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Victoria HarbourCats – Little League Classic coming to RAP, ahead of nationals at Layritz

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2025

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s a first for the best baseball park in Victoria, and a way to celebrate a major event coming to Layritz Park in late July.

With Layritz due to host the Canadian Little League Championship starting on July 29 — the winner advances to Williamsport, PA, and represents team Canada for the Little League World Series — the Victoria HarbourCats, and the HarbourCats Foundation, are hosting the LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park.

On Sunday, July 20, all six Little League organizations in the Victoria area will be represented as a preview of the Canadian Little League Championship, which will start at Layritz on July 29 — an event supported by the HarbourCats Foundation through the Victoria Foundation.

“This is something we have never tried, and we can’t wait to see the faces of these young athletes when they are on that field, with their pictures up on the video scoreboard,” said Jim Swanson of the HarbourCats. “We think this is something that could grow in future years to see Wilson’s Group Stadium used for an entire youth baseball showcase weekend — the same as we are using the Emery Electric Fastpitch Showcase on May 31, featuring the Sooke Loggers and Lacey A’s, to bring attention to that area of diamond sports.

“We could not be more excited to see what Layritz is doing in hosting the Canadian Little League Championship. There is no more pure level of sport than events like that, the pure joy of the young stars, and all who support them.”

Little League Classic schedule of events:

Sunday, July 20 2025 Little League Classic
Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP

  • 11am, Hampton vs. Central Saanich
  • 1pm, National vs. Lakehill
  • 3pm, Layritz vs. Beacon Hill

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the HarbourCats Foundation to bring the Little League Classic to Royal Athletic Park,” said Brittney Crump, Chair of the Canadian Little League Championships Planning Committee.  “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent of our little league athletes in Victoria and build excitement for the Canadian Little League Championship at Layritz. We are grateful for the support we have received to date from the local community – but we have not reached our fundraising goal yet. Community support is vital to the success of these events, and we’re proud to stand together with the HarbourCats Foundation in making this experience possible for these young athletes.”

Tickets are available on-line for the Little League Classic, and are by donation for adults, with a minimum donation of $5 required. Kids 12 and under are free!  These great events need financial support to be able to pull them off, and the HarbourCats and HarbourCats Foundation are proud to be part of that effort.

Anyone wishing to learn more or to support the national tournament can visit the tournament website at https://layritz.ca/tournaments/2025-canadian-championship/ or e-mail Brittany Crump at media@layritz.ca.

The HarbourCats open their 2025 home schedule on Friday, June 6, with the Port Angeles Lefties visiting Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP. Season Tickets, 10 and 32-Game Flex Passes and Single Game Tickets are now on sale for all 33 home games and three “Showcase” events through the HarbourCats new and one-and-only ticketing partner SHOWPASS at harbourcats.com/tickets.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or by calling 778-265-0327.

 

 

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Peninsula Co-op Makes Special Events Happen This Summer with HarbourCats

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VICTORIA, B.C. — The most heart-warming happenings each summer are the work of Peninsula Co-op, an outstanding community leader on the island.

There is nothing “community” in the Victoria area that does not involve Peninsula Co-op, it seems — and that includes the HarbourCats’ entire summer schedule.

Thanks to the partnership of Peninsula Co-op, kids will attend for free on the June 12-13-14 weekend when the Springfield Drifters make their first-ever appearance at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park.

Then, before the Wednesday, June 17 game with the Redmond Dudes, the HarbourCats will take the field with the Special Olympics All-Stars, in an inspirational event that brings smiles to everyone, presented by Peninsula Co-op.

On Wednesday, July 8, the Challengers All-Stars will take over the field prior to a game with the HarbourCats and Bend Elks.

A major bonus for all Peninsula Co-op members is a $2 discount on HarbourCats game tickets (excluding WCL All-Star Game events), including playoffs.

Peninsula Co-op signage and messages will be front and centre for the whole league as well when the WCL All-Star Festival takes over the city, July 14-15.

“Peninsula Co-op keeps showing that caring about the community is good for everyone,” said Jim Swanson of the HarbourCats. “They participate with heart, which is why these events with Challenger and Special Olympics mean so much to so many.”

Single game tickets, season tickets, and 12 and 32-game flex packs, along with All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

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Victoria HarbourCats – Arms Race Speeds Up for Cats, Seven Pitchers Signed

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Pitcher Jack Marek (San Jacinto College)(above) is another strong arm joining the HarbourCats for 2026 (Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College)

VICTORIA, B.C. — Pitching quality and depth are the key to grinding out wins in a very tough competition environment like the West Coast League.

