Harvey

Slo-pitch returns to RAP, and kids free weekend!

For immediate release

Tuesday, March 28

VICTORIA, B.C. – Anyone who knows Peninsula Co-op knows they are all about community. Same goes for the Victoria HarbourCats – which is why a few events this summer should get everyone’s attention.

First, The Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park will welcome back top slo-pitch teams for two great events – to a facility that was a staple for local leagues until the early 2000s. A special evening with the Greater Victoria Mixed Slo-Pitch Association (GVMSA) on Wednesday, May 31 will feature two games, starting at 6:35pm, with the teams and players treated like HarbourCats for a night, with full game production, food options, and more. Tickets for this event are just $10.00 for all seating areas and can be purchased on-line HERE, or available at the gate. Tickets are included for all HarbouCats season ticket holders.

Then, on Monday, June 5, in the half-hour leading up to the HarbourCats game vs. the Walla Walla Sweets (tickets available here), the top bashers in the GVMSA will showcase their power in a home run derby – both these events sponsored by Peninsula Co-op and PenCo Liquor.

Then, a great weekend for the kids – all kids aged 12 and under are admitted FREE for the series July 21, 22 and 23, featuring the Coquitlam Angels, and all Peninsula Co-op members can gain entry for just $10, with further Co-op member (JOIN HERE!) discounts at the merchandise tent.

Peninsula Co-op also brings back the oh-so-fun annual Special Olympics game, set for Thursday, July 13, with the Special O players showing their talents on the field before the HarbourCats take on the Port Angeles Lefties. (tickets available here)

“We have a lot of fun working with our partners to come up with great ways to involve the community, and that’s definitely the case with Peninsula Co-op,” said HarbourCats GM Christian Stewart. “It’s great to be aligned with them on ways to engage people and bring the community together.”

The Kids Free Weekend is just one of many family affordable ways that fans and families can take in a HarbourCats game this season. Also back for 2023 are “$10 Tuesdays”, where all general admission and premium reserved seats are available for just ten dollars!  Our $11 Save on Food General Admission vouchers are also back, as is our ever popular Forces Fridays, where Military and first responder families can get general admission tickets for just $7.50.  Click HERE for details on all these promotions and more!

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game, all four fireworks nights, and the remainder of our 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES!  The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023!  If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

ATTENTION 2022 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!  If you have not yet renewed and paid in full for your seats for the 2023 season, they have now been released and are now available for sale to the general public.  Chances are good that they are still available, so if you would like to renew, contact chris@harbourcats.com or call 778-265-0327 ASAP to have the best chance to grab the same seats as last year.

A 2022 WCL Pitcher of the Week winner, returning HarbourCat Cooper Crompton (above) highlights the latest round of 2023 player announcements

February 28, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — Top arms from TCU, a pro prospect catcher from George Mason and three local players highlight the latest round of signings for the 2023 season of Victoria HarbourCats baseball.

“We always value securing local and Canadian players where they fit with their stage of development and the quality competition in the West Coast League,” said General Manager Christian Stewart. “Our fans also like seeing players return, and that’s the case in these latest signings with Cooper Crompton, Noah Takacs and Dawson Hurford. I know the coaching staff is excited to see Connor Dykstra and Tyrus Hall, and the TCU guys coming north for the summer are premium arms.”

Announced today are:

• Tyrus Hall, IF, school undecided, 6-2/190, Victoria, B.C.
• Connor Dykstra, C, George Mason University, 6-1/230, Chilliwack, B.C.
• Cooper Crompton, RHP, Iowa Western (committed to Oregon), 6-5/180, Langley, B.C.
• Kole Klecker, RHP, Texas Christian University (TCU), 6-2/205, Chandler, AZ
• Louis Rodriguez, RHP, Texas Christian University (TCU), 6-1/205, Long Beach, CA
• Noah Takacs, RHP, Sacramento State, 6-3/200, Victoria, B.C.
• Dawson Hurford, RHP, Southern Arkansas, 6-3/210, Victoria, B.C.

Hall is a Canadian national junior team product who played for the Victoria Eagles, and is known for his defence and strong arm. He is taking a gap year after high school and going to showcase events while working through his recruitment process, and will decide on a college program soon. Has primarily played as a shortstop.

