"Bernie" Po-Hao Huang Named to Taiwan National Team
November 17, 2017 - West Coast League (WCL)
Victoria HabourCats News Release
VICTORIA, B.C. -- The Victoria HarbourCats are pleased to announce that 2017 fan favourite Po-Hao Huang has been named to the Taiwan National Team 60-player initial roster for the 2018 Asian Games, slated for next summer in Jakarta, Indonesia.
"Bernie," as he was known to teammates, fans and coaches alike, was a key contributor to the HarbourCats last summer, including a big home run in the playoffs against Kelowna, and the historic walk-off double to centre field to end Game 1 in the West Coast League championship series, played at Royal Athletic Park.
Po-Hao Huang, a left-handed hitter who played first, third and DH for the HarbourCats, will be focusing on his collegiate season at Fu Jen University and on being one of the final roster players for Taiwan at what is a prestigious event for baseball players in the Asian region.
As excited as the HarbourCats are to announce this development for Bernie, there is sadness as this means he will not be back for a second season in Victoria.
"Bernie really connected with people in Victoria, and was such a clutch player for us when we needed that key hit or a good play at first base or third base," said Managing Partner Jim Swanson.
"He had a strong connection with the Victoria Taiwanese Association and made many friends in the community. Bernie also became famous at the park for his rousing rendition of Happy Birthday, which he did a few times -- he had a unique personality."
If there had been a playoff MVP award in the WCL, Huang would have been in the running -- he hit .368 with a home run and seven RBIs in five games. In 38 games during the season, he hit .283 with one home run, eight doubles, and 14 RBIs, and drew more walks (14) than he had strikeouts (11).
A main goal of the HarbourCats is to move players and coaches on to the next level, and this is another example, including more than 20 HarbourCats who have moved on to the pro level. The HarbourCats, entering their sixth season, are proud of being the most successful baseball development program on Vancouver Island.
West Coast League Stories from November 17, 2017
- "Bernie" Po-Hao Huang Named to Taiwan National Team - Victoria HabourCats
- Stanford pitchers Beck, Palisch join Knights - Corvallis Knights
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