Nat Bailey Stadium has often been referred to as the “prettiest little ballpark in North America” - one trip to the 57-year-old stadium and fans start to see why.
Spectators are right on top of the action die to the narrow foul territory in the park. They are also treated to one of the few manual scoreboards still in operation as well as the picturesque backdrop of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Built in 1951, it was originally named Capilano Stadium after a local brewery. Triple-A class baseball laws not played there until the Vancouver Mounties entered the Pacific Coast League in 1956. After Vancouver’s first foray in Class AAA ball ended in 1969, the stadium was used for local soccer and other events.
The stadium was renamed in 1978 when the Canadians were admitted into the PCL. Its namesake, Nat Bailey, was a longtime supporter of Vancouver Baseball and was the first owner of the White Spot restaurant chain.
The “Nat”, as it is affectionately known by fans, has housed over 8-million baseball fans dating back to its opening in 1951. Triple-A baseball left at the ended of the 1999 season, but thankfully baseball didn't miss a beat in Vancouver as short-season baseball arrived from Southern Oregon in time for the first pitch of the 2000 season.
The Vancouver Canadians will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this season with Nat Bailey stadium seeing almost every home game over that span. Brooks Robinson, Sammy Sosa, Jim Edmonds, Rich Harden, Nick Swisher - the players that have come through have been impressive, and those are just some of the names from the home team.
Nat Bailey Received a major facelift in 2007 when owners Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney purchased the franchise and took over the lease from the city ensuring baseball would remain alive in Vancouver and the “Nat” would enjoy many more days in the afternoon sun.
Although the surrounding area has changed drastically since Opening Day back on June 15, 1951, the ballpark’s intimate feeling and overwhelming nostalgia are felt the moment you step inside historic Nat Bailey Stadium.
