After celebrations continued into the early hours of the morning, the Quebec Capitals, who were crowned Frontier Baseball League champions Sunday night, left the Evansville hotel and headed home Monday morning.
Before boarding the team bus, Capitales president Michel Laplante talked about the conclusion of a magical season while devouring a bowl of cereal.
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“There were those 14 straight wins in July and the Magic won, but the Magic aren’t going to win every year,” he noted the day after a 12-3 win in the fifth and final game of the finals against the Otters. When the magic fades, you have to enjoy it and use it. It’s also important to remain humble through it all. »
emotions
Manager Patrick Scalabrini plans to celebrate for a few more days before resting and finally spending some time with the family.
“I enjoy every championship,” said Scalabrini with a smile before getting on the bus with the trophy in hand.
As he celebrated on the field Sunday night, the coach brought a smile because he was eager to have “a drink” before starting the interview to comment on the win. It wasn’t out of superstition, but to enjoy the moment.
Photo credit: Benoît Rioux
“It should pause and mark the beginning of the celebration,” he explained Monday, recalling the adversity the Capitals faced this 2023 season. I have been so emotionally preoccupied, especially these last few days and weeks. »
Festivals in Quebec
On Sunday, of course, the champions took advantage of a trip to a bar in Evansville to celebrate and drink from the trophy. An unusual moment of the festive evening occurred when the highlights of the game were broadcast on a local television on the restaurant’s huge screen to the applause and shouts of members of the Capitals. Once they arrive in Quebec on Tuesday morning, the players will receive congratulations from their fans.
Photo credit: Benoît Rioux.
A visit to the town hall is planned for Tuesday, late afternoon. The members of the Capitales then meet on the sidelines of the Diamonds game in the final of the Quebec Junior Elite Baseball League on the terrace of the Stade Canac for a 5-7 victory.
The 25the Birthday
Although he is happy about the second consecutive conquest and the ninth championship in the history of the Capitals, Michel Laplante mentions that his work will continue in the coming days, just like that of general manager Charles Demers.
“We have a big year ahead of us, it’s the team’s 25th anniversary and we’ll also be hosting the All-Star Game,” the president said.
Photo credit: Benoît Rioux.
Scalabrini also knows all too well that he will quickly think about the composition of his team for the 2024 season. We will also have to wait a little longer to identify the players who will be returning. For now there is Quebecer David Glaude, but he has confirmed his retirement from professional baseball.
“The good news is that a championship always has a big impact on attracting players,” Laplante noted.
Another flag
Clearly, the Capitals have no intention of resting on their laurels. They didn’t do it after conquering it in 2022 and won’t do it again after that other championship.
The next tasks to complete include taking the time to place a flag that says 2023 on the team bus.
Photo Benoit Rioux