VICTORIA, B.C. — It was a landmark day for the Victoria HarbourCats, as the West Coast League club announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Claire Eccles, who is set to become the first female player in WCL history.
A knuckleballer, Eccles, 19, represented Canada at the 2016 Women’s Baseball World Cup in South Korea last September, making two appearances including a complete game in her one start. In 8.2 innings pitched in the tournament, Eccles allowed just two hits while striking out five batters. Canada captured second place at the Women’s Baseball World Cup.
“I’m extremely excited to be getting the opportunity to play at such a high level of ball, and being the first female in Canada to do so,” said Eccles. “The HarbourCats seem like an amazing organization and I can’t wait to play for them. As much as this is an accomplishment for myself, I can’t help but realize that this is a step in the right direction for any girl with a dream of playing baseball. There’s a bigger picture out there.”
“On behalf of the Women’s National Team program, we would like to congratulate Claire and wish her success with the HarbourCats this season,” said Andre Lachance, manager of Baseball Canada’s Women’s National Team.
A graduate of Elgin Park Secondary in Surrey, B.C., Eccles batted .293 as a sophomore outfielder for the University of British Columbia softball team this spring. A fellow outfielder on the team is Mackenzie Siddall, daughter of Toronto Blue Jays radio broadcaster and former major league player Joe Siddall.
“We are excited to add Claire to the HarbourCats, and can’t wait to see her getting a chance to throw for us and compete for innings out of the bullpen,” said Brad Norris-Jones, General Manager of the HarbourCats. “Claire has competed at and been successful at many levels of the game, playing against both women and men, and we think her poise on the mound and experience internationally will give her a chance to get the outs we need.”
“The West Coast League is about providing opportunities,” said Tony Bonacci, Acting President of the West Coast League and President of the Cowlitz Black Bears. “We are all looking for talented, competitive players to improve our ball clubs. Claire has demonstrated both, and we congratulate her and the HarbourCats on what is a tremendous opportunity for both of them.”
Eccles, listed at 5-8, was introduced to the media at a press conference in Victoria on Tuesday at Royal Athletic Park, and will help the team unveil the new uniforms that will be worn for games this season under new Head Coach Brian McRae.
Eccles will be with the HarbourCats throughout the season, but commitments with Team Canada and elite softball programs will take her away at times. She is scheduled to join the HarbourCats in Victoria on June 6 prior to their game against the Wenatchee AppleSox.
The HarbourCats open the 2017 WCL season on June 1 on the road against the WCL’s newest team, the Port Angeles Lefties.
While Eccles won’t be on the team when they open the season, she should be on the squad the next time Victoria comes to Port Angeles, which will be Aug. 5 and 6. The Lefties may face her knuckleball in Victoria on June 12 and 13.
Their home opener at Royal Athletic Park is June 5 when the Wenatchee AppleSox visit Victoria.
