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Summer Collegiate

NorthPaws swept at home by Lefties

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Author: Larry Read

KAMLOOPS, BC—The Kamloops NorthPaws returned home to Dearborn Ford Field at Norbrock Stadium this weekend and had a tough time of it.  They were swept in three straight West Coast League games by the Port Angeles Lefties.

On Sunday (June18) , the Lefties sent Fathers at the field home disappointed as they  beat the Paws 14-5.  This followed 2-1 and 11-1 victories on Friday and Saturday (June 16-17).

The Lefties are now 5-10 on the season while Kamloops drops to 4-11.  Port Angeles was led by Roberto Nunez who went 9 for 15 on the weekend.  He is hitting .446 which is third best in the WCL.

Kamloops has a 5-5 record in their last 10 starts.  Port Angeles is 3-7.

The Lefties and NorthPaws will meet again in Port Angeles on July 18th. It is a three-game series as well. 

Next up for the NorthPaws will be the Wenatchee AppleSox.  They will roll into the Dearborn Ford Field at Norbrock Stadium to conclude this  six game homestand.  Game one is Tuesday, June 20th. A reminder that all West Coast League games are available via their website: https://wcleague.watch.pixellot.tv/

SERIES RECAP:

Friday June 16, 2023-Port Angeles Lefties 2 Kamloops NorthPaws 1

The game marked the West Coast League debuts for four NorthPaw players: Alexi Gravel (pitcher, Repentigny, Que), Joey Baran (DH, Austin, TX), Tyler Glowacki (outfielder) and Rei Kimura (outfielder). 

Gravel pitched two thirds of an inning garnering a walk and a strikeout, Baran was 0-3, Glowacki was 2-3 with a run scored. Kimura was 1-3.

Kamloops let 1-0 after the third inning but the Lefties scored once in the fifth and sixth to seal the victory.  Hayden Walker (Albuquerque, NM) suffered his first loss in three starts. He went 5 2/3 giving up three hits, walking two and striking out one.  Joey Peralta (La Mirada, CA) picked up his first win of the year for Port Angeles. He tossed six innings of four hit ball with eight strikeouts.  CJ Lewis (Bloomington, IL) earned his first save of the year.  He struck out two in an inning of work.

Offensively, B.Y. Choi (South Korea) was 1-4 with and RBI for the Lefties.  Roberto Nunez (Salinas, CA) was 1-4.  Owen Alsup (Rosewell, NM) was 1-5.      Port Angeles moved to 3-10 on the year, ending a five-game losing skid.  The Paws record dipped to 4-9 as their two game winning streak was halted.

Link to Scoresheet:  http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=598678

Saturday, June 17, 2023-Port Angeles Lefties 11 Kamloops NorthPaws 1

The Lefties held a 6-0 lead on the NorthPaws until the bottom of the sixth inning when  Nolan Austin  (Kamloops, BC)  got to first on an error by Port Angeles third baseman.  Austin advances and later scores from third.    Catcher Joey Adge (Parker, CO) and Glowacki were both 2-4 at the plate.

The big inning for Port Angeles was the eighth when they scored five runs on two hits.

Wyatt Henry (Parker, CO) started the game on the mound for Kamloops and went three and a third innings, giving up five runs, seven hits, and struck out one.  His record fell to 0-2 on the year.   He was one of six pitchers utilized by the NorthPaws in this game.

Jack O’Brien (San Diego, CA) was the winning pitcher as the Lefties won their second in a row.  He went six and a third inning, surrendering four hits, one run, striking out four and walked one.     Offensively, Alsup was 2-4 with two runs scored and 3 RBI.   Nunez was 3-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Sam Adams (Hurst, TX) was 2-3 with two runs scored and 2 RBI.   MJ Kim (South Korea) was 3-5 with two runs scored and 1 RBI.

The game marked the West Coast League debut for right-handed pitcher Anthony Manuel (Anticoch, CA) for Kamloops. He pitched an inning giving up two hits, one run and striking out one.  Manuel came on in the eighth inning.

Link to Scoresheet: http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=598679

Sunday, June 18, 2023 Port Angeles Lefties 14 Kamloops NorthPaws 5

Kamloops led 1-0 until the top of the third inning when the Lefties scored eight runs on nine hits including three on a double by Chris Schuchart (Poulsbo, WA). 

The NorthPaws rallied for three runs on their own in the bottom of the fourth when third baseman Drew Giannini (Tracy, CA) and Manuel were issued back-to-back walks and scored on an RBI single off the bat of Glowacki.  Later, catcher Jared Sucro (Kamloops, BC) singled and scored on a wild pitch.

