Returning pitcher Hunter Omlid (above) highlights latest slate of prospects for eighth season in WCL

November 5, 2019

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — The top-level talent coming available more and more for the Victoria HarbourCats is a testament to the market, the facility, and indeed the fans who support the team, now entering its eighth season in the West Coast League.

“In the five players being announced today, four of them directly sought out the opportunity to play at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP and in front of Victoria’s fans, and that’s something that really makes us smile,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the HarbourCats. “The players had other options, but actively sought to find a spot on our roster, and we appreciate that greatly — their awareness of our program, and the support of their college coaches as well. When players want to be here so badly, it gives our coaches a great head-start in having their mindset going the proper direction, and it leads to development and success.”

Announced today are a returning pitcher, an older college veteran with a unique story, and a Canadian who has had success in Victoria previously.

RHP HUNTER OMLID, Boise State — A freshman, Omlid’s work out of the bullpen in Game 2 of the WCL championship final lifted the HarbourCats into a winner-take-all opportunity against Corvallis in October. From Hamilton, Montana, Omlid tossed nearly six innings in relief with three hits and no runs, dominating the Knights with five strikeouts.

1B/OF JAXON VALCKE, UBC — The junior from Ontario was a member of the Burnaby Bulldogs that won the Baseball Canada Men’s Championship at RAP in 2018, a veteran presence on the Thunderbirds as a lefty-hitter in the heart of the UBC order with 6 home runs in 2019. He  played with the Okotoks Dawgs in the summer of 2019, hitting .352 with four home runs and 36 RBI, and at 6-1/195, can play a few infield positions or in the outfield. Father Tom is a long-time MLB scout and top-level coach now teaching the game in Asia.

IF COLE POSEY, Boise State — A freshman from Georgetown, Texas, played briefly for the Ridgefield Raptors in 2019. A multi-sport star in high school, a skilled player at 5-9/180, ranks in top five all-time in Texas high school baseball history with 109 stolen bases. A 5A all-state shortstop as a senior at Georgetown HS.

OF REAGAN DOSS, Boise State — From Round Rock, Texas, 6-0/192, a freshman this year at Boise State who hit .393 as a senior with 31 runs driven in and stole 20 bases. Like his teammate Posey, a right-handed hitter.

IF MICHAEL SPAIN, Colorado Christian — Will be the first married player in team history, an interesting story in that he returned to the game, and college baseball, after a few years away — his love of the game just wouldn’t leave. Was a pitcher out of high school, returned as a hitter, bats left and brings a large presence at 6-3/215.

“This is an exciting group for us to announce because of how many different strengths they bring to our team — hitting, speed, defence, pitching,” said Curtis Pelletier, Assistant Coach/Recruiting for the HarbourCats. “It’s such a pleasure for our coaching staff to work with athletes of this calibre, guys with character — baseball players who want to play baseball.”

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA SET

The HarbourCats will once again hold a fan-friendly open house prior to Christmas, slated for Thursday, November 28 at 101-1814 Vancouver Street. Special deals on merchandise, tickets, and a lot of hotstove baseball talk will warm the day from 9am to 8pm — an annual event that fans have already been asking about.

“It’s a winter opportunity to gather our summer family and get excited for the season ahead, while making sure everyone has the gifts and stocking stuffers they need,” said Assistant GM Christian Stewart. “So many of our fans use tickets and our merchandise to fill out their lists, and it’s always a time with so many smiles as we say hi to people who are a big part of our program all summer.”

The event is open for anyone to come in, visit with staff, ask questions about all aspects of the program, and look at setting up tickets for the coming season. With the WCL schedule now announced, and the team hoping to unveil a few more big-news items this month, the annual Christmas gathering will be one you won’t want to miss.

2020 SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE
If you would like to be part of the exciting 2020 HarbourCats season, consider a season ticket membership.  27 league games plus all exhibition and non-league games (at least 5 additional games anticipated for 2020) can be yours at a substantial savings over walk-up prices.  Season ticket holders also receive other perks like 10% off coupons for merchandise, extra “bring a friend” ticket vouchers, and other food and beverage promotional items as part of their package.

Seats are currently available in all sections in 2020, including the NEW Right Field Reserved area, which is the reserved seating area of Section 6 down the first baseline.

General  Admission  – $350
Right Field Reserved (Section 6) – $400 (NEW FOR 2020!)
Premium Reserved (Sections  7-9 and 11-12) – $450
Grandstand Reserved (Section 10 Rows E-N) – $500
Campbell Real Estate Club (Section 10 Rows A-D) – $650
Diamond Club (Field Level) – $725 (SOLD OUT)

Don’t want to commit to specific seats, or all of our games?  Ask us about our new Season Ticket Flex-Pack Voucher Option!  The utmost in flexibility that allows you to use all your game tickets in any way you choose!

Call the office at 778-265-0327 or drop in at 1814 Vancouver Street to book your seats today!

2020 CORPORATE PARNERSHIPS
Looking for a way to get your brand or product in front of 80,000-100,000 people?  Then consider a partnership opportunity with the HarbourCats.  From a simple ad in our 2020 Game Program to a more robust marketing and partnership program that includes park signage, tickets, or in-game contests, we can tailor any package to your needs.

Download our 2020 Partnership Brochure here then contact the office at 778-265-0327 or e-mail chris@harbourcats.com or john@harbourcats.com for more details.

OFFICE HOURS
During the off-season, the main office will be open (officially) Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM.  Staff may be away from the office during these hours, or in on other days and other times, so please feel free to call the office first at 778-265-0327 before popping by.