Former Falcons coach hired by Toronto Blue Jays

Photo: Contributed

There is a Kelowna connection with the Toronto Blue Jays latest hire.

Following his one and only season in Kelowna, head coach Ryan Wright has been hired by the Toronto Blue Jays as a minor league hitting coach.

Wright will be stepping down as the Falcons coach, finishing with a record of 17-35 after losing seven players to the Major League Baseball Draft in early June. The loss of the starters was a major blow for the Falcons, both offensively and defensively, something Wright and the organization certainly were not expecting.

“We are extremely happy for Ryan,” says Falcons General Manager Mark Nonis. “He worked very hard last year to keep us competitive after the loss of seven players to the Major League Baseball Draft. He’s an excellent coach as proven by this position with the Blue Jays. We wish him the best of luck.”

Wright becomes the first former Falcons’ coach to move into the professional ranks. Several former players have either made their Major League debut or are working down that path, now Wright as the opportunity as well to reach the ultimate goal.

“I can't thank Mark and the Nonis family enough for the opportunity to be part of the Falcons baseball club and the West Coast League last season,” says Wright. “This past summer was my first time in Canada and Kelowna immediately became a spot I loved and will miss. Although I was looking forward to coaching the outstanding roster being put together for this upcoming season, I'm excited for this new opportunity with the Blue Jays and I know Mark will get the right staff in place to go compete for a WCL championship in 2020. Fly Falcons!”

The search for a new head coach has begun with a number of quality applicants having already applied. The 20th season for the Falcons begins June 5th at Elks Stadium with the Walla Walla Sweets in town.