Josh Gessner, pictured above in action against Cuba last Sunday, leaves the HarbourCats, after agreeing to a pro deal with the Phillies.

June 10, 2019

VICTORIA, B.C. — The Victoria HarbourCats are announcing that right-handed pitcher Josh Gessner, a native of Australia who had a scholarship to attend Tulane University as a freshman this fall, has accepted a pro offer and has left the team.

Gessner, 6-1/205, from Sydney, had started two games for the HarbourCats, the latter with a few MLB scouts watching his every move.

Gessner has agreed to terms on an international-player contract with the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League, and as such is no longer eligible for West Coast League action.

Gessner becomes the 12th HarbourCats player over the last two weeks to become linked to a Major League franchise, following the 11 team players chosen in the MLB draft — including Andrew Vaughn of Cal, taken third overall, and Davis Wendzel (Baylor) and Cameron Cannon (Arizona) going in the first 43 selections.

The HarbourCats wish Gessner, and all the draft picks, much success in professional baseball.

UP-ISLAND TOUR

The HarbourCats and Baseball BC have teamed up to do a tour on Tuesday, June 11, meeting with youth in Duncan, Chemainus and Lake Cowichan — school visits.

Baseball BC is sponsoring the second-annual outreach event, which was a complete blast for HarbourCats players who participated last summer.

The HarbourCats, including coaches Todd Haney (former MLB player) and Jason Leone, along with players and staff, will stop at Alex Aitken Elementary in Duncan, then Chemainus Elementary, and then with youth baseball players at the new fields in Lake Cowichan, before returning back for an evening workout at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP.