Category: News

2012/2013 Jets at the Calgary Theatre

Calgary, AB –

The VAB Jets enjoyed some culture in early December.  Yukio and Barbara Kitawgawa treated the Jets to a live theatre production, special luncheon and holiday cheer.  The Jets enjoyed Theatre Calgary’s production of “The Christmas Carol.”  It was a great day with over 40 guests of the Jets present to take in the event.  The Christmas Play has became an annual event for the Jets and the popularity was at an all-time high this season.  Thanks again Barbara and Yukio for hosting us on this special day!

2012 Jets wrap-up with a Celebration of Achievement!

Vauxhall, AB 

To cap off another successful season the VAB Jets enjoyed a “Celebration of Achievement.”  Several community supporters, Barbara & Yukio Kitagawa, Joyce Lizzi, Board members,  Jets Stadium Society, VHS staff, VAB Coaching staff and the entire 2011/2012 roster attending the event.  The group was inspired by Yukio Kitagawa in his recap of the creation of the Academy dating back to 2006 and highlighted the 2011/2012 club and their accomplishments.  Everyone enjoyed a tremendous steak dinner, Reno Lizzi Scholarship Ring presentation to Travis Wallace, as well as a special presentation from the Kitagawa’s to the Academy.

** A special thank you to Brian and Susan Van Uden and Barbara and Yukio for organizing and sponsoring the event.

GOOD LUCK AT COLLEGE SENIORS!

Strathmore Minor Ball and the Jets team up!

Strathmore AB, –

From January 13th – March 9th the VAB kicked off the inaugural Strathmore Minor Baseball (SMBA) Winter Camp under VAB Instruction.  Every Friday three VAB players along with assistant coach, Zane Anderson and Strathmore Reds coach/player Cody Bangen helped teach the young players of the Strathmore region valuable baseball skills. The Camp consisted of approximately 60 kids, broken up into three age groups. Pitching and hitting was the primary focus of the camp. Infielding, outfielding, catching, and base running were also covered during the eight-week camp.

 We would like to send our appreciation to the Strathmore Minor Ball Association for allowing the VAB the opportunity to run the camp. The camp wouldn’t have been possible without SMBA’s president Daren Kennett spearheading the project. We are excited for the continued SMBA & VAB relationship, committed to improving the grassroots baseball system in the Strathmore region.

Early 2012 gets the Jets excited!

 

 

Vauxhall, AB – 

The 2012 Jets were excited to be taking batting practice, fungos and working out on February 1st!  The Jets are busy getting ready for the start of the 2012 campaign.   To assist the Jets in their preparation they will take part of a simulated intra-squad game vs PBA Varsity Team in Lethbridge at Lloyd Nolan Yard at 2 pm on Friday February 3rd.

The PBA squad is getting ready to play some of the top NJCAA Division 1 teams in Las Vegas, NV later this month.  The Jets have the luxury of facing some of the top pitchers in Canada from the Prairie Baseball Academy.

 

Tanner Craswell and Mitch MacLean Memorial Fund!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Lethbridge Bulls, the Prairie Baseball Academy, and the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball have come together to establish the “Tanner Craswell and Mitch MacLean Memorial Fund.” The fund has been established for anyone wishing to donate. All donations will go to help the families of Tanner and Mitch. Any remaining proceeds will go towards a legacy scholarship fund for Tanner’s and Mitch’s former teammates and future players of the 3 organizations the players have been members of. A representative from each organization along with the families will organize the disbursement of all funds donated. The entire Southern Alberta Baseball Community thanks you for your support.

There are 3 ways the public can donate:

1.       The fund will be established at the Bank of Nova Scotia, and anyone that wishes donate can go to any Scotiabank branch in Canada to donate.

Account Name: Tanner Craswell and Mitch McLean Memorial Fund

Account Number: 00059 0157317

2.       By email money transfer to [email protected]

3.       Or by cheque, the 3 organizations will also be accepting cheques made payable to the Tanner Craswell and Mitch McLean Memorial Fund and can be mailed to:

The Lethbridge Bulls

2425 North Parkside Dr.

Lethbridge, AB Canada

T1J 4W3

 

Prairie Baseball Academy

545 6th Avenue North

Lethbridge, AB Canada

T1H 6N8

 

The Vauxhall Academy of Baseball

Box 618

Vauxhall, AB Canada

T0K 2K0

 

Tragedy strikes the Vauxhall Academy

Vauxhall, AB –

The Vauxhall Academy would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tanner Craswell (Jets alumni 2007-2008) of Charlottetown, PEI.  The Jets family is grieving the loss our former alumni.   Tanner just turned 22 years old and will be sadly and deeply missed by many.

Tanner was a stand out shortstop for the Jets (2007-2008) leading the team in many categories.  Tanner, an infielder, participated in the Fall Instructional League and Extended Spring Training with the Junior National Team in 2007 and also represented PEI at the Baseball Canada Cup (2004, 2005, 2006).

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Craswell family, his former teammates, coaches, classmates, billets and so many he touched.

Merry Christmas from the Jets

 

The Vauxhall Academy Jets players, coaches, staff, support staff and Board of Directors would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and  Safe and Happy New Year!  

2012 will again be a great year for the Jets and we look forward to seeing everyone around Jets Stadium in the Spring!

Jets enjoy some culture to get into the holiday spirit!

Calgary, AB – 

The majority of the Jets roster enjoyed a Live Calgary Theatre production – “A Christmas Carol!”  The Jets have made an early December trip to Calgary for a play for 6 consecutive years.  Yukio and Barbara introduced the idea of attending a live event 6 years ago and and it has been a very enjoyable experience for all the players, family, friends, boosters and alumni and of course – the Kitagawa’s.

This year’s team was a bit short handed at the play as 6 players are also playing basketball and ended up winning the Stirling weekend tournament.

Stay tuned for additional updates!  Merry Christmas!

Jets Saturday Game Change

Due to rain the past few days in Vauxhall and more in the forecast for overnight, the Jets doubleheader tomorrow has turned into a single 9-inning game beginning at 3pm against the Edmonton Cardinals. It will mark the Jets home opener for the 2011 Spring Season.

The 2010 Jets enjoy a little culture!

Calgary, AB –

The VAB Jets spent a great day with 2 of their biggest supporters – Barbara and Yukio Kitagawa at the Calgary Theatre.  The team as well as many family, friends, supporters and staff attended the live theatre production of the Christmas Carol performed at Theatre Calgary. 

This is an annual event that the Kitagawa’s have supported for the Jets dating back to 2006.  The players are treated to a first class event with a private VIP room, lunch, drinks and a gift all supported by Barbara and Yukio.  It is great to get the players and their families in the Christmas spirit while attending a live theatre production.  Each year the players also partake in a “best dressed” award and the 2010 winner was Mark Baigent from Halifax, NS (Barbara made the selection as she really liked the Maroon tie) – he won a pair of Rawlings Pro Balance batting gloves (which he latter sold to Brendan Hendriks) and a Academy toque. 

A special thanks to Carl Ringdahl and Donna Brown for their support and assistance with the event.  

Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2011!

GO JETS