Former Victoria Eagle and Canadian JNP product Ty Hall will give the ‘Cats some great talent in the middle infield

Dykstra, a big man at 6-1/230, found his name on the list of the top 50 NCAA Division 1 catchers due to his strong work behind the plate and his lethal right-hand bat. In 2022, he hit .444 with six home runs and 33 RBIs while also swiping four bases in the Atlantic10 Conference. Dykstra also got hit by pitch 21 times in 51 games played. He jumped to George Mason from Galveston College.

Dykstra will be a solid presence behind the plate this season

Crompton, currently in his second year at Iowa Western, where he is already 2-0 on the season, made five starts for the HarbourCats in 2022, amassing 24.2 innings and giving up just 20 hits while walking only seven and earned a WCL Pitcher of the Week award for his efforts.  He is committed to the Oregon Ducks in the fall.

Victorian Noah Takacs will return in 2023 to bolster the HarbourCats pitching staff (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

Rodriguez was a USA Baseball national team participant from the time he was 12, and was Orange County pitcher of the year as a senior in high school. He’s 1-0 with a 3.37 ERA as a TCU freshman. Kole Klecker — already makes the WCL’s all-name team — threw a complete game to help his high school win the Arizona state championship. Is 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA and 11 strikeouts (and no walks) in 8.1 innings already as a freshman at TCU.

Louis Rodriguez has been a member of Team USA since the age of 12 and won in his debut this spring with TCU.

Takacs, a product of the Victoria Eagles, is a sophomore at Sacramento State, was 1-1 with a 5.01 ERA for the HarbourCats in six starts in 2022. He’s now thrown more than 80 innings for Sac State, and is 3-3 over 16 starts.

Hurford, a Victoria Mariners product, threw in six games as a HarbourCat in 2022, with a record of 0-1 and 6.46 ERA. He’s moved from Western Nebraska College to NCAA Division-2 University of Southern Arkansas, where he is used out of the bullpen.

Already 2-0 in his freshman year at TCU, Kole Klecker should be a key arm in the HarbourCats bullpen in 2023.

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game and all 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES!  The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023!  If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

2022 Fan Favourite Jesse Brown returns for the HarbourCats 2023 season

April 14, 2023

For immediate release

VICTORIA, B.C. — He’s from UC Santa Barbara, he can catch, play the outfield, steal bases, drive the ball for extra base hits — and he’s back for another season as a Victoria HarbourCat.

Todd Haney, the Head Coach of the HarbourCats, is pleased to announce the next group of players locked in for the 2023 summer, headlined by returning catcher/outfielder Jessada Brown (UC Santa Barbara), who stole 18 bases in 2022, while hitting .286 with five doubles, a triple and four long balls, which tied for second on the team. He also led the team with eight hit-by-pitch.

“Jesse was a key player for us last year and it’s great to have him back,” said Haney, who led the team to its fourth playoff appearance in the last five seasons played. “He was a presence and made people around him better, got guys better pitches to hit. This is great news to have him back, and to announce him as part of a very athletic group of position players.”

Brown isn’t the only big bat now on the roster — stocky infielder Shay Kubo is hitting .313 (33 hits in 25 games) in the top third of the order for Illinois State, and Dallas Macias, versatile enough to play shortstop or centre field, was a two-sport star (baseball, football) in high school who will be a key player at Oregon State for four years. The lefty hitter’s first college hit was a triple.

Outfielder Lane Brewster of Sam Houston State was leading off and starting in right field as a freshman, following up this spring with four home runs and 10 stolen bases, starting every game for the Bearkats.

The signings today:

• C/OF Jessada Brown, UC-Santa Barbara, 5-11/200, sophomore from Seattle
• IF/OF Dallas Macias, Oregon State, 5-11/192, freshman from Parker, Colorado
• IF Shay Kubo, Illinois State, 5-8/165, junior from Waipuha, Hawaii
• OF Lane Brewster, Sam Houston State, 5-11/170, sophomore from League City, Texas

Jesse Brown takes a moment to admire one of his four home runs he hit in 2023 (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game, all four fireworks nights, and the remainder of our 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES!  The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023!  If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

ATTENTION 2022 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!  If you have not yet renewed and paid in full for your seats for the 2023 season, they have now been released and are now available for sale to the general public.  Chances are good that they are still available, so if you would like to renew, contact chris@harbourcats.com or call 778-265-0327 ASAP to have the best chance to grab the same seats as last year.

Join the Victoria HarbourCats and the Nanaimo Night Owls as we travel to Seattle to watch the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners

March 23, 2023

VANCOUVER ISLAND —  ♪♪Take me out to the ball game…♪♪

Some big hitters in the baseball world have teamed up with Uniglobe Carefree Travel and The Wilson’s Group of Companies for a trip to see the Toronto Blue Jays face the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle this summer.

