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Victoria HarbourCats – Shwing Batter Group welcomes Somers to management team, promotes Cornett in Nanaimo

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July 18, 2024 

For immediate release

VICTORIA and NANAIMO, B.C. — The company that oversees the two Vancouver Island teams in the West Coast League is excited to announce a key addition and some organizational changes — intended to strengthen the growth of baseball in the Nanaimo and Victoria markets.

Jim Swanson, the Managing Partner of Shwing Batter Investment Group, which owns the Nanaimo NightOwls and Victoria HarbourCats, is pleased to welcome ADRIAN SOMERS as Vice-President, Operations and Business, to support continued efforts and growth of the brands on the island.

At the same time, TINA CORNETT is being promoted to General Manager of the third-season Nanaimo NightOwls, a position Swanson has held since the team’s unveiling in March of 2020, and debut season of 2022. Cornett, a well-known baseball executive on the Island with leadership positions for more than a decade with provincial bodies, has more than proven her value in leading operations at historic Serauxmen Stadium and in the Nanaimo market.

Christian Stewart, a WCL veteran, remains as General Manager of the Victoria HarbourCats, overseeing the flagship operation that continues to set standards for family entertainment in BC’s capital city.

Chris Beveridge has seen his area grow — Creative Director, Online and Social Media for the company, and now also General Manager of the Edwards Family Training Centre.

Experienced media executive John Pollard continues as Marketing Director for the HarbourCats and NightOwls, while Kent Malpass continues as Concessions Director for the NightOwls, working closely with Tina Cornett.

“This is an exciting time, to grow our group and be set up for a busy off-season for both teams and ensure 2025 brings our best seasons yet,” said Swanson, who has led the HarbourCats since 2013. “We have strong people leading operations in both markets, with potential for growth, and adding Adrian provides further leadership and support.

“Tina has done a tremendous job of leading so much of the foundational start of the NightOwls in Nanaimo and is committed to growing that program in the community. I’m not sure where we would be without her efforts getting the NightOwls in the air since before the first pitch in 2022.”

Somers started in a corporate marketing role with the HarbourCats and NightOwls in March, also supporting the Edwards Family Training Centre (EFTC) and behind-the-scenes work with the Victoria Golden Tide (CCBC). The former president of the Victoria Mariners organization in the BC Premier Baseball League is a serial entrepreneur from the cutting-edge medical technology space. Adrian brings a deep customer focus, with the ability to quantify “what’s next” to the organization’s marketing and sponsorship campaigns, choosing to innovate rather than replicate.

“The foundation in both Victoria and Nanaimo is outstanding, but the potential for the future is endless with the core HarbourCats and NightOwls, the indoor facility, the Golden Tide, and our growing digital platforms,” said Somers, known to his friends as an ardent Red Sox and Packers fan. “The product on and off the field has been strong for years, that allows us to focus on growth opportunities for each of the four business units. That is why I am excited to join the management team.”

Somers can be reached at adrian@harbourcats.com or adrian@nanaimonightowls.com

For any media enquiries, contact Jim Swanson at 250-889-5204

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Summer Collegiate

Big lefty arms from San Diego, two key Arizona players join NightOwls

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The five players announced to head coach Cody Andreychuk’s roster today:

LHP Thomas Young, San Diego State, 6-1/180, R/L Carson City, Nevada

LHP Connor Shaw, San Diego State, 6/185, L/L San Diego

LHP Trevor Fox, San Diego State, 6-7.200, L/L San Diego

RHP R’Mani Adams, Arizona Christian, 6-5/235, R/R, Federal Way, WA

OF Andrew Ivy, Arizona Christian, 5-9/165, L/L, Chicago

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Summer Collegiate

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Victoria HarbourCats – Victoria Fire Local 730 and HarbourCats, Golden Tide baseball teams team up for summer show of support

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February 3, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VICTORIA, BC — Teamwork is needed in fighting fires, as it is on a baseball diamond.

It’s also needed in the community — and that’s why the Victoria Firefighters Association Local 730 of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and the West Coast League’s Victoria HarbourCats, along with the collegiate Victoria Golden Tide of the CCBC, are teaming up for a meaningful symbolic partnership that will run through the 2025 season.

“With the recent devastation we are seeing in Los Angeles, and the wildfires that have decimated areas on our side of the border — I think of Jasper this past summer, among others — it’s important for us all to show support for those who do the dangerous work of keeping us safe,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the HarbourCats. “We are open supporters of all first responders and military in our area, the people who take the risk to serve our communities.

“Victoria firefighters are true heroes in our community, and deserve our thanks, respect and recognition.”

The IAFF membership across North America includes more than 350,000 who put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and property — the very definition of teamwork.

This summer, HarbourCats players will wear Victoria Firefighter Union hats during batting practice and workouts, and will choose selected games to take them into action. The Golden Tide will do the same this spring with college home games in the CCBC.

The hats will be produced locally by HarbourCats merchandise and apparel partner Passion Sports, located in downtown Victoria on Government Street, working with General Manager Dylan Marsden and owner Greg Wallis.

“Our people truly appreciate the support we get from so many people in the community, and the HarbourCats have been strong partners for so many,” said Union president Jeremy Wilson. “We will be proud to see our logo on the field with both the HarbourCats and Golden Tide.”

The fires in LA have been a stark reminder to all how important it is to do all we can to be ready for anything — the devastation of such a populated area has stunned everyone.

The Golden Tide start their season in late March, while 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.

ATTENTION 2024 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS:  If you have not already done so, please renew your seats for 2025 so that they can be locked into the new ticketing system.  Season Tickets will be sent to all members electronically this season on April 1, 2025, perhaps sooner.  Any seats not renewed by that time will be released and placed back into the system. Contact Christian at the office at 778-265-0327 to renew.

For more information, contact:

Christian Stewart, GM, Victoria HarbourCats
chris@harbourcats.com

Jeremy Wilson, President, Victoria Firefighters Union
presidentlocal730@gmail.com

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