Wednesday night, Tarik Skubal capped his stellar 2024 season by being named the American League’s Cy Young Award winner. Prior to his pro career, the Detroit Tigers left-hander pitched for the Kitsap BlueJackets in 2014, followed by four years at Seattle University before being drafted by Detroit in 2018. Skubal earned the American League’s “pitching …
Continue reading “WCL Alumni Trio Earns MLB Awards”
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Thursday, the West Coast League (WCL) announced its official 2025 schedule. The WCL, which debuted in 2005, will celebrate its 20th season next summer with 17 teams located in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Alberta. “Each season the league adds another chapter to its rich history,” Commissioner Rob Neyer said,” and with our All-Star Game, …
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In 2024, West Coast League alumni (28 players) appeared in at least one game for 10 of the 12 MLB postseason clubs. Leading the way is Tarik Skubal (Kitsap BlueJackets, 2014) who is the leading candidate for the American League Cy Young Award after going 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts in 192 …
Continue reading “West Coast League Alumni in MLB Playoffs”
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The West Coast League (WCL), America’s premier collegiate summer baseball league, is celebrating an unforgettable 2024 season marked by record-breaking achievements both on and off the field. Including official League, nonleague, and postseason games, a grand total of 767,726 fans flocked to ballparks across the Pacific Northwest and Alberta, setting a League attendance record and …
Continue reading “WCL Celebrates Historic 2024 Season with Record-Setting Milestones”
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Thursday, the West Coast League released the final 2024 WCL Spotlight, an expanded list of the League’s most exciting players during the recently concluded season. Topping the Spotlight: Corvallis Knights super-utility player Kevin Takeuchi, selected by WCL coaches as the League’s top prospect. Also on the list? A number of players who were drafted by …
Continue reading “Takeuchi Named Top Prospect, Final WCL Spotlight Unveiled”
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Tuesday morning, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced three more annual awards: Executive of the Year, Mike Parker Broadcaster of the Year, and Scorekeeper of the Year. This year’s Executive of the Year is Stephanie Morrell, the general manager of the Bellingham Bells since 2016, has been instrumental in guiding her teams to the playoffs …
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Thursday morning, the winners of the West Coast League’s Coach of the Year, Umpire of the Year, and Jim Dietz Team Sportsmanship Award were announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer. Portland’s Mark Magdaleno and Wenatchee’s Mitch Darlington have been honored as 2024 co-Coaches of the Year for their impressive leadership throughout the season. This marks the third …
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Wednesday afternoon, the 2024 All-West Coast League teams were unveiled by West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer. “I’ve now served as commissioner for six WCL seasons,” said Neyer, “and it’s pretty clear that we’re just getting more talented every summer. We saw that in the most recent MLB draft, and we saw it during our tremendous All-Star …
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The West Coast League is proud to announce the recipients of its most prestigious 2024 season awards, selected by the WCL’s outstanding group of head coaches. This year, the title of Most Valuable Player has been awarded to Ridgefield Raptors outfielder Hunter Katschke, while Freddy Rodriguez of the Portland Pickles is 2024’s Pitcher of the Year. Hunter …
Continue reading “WCL MVP and Pitcher of the Year Unveiled”
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Friday night at Portland’s Walker Stadium, the Portland Pickles captured the 2024 West Coast League championship with a 6-5 walkoff win over the Wenatchee AppleSox. This marks the Pickles’ first title in the team’s seven-year WCL history. With perfect baseball weather and a sellout crowd of 4,387, both teams scored early despite a pair of …
Continue reading “Portland Pickles Win 2024 WCL Championship”
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The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in the West Coast League championship game this Friday night, when the champions of the North and South Divisions face off. And for the first time since 2015, the eventual WCL champions will not be the dynastic Corvallis Knights. Wednesday night, the visiting Portland Pickles dashed Corvallis’s hopes for …
Continue reading “Pickles and AppleSox to Clash Friday in WCL Championship Game”
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This weekend the West Coast League playoffs were in full swing, with all eight postseason teams engaged in best-of-three divisional playoff games. The South Division championship game is now set, with the Portland Pickles and Corvallis Knights both advancing in impressive fashion. On a perfect Sunday evening at Portland’s Walker Stadium, nearly 4,000 fans witnessed …
Continue reading “WCL Playoffs in Full Swing”
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Portland Pickles outfielder Tanner Griffith (Saint Mary’s) and Wenatchee AppleSox left-hander Quincy Vassar (Vanguard). In five games with the Pickles last week – three regular-season, two playoff – Griffith reached base 13 times …
Continue reading “Griffith and Vassar Receive WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Accolades”
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The 2024 West Coast League (WCL) playoffs open Saturday with intriguing matchups in both the South and North Divisions. In one South Division series, the defending WCL champion Corvallis Knights will face the Ridgefield Raptors. While the Knights are going after their eighth straight championship, the Raptors are on an impressive run of their own, …
Continue reading “2024 WCL Playoffs Start Saturday Night”
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With just three games left in the West Coast League season, there remains plenty of drama as South Division teams battle for their final positions and four North teams remain in a desperate battle for three remaining spots. In the South, the #1 seeded Corvallis Knights, having already clinched the first-half title, will face the …
Continue reading “Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus”
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Ridgefield Raptors infielder Taylor Takata (Hawaii) and Victoria HarbourCats right-hander Carson Cormier (TCU). In six games with the Raptors last week, Takata reached base 21 times, drove in 14 runs, and stole three …
Continue reading “Takata and Cormier Earn WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Honors”
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With a dramatic flourish in the ninth inning, the North topped the South 3-2 in Wednesday night’s West Coast League All-Star Game. Gavyn Jones (Kelowna Falcons) was the North’s hero in the bottom of the ninth inning, rapping a two-out, two-strike, bases-loaded grounder that South shortstop Ty Yukumoto (Corvallis Knights) couldn’t quite corral in time …
Continue reading “North Edges South 3-2 at All-Star Game in Bellingham”
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Earlier this week, 55 current and former West Coast League players were selected in 2024 Major League Baseball Draft. There were 22 alumni selected in the first 10 rounds of the Draft, and five of the 54 total selections are players that have been active in the WCL this summer. Sunday night, 2021 WCL MVP …
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The stage is now set for the West Coast League’s 2024 All-Star Game, with festivities beginning tonight in Bellingham, followed Wednesday evening by the League’s first All-Star Game since 2019. Thrilling news was announced last week, as the All-Star Game will be broadcast live on MLB Network, MLB.TV, MLB.com, and the MLB App beginning at …
Continue reading “WCL All-Star Game Festivities Begin Tonight”
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With the selection of 20 players on Monday, 22 WCL alumni have now been taken in the first 10 rounds of this year’s MLB Draft. Five of the first 95 selections of this year’s MLB Draft were former WCL players, including the No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana. In seven of the last eight years, …
Continue reading “20 Former WCL Players Selected on Day Two of MLB Draft”
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Former West Coast League MVP Travis Bazzana of Oregon State was selected as the No. 1 overall pick of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Cleveland Guardians. The former Corvallis Knights slugger is the second WCL alumnus to be taken as the first overall pick in the MLB Draft, following in the footsteps of …
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The West Coast League (WCL) is thrilled to announce that the 2024 All-Star Game will be broadcast live on MLB Network, MLB.TV, MLB.com, and the MLB App on Wednesday, July 17, beginning at 6:30 PM Pacific Time. Fans can look forward to an exciting evening of baseball, featuring the league’s top players and future stars. …
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Tuesday morning, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer revealed the all-star selections for the 2024 All-Star Game. Marking the return of the WCL’s mid-summer classic for the first time since 2019, the game is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Pacific Time at the legendary Joe Martin Field. “After …
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Cowlitz Black Bears infielder Keaton Grady (Dallas Baptist) and Bend Elks right-hander Jackson Elder (Utah). In six games with the Black Bears last week, Grady drove in 11 runs and produced ten hits. …
Continue reading “Grady and Elder Earn WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Honors”
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Edmonton, Alberta, with a rich baseball history, had seen the sport’s popularity wane over the years. However, the arrival of the Edmonton Riverhawks in the West Coast League (WCL) has brought about a remarkable resurgence, reigniting the city’s longstanding passion for the game. The History of Baseball in Edmonton Baseball in Edmonton dates back to …
Continue reading “The Resurgence of Baseball in Edmonton: The Rise of the Riverhawks”
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Kamloops NorthPaws outfielder-pitcher Joey Rico (Westmont College) and Walla Walla Sweets right-hander Zachary Hangas (Ottawa University). In six games with the NorthPaws last week, Rico racked up 10 hits and ran his hitting …
Continue reading “Rico and Hangas Receive WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Accolades”
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Wednesday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer released the second 2024 WCL Spotlight, featuring a collection of the League’s most exciting and notable players, and highlighting just a few of the dynamic talents who make up the league. This latest WCL Spotlight includes one representative from all 16 WCL teams, showcasing a mix of compelling talents …
Continue reading “Second WCL Spotlight of 2024 Unveiled”
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History was made at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex on Tuesday night as three Ridgefield Raptors pitchers combined to throw the first no-hitter in team history. Starters Dylan Stewart (Pepperdine) earned the win after working five innings, while Curtis Herbert (Portland) and Mac Elske (Chaminade) each tossed two innings in relief. Ridgefield’s pitching staff had …
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The West Coast League (WCL) is thrilled to announce the official opening of the 2024 season tonight, featuring all 16 teams in action. Each team will play 54 league games this summer, starting tonight and concluding on August 8. The season will culminate in the championship playoffs, which will feature eight teams, each hosting at …
Continue reading “2024 WCL Season Starts Tonight”
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Thursday, on the eve of the West Coast League’s 2024 season, WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer released the first WCL Spotlight of the year, featuring a representative collection of the league’s most exciting and notable players. This preseason 2024 WCL Spotlight includes one player from each of the 16 teams, showcasing a mix of compelling talents …
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Today the West Coast League (WCL) proudly announces the launch of its captivating new video series, Legends of the West Coast League, showcasing WCL alumni who have ascended to Major League Baseball stardom. The inaugural episode highlights the inspiring journey of Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, a notable WCL graduate currently making waves as a …
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Excitement is building as renowned West Coast League coach Ed Knaggs prepares to embark on his extraordinary Opening Day Run, 419 miles (give or take a mile) from Wenatchee, Washington to Corvallis, Oregon, beginning Wednesday, May 1. Knaggs is running for the love of the sport, yes – he’s been a dedicated runner for many …
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This year, 38 players with West Coast League experience have earned spots on Major League Baseball Opening Day rosters. Former WCL players starting the season in the big leagues include 2023 Silver Slugger Award winner and American League All-Star Adley Rutschman, 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, and two-time American League Gold …
Continue reading “MLB Opening Day Rosters Feature 38 Alumni”
Read More Today the West Coast League unveiled its plans for the highly anticipated return of the All-Star Game to the league’s lineup of summer events in 2024. The 2024 West Coast League All-Star Game will be hosted by the Bellingham Bells, scheduled for a 6:35 p.m. first pitch on Wednesday, July 17, at the iconic Joe …
Continue reading “WCL and Bellingham Bells Announce Return of All-Star Game in Summer 2024”
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The West Coast League’s board of directors and general managers convened in Portland last weekend for the League’s highly anticipated annual winter meetings. The gathering, a blend of in-person and teleconference sessions, witnessed a significant announcement and recognition of local coaches. On Friday, the meetings kicked off with the exciting revelation that the West Coast …
Continue reading “WCL Announces Expansion and Presents Grass Roots Award at Annual Winter Meetings”
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Friday, the West Coast League happily announced the addition of its 17th member in Salem, Oregon, opening play in 2025. The Salem Baseball Club will join the Springfield Drifters, Bend Elks, Corvallis Knights, and Portland Pickles as the league’s fifth Oregon-based team. “When you look at a map,” said WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer, “adding another …
Continue reading “Salem Awarded WCL Expansion Team for 2025”
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This weekend in Portland, Oregon, baseball enthusiasts and industry leaders will converge for the annual Northwest Baseball Coaches Association Convention. With a robust West Coast League presence, the convention promises an engaging lineup of speakers, interactive demonstrations, and breakout sessions, making this a must-attend event for baseball coaches and enthusiasts alike. As usual, this year’s …
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Monday, the West Coast League (WCL) proudly announced the continuation of its valued partnership with the Northwest Baseball Coaches Association (NWBCA) for its annual convention, a highly anticipated gathering of baseball coaches and vendors held each January in Portland, Oregon. The NWBCA convention stands as the premier baseball coaches conference in the Pacific Northwest, scheduled …
Continue reading “WCL Strengthens Commitment to NWBCA Convention”
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The West Coast League (WCL), now entering its 20th year, and third year with a roster of 16 teams ranging from Alberta to Oregon, has officially unveiled its much-anticipated schedule for the 2024 regular season and exciting postseason. All 16 teams will kick off their WCL campaigns on Friday, May 31, igniting another summer of …
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Read MoreIn 2023, 289 alumni of West Coast League teams were active in affiliated professional baseball. A number of WCL alumni posted impressive MLB seasons, such as 2023 American League All-Star Adley Rutschman (Corvallis Knights, 2016). Other notable WCL alumni include recent Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber (Cowlitz Black Bears, 2014), Steven Kwan (Corvallis, 2016) …
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Thursday, the West Coast League released the final 2023 WCL Spotlight, an expanded list of the League’s most exciting players during the recently concluded season. Topping the Spotlight: Nanaimo NightOwls shortstop Elijah Ickes, selected by WCL coaches as the League’s top prospect. Also on the list? A number of players who were drafted by MLB …
Continue reading “Ickes Named Top Prospect, Final WCL Spotlight Released”
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Wednesday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced the winners of three more 2023 League awards: Executive of the Year, Official Scorer of the Year, and the inaugural Broadcaster of the Year Award. “I am incredibly pleased,” said Neyer, “to present our first Broadcaster of the Year Award to Mike Parker, one of the Pacific …
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Friday morning, the winners of the West Coast League’s Coach of the Year, Umpire of the Year, and Team Sportsmanship Award were announced by West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer. Victoria skipper Todd Haney is 2023’s Coach of the Year. Haney guided the HarbourCats to a 38-15 mark, which included a remarkable 27-2 home record …
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Thursday morning, the 2023 All-West Coast League teams were unveiled by West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer. “With every passing year,” said Neyer, “I’m more impressed with how much talent and commitment we’re blessed with each summer in the West Coast League. We saw that in the draft earlier this summer, and now we’re seeing …
