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

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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.

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.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Victoria HarbourCats Announce Expanded Premium Group Experiences for 2026 Season

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New and enhanced hospitality spaces, upgraded fan experiences, and streamlined online booking now live at harbourcats.com/groups

May 22, 2026

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats are elevating the group entertainment experience for their 2026 season with expanded premium hospitality offerings, upgraded fan spaces, and a newly enhanced online booking platform designed to make planning summer outings easier than ever heading in to the All-Star Game Festival taking place at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park and around the City July 14th – 16th, 2026.

With demand continuing to grow for corporate outings, staff events, client entertainment, birthdays, reunions, and social gatherings, the HarbourCats have introduced several refreshed and newly-enhanced group spaces at Royal Athletic Park – many of which are already seeing strong early demand.

Fans and organizations can now explore real-time availability, view space details/renderings, review spacing/capacity and pricing information, and submit booking requests directly at harbourcats.com/groups.

New and enhanced premium spaces for the 2026 season include:

Canadian Club House – a newly themed hospitality space along the third base line designed for groups and premium experiences.

The Nordic Fencing Dugout – an intimate field-level hospitality option next to the HarbourCats dugout that places guests close to the action while providing a unique experience for smaller private groups with tables for two.

The Strath Party Deck – a long-time fan favourite that continues to be one of the stadium’s most popular group destinations, offering a high-energy atmosphere ideal for larger celebrations, team outings, and company events.

Top Deck Lounge by Sipsmith Gin – one of the most unique viewing experiences in summer baseball returns with major upgrades for 2026, inside and atop the iconic double-decker British bus along the first base line.

Vancouver Island Brewing Islander FanZone – a casual and energetic group environment giving an outdoor brewery patio vibe that remains a popular option for fans looking for a fun and flexible game-day gathering space.

“Our premium hospitality program has grown significantly because people are looking for experiences that go beyond simply attending a baseball game,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “We’re proud to have hired some of the best in hospitality management to take it to the next level, whether it’s a company event, client appreciation night, staff party, birthday celebration, or just getting friends together, our team has created unique options to fit every type of group.”

Several key summer dates – including fireworks nights, weekend matchups, and 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game festivities – are already seeing limited availability.

Groups interested in booking are encouraged to visit harbourcats.com/groups to explore options and secure preferred dates before availability becomes limited.

More details are forthcoming on additional activations, including an exciting addition to the park, a recently-installed viewing platform with arguably the best view in the house!

ABOUT THE VICTORIA HARBOURCATS

The Victoria HarbourCats are a premier summer collegiate baseball organization competing in the West Coast League, delivering high-quality baseball and entertainment to fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, British Columbia.

Media Contact:
Jim Swanson
(778) 265-0327
jim@harbourcats.com
www.harbourcats.com

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Two returning pitchers, two D1 bats added to roster

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May 21, 2026

For immediate release 

NANAIMO, B.C. — In the West Coast League, top-tier college status matters, and the Nanaimo NightOwls adding two position players from D1-level UC San Diego is a strong step for the coming season.

Nathaniel Widelski and Liam O’Day, an outfielder and infielder respectively, bring all around skills to the NightOwls for the summer of 2026 at Serauxmen Stadium.

Just as much interest for Nanaimo fans is the signing of pitcher Jaden Patrick of the Vancouver Island University Mariners, and returning lefty Jake Schumacher to the mix.

“We love having island players, and we like bringing quality people back for additional seasons, where they know our program and can be leaders,” said GM Tina Cornett. “Getting Liam and Nathaniel from UC San Diego is a big boost for the lineup.”

The player signed this week by Head Coach Cody Andreychuk, further bolstering the 2026 roster:

IF Liam O’Day, UC San Diego, 6-2/195, R/R, San Diego

OF Nathaniel Widelski, UC San Diego, 6-1/180, R/R, San Diego

LHP Jake Schumacher, East Texas Baptist University, 5-10/180, Kennewick, WA

RHP Jaden Patrick, Vancouver Island University, 6-0/205, Victoria, B.C.

