West Coast League

Dr. Randy Gregg and Edmonton Riverhawks preparing for inaugural season

Published

1 year ago

December 10, 2021

Dugout Wire Service

Dr. Randy Gregg gets behind the plate after announcing the the newest baseball team in Edmonton, The Riverhawks, a baseball club, which will play out of RE/MAX Field in the n the West Coast League, on Sept. 15, 2020 in Edmonton. PHOTO BY GREG SOUTHAM /Postmedia

By Derek Van Diest – Toronto Sun

Former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Dr. Randy Gregg is spending a lot of his spare time of late at RE/MAX Field in the heart of the river valley.

As the managing director of the Edmonton Riverhawks, Gregg has been working tirelessly to try and get the facility ready for the upcoming West Coast League season, which is a wooden-bat collegiate circuit that operates in the summer.

Dr. Randy Gregg and Edmonton Riverhawks preparing for inaugural season
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The Riverhawks were to play its inaugural season this past summer, but the COVID-19 pandemic made Gregg and his group wait another year.

“All of these young players that are in college, they are wanting to get either drafted or signed, and will be enticed to play summer collegiate baseball,” Gregg said earlier this week. “The Cape Code league is probably the ultimate league on the East Coast, but when it comes to the West, the West Coast League is by far the highest quality league.

“In fact, in 2019, 90 players that were selected in the Major League Draft had played in this league. It’s considerably important for these young players in the summer — not only do they want to get out of Arizona because it’s 120 degrees — but they want to come up and be coached by good quality coaching and get some extra at bats and swings and things like that.”

Gregg won five Stanley Cups with the Oilers during their glory years, but has always had a soft spot for baseball.

“I was probably a better baseball player than hockey player, but by the time I could get a scholarship down in the ’States, I was in medical school,” Gregg said. “And I thought I better not give up medical school. I loved hockey, of course, it’s a great sport, but I also loved baseball.”

The West Coast League is made up of 15 teams divided into three divisions. The South Division comprises of teams in Oregon and Washington, the North is made up from teams in Northern Washington, while the Canada Division has four teams in B.C., along with Edmonton.

“We’re so excited to have our head coach Kelly Stinnett, who played 15 years of Major League Baseball, so he knows what it takes to be at that level,” Gregg said. “And by having a coach with that kind of reputation, we’re getting some young recruits that not only love to come to Edmonton because it’s going to be a lot cooler than it is in the south, but with his reputation, with 9,000 seats here in the city, and the size of Edmonton, we’re going to have a really competitive team and it’s going to be a wonderful experience for our fans to see these young fellas.”

Edmonton will be the biggest market in the league and have the best facility. Gregg and the Riverhawks signed a lease agreement for the Triple-A rated facility and the crew has been hard at work making upgrades to the park.

Along with a new infield turf, the group put up a new scoreboard and made upgrades to the dugouts and club houses.

“It’s amazing. Fans that haven’t been here in a few years are not going to recognize the place with the new turf and everything else going in,” said Riverhawks pitching coach Ethan Elias. “It’s special. I’m really excited to see what we’re going to get and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“It’s awesome to bring back a really high level of baseball in the West Coast to come play here. It’s going to blow people’s minds the level of talent that’s going to be here, so it’s going to be exciting and I guess the next step is to count the big leaguers we file out of here, that’s kind the goal.”

The Riverhawks replace the Edmonton Prospects as the main tenant at RE/MAX Field. The Prospect, who play in the Western Canadian Baseball League, also a summer wood-bat circuit, are moving to Spruce Grove for the upcoming season.

The Riverhawks’ roster will be made up of college players throughout North America. The 54-games season begins on May 31 and runs through the first week of August.

“We started recruiting players back in June and July,” Elias said. “We have most of our roster already selected, the updates will be coming up here shortly, but it’s an on-going process.

“Guys are going to fall out, guys might get hurt, guys might throw too many innings in the spring for their college teams, respectively, and so we have to adjust, we have to be able to take things as they come and deal with it.”

Either way, the Riverhawks are expecting to field a competitive team out of the gate, using the city and facility as a draw for young college players. Every player in the league has to have at least one year of college eligibility left.