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Wednesday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced the winners of the League’s top two individual awards. This year’s Most Valuable Player is Yakima Valley Pippins first baseman Jace Phelan. The rising junior from Gonzaga led the League with 50 RBI and 8 home runs. Phelan was also the distance king, hitting the two longest …
Continue reading “WCL MVP and Pitcher of the Year Selections Announced”
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The Corvallis Knights’ historic run became even more impressive Monday night when the Knights won their seventh straight West Coast League championship with a 5-0 victory over the visiting Victoria HarbourCats. The Knights’ championship is also their tenth overall, with 2023 joining 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (the league’s 2020 …
Continue reading “Corvallis Wins Seventh Consecutive WCL Championship”
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As usual, the road to the West Coast League championship runs through Corvallis, Oregon. Monday night, the Corvallis Knights, aiming for their seventh straight WCL crown, will host the Victoria HarbourCats in the League’s winner-take-all championship game. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. at Goss Stadium. The later start time is due to anticipated high …
Continue reading “Knights and HarbourCats to Play Monday in WCL Championship Game”
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The matchups are now locked in for the Divisional Championship showdowns, with the two games set for Saturday night. Now that the best-of-three divisional playoffs are wrapped up, both the division and league championships will consist of just one game. In the South, the Portland Pickles will clash with the Corvallis Knights, who finished the …
Continue reading “Four Teams Advance to Saturday’s Divisional Championship Games”
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Tuesday night – in four locations ranging from Oregon and Washington to British Columbia – the West Coast League’s playoffs open with four Divisional Series games, the first in what promise to be a quartet of exciting series featuring the eight best teams in one of North America’s premier collegiate summer baseball leagues. For the second …
Continue reading “WCL Playoffs Begin Tonight”
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Cowlitz Black Bears outfielder Marques Titialii (Arizona Christian) and Portland Pickles left-hander Christian Lim (Stanford). In six games with Cowlitz last week, Titialii hit three home runs and scored 12 runs. He also …
Continue reading “Titialii and Lim Receive WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Accolades”
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Thursday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer released the third 2023 WCL Spotlight, featuring a collection of the League’s most exciting and notable players. This week’s WCL Spotlight includes only West Coast Leaguers currently playing, with the rankings reflecting not just their professional potential, but also various other compelling reasons for tracking their performance as …
Continue reading “Third WCL Spotlight Unveiled”
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Thursday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer unveiled the second 2023 WCL Spotlight, featuring a collection of the League’s most exciting players. This Spotlight includes only West Coast Leaguers currently playing, with the rankings reflecting not just their professional potential, but also the various other compelling reasons for tracking their progress this summer. The first …
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Earlier this week, 40 current and former West Coast League players were selected in Major League Baseball’s annual Rule 4 Amateur Draft. There were 18 alumni selected in the first 10 rounds of the Draft, and 10 of the 40 total selections are current WCL players. Sunday night, UCLA right-hander Alonzo Tredwell became the first …
Continue reading “40 WCL Alumni Selected in 2023 MLB Draft”
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With the selection of 17 players on Monday, 18 WCL alumni have now been taken in the first 10 rounds of this year’s MLB Draft. Two players currently active in the WCL, right-hander Morris Austin of the Portland Pickles and outfielder Quincy Scott of the Ridgefield Raptors, were selected on Monday. UCLA right-hander Alonzo Tredwell …
Continue reading “17 Former WCL Players Selected on Day Two of MLB Draft”
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Sunday, UCLA right-hander Alonzo Tredwell became the first former WCL player selected in the 2023 MLB Draft when he was chosen in the second round by the Houston Astros with the 61st overall pick. Tredwell pitched for the Portland Pickles in 2021 before an impressive two-year career with the Bruins. The 6’8″ hurler went 8-3 …
Continue reading “Tredwell Becomes MLB Draft Day 1 Selection”
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Thursday night, the Bellingham Bells clinched the West Coast League’s second 2023 playoff spot by securing the first-half title in the North Division. The Bells join the Ridgefield Raptors as the two teams that have already secured their spot in the WCL postseason starting in August. There are still six more playoff spots up for …
Continue reading “Bells Secure Postseason Bid, Second-Half Race Starts”
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Wednesday night in Ridgefield, the host Raptors clinched the West Coast League’s first 2023 playoff spot, beating the Portland Pickles 10-3 to eliminate the Pickles from contention. The Raptors had already finished their first half with a 17-9 record, with the Pickles passing the Raptors if they’d pulled off the road sweep this week. But …
Continue reading “Raptors Clinch Playoff Spot, North Decided Thursday”
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This week, and perhaps as soon as Tuesday night, the West Coast League’s first two postseason berths will be clinched by the first-half winners in each division. Given the nature of West Coast League scheduling, it’s practically impossible for every WCL team to finish their “first half” on the same date. As a result, each …