Port Angeles added four runs in the sixth inning as Nunez blasted a grand slam over the left field wall. Nunez was 5-6 on the day with five runs batted in and two runs scored.   Zachary Kim (Northbrook, IL) was 3-4, with two runs scored and two runs batted in.  Schuchart was 1-5 with three RBI and a run scored. Alsup went 1-6 with two runs batted in and a run scored.

Brock Mayer (Torrance, CA) started for the Lefties. He went two and a third innings giving up six hits, two runs and struck out two. He was replaced by Nelson Smith (Miami, Florida) who went two innings giving up three runs, two hits, three walks and one strikeout. He moves to 1-2 on the year.     Maclain Roberts (Auckland,NZ) went two and two thirds’ innings surrendering 10 hits, eight runs, striking out two and walking one.   He is 0-3 on the year.

The NorthPaws utilized nine pitchers during the contest including Zack Beatty.  The Maple Park Illinois resident played in Kamloops last year and spent this past school year at Kansas Wesleyan (NAIA).

Link to Scoresheet: http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=598680

HEAD COACH KEITH FRANCIS:

“We didn’t pitch particularly well. Our starters let us down. They are much better than they showed. Coming out of the bullpen, we weren’t throwing strikes. We just didn’t get it done.   We weren’t hitting today (Sunday), we got double digit hits but up until then, we hadn’t been hitting the ball. I don’t have an answer for it.  Its contagious—once it gets going it gets contagious. I hope it gets going.”

On utilizing 8 pitchers on Sunday (14-5 loss):  

“It was a case of not burning everybody out. I wanted them to pitch one inning a piece. Like a little ‘light pen”.  I wanted to get them some work so they are all ready for next week.”

NORTHPAWS CATCHER/UTILITY JARED SUCRO (KAMLOOPS, BC):

“I think the bats are starting to heat up here. Pitchers are battling on the mound. It is just a matter of coming together. We hit well in one game but don’t pitch well. The next game it is the reverse.  Once we bring it together we should be fine.”

On catching:

“It was rough at the start. I hadn’t caught in a little bit.  Like my position (utility) says, I try to help the team out anyway I can.  Joey (Adge) has done a tremendous job back there. I just want to give him a bit of a break.  I am just battling to find the rhythm I had when I caught in high school.”

Dealing with so many different pitchers:

“It is just finding the right chemistry with them. You catch them in the bullpen and get to know them off the field generally.  That helps when they are coming onto the field. No matter who it is, you see a new  guy every inning—you are going to be ready for them.  It is just getting to know them.  That is the key to success.”

NEXT UP FOR THE NORTHPAWS:

This homestand comes to a close with a three-game series with the AppleSox of Wenatchee, Washington.  Game one is Tuesday June 20th at the Dearborn Ford Field at Norbrock Stadium.  Opening pitch each night is 6:35 PM.  Tuesday night is “Homer’s” Birthday with some special celebrations.  Wednesday night (June 21st) is Military Appreciation night.

Last year, the AppleSox won swept Kamloops on their home diamond, Paul Thomas Senior Stadium (July 19-21, 2022). The scores were 16-4,7-2, and 6-5.   The teams played here (Kamloops) where Wenatchee won the first two nights 14-10 and 12-10 before the NorthPaws won the last game 11-6.  Those games were played July 29-31, 2022.

The Lefties will hit the ferry and move into Nanaimo for a three-game set against the Night Owls. Game one is Tuesday( June 20th).

If you can’t make the games, they are all webcast on  https://wcleague.watch.pixellot.tv/ .   Some home games will also be shown on Shaw TV in Kamloops (Cable 10 or 105 with Blue Curve).

TAILGATE PARTY:

The Molson’s Tailgate Party is hoppin’ before every NorthPaws home game.   It runs Tuesday through Saturday 5-630 PM.  The Party runs Sundays noon-1 PM.  Hotdogs and a Pilsner are sold for $ 12.00 plus tax.

For “Everything NorthPaws-Go to the website : https://www.northpawsbaseball.ca/ “

Kamloops North Paws tickets: ticketing@northpawsbaseball.ca

West Coast League: westcoastleague.com.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Former MLB infielder Frye joins HarbourCats coaching staff

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August 31, 2026

For immediate release

VICTORIA, B.C. — Add another former Major League player to the coaching staff of the Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League — and one who definitely has opinions on how the game should be played.

Jeff Frye, who registered nine years and 15 days of MLB service and 667 big-league games overall, joins the staff led by Head Coach Todd Haney, another former MLB infielder who himself played parts of five seasons with the Expos, Cubs and Mets. Haney enters his seventh season as Victoria’s Head Coach in 2027 and has been with the HarbourCats since 2018.