RHP Cesar Corrales Jr, Long Beach City College, 6-2/215, Playa Del Rey, CA

O’Day, a freshman, played in the California Collegiate League last summer, while Widelski recently hit his first college home run, in the lineup in centre field against the University of San Diego. Both have pro-potential body types and are expected to be key players at UCSD starting next season.

Patrick spent most of the summer of 2023 as a NightOwl, with four hits allowed and two strikeouts in three appearances in league action. The Victoria product is pitching for VIU this spring.

Schumacher, a Kennewick, WA product then pitching out of D2 St. Martin’s, made seven appearances for the NightOwls in 2024 and one rough outing inflated his ERA to 4.76. He is now at ETBU and has 20 strikeouts in 19.2 innings.

Corrales, who went to the same LA-area high school (St. Bernard’s) as pitching coach Gorm Heimueller graduated from a half century ago, has a fastball that gets up to 92, and is eager to pile up innings throwing for Heimueller.

Tickets are available for all games — season tickets, ticket packages, and single game offerings, though the NightOwls website (nanaimonightowls.com/ticketinfo). Don’t be fooled by third party resale sites.

The NightOwls open on the road at Ridgefield on May 29 but return home for the club’s fifth home opener on June 2 against the Kelowna Falcons, who are coached by former MLB player and broadcaster Gregg Zaun.

 

 

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Victoria HarbourCats – USC Infielder, Local Catcher Headline Last Signed HarbourCats for 2026

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Carter Eberhard (Cal Baptist) (above) made a splash in the Alaska League last summer (photo courtesy of  CBU Lancers)

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s hard to believe, but Hayden Woodson is about to become the first USC Trojan in Victoria HarbourCats history, with the team now into its 12th season in the West Coast League.

Woodson, a shortstop by trade who is athletic enough to play all over the diamond, saw little playing time at powerhouse USC as a freshman — but will get to break out as a HarbourCat in front of Victoria fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, site of the 2026 and 2027 WCL All-Star Game festivities.

Woodson is joined on the last list of announced players for the 2026 season by Victoria-raised catcher Lukas LeGras, who got a taste of the WCL last summer.

Head coach Todd Haney has signed the following players for 2026:

C Lukas LeGras, Westmont, R/R, 6-0/205, Victoria
IF/OF Hayden Woodson, USC, R/R, 5-11/182, Whittier, CA
SS Frankie Rutigliano, Portland, R/R, 6-0/160, Medford, OR
1B/3B Carter Eberhard, Cal Baptist, L/R, 6-2/180, Castro Valley, CA
OF Bryan Bradshaw, UC San Diego, L/L, 6-0/210, Pomona, CA
SS Jax Heid, Southeastern Oklahoma State, R/R, 6-0/185, Boyd, TX

LeGras graduated from the Victoria Eagles PBL program and moved to Westmont University in California this past season, playing in ten games as freshman in an NCAA Div II conference. The Lambrick grad saw action in two WCL games for the HarbourCats last summer.

Rutigliano is a sophomore who does strong infield work with his glove and arm, and used his speed to swipe 19 bags for the Medford Rogues in the summer of 2025.

Eberhard, a lefty hitter finishing his sophomore year, hit .345 in the famed Alaska League in the summer of 2025, and has five home runs for CBU this spring in 37 games, including 19 starts.

Bradshaw, a lefty-hitting junior, broke out as a college hitter batting .404 with seven home runs and 13 stolen bases while at Mt. Sac in junior college.

Heid saw plenty of playing time as a freshman, batting .258 with a couple of home runs, while drawing 31 walks over 49 games and striking out just 20 times.

The HarbourCats begin their 2026 season on May 29th with a visit to Portland and then return to Victoria for the Home Opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 pm.

Season tickets, single-game tickets, 12 and 32-game flex packs and 2026 All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

 

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