WCL Kelowna Falcons

Kelowna Falcons Name #1 Pitcher of All Time

Published on January 27, 2011 under West Coast League (WCL)
Kelowna Falcons News Release


Since the birth of the West Coast League in 2005 the Kelowna Falcons have had a number of quality pitchers. Some have gone on to have success at the next level and some have gone on to have success in the workforce.

For the last couple of months the Falcons have been counting down their "10 Best Pitchers of All-Time." No matter if they are still playing today or have hung up their cleats the Falcons have recognized what they did when they were in Kelowna.

To date the list has been highlighted by five lefthanders, towering closers, a Canadian and the lowest ERA in franchise history by a righty from Irvine.

It's time to find out who is #1.

In 2010 the WCL saw its best talent to date. It was a balanced league with players coming from the top NCAA programs, multiple draft picks and future major leaguers. Pitching was once again the story of the season as the four playoff teams, including the Falcons, used good pitching to reach their success.

Last summer the Falcons were led by their #1 ace, and the #1 pitcher of All-Time, lefty Dayne Quist.

When the Falcons signed him for the summer, they knew they were getting a quality starter from UC Davis. What they didn't realize was just how good Quist was on AND off the field.

His debut as a Falcon wasn't exactly a sign of things to come. He made a relief appearance in a blow out against the Kitsap Bluejackets at Elks Stadium. He threw just two innings, gave up two runs, walked four and left with an ERA of 9.00. After that appearance Quist gave up just seven earned runs the rest of the season.

Quist finished the 2010 summer with a 6-1 record and a league leading 1.40 ERA. He threw 51.1 innings and struck out a team leading 50 batters. His six victories tied a Falcons franchise record for wins.

In five straight starts from June 26 - July 22, Quist gave up just one earned run in 29.1 innings of work, setting a number of team and WCL records. During this stretch Quist recorded four consecutive shutout victories against Corvallis and Bend in Oregon and against Wenatchee at Elks. He would pick up his sixth consecutive win July 28th over the Knights in a 9-2 victory.

In Game One of the 2010 Eastern Division final Quist battled the Wenatchee Applesox and fellow south paw Marco Gonzales in a true pitcher's duel. Quist threw six solid innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out four. Unfortunately the Falcons offense could not get anything going against the Sox and lost 2-1.

Quist talks about 2010:

"I am honoured to be selected to your "Best Pitchers" list. I had a great time living and playing up in Kelowna. I had a wonderful host family in a beautiful place to live. I love to be outdoors so Kelowna was a dream area for me to be in. In our off time I was able to travel and camp around Canada. The Falcons organization, the Nonis Family, and the fans made Canada a great place to play for the summer. I met a lot of good players in which I still talk to on the way to our playoff berth. The competitive league and good coaching allowed me to better my skills as a pitcher, and better prepare me for my school season ahead.

Currently I am in my fourth year at UC Davis and getting ready to start our season. I look to carry over the success the Falcons organization has brought me into school season. I plan to graduate from UC Davis next fall with a degree in Human Development.

I had a wonderful time in Kelowna and look forward to visiting again. I appreciate this recognition and none of it could have been possible without the Nonis Family, the Falcons organization, and my teammates and coaches. "

Dayne Quist was named the WCL Pitcher of the Year and is #1 on the Falcons 10 Best Pitchers of All-Time list.

The 2011 Falcons are beginning to take shape with over 30 players on its tentative roster. The Falcons have appeared in the Eastern Division final three consecutive years and will be led by a new head coach this year in Canadian Al Cantwell.

The season begins on the road in Bellingham on June 3, with the home opener set for June 10 versus the Portland Lobos. Season tickets are available now by contacting Ryan Watters at the Falcons head quarters - 250-763-4100.

"10 Best Pitchers of All-Time" complete list:

#1 ‚¬" Dayne Quist (2010)

#2 ‚¬" Matt Sokolowski (2007)

#3 ‚¬" Chris Lopez (2007)

#4 ‚¬" Jacob Nix (2005-2006)

#5 ‚¬" Bryn Card (2008-2009)

#6 ‚¬" Austin Todd (2007)

#7 ‚¬" Brad Ashman (2003-2005)

#8 ‚¬" Chris O'Neil (2008)

#9 ‚¬" Jordan Westra (2010)

#10 ‚¬" James Paxton (2007)

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West Coast League Stories from January 27, 2011


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