Victoria, B.C. – As the sun sets on an unforgettable 2026 HarbourCats season, it’s time to look back on the highlights and special moments of another great summer! From franchise records to the epic highs and lows of summer ball, the 2026 season was one to remember.
This season was abuzz from the very beginning, with the excitement of hosting the 2026 Showpass West Coast League All-Star Festival presented by Canadian Club looming on the horizon. The high expectations for the All-Star festivities as well as the announcement of former Toronto Blue Jay Kevin Pillar participating in the Home Run Derby brought an electric energy to Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park all season long.
Todd Haney returned for another year as head coach of the Cats, joined by Carson Myers, Zach Swanson, Troy Birtwistle, Angelo Loomis, Steve Sinclair, and Darius Opdam Bak to complete a well-rounded coaching staff.
After beginning the season on the road in Portland, the HarbourCats returned to Victoria for six straight games in front of the home crowd and picked up their first series win of the season with a 6-2 win over the Edmonton Riverhawks on June 4. In addition to being an important series decider, June 4 was the first Mayfair Optometric School Spirit Day this summer! The Cats clinched the series win in front of over 3,000 staff and students from schools across Greater Victoria. Another highlight of the opening homestand was the first of our ever-popular fireworks nights, which drew a crowd of nearly 3,000 fans.
As the HarbourCats battled their way through a month of June in which they held an even record of 11-11, certain standouts on the offensive side were beginning to emerge. UBC infielder and first-year HarbourCat David Krahn held a batting average of .353 with 30 hits and 17 RBI in the first full month of the season while crushing six home runs. Fellow infielder Matt Westley had a red-hot June as well, clipping along at a league-leading .374 average with 34 hits. Westley’s summer would unfortunately come to and end soon after this impressive stretch, with an injury sustained while hitting a homer against the Bend Elks cutting his time in Victoria short. Nevertheless, the George Mason product’s season batting average of .356 would remain the second-highest in the WCL until the end of the regular season.
While Victoria showed off a handful of stars at the plate, the real power spot of the team was on the mound. A lethal starting rotation all around was highlighted by Erik Rico and Jeremiah Arnett, a pair of right-handers who would not only both be named All-Stars, but also break the HarbourCats single-season strikeout record. Arnett’s 66 K’s on the season and Rico’s 64 put them at first and second respectively on the WCL leaderboard this year.
As mid-July rolled around in an already exciting season, the biggest event of the summer arrived. The 2026 Showpass West Coast League All-Star Festival presented by Canadian Club brought firepower from across the West Coast League to Victoria for an unforgettable showcase of talent.
The long-anticipated Home Run Derby took place on July 14, with the MLB Home Run Derby X rules bringing an exciting new challenge to the event. After a hard-fought competition, the Team HarbourCats squad comprised of Logan Shepherd, Michael Rodda, and Kevin Pillar won the day, with Shepherd delivering the winner homer to seal the deal.
The 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game took place the very next evening, putting the best talent in the WCL on display in a head-to-head matchup. Three Victoria HarbourCats appeared in the All-Star Game, with Erik Rico named as the starting pitcher for the North Division. Jeremiah Arnett would later enter the game in relief, and David Krahn played the entirety of the contest as an infielder.
These three ballplayers exemplified the qualities of an All-Star in every sense. Fresno State’s Erik Rico was an absolute nightmare for opposing pitchers this season with his aforementioned 64 strikeouts in just nine appearances across 2026, holding onto a 1.82 ERA through the end of the summer. Arnett was a lethal half of the Cats’ one-two punch on the mound, remaining cool as a cucumber no matter the situation and throwing more innings than any other pitcher in the West Coast League.
Finally, David Krahn performed at a superstar level all season. The Langley, B.C. native was as proficient as they come at getting on base, consistently occupying a leadoff spot for most of the season and boasting a .389 on-base percentage while leading the team in home runs. Alongside his offensive production, Krahn provided a crucial energy boost. His infectious enthusiasm and confidence all season long were appreciated by teammates, coaching staff, and fans alike.
As always, the fight for playoff position began to heat up coming out of the all-star break. The Cats put on a show in an explosive sweep of the Nanaimo NightOwls after the break, winning their sixth consecutive Island Cup in the process! After taking game one by a score of 5-2, Victoria lit up Nanaimo for 34 runs in the next two contests to finish off the series, scoring a season-high 18 in game three.
Another sweep against the Port Angeles Lefties at the end of July kept the postseason hopes alive for the HarbourCats, who were in the midst of a four-horse race for a playoff spot. Alas, the offence sputtered in a three-game loss streak to Bellingham, and Victoria fell tantalizingly short of the playoffs.
During the final home series of the season, three HarbourCats were honoured with the 2026 team awards. Jeremiah Arnett was an easy choice for Pitcher of the Year. The right-hander from Waco, Texas dominated on the mound for the Cats this year and was a critical piece of several wins throughout the season. Not only did he lead the league in strikeouts with 66, but he broke the single-season franchise record as well, surpassing the previous high of 62.
Speaking of record-breakers, 2026 HarbourCats Player of the Year David Krahn made history this summer as well. With nine home runs in his 42 games of action, Krahn became the new single-season record holder!
Finally, the Community Involvement Award went to relief pitcher and first-year HarbourCat Flynn Warren. All the way from Levin, New Zealand, Warren was a clutch member of the bullpen squad. The Hawaii Pacific arm made 11 appearances on the mound this year, highlighted by a four-inning scoreless outing to get the win and seal the sweep for Victoria.
Though the summer didn’t end on the highest of notes, the HarbourCats still put together a season to be proud of. Victoria’s showed proficiency at the plate consistently, finishing the season tied for fourth in the WCL in batting average and tied for second in home runs. The performance on the mound this year was also impressive, as the Cats led the West Coast League in strikeouts by a wide margin and allowing the second-least hits of any pitching staff. As is so often the case, the HarbourCats stood out with their trademark aggressive baserunning as Victoria’s 135 stolen bags in 52 games led the league.
With another HarbourCats season in the rear view mirror, we want to thank all of our incredible fans for bringing the energy and support to the ballpark this season. You are what makes HarbourCats baseball possible, and we’ll see you next summer at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park!
If you’re looking for more HarbourCats action, stay tuned to our website and socials! Season tickets as well as 12-game and 32-game flex packs will soon be available for the 2027 season, and we’re excited to see you at the park next year!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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