Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats | Victoria Golden Tide Announce 2021-2022 Coaching Staff

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2021

Dugout Wire Service

Victoria native and former LA Dodger prospect Kyle Orr highlight elite group of assistant coaches that will work with Golden Tide Head Coach Curtis Pelletier (above)

For Immediate Release

Friday, August 13, 2021

Victoria, BC – Victoria Golden Tide Head Coach Curtis Pelletier is pleased to announce today the full coaching and training staff that will guide the team during their inaugural season of the Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC), which begins fall play this September.

Of note is the addition of Victoria native and former Los Angeles Dodger pro Kyle Orr, who will serve as Hitting Coach. Joining Orr is Pitching Coach Ethan Fox, Third Base Coach Aaron Witzke, Assistant Coach Shawn Loglisci, Assistant Coach Ryan Haines, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jeremy Cordle and Athletic Therapist Tanner McGaw.

Orr was an all-star player in the BC Premier Baseball League and enjoyed success with Team BC at the 2004-2005 Canada Cups and with the Junior National team, winning bronze at the Worlds in 2006. He was offered a full scholarship to the University of Kentucky, but turned that down when the Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the 4th round of the 2006 MLB entry draft. Orr spent five years as a position player in the Dodgers organization and then played a year for the Victoria Seals in the independent Golden League. In 2021 he signed as a pitcher with the Minnesota Twins and finished his pro playing career as a player/coach of the Montpellier Baracudas of the French Elite League.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Golden Tide coaching staff for the inaugural season,” says Orr. “This program will play a vital role in developing the next generation of baseball talent, and will create endless opportunities for its players. I’m ready to get to work with our athletes and coaching staff and look forward to building an elite level program dedicated to the development of its players.”

Pitching coach Ethan Fox will be familiar to Victoria fans as he played for the Victoria HarbourCats in the 2017-2019 seasons. From Campbell River, BC, Fox played for the Parksville Royals (PBL 2013-2015) and Douglas College Royals (NWAC 2015-2017), before heading to the Avila University Eagles of the NAIA for the 2017-2019 seasons. He is the Pitching / Arm Care Coordinator of the HarbourCats Players Club and is currently completing his BSc in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria.

Third base coach Aaron Witzke played three years of college baseball at Vancouver Island University where he received a Diploma in Physical Education and then completed is Bachelor of Education at the University of Victoria and will begin the Masters of Education program there this fall. He is currently a teacher at Esquimalt High School and the Director of a Baseball Operations at the HarbourCats Players Club.

Another Victoria native, Assistant Coach Shawn Loglisci caught the eyes of the scouts in 2005 when he was drafted in the 34th round by the Dodgers, but chose instead to go to college where he played at Vancouver Island University, College of Southern Idaho and Indiana Tech University. He played for the Victoria Royals during their brief pro stint here and for a number of senior men’s teams including the Langley Blaze, Victoria Mavericks and Regina Red Sox and has coached the Victoria Eagles in the BCPBL from 2010-2015. He is now also working as the Junior Coordinator of the HarbourCats Players Club.

Assistant Coach Ryan Haines grew up in Calgary where he played at the Alberta Baseball Academy and at the Babe Ruth level during high school. He played college ball at the Prairie Baseball Academy in Lethbridge and Mayville State University and was a member of Team Alberta in 1997, where he won a bronze medal at the Canada Summer Games. He also won a summer league National Championship playing for the St. Albert Tigers.

Originally from Cardiff, Wales, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jeremy Cordle is a graduate of St. Michaels University School in Victoria where he was the Island’s top Male athlete in 1991 and was runner up for the same award at Provincial level. Jeremy has been part of multiple city, Island and provincial tittles in Basketball, Track and field , Cricket and Rugby as an alum of the Castaway Wanderers Rugby Club where he was a member of 4 provincial championship winning squads and a National Champion with the Vancouver Island Crimson tide (VIRU). Jeremy has worked as a private athletic trainer for the last 11 years , working with athletes at elementary, high school, university, professional and masters level.

Another face familiar to HarbourCats fans is Athletic Therapist Tanner McGaw. McGaw is part of the Camosun College Athletic and Exercise Therapy clinic (AET) and has been the lead Athletic Therapist for the HarbourCats for the past six years. He will be joined and assisted by student Athletic Therapists over the course of the season.

The Canadian College Baseball Conference, is an eight-team domestic league for university students that in addition to Victoria, has teams in Nanaimo (Vancouver Island University), Kelowna (Okanagan College), Kamloops (Thompson Rivers University), Chilliwack/Abbotsford (University of the Fraser Valley), Calgary (University of Calgary), Lethbridge (Prairie Baseball Academy) and Edmonton (Edmonton Collegiate Baseball Club).

The Golden Tide begin their fall exhibition season on September 11, with 11 home games, plus inter-squad games at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria. The fall home opener is on Friday, September 17th at 6:00 pm against Thompson Rivers University.

