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André Lachance set to depart Baseball Canada

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OTTAWA – Baseball Canada’s Business and Sport Development Director André Lachance is bidding farewell to his duties in the federation’s national office later this month as he accepted a role with Cirque du Soleil as their Director, Human Performance Services.

Lachance is also well known in Canadian baseball circles for his work with the Women’s National Team program as Manager from 2004-2018 and off the field as General Manager since 2019, a role which he will also be departing.

Lachance has spent the last 21 years with Baseball Canada.

“I’m certainly experiencing many emotions making this decision and coming to terms with the fact that I’ll be leaving an organization that I care deeply for,” said Lachance. “Looking back, you’re certainly proud of the work that you’ve accomplished but it’s the people that you meet throughout your career and the relationships made that I will cherish the most from my time with Baseball Canada.”

Lachance joined the organization early in 2001 as Manager, Baseball Operations and quickly made an impact with Baseball Canada’s National Championship events and National Coaching (NCCP) programs.

“Looking how far we’ve come with our coaching programs has really been amazing to see in not only how we’re able to deliver coach education opportunities but how many coaches across the country we’ve been able to impact,” said Lachance. “The efforts made by our provincial members and a dedicated group of learning facilitators has been tremendous.”

In 2003, Baseball Canada Director General Jim Baba approached Lachance about coaching the first-ever Women’s National Team with the inaugural Women’s Baseball World Cup set to take place in Edmonton in 2004.

“When Jim asked me to coach, I did not want to do it,” explained Lachance. “I was reluctant to take the job as coaching female athletes was foreign to me at the time.

“I can’t say enough how that decision to coach these talented athletes was one of the best decisions of my life both professionally and personally.”

Lachance led that 2004 squad to a bronze medal in Edmonton, the first of six world cups medals under his watch including bronze in 2006, 2012 and 2018 and silvers in 2008 and 2016.

He also assembled and managed the squad that won silver at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto where women’s baseball was part of a major, multi-sport games for the first time.

“The growth of women’s baseball has been amazing to witness since 2004 not only in Canada but throughout the world,” said Lachance. “I’m thankful to Jim (Baba) for his belief in me to run the program and am forever grateful to all of the athletes and coaches that given their all for the program over the years.

“The Women’s National Team program is in a terrific place and I’m going to be their number one fan for the rest of my life.”

Not to be forgotten, Lachance was at the forefront of Baseball Canada’s Rally Cap initiation program that began in 2006 and is now enjoyed by thousands of young athletes each and every year.

He has left his fingerprints on many areas of baseball across the country and will still stay close to the international game in roles of Chair, Development Commission with COPABE and as a member of the WBSC Women’s Baseball Commission.

“André has had an immeasurable impact on Baseball Canada at many levels from grassroots programming and coaching and of course the Women’s National Team where his efforts will leave a lasting legacy on the program,” said Baseball Canada CEO Jason Dickson. “André has certainly left Baseball Canada in a better place and has much to be proud of in what he’s accomplished over two decades. We wish him well in his new opportunity and know that he will impact his new workplace in a positive manner.”

Baseball Canada

Ridge Meadows Rises to Championship Form!

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It would be fitting to see the top two teams from the Regular season’ the #1 North Fraser Nationals and the #2 Ridge Meadows Royals, go head-to-head for the 2023 18U College Prep Provincial Championship! 

North Fraser entered the final tilt undefeated through the round-robin and their semi-final match, while Ridge Meadows had only stumbled once on the way there. 

In the end, it was Ridge Meadows and their ability to push runs across the dish that put them on top 6-1 when the dust finally settled handing North Fraser their only loss of the weekend. 

Congratulations to the Ridge Meadows Royals and all of their fans and supporters. You are the 2023 18U College Prep Provincial Champions!

Congratulations to the North Fraser Nationals and all of their fans and supporters on a stellar run to the top of the Regular Season Standings. 

Congratulations to all of our 2023 18U College Prep Players, Coaches, and Families. It’s been a ride! See you in the Fall!

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Baseball Canada

Ladner takes the 2023 John Main 13U Invitation Crown!

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Ladner takes the 2023 John Main 13U Invitation Crown!

By BCMBA, 05/28/23, 4:00PM PDT

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Cole Hudie finishes it with a 3-run shot to lift Ladner to a 5-2 W over Chilliwack and claim the BCMBA 2023 John Main 13U Invitational Championship Title! Thank you to our hosts and their families, Ridge Meadows and Cloverdale, our BCMBA Volunteer Directors, and everyone who participated!!

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Baseball Canada

The 2023 John Main 13U Invitational is underway!

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The 2023 John Main 13U Invitational is underway!

By BCMBA, 05/25/23, 9:00AM PDT

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The 2023 BC Minor Baseball John Main 13U Invitational has arrived. All weekend long, come down and check out some of the future stars of our game! Dates, times, locations, and results can be found here:

2023 John Main 13U Invitational

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