The Victoria HarbourCats are putting in the work to be ready with the arms they’ll need on the mound, working with first-year pitching coach Zach Swanson.

Veteran head coach Todd Haney and Swanson, the former HarbourCats hurler who is now a pitching coach at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, are excited for the six new signees announced today.

“Todd definitely has a plan and philosophy on being successful with the pitching staff, and I’m excited to work with him and follow that plan,” said Swanson, a Lambrick Park grad who played five years of college baseball after going through both the Eagles and Mariners programs. “Our job as coaches will be to be ready and prepare the pitchers for this level of competition. I’m also excited to work with (assistant coaches) Darius Opdam Bak, Troy Birtwistle, Steve Sinclair and Carson Myers on the staff.”

Announced today for the 2026 roster:

RHP Bryson Toner, Hawaii, 6-3/190, Honolulu
RHP Pierce Stone, Regis, 5-9/180, Round Rock, TX
RHP Anson Stuckly, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 6-1/200, Katy, TX
RHP Jack Marek, San Jacinto College, 6-2/190, Liverpool, TX
RHP Easton Reimers, North Dakota State, 6-2/215, Missoula, MT
LHP Jack Clark, Cal State San Marcos, 6-0/185, San Diego
RHP Davis Lee, University of Calgary, 6-5/210, Richmond

Clark, a lefty, is a key recruit from San Marcos — he didn’t allow a run in his first 14 college appearances, and now in his sophomore season has made nine starts this spring. He is 6-1/4.74 with a save, and strikes out a batter per inning.

Lee is a big-arm project with a fastball that has touched 95mph. Playing in the CCBC for the Calgary Dinos, the business student from Richmond and product of the PBL Delta Blue Jays has 16 strikeouts in 10.1 innings, and will work closely with Swanson and Opdam Bak to cut down on his walks.

Toner is a big right-hander who should have no challenge adjusting to life on a beautiful island — he’s from Honolulu. The Hawaii freshman was a dominant, highly-ranked pitcher in high school who will get valuable game experience as a HarbourCat this summer.

Stone is a sophomore who struck out more than a batter per inning as a freshman, while Reimers is a freshman who was state tournament MVP as a high school senior and a dominant innings-eater. Of note, his dad Cameron was a 35th round pick of the Blue Jays in 1988 and reached AAA.

Stuckly is a graduating high school senior who is committed to Texas A&M Corpus Christi, while Marek was an early commit to Southern Illinois now at San Jacinto College, with a fastball in the 90-92 range.

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 harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

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Victoria HarbourCats – HarbourCats announce 2026 A&W Summer Kids Camps

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May 2, 2026

Victoria, BC – The Victoria HarbourCats are pleased to announce that their 2026 Summer Kids Camps offerings, sponsored by A&W, are now available for registration, including a FREE, one-day, MLB sponsored camp on MLB PlayBall Weekend, Saturday June 6th!

All camps will be run by Victoria HarbourCats and Victoria Collegiate Cats players and coaches and take place either at Wilson’s Group Stadium or at our indoor Edwards Family Training Centre on Cook Street.

THE OFFERINGS

MLB PLAY BALL WEEKEND CAMP
Saturday, June 6th, 12 noon to 3pm, Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park
FREE ADMISSION, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, Limited to 100 Registrants
Boys and girls ages 5 to 12 are invited to participate in the FREE three-hour camp at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park on Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 pm. The camp is designed to give boys and girls the opportunity to develop their skills, regardless of experience or ability.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

OUTDOOR SUMMER CAMPS, AGES 8-17
Weekly camps beginning July 7th and ending August 28th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park
$225-$350 per player depending on week, all 8 weeks $2000. Limited to 30 registrants per week.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

INDOOR SUMMER CAMPS, HALF-DAY, AGES 8-11
Weekly camps beginning July 7th and ending August 28th, 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
Edwards Family Training Centre
$200-$250 per player depending on week, all 8 weeks $1,900. Limited to 15 registrants per week.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

INDOOR SUMMER CAMPS, HALF-DAY, AGES 12-17
Weekly camps beginning July 7th and ending August 28th, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Edwards Family Training Centre
$200-$250 per player depending on week, all 8 weeks $1,900. Limited to 15 registrants per week.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Our camps usually fill up fast, so please be sure to register today to secure your spot.

If you have any questions, please contact HarbourCats GM Christian Stewart at chris@harbourcats.com.

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