“We’re not going to bring in a guy like Connor McDavid,” Gregg said. “But what we want to do is maybe bring in a young pitcher throwing 95-97 (mph) that is at Arizona State and all of a sudden three or four years from now he’s playing with the Dodgers in Los Angeles and we saw him here in Edmonton.”

Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Summer’s favourite fireworks dates set by HarbourCats

Published

4 days ago

March 17, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

Four fireworks nights scheduled as part of HarbourCats 10th Anniversary Celebrations!

March 17, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — When the season schedule is announced, people of Victoria have a question right away — when are the fireworks games, and can we buy tickets now?

The HarbourCats are excited to unveil the four ultra-popular fireworks dates for 2023, games that always see the team’s attendance at The Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park swell significantly, usually selling out early.

Saturday, June 3 — 6:35pm, presented by THE WILSON’S GROUP
Friday, June 30 — 6:35pm, presented by RE/MAX GENERATION
Friday, July 14 — 6:35pm, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of ODLUM BROWN
Saturday, July 29 — 6:35pm, presented by JOAN WALLACE DRIVING SCHOOL

“We see a crush of ticket interest, more than usual, for fireworks games, exciting nights for the team and the community,” said Christian Stewart, GM of the HarbourCats. “Yes, some games are already starting to fill up — fireworks, Opening Night, Fathers Day and others.”

The fireworks show open with a welcome-back-show on Saturday June 3, the day after the June 2 home opener, with the Kamloops NorthPaws in Victoria.

The ever-popular Canada Day Eve fireworks, Friday, June 30th, commonly viewed by 5,000-plus and with community members surrounding the park, starting the July long weekend with the Bellingham Bells as the opposition.

Valued partner Odlum Brown is celebrating 100 years in the same year as the HarbourCats reach their 10th anniversary in the WCL. To help them, the team and Odlum Brown have combined for a special Friday July 14 fireworks show.

The final “Summer Celebration” fireworks are an early salute to BC Day, held on Saturday July 29 instead of the normal BC Day Monday.

The four fireworks nights are part of a number of special promotions that the HarbourCats will have this season to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. “Our fireworks nights and the other fun promotions we do are part of what Victoria looks forward to each summer, dating back 10 years,” said Stewart. Stay tuned, we have a lot more to announce in the weeks leading up to the 2023 season.”

For a sneak peak at other upcoming HarbourCats special promotions and themed games, please visit our Events and Promotions page HERE.

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023. Single game tickets for that game, all four fireworks nights, and the remainder of our 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets. They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale. For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.

HOST FAMILIES! The HarbourCats are in need of host families for 2023! If you are interested, you can find more details HERE, or contact Cindy Kent, our Host Family Coordinator by e-mail at hostfamily@harbourcats.com.

ATTENTION 2022 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS! If you have not yet renewed and paid in full for your seats for the 2023 season, they have now been released and are now available for sale to the general public. Chances are good that they are still available, so if you would like to renew, contact chris@harbourcats.com or call 778-265-0327 ASAP to have the best chance to grab the same seats as last year.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Come to a Game, Win a FREE Funeral!

Published

7 days ago

March 14, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

HarbourCats revive popular game promotion, July 30

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s the last prize you ever need to win — people are dying to go to this game.

All the punny-yet-macabre lines can rise up once more as the Victoria HarbourCats are proud to again give away an end-of-life package that includes the basics of a funeral, something the team did a few times prior to the pandemic.

Yes, you must be in attendance — and fully alive — to win on that Sunday, July 30, a 1pm start when the HarbourCats take on the Kelowna Falcons. Everyone in attendance can enter to win a prize that also includes a will package and insurance review.

H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre provides a simple cremation package that includes cremation, casket, urn, transfers, and death certificate, along with a celebration of life and reception venue — a value of more than $4,000.

Mary S. McManus, a barrister/solicitor with Stevenson Doell Law Corporation, provides a will, power of attorney and advanced directive for health care, worth $950 (excluding taxes and disbursements.

Mike Reilly of Gaining Altitude Financial provides a retirement, insurance and critical illness assessment package that will get you to your destination despite life’s turbulence.

“This is a tongue in cheek way of bringing more awareness to the importance of having your affairs in order, and if we can do that through a HarbourCats game, that’s great,” said Jim Swanson of the HarbourCats.

