PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 29, 2016

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats have finalized their first three signings for the 2017 roster, bringing back left-handed pitcher Josh Mitchell along with right-handers Blake Hannah and Colin Ashworth.

 LHP JOSH MITCHELL, University of Pittsburgh, (Redshirt Junior), Ridgway, PA, 6-1, 210

RHP BLAKE HANNAH, UC Davis, (Sophomore), Vacaville, CA, 6-3, 190

RHP COLIN ASHWORTH, University of Hawaii, (Junior), Placentia, CA, 6-2, 175

 Josh Mitchell will return for his third season with the HarbourCats in 2017 after emerging as a front of the rotation starter during his second summer. Mitchell set the HarbourCats single-season wins record going 7-0 in 2016 with a 1.86 ERA in 13 appearances, nine starts. In a team-high 62.2 innings pitched he allowed 51 hits and just nine walks with a staff-best 61 strikeouts.

For his outstanding season, Mitchell was recently named a 2016 Summer-Collegiate All-American by Perfect Game.

Blake Hannah will return for his second summer in Victoria having pitched to a 4-2 record with a 2.93 ERA over 10 appearances, five starts in 2016. In 43 innings pitched, Hannah allowed 38 hits and seven walks with 28 strikeouts.

After beginning the season in the bullpen, Hannah earned a spot in the starting rotation. He went 3-1 in his five starts with a 3.00 ERA, allowing 28 hits and two walks against 15 strikeouts in 30 innings.

Colin Ashworth pitched important innings in the HarbourCats bullpen in 2016 and will return in 2017. Ashworth made 14 appearances, one start this past season with a 1-0 record, two saves and a 3.81 ERA. In 28.1 innings pitched, he allowed 23 hits and 11 walks with 14 strikeouts.

Ashworth came to Victoria in 2016 from Orange Coast College and is now attending the University of Hawaii (NCAA Div. 1; Big West).

 2017 SEASON TICKETS ON SALE

 Season tickets for the HarbourCats 2017 season are on sale now. 2016 season ticket holders have until August 31 to renew their seats. At that point, seats that have not been renewed will be made available for purchase.

Season ticket options and pricing—

DIAMOND CLUB SEATS (Field Level Box Seats in 2016)

$550 base price, plus fees and taxes

A new addition prior to the 2016 season, Diamond Club Seats offer a one-of-a-kind baseball experience. Seated at field level, you are closer to home plate than the pitcher and won’t have to miss a pitch of the action with food and beverage service to your seat.

New in 2017, the third base side of the Diamond Club will be available for season tickets.

MAIN GRANDSTAND (Section 10, covered)

$395 base price, plus fees and taxes.

Enjoy the cover of the roof and bench-backed seating, sitting directly behind home plate for some of the best views of the action.

PREMIUM SEATING (Sections 6-7-8-9-11-12, blue bucket seats)

$375 base price, plus fees and taxes.

Individual bucket seating down each baseline on the infield, provides outstanding sightlines with every seat bringing you close to the action.

GENERAL ADMISSION (Silver bleachers, picnic areas, wheelchair seating, soccer grandstand)

$275 base price, plus fees and taxes.

General admission gives an abundance of options for seating including silver bleachers just above the premium seating, picnic table areas down the first base and third base lines, wheelchair seating above the premium seating, as well as the soccer grandstand on the right field line. Explore the ballpark, sit somewhere new every game!

To renew or purchase 2017 season tickets, contact the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street or 778-265-0327.

BLUE JAYS-MARINERS ADVENTURE WITH THE HARBOURCATS

Monday, August 29 is the final day to register for an exciting upcoming trip with the HarbourCats, put on by Wilson’s Transportation and Flight Centre:

Travel on a Wilson’s Transportation bus to Seattle for the Mariners vs. Blue Jays series, September 19-21 at Safeco Field, where the HarbourCats have reserved a large block of seating at each game, while also enjoying a two-night stay at Tulalip Resort and Casino, one of the premier resort and entertainment stops in the Northwest.

This package includes:

• Round-trip bus transportation from Royal Athletic Park.  Transfers to games and resort are included
• Two-night stay at Tulalip Resort and Casino with daily buffet breakfast and gaming voucher.
• Three game tickets with block seating on the first level, third base line.
• Ferry cost
• All tax

Pricing from $689 for double occupancy, including all taxes and fees.

Pricing from $669 for triple occupancy and $649 for quad occupancy, including all taxes and fees. Single rates available upon request.

Spaces are filling quickly! Book today by contacting Flight Centre Saanich: 1-877-293-2175 or carey.shelby@flightcentre.ca

OFFICE HOURS

The HarbourCats office (1814 Vancouver Street, 778-265-0327) will be closed from August 20 until September 6, and will reopen under off-season hours beginning September 7.

Off-season hours are as follows:

MONDAY-FRIDAY – 12:00pm-6:00pm

SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Closed (Except by appointment)