The two island West Coast League teams, the Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls, are helping with the promotion and arrangements — and there will be a way to win a trip for two with a contest to come out through the teams’ social media platforms.

“This is always a trip people ask for, and we are thankful to Wilson’s and Uniglobe for putting this in place — we get a lot of calls,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the WCL NightOwls and HarbourCats. “There are options for people starting from either Victoria or Nanaimo, and the seats are outstanding.

The trip includes bus transportation for two games, July 22 and 23, and the tickets are on the 100 level, with a night of accommodation at the Bellevue Marriott Hotel. A deposit of $150 will reserve your spot on this amazing opportunity, with pricing starting at $730 per person based on double occupancy of the room.

“Watch for the prize information — we’re excited to announce that in later April, and running into the early part of our season,” said Swanson.

TO REGISTER — please contact Neal Chark at Uniglobe Carefree Travel, 1-604-767-2042 or by email, nealc@uniglobecarefree.ca

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE HARBOURCATS OR NIGHTOWLS DIRECTLY TO REGISTER!

TRIP DETAILS

• Two Games- One night
• Depart on July 22nd and return evening of July 23rd.
• Round trip coach and ferry transportation from Victoria to Seattle (bus will meet Nanaimo passengers at BC Ferries Terminal)
• Overnight Accomodation at the Bellevue Marriott Hotel
• Level 100 Tickets for games on July 22nd and 23rd
• $730.00 pp plus GST based on 2 people sharing
• $889.00 for single occupancy plus GST
• *If you are travelling from Nanaimo deduct $30.00 pp as your ferry cost is not included.
• A $150.00 pp non refundable deposit will guarantee your spot.
• Final Payment May 31st, 2023
• To register- please contact Neal Chark @ Uniglobe Carefree Travel 6047672042 or by email nealc@uniglobecarefree.ca

HarbourCats revive popular game promotion, July 30

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s the last prize you ever need to win — people are dying to go to this game.

All the punny-yet-macabre lines can rise up once more as the Victoria HarbourCats are proud to again give away an end-of-life package that includes the basics of a funeral, something the team did a few times prior to the pandemic.

Yes, you must be in attendance — and fully alive — to win on that Sunday, July 30, a 1pm start when the HarbourCats take on the Kelowna Falcons. Everyone in attendance can enter to win a prize that also includes a will package and insurance review.

H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre provides a simple cremation package that includes cremation, casket, urn, transfers, and death certificate, along with a celebration of life and reception venue — a value of more than $4,000.

Mary S. McManus, a barrister/solicitor with Stevenson Doell Law Corporation, provides a will, power of attorney and advanced directive for health care, worth $950 (excluding taxes and disbursements.

Mike Reilly of Gaining Altitude Financial provides a retirement, insurance and critical illness assessment package that will get you to your destination despite life’s turbulence.

“This is a tongue in cheek way of bringing more awareness to the importance of having your affairs in order, and if we can do that through a HarbourCats game, that’s great,” said Jim Swanson of the HarbourCats.

“My family has dealt with a lot of loss the last five years, so the needs here really hit home. The easier we can make it for our loved ones, the better it is. I’m very thankful for these companies being involved and helping educate people through this special day at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP. The day is coming for us all, we’re trying to bring a little bit of levity to that fact of life, and bring awareness.

“We are thankful to Christie Doyle of H.W. Wallace, to Mary McManus, and to Mike Reilly for being involved in this memorable day.”

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game and all 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES!  The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023!  If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

Four fireworks nights scheduled as part of HarbourCats 10th Anniversary Celebrations!

March 17, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — When the season schedule is announced, people of Victoria have a question right away — when are the fireworks games, and can we buy tickets now?

The HarbourCats are excited to unveil the four ultra-popular fireworks dates for 2023, games that always see the team’s attendance at The Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park swell significantly, usually selling out early.

• Saturday, June 3 — 6:35pm, presented by THE WILSON’S GROUP
• Friday, June 30 — 6:35pm, presented by RE/MAX GENERATION
• Friday, July 14 — 6:35pm, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of ODLUM BROWN
• Saturday, July 29 — 6:35pm, presented by JOAN WALLACE DRIVING SCHOOL

“We see a crush of ticket interest, more than usual, for fireworks games, exciting nights for the team and the community,” said Christian Stewart, GM of the HarbourCats. “Yes, some games are already starting to fill up — fireworks, Opening Night, Fathers Day and others.”

