NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Ottawa Champions

Boucher Confirms Return to Champions in 2018

February 20, 2018 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Ottawa Champions News Release


OTTAWA - The Ottawa Champions will have their hitting coach and offensive catalyst back for another season in 2018.

OF SEBASTIEN BOUCHER has agreed to terms on a new contract to have him don a Champions uniform and lead Ottawa's bats for yet another season, after he enjoyed a consistent campaign in 2017.

Boucher hit .296, which was the exact same average he put up during his 2015 campaign. The Gatineau, Que. native also smacked seven home runs and 51 RBI in 95 games last season.

Champions manager Hal Lanier is thrilled to bring Boucher back into the picture for another year.

"Seb brings a lot to the ball club, not only from his leadership on the field but in the dugout too," Lanier said. He's been very valuable both as a player and as a hitting coach, according to the veteran skipper.

For professional ball players, Lanier says Boucher brings a unique perspective as a coach because he can still play at a high level.

"He talks to other players before games, and sometimes it's better hearing something from the players than the manager," Lanier explained.

"He can still run and steal a base, he's still a valuable hitter in the middle of the lineup and that's where he will be again this year."

Not only does the Canadian boast consistent hitting, but his longevity has led to a record-breaking career in independent baseball. Boucher holds the Can-Am League all-time record for hits (864) and RBI (492).

He earned both those titles in the 2016 season, and built up his totals as a member of the Quebec Capitales from 2009 to 2014, where the Can-Am's first dynasty picked up five straight championships. Boucher was instrumental in securing all of those titles.

Now he has a sixth Can-Am title in the nation's capital, helping Ottawa defy the odds and win in 2016

As a Canadian, Boucher also had the honour of wearing the maple leaf on the international stage - he was on Canada's roster at the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

Boucher takes his decorated professional career into its 14th season this spring. He'll be the third veteran on the Champions roster this season, with OF STEVE BROWN and RHP JAKE HALE taking up the other slots.

Can-Am roster rules allow each team to have four players with veteran status on their rosters, leaving the Champions with one more position open.

Check out the Ottawa Champions Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Canadian American League message board...

Canadian American League Stories from February 20, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central