“My family has dealt with a lot of loss the last five years, so the needs here really hit home. The easier we can make it for our loved ones, the better it is. I’m very thankful for these companies being involved and helping educate people through this special day at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP. The day is coming for us all, we’re trying to bring a little bit of levity to that fact of life, and bring awareness.

“We are thankful to Christie Doyle of H.W. Wallace, to Mary McManus, and to Mike Reilly for being involved in this memorable day.”

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023. Single game tickets for that game and all 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets. They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – HarbourCats add seven to 2023 roster, including five pitchers and three locals

Published

3 weeks ago

February 28, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

A 2022 WCL Pitcher of the Week winner, returning HarbourCat Cooper Crompton (above) highlights the latest round of 2023 player announcements

February 28, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — Top arms from TCU, a pro prospect catcher from George Mason and three local players highlight the latest round of signings for the 2023 season of Victoria HarbourCats baseball.

“We always value securing local and Canadian players where they fit with their stage of development and the quality competition in the West Coast League,” said General Manager Christian Stewart. “Our fans also like seeing players return, and that’s the case in these latest signings with Cooper Crompton, Noah Takacs and Dawson Hurford. I know the coaching staff is excited to see Connor Dykstra and Tyrus Hall, and the TCU guys coming north for the summer are premium arms.”

Announced today are:

Tyrus Hall, IF, school undecided, 6-2/190, Victoria, B.C.
Connor Dykstra, C, George Mason University, 6-1/230, Chilliwack, B.C.
Cooper Crompton, RHP, Iowa Western (committed to Oregon), 6-5/180, Langley, B.C.
Kole Klecker, RHP, Texas Christian University (TCU), 6-2/205, Chandler, AZ
Louis Rodriguez, RHP, Texas Christian University (TCU), 6-1/205, Long Beach, CA
Noah Takacs, RHP, Sacramento State, 6-3/200, Victoria, B.C.
Dawson Hurford, RHP, Southern Arkansas, 6-3/210, Victoria, B.C.

Hall is a Canadian national junior team product who played for the Victoria Eagles, and is known for his defence and strong arm. He is taking a gap year after high school and going to showcase events while working through his recruitment process, and will decide on a college program soon. Has primarily played as a shortstop.

Former Victoria Eagle and Canadian JNP product Ty Hall will give the ‘Cats some great talent in the middle infield

Dykstra, a big man at 6-1/230, found his name on the list of the top 50 NCAA Division 1 catchers due to his strong work behind the plate and his lethal right-hand bat. In 2022, he hit .444 with six home runs and 33 RBIs while also swiping four bases in the Atlantic10 Conference. Dykstra also got hit by pitch 21 times in 51 games played. He jumped to George Mason from Galveston College.

Dykstra will be a solid presence behind the plate this season

Crompton, currently in his second year at Iowa Western, where he is already 2-0 on the season, made five starts for the HarbourCats in 2022, amassing 24.2 innings and giving up just 20 hits while walking only seven and earned a WCL Pitcher of the Week award for his efforts. He is committed to the Oregon Ducks in the fall.

Victorian Noah Takacs will return in 2023 to bolster the HarbourCats pitching staff (Photo: Christian J Stewart)

Rodriguez was a USA Baseball national team participant from the time he was 12, and was Orange County pitcher of the year as a senior in high school. He’s 1-0 with a 3.37 ERA as a TCU freshman. Kole Klecker — already makes the WCL’s all-name team — threw a complete game to help his high school win the Arizona state championship. Is 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA and 11 strikeouts (and no walks) in 8.1 innings already as a freshman at TCU.

Louis Rodriguez has been a member of Team USA since the age of 12 and won in his debut this spring with TCU.

Takacs, a product of the Victoria Eagles, is a sophomore at Sacramento State, was 1-1 with a 5.01 ERA for the HarbourCats in six starts in 2022. He’s now thrown more than 80 innings for Sac State, and is 3-3 over 16 starts.

Hurford, a Victoria Mariners product, threw in six games as a HarbourCat in 2022, with a record of 0-1 and 6.46 ERA. He’s moved from Western Nebraska College to NCAA Division-2 University of Southern Arkansas, where he is used out of the bullpen.

Already 2-0 in his freshman year at TCU, Kole Klecker should be a key arm in the HarbourCats bullpen in 2023.

The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023. Single game tickets for that game and all 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets. They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

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