The fireworks show open with a welcome-back-show on Saturday June 3, the day after the June 2 home opener, with the Kamloops NorthPaws in Victoria.

The ever-popular Canada Day Eve fireworks, Friday, June 30th, commonly viewed by 5,000-plus and with community members surrounding the park, starting the July long weekend with the Bellingham Bells as the opposition.

Valued partner Odlum Brown is celebrating 100 years in the same year as the HarbourCats reach their 10th anniversary in the WCL. To help them, the team and Odlum Brown have combined for a special Friday July 14 fireworks show.

The final “Summer Celebration” fireworks are an early salute to BC Day, held on Saturday July 29 instead of the normal BC Day Monday.

The four fireworks nights are part of a number of special promotions that the HarbourCats will have this season to celebrate their 10th Anniversary.  “Our fireworks nights and the other fun promotions we do are part of what Victoria looks forward to each summer, dating back 10 years,” said Stewart. Stay tuned, we have a lot more to announce in the weeks leading up to the 2023 season.”

For a sneak peak at other upcoming HarbourCats special promotions and themed games, please visit our Events and Promotions page HERE.

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game, all four fireworks nights, and the remainder of our 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES!  The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023!  If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

ATTENTION 2022 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!  If you have not yet renewed and paid in full for your seats for the 2023 season, they have now been released and are now available for sale to the general public.  Chances are good that they are still available, so if you would like to renew, contact chris@harbourcats.com or call 778-265-0327 ASAP to have the best chance to grab the same seats as last year.

Event to be held on April 25 with Grade 1 classes at PCS

Tuesday April 18, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — The well known “Lucy Tries” children’s book series is now on the diamond.

Author Lisa Bowes, known by many for her broadcasting career including as a groundbreaker reporting for TSN, has teamed again with Victoria-based publishers Orca Books for the latest in the popular series — Lucy Tries Baseball.

And the Victoria HarbourCats, the only West Coast League team to use a female player, when lefty reliever Claire Eccles suited up in 2017-18, are excited to help with the unveiling.

On April 25 at Pacific Christian School, the three Grade1 classes will have the book read to them virtually by Bowes. HarbourCats part owner Lori Swanson teaches one of the classes.

“This will be fun for our students, and the message in the book is that anything is possible, but first you have to try,” said Swanson.

Also joining that day will be mascot Harvey, the fan favorite at HarbourCats games, and Beacon Hill Little League players Lucy-May Johnstone and Louise Wald, along with local broadcaster Mira Laurence, also a groundbreaking sportscaster now doing the morning show on OceanFM.

“Thanks to the Harbour Cats for making this connection,” said Bowes, who makes her home in Calgary.

“I’m excited to introduce Pacific Christian School early readers to our multi-sport champion ‘Lucy.’ The mission of our series is to inspire children to be active and persevere and now with Book 6, we have the opportunity to do so again through the great game of baseball!”

The HarbourCats will also be promoting the book to the more than 2,500 elementary and middle school students and teachers that will be attending the annual School Spirt game against Walla Walla on Wednesday June 7th.

Those wishing to acquire the book or to learn more about the other books in the Lucy Tries series can do so via the Orca Book web site at https://www.orcabook.com/Lucy-Tries-Baseball.

—

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game, all four fireworks nights, and the remainder of our 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES!  The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023!  If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

ATTENTION 2022 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!  If you have not yet renewed and paid in full for your seats for the 2023 season, they have now been released and are now available for sale to the general public.  Chances are good that they are still available, so if you would like to renew, contact chris@harbourcats.com or call 778-265-0327 ASAP to have the best chance to grab the same seats as last year.

Friday, February 24, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — The coaching staff that will support Victoria HarbourCats Head Coach Todd Haney (above) in search of a West Coast League (WCL) title is a mix of new energy and tremendous experience.

Jaxon Williams

Haney, who enters his fourth year as a HarbourCats coach and third in the top job, is proud to add former Arkansas and Texas State player Jaxon Williams and veteran WCL pitching coach Scott Anderson, joining returning coach Troy Birtwistle, who will coach first base as he has since 2017.

Also joining the crew this year is Victoria legend and former MLB lefty Steve Sinclair. Curtis Pelletier remains part of the effort as youth program coach, collegiate Golden Tide head coach, and will provide specialist work with catchers and hitters.

