The Thetford Unicanvas organization takes a positive look at its first season in the Quebec Major Baseball League (QMLB). It was on January 18 that the circuit announced the granting of a new franchise in order to continue the tradition of baseball at Desjardins stadium.
For <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2024/01/the-return-of-thetford-mines-baseball-team-a-new-chapter-for-the-blue-sox/" title="The Return of Thetford Mines' Baseball Team: A New Chapter for the Blue Sox“>Stéphane Morin, member of the Unicanvas cooperative committee, this year was beyond expectations, mainly in terms of crowds and partner participation. Besides the Blue Sox roster, the organization was basically starting from scratch. “We had nothing, no uniforms, balls and equipment. When the franchise was confirmed, we were at the very end of the deadline and we had to change course quickly. We also had to reach out to the business community. It was a lot of work, but it was enjoyable and it gave us a great season. I think it was really appreciated by the fans. We felt a great energy and I believe that is positive for the future. »
The overall attendance reached 25,000, including the Canada Day game, when approximately 7,000 people came to Desjardins Stadium. This match at the “Hollywood final” was important for the organization which saw its crowds increase subsequently. “A lot of people discovered us, especially the way it ended. We were losing and at the last stroke of the stick, Louis Gendron made us win. The entire stadium stood up to applaud. During the following matches, there were a few hundred more people,” underlined Stéphane Morin.
Beginning with the construction holidays, the team was drawing crowds of between 1,000 and 1,200 spectators for each game.
Although the organization may have had some initial fears, not knowing if the faithful and baseball fans would make the transition from blue to red, they were quickly dissipated when they saw that it had been adopted by them.
“We have put a lot of effort into advertising and visibility in different media, whether digital or traditional. We were present on social media, then the team performed on the field and offered spectacular matches. That’s what people like. »
The support of the business community was also important for the new organization. More than 75 partners have agreed to join the team, 90% of whom have confirmed their support for three years.
“I think that the City of Thetford and the political authorities have noticed that it is important to have a sports team in the summer because it is one of the only events, apart from the Festival Promutuel de la Relève, to bring together so many people, every week. It’s a great tourist showcase and it makes the city more dynamic,” said Stéphane Morin.
ON THE FIELD
Despite the return of many veterans and the addition of new blood, the season started badly with a record of no victories in the first seven games. However, things got back on track in June and Unicanvas finished the season in third place in the B45 division thanks to a record of 16 wins in 30 matches.
In the playoffs, Renaud Desjardins’ team first faced Coaticook’s Big Bill in a two-of-three game (Thetford won in three). The holding of the Canadian Championships, however, had delayed the start of this series, which did not help the Unicanvas which subsequently won another hotly contested series, in seven games, against the Brock of Drummondville. The high number of matches in a short time, especially after playing two final matches, proved difficult going forward.
In the division final, Thetford met the Cactus de Victoriaville. The Bois-Francs team’s lineup was more fresh and ready, then it was able to count on reinforcements. The Thetfordois had to admit defeat in five games against the eventual series champions.
On the mound, Jonathan Paquet stood out and was selected to be part of Team Quebec which won the Canadian Championships in Ontario. He was the pitcher used in the quarterfinals in a complete game to win. Michel Simard also returned in force after being absent for a few weeks.
At the bat, Johnnuelle Ponce stood out and is among the leaders in home runs, both in the season with eight (tied for 3rd place) and in the playoffs with five (1st place). Among the team’s regular players, four hit for an average above 0.400 in the regular season: Johnnuelle Ponce, Louis Gendron, Marc-Antoine Perron-Rousseau and Stéphane Pouliot. In the playoffs, Stéphane Pouliot and Louis Gendron continued their excellent work, again hitting for an average above 0.400.
“We will still be competitive next year and we will make the necessary adjustments, especially on the mound because we have seen that it is a fragile and nerve-wracking position with the games we have had in a short time in the playoffs” , noted Stéphane Morin.
Unicanvas has already announced the arrival of a new player at the pitcher position. Matt Marsh, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound colossus, played in the minor leagues of the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old athlete is capable of swinging the radar at speeds of over 90 miles per hour. General manager Dominic Bolduc is also working on other issues to strengthen the team. As for confirmations of veterans, these will come later, but no player from the 2024 edition has yet expressed the intention of stopping playing.
Season tickets for 2025 are available for pre-sale until December 31 and the response from fans has been very good so far according to Stéphane Morin. For the next campaign, the organization intends to develop entertainment during the games by holding thematic evenings. The goal is to refine the audience experience while maintaining a baseball-focused show.
