One of the top performers on the first edition of the Nanaimo NightOwls is returning for a second stint.
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Versatile right-handed hitter Cody Hendriks of Cal State-Bakersfield, a dual Dutch-Canadian citizen, will be back at Serauxmen Stadium. The 6-2/195 Hendriks, who can play short/third/second in the infield and either corner outfield spot, now lives in Coquitlam and in summer of 2022 hit .275 with a team-record 13 doubles and 14 extra-base hits (one triple), along with eight stolen bases. He was second to infielder Tim Holyk (42) in hits with 39.
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Holyk, infielder Aaron Marsh, lefty Nathan Buchan, and outfielder Brandon Hupe are among those slated to return, with work still happening behind the scenes on other fan favourites from 2022.
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“Cody does so much that any coach values, and we’re glad to have him back,” said GM Jim Swanson. “He’s strong on the left side of the infield and was our hottest bat at times in 2022. He’s a key piece for CSUB and definitely has pro potential.”
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Also announced today, a total of six players:
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IF/OF Cody Hendriks, Cal State Bakersfield, sophomore, 6-2/195, Coquitlam, B.C.
C/RHP Ayden Hadley, Barton CC, freshman, 6-0/220, Langley, B.C.
LHP Aidan Sowers, Barton CC, freshman, 6-4/185, Dodge City, KS
RHP Talon Mihalinac, New Jersey Tech, freshman, 6-1/235, New Galilee, PA
LHP Blake MacMillan, Niagara, Redshirt-senior, 6-5/205, Mississauga, ON
C Matt Ward, Niagara, Redshirt-junior, 6-0/185, Mississauga, ON
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The announced 2023 roster to this point can be found HERE.
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Hadley and Sowers are teammates at Barton, a strong junior college in Kansas, and Hadley is a curious mix of a lefty bat with power, and a strike-thrower off the mound when he’s not catching or in a DH role. Sowers is a lanky lefty who has seen a jump in velo since he was with the Kansas Curve travel program, and lefties are valued with the setup of Serauxmen Stadium.
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Mihalinac is a developing power arm topping 92mph, while Niagara teammates MacMillan and Ward team as an experienced battery — MacMillan made 11 starts for the Purple Eagles in the spring of 2022, and Ward hit six home runs and batted .303 for Swift Current in the WCBL last summer.
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More signings will be announced in the coming months, as paperwork and passports are secured.
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“We’re excited about the size, experience and track record of the players filling roster spots,” said Swanson. “Adding depth, compared to last summer, is important for the pace of the WCL.”
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