“I’m excited about this group, no question,” said Haney, who played at the MLB level with the Expos, Cubs and Mets. “We have a great mix of youth and experience with the 2023 coaching staff, providing all of our players with a tremendous development opportunity for the summer. Troy, Curtis, Jaxon and Scott bring a wealth of knowledge to the team and the addition of Steve Sinclair makes us that much better!”

Scott Anderson

Williams, from Texas, was a scrappy infielder at Arkansas, then Texas State and has worked as a personal trainer and coached at the high school level since leaving college. The 25-year-old hit .265 with 10 home runs in 147 games combined in the SEC and Sun Belt Conference.

“Jaxon was one of my favorite players to coach at Texas State. Our players will love his energy and passion for the game,” said Haney who coached Williams for one season at Texas State.

Anderson’s record is distinguished, drafted three times — first round, second round and fourth round as a lefty pitcher — and starring at Oregon State. He earned six pro seasons, giving up just 362 hits in 459 innings. Anderson, who now lives in Phoenix, coached in Bend in the WCL and was named WCL manager of the year in 2009. The 67-year-old, one of the real characters in the game, led the Lefties pitching staff in Port Angeles in 2017.

Steve Sinclair

“I’m excited to work with Todd and for an organization like Victoria, they do everything the right way,” said Anderson, also a former MLB scout with Tampa, Cleveland and Baltimore. “The game experience for fans in Victoria is outstanding but it’s still about playing great baseball. Todd has the right approach for development, class and character.”

Sinclair pitched two seasons, for Toronto and Seattle, as a lefty specialist, making 45 MLB appearances. The Blue Jays traded Sinclair, a life-long Victoria resident, to the Mariners for first baseman David Segui in 1999. “We are thrilled Steve will have the opportunity to coach with us this summer. Scott Anderson is a proven winner and one of the top pitching coaches in the game. What a great learning experience for our pitching staff to have access to Scott and Steve on a daily basis during the summer season,” commented an excited Haney.

Ex-MLB players Greg Swindell and Mark Petkovsek were unable to return to Victoria for the summer, after serving with the team in 2022. “The HarbourCats organization will miss Greg and Mark, they loved Victoria and did a tremendous job of teaching last season ,” said Haney of his former college teammates.

Troy Birtwistle

HarbourCats 2023 Coaching Staff

• Todd Haney, Head Coach (third as Head Coach, fourth overall)
• Scott Anderson, Pitching Coach (first season)
• Jaxon Williams, Assistant Coach (first season)
• Troy Birtwistle, Assistant Coach (fifth season)
• Steve Sinclair, Assistant Coach (first season)
• Curtis Pelletier, Youth/Collegiate Development Coach (fourth season)

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game and all 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Curtis Pelletier

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES!  The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023!  If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

Four local sports organizations get together with special ticket offering

May 3, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VICTORIA, B.C. — There is now a simple way for local sports fans to take in the live action of their favourite teams — the Community Sports SixPack, presented by the Times Colonist.

For the price of $99, a flexible voucher pack of six tickets can be used to take in games of four top Victoria teams — the hockey Royals, the Shamrocks of lacrosse fame, the baseball HarbourCats or Rugby Canada national team events in Langford.

This is believed to be the first time local teams have worked together on such an offering, which will be promoted heavily by the Times Colonist, the title partner.

“We’re excited to offer this with great sports partners in Victoria, another great way for fans to support all of their favourite teams,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the HarbourCats. “This is a four-season opportunity and another way we can all work together.”

The tickets are available through any of the teams, in person or by visiting their websites.  The tickets may also be bought on-line directly, via the HarbourCats store, with mail-out an option, at https://tinyurl.com/4ebzrbt3

Vouchers can be used however the purchaser wishes, all at one game or venue or spread out with all the teams involved. These flexible vouchers will be good for entry in seating areas as designated by each team.

The Victoria Royals are the top hockey team on Vancouver Island, playing in the Western Hockey League out of the Save On Foods Memorial Centre, while the Victoria Shamrocks have an impressive history in the Western Lacrosse Association, hitting the floor at the Q Centre in Colwood.

Rugby Canada puts on many events that animate Starlight Stadium in Langford, and the Victoria HarbourCats are perennial contenders in the West Coast League, celebrating their 10th anniversary at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP.

For more information, visit the websites or social media platforms of the four partner teams — and enjoy the opportunity that comes with the Community Sports SixPack, presented by the Times Colonist.