Canadian’s Know The Words

Covering the Vancouver Canadians is part of the “gig” I truly enjoy despite the drive through town to the “Nat” situated in a picturesque setting with the back drop being the majestic mountains of the North Shore.

Players come and go through roster changes given the fact they are the Single “A” affiliate team of the Toronto Blue Jays organization, but one thing is for sure – they learn what it’s like to be Canadian.

That includes from the first arrival upon meeting the team, plus meeting the host billet Families who are so gracious each season welcoming these young up and coming starts into their homes.

From the start they learn our customs and at times even learn the English Language – yes that’s right the English Language.

Not that they don’t want to, but many come from other areas of the World and Latin America does produce some quality players such as witnessed by the players at the Pro ranks.

It’s never easy going to another country and trying to understand what they are asking you and simply not knowing what or how to say whatever.

Such is the case with several players of the Vancouver Canadians, but to the surprise of many and it’s become a tradition over the past few years now.

For the final home game of the regular season and prior to playoffs (which they have been making for the past few years) they as a unit they all gather around home plate and sing the Canadian Anthem.

If you remember last year’s Anthem was led by Ladner’s Tom Robson, so this year it was a new group of players doing the singing.

This to the surprise and shock of the visiting team, such as was witnessed at the final game against Spokane on the last day of August.

Great to see the players take such a proud role while playing for a Canadian team and in reality they do a great job, just too bad I was unable to get the audio.

I’ll have to ask Rob Fai if I can get it for you.

Take me out to the ball game – especially tomorrow as it’s the first game of the 2014 playoffs.