The versatile Frye, who now lives in Maryland, played mostly second base for Texas, Boston, Colorado and the Toronto Blue Jays, and hit for the cycle as a member of the Blue Jays. Frye had a career .290 batting average and slugged 16 home runs — he had 626 hits in the big leagues, 162 of them for extra bases. He also stole 56 bases and only struck out 279 times in 2,451 plate appearances.

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Jeff to our coaching staff. Jeff knows exactly what it takes to compete at the highest level,” said Haney.

“He brings a winning mindset, tremendous baseball knowledge and a passion for helping players succeed. His incredible experience and expertise will elevate our player development as we continue our focus of bringing a championship home to our fans.”

Frye is also very well known in baseball social media circles (follow @shegone03 on X) for unabashedly standing up for the game’s fundamentals and traditional values — which are also important to Haney and the HarbourCats organization.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to coach with my buddy Todd Haney in the beautiful city of Victoria B.C.,” said Frye, who was born in California but played high school and college baseball in Oklahoma before being drafted by the Rangers in 1988 (30th round). (Haney, a native Texan, was a 38th round pick of the Seattle Mariners in 1987, the same draft the Mariners chose Ken Griffey Jr. first overall.)

“I’ve always had the desire to get back on the field teaching the game I love and it’s finally here. Let’s get to work!”

Frye, who celebrates his 60th birthday today, played college baseball at Carl Albert State College and Southeastern Oklahoma State, where he set program records with a .455 batting average in 1988 and a .420 career batting average. Despite being an undersized guy — a playing profile very much like Haney had in college and pro — Frye was all-conference twice, an all-American, conference player of the year, and was inducted into the Southeastern athletics hall of fame.

Frye also used two summers with the Fort Smith Red Sox in the Jayhawk League (1986-87) as valuable development, so he understands the value of baseball players playing baseball for a quality organization.

The HarbourCats franchise has a legacy of attracting former MLB players to be part of the coaching staff, including Greg Swindell, Mark Petkovsek, Brian McRae, and current local assistant coach Steve Sinclair, who played parts of two seasons with the Blue Jays and Mariners. The team also had Manny Ramirez as a guest coach in 2024 when his two sons, Manny Jr. and Lucas, played for the team.

The HarbourCats have started the recruiting process for 2027 already, and Season Ticket Memberships are now available for purchase or renewal. New members may order their seats on-line if desired at http://harbourcats.com/tickets (click the Memberships tab), or by calling the office at 778-265-0327.

Existing members who have accounts in good standing on SHOWPASS can simply log into their account to renew, or can also call the office or pop in to pay for their 2027 seats.

Renew or purchase your seats by September 30th to be eligible to win a round trip airfare on Harbour Air to Vancouver.

The HarbourCats 2027 schedule is expected to be announced in late October 2026, with single-game tickets expected be to available by December 1, 2026.

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Victoria HarbourCats – 2026 HarbourCats Reliever Lands Pro Contract

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For Immediate Release

August 27, 2026

VICTORIA, B.C. — Hard-throwing right-hander Nathan Mueller has used a summer with the Victoria HarbourCats to land an MLB contract.

The six-foot-five, 215-pound Fort Worth product, who was at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, has inked a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, after spending the summer in the West Coast League in Victoria.

Mueller, 22, joined the team for the second half and made five appearances, including a start. He had 14 strikeouts and just three walks in 9.2 innings, including six strikeouts in three innings of work on July 29 against Port Angeles. He topped 97mph as a HarbourCat.

“From day one, Nate arrived in Victoria to take full advantage of his summer baseball opportunity, and signing with the Brewers is a testament to his work ethic, professional mindset and competitive drive,” said Todd Haney, Head Coach of the Victoria HarbourCats.

The HarbourCats have had eight former players advance to play at the MLB level, including current stars Nathan Lukes (Blue Jays), Nick Pivetta (Padres), Cade Smith (Guardians), Andrew Vaughn (Brewers) and Chase Meidroth (White Sox), who all play prominent roles on their teams.

This past summer, six other former HarbourCats were drafted or signed after the MLB selection process in July – Cody Howard, Carson Cormier, Owen Clyne, Ryne Palmer, Cade Rusch, and Will Zielinski.

Season Ticket Memberships for the 2027 HarbourCats Season are now available for purchase or renewal. New members may order their seats on-line if desired at http://harbourcats.com/tickets (click the Memberships tab), or by calling the office at 778-265-0327.

Existing members who have accounts in good standing on SHOWPASS can simply log into their account to renew, or can also call the office or pop in to pay for their 2027 seats.

Renew or purchase your seats by September 30th to be eligible to win a round trip airfare on Harbour Air to Vancouver.

The HarbourCats 2027 schedule is expected to be announced in late October 2027, with single-game tickets expected be to available by December 1, 2027.

