Local Ownership for HarbourCats on the Horizon
April 21, 2015 - West Coast League (WCL)
Victoria HabourCats News Release
VICTORIA, B.C. - There's a new starting lineup for the Victoria HarbourCats, in terms of the West Coast League's ownership structure.
Bhootan LLC, which has led the HarbourCats since last fall under the primary guidance of *Matthew Stoudt*, has agreed to terms that will transfer ownership of the WCL franchise to a company called Shwing Batter Investment Group. The four principles of that group are *Ken Swanson*, *Jim Swanson*, *Richard Harder* and *John Wilson*.
The transaction is subject to West Coast League approval at the board level, and the new group is working through that process now.
John Wilson and Jim Swanson are well-known in the Victoria sports and business community. Ken Swanson, Jim's brother, and Rich Harder bring both business and baseball backgrounds from Vancouver. Ken Swanson has been named President; John Wilson is Vice-President (Business); and Harder is now Treasurer. Once approval is complete, Jim Swanson (General Manager and Vice-President, Baseball) will be designated to represent the HarbourCats on the board of the West Coast League, although all four members will be involved in major operational and league voting direction.
Terms of the transaction will not be announced, per the agreement.
"We thank Matthew and Bhootan for their commitment to not just the franchise but to the community through their work supporting the HarbourCats since October, and we know they want to see the franchise thrive in this market," said Jim Swanson, whose title is now Vice-President (Baseball)/General Manager. "Local ownership is engaged ownership, and Bhootan did a lot of heavy lifting to support baseball in Victoria."
This is a move that will localize the operation, from the top down.
"There is going to be a period of time for us to align all the aspects that are a natural part of a transaction of this nature, but we are excited for the days ahead," said Wilson. "Rich, Ken and Jim are quality people. We are all committed to this and see the opportunity to grow the HarbourCats. This team is important to the Victoria market in that it provides profile to this region and adds to our identity through B.C., Washington, Oregon and the baseball world. The way people can best get involved from this point forward is to partner with us, as fans or as corporate teammates."
The HarbourCats led the West Coast League in attendance in 2014 with an average of 1,576 per game, or more than 45,000 attendees in total, bringing strong value to advertisers and a summer of family-focused entertainment for spectators. Sports Traders Diamond at RAP is an excellent facility, operated by the City of Victoria, and the franchise has room to grow that attendance number and approach or surpass league records in the future.
"There is nothing better than a locally-owned home team," said Victoria Mayor *Lisa Helps*. "This local investment and the new ownership of the HarbourCats signals a strong future for the City of Victoria and the region as a sporting capital."
This announcement will allow for a seamless transition into the 2015 season, which starts with the first exhibition game on May 31 and the regular season home opener against the Kelowna Falcons on Friday, June 5. Head Coach *Graig Merritt* and *Alec Adame*, the pitching coach, will continue to lead the coaching staff going into the 2015 season, as previously announced, and the full coaching staff will be announced in the coming weeks. Initiatives with the Advisory Board and Team Ambassadors will be strengthened through this transition.
"We look forward to some things that will show a new day in HarbourCats baseball, including a more dynamic look to the team's uniforms and hats, and an energetic set of promotions that will start with the home-opening weekend," said Jim Swanson.
"I'm proud to be walking beside the rest of the partners - this is a great group, and the right group for Victoria's baseball future. I know I have the support, locally and at a moment's notice from John, Rich or Ken, to operate this business the proper way, and we've already started with so many positive changes in the off-season, including building the 2015 staff and gameday personnel."
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