Bryan Donohue will be back to serve as the Kelowna Falcons’ field manager in 2018.
Next summer will mark his third West Coast League season with the Falcons, after the club compiled solid 28-26 record in 2017 and earned a post-season berth.
“With all the excitement we had coming off a playoff season last year, I know myself and the incoming players can’t wait to get back at it,” says Donohue. “One of the exciting things about coming back for another run is the amount of returners that we are going to have that were such a huge part of what we were able to accomplish last year.
“The amount of support we received last year was amazing, it makes Kelowna a special place to play ball for everyone involved,” Donohue added.
Offensively, Donohue was able to recruit a number of players with bright futures including WCL all-star Taylor Wright, an incoming freshman to the University of Maryland.
The offense propelled the club early on, winning the North Division’s first half and clinching a playoff spot.
However, injuries to a couple of key pieces at the plate and on the mound slowed the team’s pace in the second half and into the playoffs.
That said, nine players are expected to return in 2018 including three all-stars—right hander Cal Hehnke and infielders Matt Bottcher and Wright.
“They, along with the six other returners that we have on the roster have all have seen what it takes in this league to get to the top of the standings,” Donohue added. “The rest of the roster is shaping up really well and looks to have great depth to carry us all season.”
The Falcons kick off the 2018 WCL regular season June 1 at Elks Stadium against the Bellingham Bells.
See the Falcons’ schedule here: