PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 30, 2016

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats have added more veteran experience to the 2017 roster, bringing back outfielder Matt Lautz and right-handed pitcher Casey Costello. Both players had strong seasons in 2016, helping the HarbourCats win a West Coast League record 40 games.

OF MATT LAUTZ, UC Santa Barbara, (Sophomore), Agoura Hills, CA, 6-1/175

RHP CASEY COSTELLO, Chico State University, (Junior), La Quinta, CA, 6-3/185

Matt Lautz enjoyed a successful rookie season patrolling the outfield at Royal Athletic Park in 2016, hitting .267 with six RBIs while drawing 19 walks, good for third-most on the HarbourCats, boosting his on-base percentage to a very strong .391.

Lautz, who had collegiate offers as a soccer player as well as baseball, was an extremely valuable defender, playing all three outfield positions at a high level. Now a sophomore, Lautz will compete for a major role next spring with the Gauchos of UCSB, who are coming off of their first-ever appearance at the College World Series in 2016.

Casey Costello had a very strong first half of 2016 for Victoria before needing to depart to begin academic courses. Costello was 2-1 in seven appearances, two starts for the HarbourCats this past summer with a 4.09 ERA, allowing 20 hits and 11 walks in 22 innings with 19 strikeouts. After surrendering five runs in five innings in his first appearance, Costello worked to a 2.65 ERA for the remainder of the season.

Lautz and Costello bring the number of returning players committed for 2017 to five. A vital aspect of the Victoria experience offered to players that draws them back is the host families they live with during their time playing for the HarbourCats.

Steve and Connie Anderson were the ‘host parents’ of Costello and Colin Ashworth (also returning) in 2016, and have this to say about the host family experience.

“It was a wonderful experience to get to know these 2 exceptional young men [Casey Costello and Colin Ashworth] and other players on a personal level. The HarbourCats baseball team is a top-notch organization. They look after the players & the host families with great care. [HarbourCats Assistant GM, Host Family Coordinator] Brittany French is beyond organized. It was the best summer experience and we are delighted to hear that both players plan on returning. We can’t wait to give them big hugs and go to HarbourCats ball games again next summer!”

Host families are the lifeblood of a summer-collegiate baseball team. In return, host families become a large part of their player’s baseball family and often begin a life-long friendship.

HarbourCats players are responsible, driven young men who are on scholarship at university or college in the United States or Canada and have career aspirations to reach the next level. If you have young children, a HarbourCats player will be a great role model for them to look up to.

Being a HarbourCat means being an outstanding member and contributor to the community, and that begins with their host family.

Those interested in becoming a host family or wanting more information can email Brittany French: brittany@harbourcats.com.

 FREE PLAYOFFS WITH “EARLY BIRD” SEASON TICKET PURCHASES

 All 2017 season tickets purchased before November 7 will receive free playoff tickets for the 2017 post-season. The offer is contingent on the team qualifying for the playoffs, which the club did in 2016, which was also their fourth consecutive season with an increased win total over the previous year.

Season ticket holders would retain their same seat(s) for playoffs.

A season ticket guarantees your seat to every game, including all of the most popular games including but not limited to Opening Day and fireworks nights.

Season ticket options and base pricing —

DIAMOND CLUB SEATS (Field Level Box Seats in 2016)

$550 (SOLD OUT)

MAIN GRANDSTAND (Section 10, covered)

$395

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

$375

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

$275

*All prices listed are base price, and do not include fees or GST.

Visit the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or call (778)-265-0327 to purchase season tickets or for more information. You can also email brittany@harbourcats.com for further details, or go to the team website at harbourcats.com.

HARBOURCATS HOTSTOVE SET FOR NOVEMBER 5

The HarbourCats Hotstove is returning and will take place Saturday, November 5 at Yates Street Taphouse.

The event will be headlined by ‘meet and greet’ as well as Q & A sessions with special guests Gregg Zaun and Sid Seixeiro.

Local personality Mira Laurence will serve as the evening’s emcee.

Tickets for the event are on sale for $50 and include admission, drink ticket and door prizes.  Silent auctions will also take place throughout the evening.

There will be special offers at the Hotstove, on 2017 HarbourCats tickets (vouchers) and merchandise.

Tickets are available by visiting or calling the HarbourCats office: 101-1814 Vancouver Street/(778)-265-0327.

For more information, visit the team website at www.harbourcats.com.

OFFICE HOURS

The HarbourCats office (1814 Vancouver Street, 778-265-0327) is observing post-season hours. Hours are as follows:

MONDAY-THURSDAY – 10:00am-6:00pm

FRIDAY – 10:00am-4:00pm

SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Closed (Except by appointment)