First-ever Peninsula Co-op Alumni game features many past star pitchers, hitters

May 24, 2019

VICTORIA, B.C. — He was the original big bomber of the Victoria HarbourCats, and he used his time here to become a drafted and signed professional.

Gabe Clark, an Oregon State product who went on to a pro career in the Toronto Blue Jays system, highlights the list of players returning for the Saturday, June 1 Peninsula Co-op Alumni Classic, pitting former Victoria stars against the newly-minted HarbourCats team that is preparing for the seventh season of West Coast League baseball in the capital.

The native of Riverside, CA, hit seven home runs over two pro seasons, after being drafted in the 26th round by the Blue Jays. He hit nine home runs over two seasons with the HarbourCats, 2014 and 2015 — and is truly one of the most memorable players in the team’s history. He won the WCL home run derby at the 2014 all-star festivities in Klamath Falls, OR, with his dad Jim throwing the pitches — a story that will always be part of the team’s lore.

Jim Clark will be the head coach of the team, assisted by former Assistant Coach Andrew Wilson (2016).

Other players who will be on the roster of alumni of Victoria teams:

RHP Holden Lyons was a dominant reliever on the best team in WCL history, the 2016 squad that went 40-14. Lyons was 3-3 with a 3.85 ERA and five saves, striking out 43 in 38.2 innings, walking just 17. He was money, tying Greg Casper for the team lead in saves.

Hayden Jaco was a catcher, and a pitcher, for the 2016 and 2018 teams, and Riley Guntrip was a fan favourite, a memorable catcher and lefty hitter for the 2016 and 2017 teams. Catcher Ryan Green was with Victoria for the 2018 season.

2018 Victoria catcher Hayden Jaco will return as a graduate in 2019 and play against the current HarbourCats in the Alumni Classic on June 1 (Photo: Christian J. Stewart)

From the first-ever HarbourCats team, outfielder Austin Russell and (no relation) Connor Russell, both Island products, will take part in the game, along with 2015 outfielder Chris Fougner. Also, Victoria products, RHP Eric Hegadoren and the versatile Charlie Strandlund, who played pro for the Golden League’s Victoria Seals and was a coach for the 2014 HarbourCats, the latter will be acting as a player-coach on June 1.

Vancouver-area infielders Justin Orton and Darren Honeysett return for the game — Honeysett was with the 2014 team, while Orton played key games for the 2017 team that finished one base hit short of the WCL championship.

Left-handed pitchers Connor Suing (2015) and Dylan Thorp (2017) round out the pitching staff for Head Coach Jim Clark.

Purchase Tickets for the Alumni Classic on-line at https://www.ticketrocket.co/event/details/108654/victoria-harbourcats-vs-alumni

2019 SEASON TICKETS, SINGLE GAME TICKETS and 10-GAME FLEX PACKS NOW ON SALE!

Tickets are selling fast for our 2019 season, especially our pre-season weekend on June 1-2 and and the Home Opening weekend, June 7-9, with Fireworks on June 8, against Corvallis.  Do not be disappointed! Get yours today on-line, or at the office,  http://harbourcats.ticketrocket.co or 101-1814 Vancouver Street. Or give us a call at 778-265-0327

2019 Season Ticket Pricing

(includes 27 league games, all six exhibition games scheduled in 2019, first right of refusal on purchase of playoff tickets)

• General Admission – $350
• Premium Reserved (Sections 6-9 and 11-12 along baselines) – $450
• Grandstand Reserved (Section 10 behind home plate Row E to N) – $500
• Campbell Real Estate Club Seats (Section 10 Rows A-D) – $650
• Diamond Club (Field Level) – $725 (Inquire for Availability)

2019 10-game Flex Packs are also on sale at the same prices as 2018 – $120 for 10 General Admission vouchers and $175 for 10 Premium Reserved Vouchers.

To order season tickets or 10-game flex packs, drop in to the office at 1814 Vancouver Street (open 10 AM to 5 PM Monday thru Friday), or give us a call at 778-265-0327.  You can also e-mail Christian J. Stewart, our Assistant General Manager, Ticketing and Media at chris@harbourcats.com.

PRE-SEASON OFFICE HOURS

Our pre-season office hours at 1814 Vancouver Street are now 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday. We are closed (or by appointment only) on  Sunday.