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WCL Victoria HabourCats

Big Weekend for HarbourCats

June 23, 2015 - West Coast League (WCL)
Victoria HabourCats News Release


VICTORIA, B.C. - One question, ladies -- are you ready to dig for diamonds?

This weekend's home series, with the Wenatchee AppleSox providing the opposition, starts with another FORCES FRIDAY with Galaxy Motors - all Armed Forces personnel and family members get in for just $5 (general admission seating) at the gate.

But that's just the start, with great weather forecast for the entire weekend. The Wenatchee series is also about a world-class dinner and a room with a view - maybe the most amazing view anywhere on this scenic paradise called Vancouver Island.

Games are:

**Friday, June 26 - gates at 5:30pm, first pitch at 6:35pm

**Saturday, June 27 - gates at 5:30pm, first pitch at 6:35pm

**Sunday, June 28 - gates at Noon, first pitch at 1:05pm (Barclay's Diamond Dig to follow)

Friday is MOON WATER LODGE GAME NIGHT, with one lucky fan winning a Getaway Package including a night's stay at the Moon Water Lodge and dinner at the Malahat Chalet.

"What a view, what a lodge, what a restaurant - and what a prize for someone to win," said Jim Swanson, General Manager of the HarbourCats. "New owners Randy and Lori have done marvels with the property and have made the Moon Water Lodge a destination, again, for romantic getaways, for corporate retreats, or for a way to drive 15 minutes out of the city and feel like you're in a whole other world. The view of Saanich Inlet from every room at the Moon Water Lodge, and the Malahat Chalet restaurant, is breathtaking."

Saturday is TIMES COLONIST GAME NIGHT, with prizes throughout the night, fun for the entire family at Sports Traders Diamond. Guest to the park can meet Mr. TC, who will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch! The Times Colonist has been a valuable partner for the HarbourCats since the team's inception, including regular sports section coverage featuring beat writer Cleve Dheensaw.

Sunday - well, we have something new! And, it's shiny.

It's our first-ever DIAMOND DIG DAY, with our hostess Mira Laurence helping Barclay's Fine Jewellers unveil a ladies-first promotion that is sure to bring a lot of smiles!

Every lady coming to the game will be given a spoon, for the digging to take place after the game. Ring boxes will be buried in the red shale by the backstop, and one of the boxes will contain a ring - signifying a $1,000 gift certificate for Barclay's Fine Jewelry in Oak Bay, thanks to Geoffrey Beattie, and sponsored by Black Press.

"This going to be a lot of fun - maybe crazy, but a lot of fun," said Laurence, who handles community relations and marketing efforts for the HarbourCats.

"Barclay's has been excited about this since our first meeting to pitch this idea, and we think this could turn into one of the signature promotions we do every year at HarbourCats games, one of those dates people circle on the pocket schedule."

PLAYER NEWS

It's now official - the HarbourCats would like to offer congratulations to 2014 and 2015 player Gabe Clark on signing a professional contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, who selected him in the 25th round of the 2015 MLB draft. Clark will report to minor league camp for assignment.

Clark played in two games for the HarbourCats while his contract was being negotiated, and the product of Riverside, CA and Oregon State hit one home run and helped Victoria to a tough road win in Bend.

"This is what it's all about - our program is intended to help players improve, advance, get noticed, and sign at that next level," said Swanson.

"We thank Gabe and his family so much for what he meant to this franchise. This is a sad moment for us to know he'll never be in a HarbourCats uniform again, but it's a great story in that we saw him turn into a professional player in front of our eyes. Our fans will never forget Gabe, or Logan Lombana, or Nathan Lukes, or Alex Real, or Quinten Torres-Costa - players who were HarbourCats, but now are on the path to the big leagues. Come watch our team play and figure out who the next Gabe Clark is."

The HarbourCats have added RHP Henry Omana from Cal State Fullerton, after he helped his team reach the College World Series. Omana is joining the HarbourCats in Kitsap in time for the series that goes Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday.

The HarbourCats have also signed right-handed pitchers Jonathan Buckley (East LA College) and Tei Vanderford (Tennessee), with those latest recruits due to join the team next week.

"This is the depth we need going forward, as we've had some challenges to overcome in our pitching staff, such as Preston Ryan not providing the innings we were counting on," said Swanson. "Guys like Alex Rogers, Dominic Topoozian and Josh Walker have been so good for us early, and now we need to see more quality innings from the whole staff. We believe we have the defence and the bats to compete every night, and our pitching can do the job."

HARBOURCATS HOME GAME TICKETS ON SALE, ON-LINE

HarbourCats fans can get to the front of the line now by going on-line to purchase tickets for the 2015 season - that includes this weekend's games, the Fireworks Games, slated for June 30, and August 3, and Canada Day (day game on July 1).

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