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Victoria HarbourCats – HarbourCats Season Memberships now available for 2027

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Renew or book new memberships by September 30, 2026 for your chance to win a return flight on HarbourAir to Vancouver.

August 25, 2026

Victoria, BC – Season Ticket Memberships and 12-Flex and 24-Flex Ticket packages are now available for purchase and renewal for the 2027 Victoria HarbourCats season.

All renewals and new memberships, as well as any purchasers of 24-Flex ticket packages that occur by September 30, 2026, will be entered into a draw to receive a return trip ticket to Vancouver courtesy of HarbourAir. Two such prizes will be awarded.

In addition, all renewals, new memberships and 24-Flex purchasers, will have first right to purchase 2027 West Coast League All-Star game and Home Run Derby Tickets once they are available later this fall.

New members may order their memberships on-line if desired at https://www.showpass.com/m/victoria-harbourcats-season-tickets/ or by calling the office at 778-265-0327.

Existing members who have accounts in good standing on SHOWPASS can simply log into their account to renew, or can also call the office or pop in to pay for their 2027 seats.

Season tickets offer the utmost in savings over single-game pricing and have the benefit of including all non-league and exhibition games (except All-Star events) as well as free playoff tickets should we qualify in 2027.

FULL-SEASON MEMBER PERKS

* Same seat every game!
* Free playoff tickets!
* Non-League games and special event games (except 2027 All-Star Game Events) included at no extra cost!
* First right of refusal for purchase of tickets to other special events when scheduled
* SHOWPASS Online Account Management
* No Ticket Wasted Program and On-Line Exchange
* Cat Shop Merchandise Discount (15%)
* No extra charges for Premium game pricing (Home Opener and Fireworks nights)

2027 MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
General Admission – $425 + GST – First-come, first-served rush seating in the silver bleachers behind Sections 6, 8,9 and 11 and in the soccer grandstand down the first baseline.

Premium Reserved – $525 + GST – Assigned seating along the first base line (Sections 6-9) and third baseline (Sections 11-12). Close to the action! Only 8 rows in each section.

ReMax Grandstand Reserved – $600 + GST – Assigned seating in Rows E-M in the covered grandstand directly behind home plate. Padded seats (bottom), and access to the mobile Fan Food in-seat food and beverage ordering system with in-seat delivery.

Peterbilt Pacific Club Seats – $725 + GST – Assigned seating in Rows A-D in the covered grandstand directly behind home plate. Close to the action! Padded seats (backs and bottom), and access to the mobile Fan Food in-seat food and beverage ordering system with in-seat delivery.

NEW FOR 2027! Nordic Fencing Dugout – $725 + GST – VIP on-field seating, right next to the HarbourCats dugout down the first base line. Comfy custom sling back style chairs. Access to the mobile Fan Food in-seat food and beverage ordering system with in-seat delivery.

Elements Casino Diamond Club – $850 + GST – (SOLD OUT, WAIT LIST) – VIP on-field seating, closer to home plate than the pitcher! Comfy custom sling back style chairs. Access to the mobile Fan Food in-seat food and beverage ordering system with in-seat delivery.

MILITARY 2 for 1 DISCOUNT
If you are an active or retired military member, we offer a 2 for 1 discount on season tickets. This is NOT available to book on-line, so if interested in this, please call our office at 778-265-0327, or stop in at the office at 1814 Vancouver Street and we will set this up for you.

2027 FLEX PACKS

12 and 24-game Flex Packs are also now available on-line or at the office and offer the utmost in flexibility for those who can’t make every game. Redeemable for any regular season games including opening night and fireworks night (not eligible for All-Star events or playoffs). Flex packs essentially serve as ticket credits that you apply to a purchase and come in both digital format (a single discount code that you use for every redemption), or hardcopy paper vouchers (each with a distinct discount code printed on them).

Digital vouchers are perfect if you will be using the vouchers just for yourself and redeeming all the tickets under your account. These can be purchased on-line at the appropriate links at HarbourCats.com/tickets

Hardcopy vouchers are better suited if you plan on distributing vouchers to family, friends, clients, etc. and then having them redeem using the voucher codes. Hardcopy vouchers are NOT available online but can be arranged by calling the office at 778-265-0327 or dropping in to set up.

2027 FLEX PACK PRICING
General Admission: 12-Game $225 + GST | 24-Game $399 + GST
Premium Reserved: 12-Game $280 + GST | 24-Game $499 + GST
ReMax Grandstand Reserved: 12-Game $340 + GST | 24-Game $575 + GST

Flex Packs are not available in Peterbilt Club, Nordic Fencing Dugout, or Elements Casino Diamond Club seating.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact the office at 778-265-0327 or e-mail Christian at chris@harbourcats.com.

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