Local baseball fans are ‘nervous’ about the new American owners of the Vancouver Canadiens, says broadcast legend

Legendary sportscaster Jim Robson says Vancouver baseball fans are “nervous” that the Vancouver Canadiens are now owned by a New York-based company.

Robson, who has called baseball games at Nat Bailey Stadium since the 1950s, made the comments during the sponsorship announcement.

“Vancouver fans are a little nervous. They want this franchise to continue. We all hope that the new owners fully appreciate the great history of baseball in the city of Vancouver and this great stadium that is a part of it,” he said.

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) recently agreed to buy the Vancouver Canadiens from local businessmen Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney. He april 4 announcement DBH was formed in 2021 and owns and operates select minor league clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball.

“DBH will work to maintain and grow a deep local connection while elevating fan, player and community experiences,” the press release said.

The Canadiens are currently the Class A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. According to the Diamond Baseball Holdings website, the company owns 16 minor league baseball teams in the United States.

In their history, the C’s have changed leagues and affiliations several times.

In 1999, then-American owner Art Savage moved the Canadiens from Vancouver to Sacramento days after Triple-A won the World Series.

Vancouver is the only minor league team in Canada affiliated with Major League Baseball, and until a few years ago, [MLB] A lot of minor league teams and leagues were eliminated,” Robson said.

“It’s a hit here and on average draws over 5,000 fans when a game heats up. So if they can keep it up, that’s good.”

Kerr, who is the new head coach of the Canadiens, assured fans that the team will carry on.

“All administration will be local. [Diamond Baseball Holdings] Give sponsorship help and media help, but they’re not going to run this team,” he said.

On Tuesday, the team announced a five-year sponsorship deal to name its home at Nat Bailey Stadium Rogers Field. Kerr said major improvements are planned for the facility.

Known colloquially as “The Knot,” the stadium was built in 1951 in the Little Mountain neighborhood of Vancouver.

Originally called Capilano Stadium, it was renamed in 1978 after White Spot restaurant founder and baseball supporter Nat Bailey.

At 71 years old, it is the longest-serving sports arena in Vancouver. BC Sports Hall of Fame Superintendent Jason Beck.

CBC has requested an interview with a representative of Diamond Baseball Holdings.