

Play ball! NightOwls to take the field at Serauxmen Stadium

Jun 3, 2022 | 7:07 AM

NANAIMO — The waiting game is over for the Nanaimo NightOwls with their first baseball season finally underway.

An expected debut in June 2020 never materialized because of COVID-19 but on June 3 fans in the Harbour City will get their first look at what the West Coast League has to offer.

“It’s surreal. And it’s probably as much relief as excitement for those of us on the inside,” according to NightOwls managing partner Jim Swanson.

“This is an opportunity for something new and fun in the summer in Nanaimo. I think everybody is fired up about it.”

Most of the players came into town the weekend of May 28 for an opening game May 31 in Portland.

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Swanson said acting coach Gorm Heimueller saw a higher level of talent than expected.

“He was pleasantly surprised with everybody on our pitching staff. Every single guy was a little better than he thought he was going to be. He’s really excited to work with these guys and help them become better.”

The NightOwls come home with one series already under their belt against the Portland Pickles.

The team is 1-2 after a 5-1 loss on opening night, a 9-2 triumph on Wednesday, June 1 for Nanaimo’s first ever victory and a 10-1 loss on Thursday, June 2.

Swanson believes fans will not only enjoy the team but also the newly revamped Serauxmen Stadium.

“Once people see the changes to the main grandstand I think our season ticket numbers will go through the roof. The new backstop is not chain link, it’s professional netting you don’t even realize is there. With the dugout expansion it makes the players even more accessible and then there’s the safety features, signage and even a double decker bus viewing area for a party deck.”

The starting pitcher for the first home game is Nanaimo product Seth Gurr.

He may already be familiar to local fans after playing for the Parksville Royals before heading to Bossier Parish Community College.

“He’s excited about it and we found out after we made the decision it’s also his dad’s 60th birthday.”

Swanson encourages fans to get to Serauxmen Stadium well ahead of the scheduled 6:35 p.m. start against the Edmonton Riverhawks.

The team is planning some special events to celebrate the first home game.

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