Continue reading “First-Half Race Enters Final Stretch”
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Cowlitz Black Bears outfielder LeTrey McCollum (UC Santa Barbara) and Victoria HarbourCats right-hander Sean Heppner (University of British Columbia). Last week, McCollum went 11 for 19 in five games while scoring nine runs and stealing …
Continue reading “McCollum and Heppner Earn WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Honors”
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Wednesday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced the first-ever WCL Spotlight, featuring a collection of the League’s most exciting players. “We’ve long been considered the West’s top collegiate summer league,” Neyer said, “but the WCL’s talent and stories just get more impressive every year. So now feels like the right time to give our fans …
Continue reading “First WCL Spotlight Unveiled”
Read MoreFormer Portland Pickle Kyle Manzardo has been selected to play in the 2023 Futures Game in Seattle during this year’s MLB All Star Weekend. The Tampa Bay Rays minor league standout will be headed back to the Pacific Northwest to showcase his talents in this year’s Futures Game. The current Durham Bulls (AAA) superstar is …
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Wenatchee AppleSox infielder Easton Amundson (uncommitted) and Bellingham Bells right-hander Jack Erdman (Tennessee Tech). Last week, Amundson knocked out six extra-base hits, including three home runs, while both driving in and scoring 10 …
Continue reading “Amundson and Erdman Earn WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Honors”
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It’s Opening Night in the West Coast League, with all 16 teams in action this evening across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. “It’s both exciting and humbling to be entering my fifth season with this tremendous league,” said Commissioner Rob Neyer. “When I think about how hard everyone’s worked to build the West Coast League, …
Continue reading “2023 WCL Season Begins Tonight”
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The first winner of the West Coast League’s Top Prospect Award has arrived in the big leagues. Matt McLain, tabbed in 2018 as the inaugural Top Prospect after his month-long stint with the Bellingham Bells, is set to make his Major League debut Monday night with the Cincinnati Reds, playing shortstop and batting second against …
Continue reading “McLain Set for MLB Debut”
Read MoreIf you believe in destiny, or something like it – that everything happens for a reason – you might guess that Carlos Ramirez was destined to coach Matt Acker’s Port Angeles Lefties. Or if not the Lefties, another team associated with Acker. “We met in Hawai’i,” Acker said, “when I started working baseball camps. One …
Continue reading “Ramirez Primed to Lead the Lefties”
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Tuesday, the West Coast League and Supervisor of Umpires John White announced the League’s U.S.-based umpiring crews, and also instituted new NCAA-inspired rules designed to enhance the WCL’s pace of play. “As we embrace the baseball-wide movement to create a faster-paced, more entertaining game for our fans,” said Commissioner Rob Neyer, “we’re blessed with a …
Continue reading “New Pace of Play Rules and Umpiring Staff Announced”
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This year, a record 41 players with West Coast League experience have earned spots on Major League Baseball Opening Day rosters. This marks the third consecutive season with the WCL setting a new record for alumni on Opening Day rosters. Former WCL players gearing up to start the season in the big leagues include 2020 …
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The 2023 World Baseball Classic will feature 20 former West Coast League players, representing eight of the 20 teams participating in the tournament that begins on March 7. “As an international league from our very beginning,” said WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer, “we’re particularly passionate about baseball’s ability to transcend borders, and we’re thrilled to see …
Continue reading “20 WCL Alumni Named to WBC Rosters”
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Last weekend in Portland, the West Coast League’s board of directors and general managers gathered, both in person and via teleconference, for the League’s annual winter meetings. The event kicked off Friday night, when Commissioner Rob Neyer presented Nova Newcomer with the West Coast League’s annual Grass Roots Award, just before Seattle Mariners pitching coach …
Continue reading “Executives Gather for Annual Winter Meetings”
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Last week in Southern California, the West Coast League’s board of directors met to review a tremendously successful 2022 season, approve the League’s 2023 schedule, and reach consensus on a number of other matters. “No doubt, these last few seasons have been challenging,” said WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer, “with the pandemic wiping out our 2020 …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils 2023 Schedule”
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In 2022, 299 alumni of West Coast League teams were active in affiliated professional baseball. A number of WCL alumni had impressive MLB seasons, such as 2022 National League All-Star Tyler Anderson (Corvallis Knights, 2009). Other notable WCL alumni include former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber (Cowlitz, 2014), along with rookie stars Adley Rutschman …
Continue reading “298 WCL Alumni Active in Affiliated Baseball”
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Thursday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced the inaugural winners of two league awards: Umpiring Prospect of the Year, and Official Scorer of the Year. The WCL’s 2022 Umpiring Prospect of the Year is Nick Hudlow. A Portland native, Hudlow graduated from the famous Wendelstedt Umpire School last winter, then opened the West Coast …
Continue reading “Umpiring Prospect of the Year and Official Scorer of the Year Honored”
