Whether it’s sock-tossing or saluting a retiring police chief, the HarbourCats are giving fans more than just ballgames.
With 13 games left in the regular season, the Victoria HarbourCats are rolling at the right time.
They’ve won 11 of their last 15 games to climb to the top of the West Coast League’s North Division second-half standings.
At 23-18 overall, Victoria is firmly in the playoff hunt – and giving fans a few extra reasons to come out to Royal Athletic Park down the stretch.
Two upcoming home games in particular will bring more than just baseball.
On Friday, July 25, the team hosts its annual Anawim Sock Toss night when the Wenatchee AppleSox come to town.
It’s one of the most unique and heartfelt traditions in summer baseball.
“The idea came about when Jim Swanson took over the HarbourCats in 2014,” said Stacey Gillespie, who has helped organize the event since it began in 2015. “We decided together that the idea of ‘throwing’ is a baseball movement, and ‘socks’ are something the homeless always need.”
Fans are encouraged to bring new socks and toss them onto the field after the HarbourCats score their first run – a fun, interactive moment that supports the work of Anawim House, which helps people struggling with poverty and addiction by providing shelter, support, and community.
“Baseball is a team sport where nine guys pick each other up – kind of like living at a recovery house,” Gillespie added. “Bonds are made and tested, and everyone supports each other.”
Over the years, the event has collected an estimated 5,000 pairs of socks.
Then on Wednesday, July 30, the HarbourCats will honour outgoing VicPD Chief Del Manak, who’s retiring after 35 years of service in Victoria and Esquimalt.
The VicPD appreciation night will include K9 demonstrations, emergency response displays, and a ceremonial first pitch from Manak himself.
"This is a great opportunity for the community to come out and get to know their police department a little better, and to say goodbye to Chief Manak after almost 10 years of leadership,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the HarbourCats.
The HarbourCats wrap up their regular season at home on Wednesday, August 6 against the Edmonton Riverhawks – with hopes that it won’t be the final home game of the summer.
