End of Brown, Franchuk era for Edmonton Prospects

Ray Brown (left) will not return as the head coach of the Edmonton Prospects in 2018. Photo Credit: Postmedia

End Of Ray Brown And Orv Franchuk Era

By Len Nunes

Edmonton Prospects

On Tuesday May 20, 2014 the Edmonton Prospects held a press conference to show off their highly touted acquisitions. No not baseball players, but the new managerial team of Ray Brown as head coach and Orv Franchuk as director of baseball development. September 12, 2018 was the final day of their regime.

“The Edmonton Prospects of the Western Canadian Baseball League regretfully announce the resignation of coaches Ray Brown and Orv Franchuk effective immediately.

Ray Brown and Orv Franchuk have played instrumental roles in both the on-field and off-field success of the organization over the span of five years guiding the team to two Western Conference Championships and five playoff berths.

They will be missed by the organization, the fans but most importantly by the many players who have come to know and appreciate their commitment and dedication to excellence.

Good luck gentlemen in your future endeavours. “

In year one of the Brown and Franchuk regime, the Prospects posted an 11-win increase from the previous season. In year two, the Prospects made the playoffs for the first time. In year three (2016), the Prospects again improved their regular season to make the playoffs and quickly became the story of the playoffs as they made it the Championship Series. 2017 was the first time the Prospects finished the regular season at .500. Once again the team rallied in the playoffs to make it back to the Championship Series.

Last season the Prospects finished the regular season at .500 for the second consecutive year but their quest for a third consecutive trip to the Finals was denied by the eventual Champions in the Division Finals.

The total regular season record under the tutelage of Brown and Franchuk was 107 wins – 127 losses. The team’s playoff record was 20 wins – 19 losses.