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This week the West Coast League and Major League Baseball announced an agreement to jointly pursue initiatives of mutual interest, including player and coach development, technology innovation related to scouting and fan experience, and community engagement. “We continue to be impressed by Major League Baseball’s enthusiastic support of amateur baseball,” said West Coast League Commissioner …
Continue reading “WCL and MLB Announce Partnership”
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Friday morning, the winners of the West Coast League’s Top Prospect, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year, and Team Sportsmanship Award were announced by West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer. The Bend Elks’ (and incoming Oklahoma State freshman) Beau Sylvester earned the league’s Top Prospect Award. This summer the catcher and Hawaii native …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils Additional Postseason Award Honorees”
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Thursday morning, the 2022 All-West Coast League teams were announced by West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer. “It’s a true pleasure to watch the West Coast League’s tremendous players all summer,” Neyer said, “and I certainly don’t envy our coaches who somehow winnowed down all that talent to just the players on these all-league teams.” …
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Wednesday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced the winners of the League’s top two individual awards: Most Valuable Player and Pitcher of the Year. This year Wenatchee AppleSox second baseman Joichiro Oyama (UC Irvine) and Ridgefield Raptors outfielder/catcher Jacob Sharp (UNLV) were selected by WCL coaches and executives as co-MVPs. Oyama played in all …
Continue reading “WCL Co-MVPs and Pitcher of the Year Unveiled”
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The Corvallis Knights’ historic run – already among the most impressive in modern amateur sports – became even more impressive Monday night when the Knights, with more than 2,000 fans on hand, captured their sixth straight West Coast League championship with a 5-0 victory over the visiting Bellingham Bells. The Knights’ championship is also their …
Continue reading “Corvallis Captures Sixth Straight WCL Title”
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Monday night, the Corvallis Knights will host the Bellingham Bells in the West Coast League’s first-ever Championship Game. The Knights, winners of the last five WCL championships, reached the title game by taking two of three games from Yakima Valley in their divisional series, then topping the Ridgefield Raptors in the South Division championship game. …
Continue reading “Bells and Knights to Meet Monday in WCL Championship Game”
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The pairings are now set for the Divisional Championship matchups, with the two showdowns set to take place on Saturday. Now that the best-of-three divisional playoffs are wrapped up, both the division and league championships will consist of just one game. In the South, the Ridgefield Raptors are on a collision course with the Corvallis …
Continue reading “Four Teams Advance to Saturday’s Divisional Championship Clashes”
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Tuesday night in four locations ranging from British Columbia’s Vancouver Island to Central Washington to the Greater Portland area, the West Coast League’s playoffs are set to kick off in unprecedented fashion. For the first time in League history, eight teams qualified for the postseason, following a regular season in which the last two playoff …
Continue reading “Playoff Pairings Set, Postseason Begins Tuesday”
Read MoreThe West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer, are Victoria HarbourCats standouts Josh Walker (Sacramento State) and Nick Taylor (Edmonds CC). Both Walker and Taylor played crucial roles in the HarbourCats’ playoffs push, which culminated with a victory in a winner-take-all showdown …
Continue reading “Walker and Taylor Receive WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Honors”
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With each day this week, we gained another shred of clarity in the West Coast League postseason picture. But with only three days left, there’s still a great deal in question. For the first time in West Coast League history, this summer eight teams will qualify for the postseason. By virtue of their first-half titles, …
Continue reading “Playoff Chase Enters Final Weekend”
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*Note the playoff bracket included with the story is if the season ended before the games on 8/2 are played. Monday night, the West Coast League’s playoff picture became a bit more clear when the visiting Kamloops NorthPaws topped the Kelowna Falcons in a makeup game. For the first time in West Coast League history, …
Continue reading “Postseason Race Sprints Towards Final Stretch”
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Last winter, the West Coast League’s board of directors approved a new postseason format designed to do two things: (1) increase the number of postseason teams, in part to reflect the jump in league members from 12 to 16, and (2) inject even more excitement into the second half of the season, not to mention …
Continue reading “WCL Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus”
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Earlier this week, 30 current and former West Coast League players were selected in Major League Baseball’s annual amateur Draft. With both Brooks Lee (Corvallis Knights, No. 8) and Gabriel Hughes (Bellingham Bells, No. 10) among the first 10 overall picks, 2022 marks the sixth straight year with at least one former WCL standout drafted …
Continue reading “30 WCL Alumni Selected in 2022 MLB Draft”
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With the selection of 11 players on Monday, 14 WCL alumni have now been taken in the first 10 rounds of this year’s MLB Draft. Three former WCL players were picked on the Draft’s first day, with both Brooks Lee (Corvallis Knights, No. 8) and Gabriel Hughes (Bellingham Bells, No. 10) among the first 10 …
