Baseball fans in the lower mainland come in two varieties – those who bought their tickets early for tonight’s home opener at Nat Bailey Stadium, and those who won’t be allowed in.

The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club have announces that tonight’s June 20th season opener vs. the Everett Aquasox is sold out.

But that doesn’t mean ticketholders should take their time getting to the ballpark. In fact, when gates open at 6 p.m., the first 2,500 fans through the gate will receive a bonus in the form of a free 2009 Vancouver Canadians magnetic schedule.

In addition, after the game, Granville Island Brewing will presents one of seven fireworks displays at The Nat this season, which usually means the 6500 standing-room-only capacity of the ballpark is added to by a few thousand people camping outside.

The team is quick to point out that tickets are still available for the Sunday, June 21st Father’s Day game, which starts at 1:05pm, as well as Monday night’s series finale.

Canadians right-handed pitcher Joselito Adames will send down the first heater of the season for the C’s in what the team hopes will be the first home opener victory in four seasons. Adames started the season with the High-A California League Stockton Ports where he pitched long relief.

Returning players from previous Vancouver seasons include pitchers Hector Garcia, Chad Lee and Ronny Morla, catcher Rodney Rutherford, 3B Ryne Jernigan, and middle infielders Marcos Luis and Leonardo Gil. Oakland’s high draft picks will be arriving as they sign their contracts and are assigned to the club.
 
C’s Manager Rick Magnante will also set a record as the first manager to stick with the Vancouver ball club for four seasons running. Long-time pitching coach Craig "Lefty" Lefferts will resume looking after the bullpen after a couple of years out with medical issues.

Fans can listen to tonight’s game on TEAM1040 Sports Radio starting at 7:00pm with Rob Fai, Chris Pritchett and Lou Filippo. 

(Republished in the Vancouver Sun)