Tickets are $10 for Grandstand seating (Section 10) and $5 everywhere else (all rush seating) and are available at the gate or in advance at the HarbourCats office (101-1814 Vancouver Street) or by calling 778-265-0327.

FULL FALL SCHEDULE AVAILABLE HERE

BECOME A TIDE BOOSTER!
Fans who wish to enjoy priority seating in the Diamond Club or Campbell Club seating areas for all games may now join the Golden Tide Booster Club, where a $200 fee secures a spot, gets one a Golden Tide hat and t-shirt and access to other Booster Club perks and benefits. E-mail chris@harbourcats.com or call the office at 778-265-0327 for details.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Summer’s favourite fireworks dates set by HarbourCats

Published

5 days ago

March 17, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

Four fireworks nights scheduled as part of HarbourCats 10th Anniversary Celebrations!

March 17, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — When the season schedule is announced, people of Victoria have a question right away — when are the fireworks games, and can we buy tickets now?

The HarbourCats are excited to unveil the four ultra-popular fireworks dates for 2023, games that always see the team’s attendance at The Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park swell significantly, usually selling out early.

Saturday, June 3 — 6:35pm, presented by THE WILSON’S GROUP
Friday, June 30 — 6:35pm, presented by RE/MAX GENERATION
Friday, July 14 — 6:35pm, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of ODLUM BROWN
Saturday, July 29 — 6:35pm, presented by JOAN WALLACE DRIVING SCHOOL

“We see a crush of ticket interest, more than usual, for fireworks games, exciting nights for the team and the community,” said Christian Stewart, GM of the HarbourCats. “Yes, some games are already starting to fill up — fireworks, Opening Night, Fathers Day and others.”

The fireworks show open with a welcome-back-show on Saturday June 3, the day after the June 2 home opener, with the Kamloops NorthPaws in Victoria.

The ever-popular Canada Day Eve fireworks, Friday, June 30th, commonly viewed by 5,000-plus and with community members surrounding the park, starting the July long weekend with the Bellingham Bells as the opposition.

Valued partner Odlum Brown is celebrating 100 years in the same year as the HarbourCats reach their 10th anniversary in the WCL. To help them, the team and Odlum Brown have combined for a special Friday July 14 fireworks show.

The final “Summer Celebration” fireworks are an early salute to BC Day, held on Saturday July 29 instead of the normal BC Day Monday.

The four fireworks nights are part of a number of special promotions that the HarbourCats will have this season to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. “Our fireworks nights and the other fun promotions we do are part of what Victoria looks forward to each summer, dating back 10 years,” said Stewart. Stay tuned, we have a lot more to announce in the weeks leading up to the 2023 season.”

For a sneak peak at other upcoming HarbourCats special promotions and themed games, please visit our Events and Promotions page HERE.

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, all four fireworks nights, and the remainder of our 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.

ATTENTION 2022 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS! If you have not yet renewed and paid in full for your seats for the 2023 season, they have now been released and are now available for sale to the general public. Chances are good that they are still available, so if you would like to renew, contact chris@harbourcats.com or call 778-265-0327 ASAP to have the best chance to grab the same seats as last year.

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Come to a Game, Win a FREE Funeral!

Published

1 week ago

March 14, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

HarbourCats revive popular game promotion, July 30

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

For Immediate Release

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s the last prize you ever need to win — people are dying to go to this game.

All the punny-yet-macabre lines can rise up once more as the Victoria HarbourCats are proud to again give away an end-of-life package that includes the basics of a funeral, something the team did a few times prior to the pandemic.

Yes, you must be in attendance — and fully alive — to win on that Sunday, July 30, a 1pm start when the HarbourCats take on the Kelowna Falcons. Everyone in attendance can enter to win a prize that also includes a will package and insurance review.

H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre provides a simple cremation package that includes cremation, casket, urn, transfers, and death certificate, along with a celebration of life and reception venue — a value of more than $4,000.

Mary S. McManus, a barrister/solicitor with Stevenson Doell Law Corporation, provides a will, power of attorney and advanced directive for health care, worth $950 (excluding taxes and disbursements.

Mike Reilly of Gaining Altitude Financial provides a retirement, insurance and critical illness assessment package that will get you to your destination despite life’s turbulence.

“This is a tongue in cheek way of bringing more awareness to the importance of having your affairs in order, and if we can do that through a HarbourCats game, that’s great,” said Jim Swanson of the HarbourCats.

“My family has dealt with a lot of loss the last five years, so the needs here really hit home. The easier we can make it for our loved ones, the better it is. I’m very thankful for these companies being involved and helping educate people through this special day at Wilson’s Group Stadium at RAP. The day is coming for us all, we’re trying to bring a little bit of levity to that fact of life, and bring awareness.

“We are thankful to Christie Doyle of H.W. Wallace, to Mary McManus, and to Mike Reilly for being involved in this memorable day.”

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.

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Summer Collegiate

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

Published

3 weeks ago

February 28, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

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.

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