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Brendan Gallagher expects to be playing shortstop Wednesday night at historic Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver.

“That’s probably where I’ll plug myself,” the Canadiens forward said with a laugh from the place he calls home in the summertime. “I’m the manager of the team, so I get to make those decisions.”

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With a host of fellow NHL players and a gaggle of entertainment stars and local personalities, Gallagher will be the centrepiece of his own first Celebrity Softball Classic on Aug. 12.

He hopes to draw 4,000-plus to the Nat, the 64-year-old, 6,200-seat baseball gem, home to the Toronto Blue Jays’ Class-A affiliate, the Vancouver Canadians.

On Saturday night, Gallagher threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Canadians’ 3-1 win over Spokane. He was expected to take batting practice with the team before Sunday’s matinee.

“The one thing about those of us playing is that everyone’s going to be there to have fun, but we’re going to want to win and everyone’s going to be competitive,” Gallagher said. “I’ll try to stack my team enough that I’m able to come away with a win. I’m sure there’ll be something on the line.”