Continue reading “11 Former WCL Players Selected on Day Two of MLB Draft”
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Sunday, former West Coast League standouts Brooks Lee (Cal Poly) and Gabriel Hughes (Gonzaga) both were among the first 10 picks in the 2022 MLB Draft. The Minnesota Twins selected Lee eighth overall, and just moments later the Colorado Rockies chose Hughes 10th. This marks the sixth straight year featuring at least one former WCL …
Continue reading “Lee and Hughes Selected as Top 10 Picks in 2022 MLB Draft”
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By Rob Neyer How often do we reduce, in our minds, a baseball life to a line or two in Baseball-Reference.com or one of those old doorstop encyclopedias? In 1983, Gorman Heimueller started 14 games for the Oakland Athletics, all in the second half of the season. He won three of those, and lost five. …
Continue reading “Heimueller Brings Lifetime of Baseball Experience to Nanaimo”
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Golden Tate hit the ground running Tuesday night in his first game playing in the West Coast League for the Port Angeles Lefties, as the former Pro Bowl wide receiver went 2-for-4 in his debut. Tate had a double, single, stolen base, drove in a run, and scored a run in the Lefties’ 5-2 win …
Continue reading “Golden Tate Impresses in WCL Debut”
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Today the West Coast League’s Port Angeles Lefties announced that ex-NFL wide receiver Golden Tate has signed as a Lefties player for the remainder of the 2022 season. While Jake Locker and Jordan Poyer both played for WCL teams before their NFL careers, Tate will become the first former NFL player in the league. “I …
Continue reading “WCL’s Lefties Sign Ex-NFL Wide Receiver Golden Tate”
Read MoreOfficial League, a new lifestyle apparel brand exclusively for passionate fans, yesterday announced a new limited-edition hat collection celebrating Opening Day for the West Coast League, the West’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. Official League has created brand-new, exclusive hat designs for the Bend Elks, Corvallis Knights, Portland Pickles, and Wenatchee AppleSox, with all four …
Continue reading “Official League Offering Limited Edition WCL Hat Collection”
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It’s Opening Night in the West Coast League, with four games slated for this evening in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. And in just three days, 16 WCL teams are set for an action-packed weekend. “I’ve got exactly zero doubt,” said Commissioner Rob Neyer, “that this season will be our League’s best yet. We’ll have …
Continue reading “2022 WCL Season Opens Tonight”
Read MoreIn recent seasons, the West Coast League has become the tech-friendliest and -savviest summer collegiate league, establishing partnerships with high-profile, industry-leading companies like TrackMan, Synergy Sports, and Driveline Baseball. As notable and productive as those partnerships have been, though, in 2022 the WCL’s technology partnerships have shifted into hyperdrive, with unprecedented coverage that will include …
Continue reading “West Coast League Goes Even Bigger With Tech”
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The West Coast League’s highest-ranked prospect has been called up to the big leagues. Adley Rutschman, the sport’s top prospect according to MLB.com, has been promoted by the Baltimore Orioles and is set to make his MLB debut (Friday night, the Orioles posted video of Rutschman getting the good news). In 2019, Rutschman became the …
Continue reading “#1 MLB Prospect Adley Rutschman Joins Orioles”
Read More According to MLB.com’s Jim Callis, former Corvallis Knights infielder Brooks Lee is one of four former West Coast League players ranked among the Top 150 MLB Draft Prospects for 2022. Lee, the star shortstop for Cal Poly, is listed as the Draft’s No. 5 overall prospect. In each of the last five years, at least …
Continue reading “For 2022 Draft, Lee Ranked as No. 5 Prospect”
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This year, a record 33 players with West Coast League experience have earned spots on Major League Baseball Opening Day rosters. It is the second consecutive season the WCL has set a new record for alumni on MLB Opening Day rosters after there were 31 in 2021. Former WCL players gearing up to start the …
Continue reading “MLB Opening Day Rosters Include 33 WCL Alumni”
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The West Coast League mourns the loss of the former league commissioner Jim Dietz. As the League’s first commissioner, Dietz oversaw the WCL’s launch and laid a strong foundation for the WCL’s continuing growth and success. He served as the WCL commissioner from 2005 through 2007, when he transitioned to a key role on the …
Continue reading “WCL Remembers Former Commissioner Jim Dietz”
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Today, the West Coast League unveiled a striking rebrand, beginning a transition from the league’s traditional WC logo to a new WCL mark that evokes the league’s sprawling geography, ranging from central Oregon north through Washington state, British Columbia and, beginning this year, well into Alberta, Canada. “The West Coast League’s geography is simply unparalleled,” …
Continue reading “West Coast League Launches New Visual Identity”
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Last weekend in Portland, the West Coast League’s board of directors gathered, both in person and via teleconference, for the League’s annual winter meetings. Most notably, the League’s board of directors approved a new postseason format that includes eight of the WCL’s 16 teams, with all eight postseason teams hosting at least one playoff game. …
Continue reading “Board of Directors Hold Annual Winter Meetings”
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Saturday night in Portland, the West Coast League tabbed Jerry Smoot as the inaugural winner of the WCL’s first Grass Roots Award. “Our Grass Roots Award celebrates coaches from our communities,” said WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer, “who have spent much of their lives working to promote amateur baseball and help young players achieve their full …
