From Taiwan to Victoria, HarbourCats add first international player

Calling it a “significant signing,” the Victoria HarbourCats inked the first international player in the franchise’s five-year history on Tuesday.

Outfielder and utility player Po-Hao Huang of Taiwan will join the West Coast League club for the 2017 season.

The five-foot-11 sophomore from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan played in North America in the summer of 2016, competing in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League for the Elmira Pilots. In 28 games, Huang hit .260 with a home run and 17 runs batted in. He also had five doubles and two triples.

According to HarbourCats managing partner Jim Swanson, Huang is a left-handed bat who also brings valuable versatility to the roster, possessing the ability to play the outfield and both corner infield positions.

“Going into our historic fifth season in Victoria, this is an historic signing and brings an international relationship that we are excited to bring our fans for the first time,” said Swanson.

“Po-Hao hit .360 with notable power numbers and was a runproducer in the first half of last season, and we expect him to flourish under the professional guidance of new head coach Brian McRae. It’s not impossible, given our ties to international baseball, that we could look further at non-North American players.”

The HarbourCats open the 2017 WCL season June 1 in Port Angeles against the Lefties. Victoria’s home opener is June 5 when the Wenatchee AppleSox pay a visit to Royal Athletic Park.