Continue reading “Jerry Smoot Named Inaugural WCL Grass Roots Award Winner”
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This morning the West Coast League released its official 2022 schedule, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer. “Now it feels real,” said Neyer. “After a 2020 without games and a 2021 without our Canadian members, a 2022 with everyone — including three new teams in Canada, plus our fourth Oregon member — certainly figures to …
Continue reading “WCL Announces 2022 Schedule”
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Earlier this week in Indio, California, the West Coast League’s board of directors met in person for the first time in nearly two years, and reached consensus on a number of matters while renewing the deep, international ties between League members in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alberta. “Our league’s No. 1 asset is our …
Continue reading “Board of Directors Gather for Fall League Meetings”
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In 2021, 305 alumni of West Coast League teams were active in affiliated professional baseball. A number of WCL alumni had impressive MLB seasons, such as former Cy Young Award winner and 2021 American League All-Star Shane Bieber (Cowlitz, 2014). Other notable WCL alumni include pitchers Nick Pivetta (Victoria, 2013), Matt Boyd (Corvallis, 2010) and …
Continue reading “305 Alumni of WCL Teams Appear in Affiliated Baseball”
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Friday, the West Coast League received a bit of tremendous news: for the second straight season, Perfect Game has announced the Corvallis Knights as their Summer Collegiate Team of the Year. “I can’t say I’m completely surprised,” said Rob Neyer, West Coast League Commissioner, “since in their last two seasons, the Knights have won 77 …
Continue reading “Knights Named Perfect Game Summer Collegiate Team of the Year”
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Tuesday morning, the winners of the West Coast League’s Top Prospect, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year and the Team Sportsmanship Award were announced by West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer. Incoming Oregon State freshman Travis Bazzana of the Corvallis Knights, who was also named the WCL’s MVP, earned the league’s Top Prospect …
Continue reading “WCL Announces Additional Postseason Award Honorees”
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Wednesday morning, the 2021 All-West Coast League teams were announced by West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer. “It’s my tremendous pleasure every year,” said Neyer, “to announce the WCL’s All-League teams. Considering the WCL’s position as the premier summer collegiate baseball league in the entire western half of the continent, saying our teams represent ‘the best …
Continue reading “All-WCL Teams Unveiled”
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Monday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced the winners of the League’s top two individual awards: Most Valuable Player and Pitcher of the Year. “As the West’s top summer collegiate baseball league,” Neyer said, “we obviously featured a great wealth of exciting talent in 2021. Sifting through all that talent and arriving at these two …
Continue reading “WCL MVP and Pitcher of the Year Winners Announced”
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The historic run is now a five-peat for the Corvallis Knights. On Friday night at Goss Stadium, the Knights topped the Yakima Valley Pippins 13-2 to capture their fifth consecutive West Coast League title. “When I became Commissioner four years ago,” Rob Neyer said after Friday night’s game in Corvallis, “I was well-aware of the …
Continue reading “Knights Win Fifth Consecutive WCL Title”
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With their backs against the wall, the Corvallis Knights were able to respond on Thursday night at Goss Stadium. The Knights beat the Yakima Valley Pippins 2-1 to even the West Coast League Championship Series 1-1 and set up a deciding Game 3. First pitch tonight from Goss Stadium in Corvallis is at 6:35 pm. …
Continue reading “Pippins and Knights Ready for WCLCS Winner-Take-All Game”
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The Yakima Valley Pippins and Corvallis Knights are set to square off in the 2021 West Coast League Championship Series. The Pippins punched their ticket to the WCLCS after defeating the Bellingham Bells 11-5 on Monday night in the deciding game of the North’s Divisional Series. For Yakima Valley it is their first trip to …
Continue reading “Yakima Valley and Corvallis Advance to WCLCS”
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With the West Coast League’s final postseason berth secured by the Ridgefield Raptors, both first-round matchups are finally set. Thursday night, the Raptors finished the regular season in a three-way tie with the Portland Pickles and Bend Elks, but Ridgefield owned the tiebreaker by virtue of their combined 9-3 record against Portland and Bend. Ridgefield will …
Continue reading “WCL Playoff Pairings Set”
Read More Oregon & Washington, Aug. 12—As the final week of the West Coast League’s regular season dawned, four teams were still squarely in the hunt for the South Division’s second playoff spot, which this season goes to the team with the division’s second-best overall record (as the Corvallis Knights have locked up the best record in …
Continue reading “Final Postseason Bid Still Up for Grabs”
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The West Coast League enters the final days of an already unprecedented regular season with not two, or even three, but four teams with highly viable paths to the league’s fourth and final postseason berth. The bracket is set in the WCL’s North Division, as the Yakima Valley Pippins finished atop the first-half standings, and …
Continue reading “Hotly Contested Race for Final Playoff Bid”
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Saturday night, the West Coast League reached a huge milestone when Jarren Duran batted sixth and started in center field for the first-place Boston Red Sox, becoming the 100th alumnus of a current or past West Coast League team to make his MLB debut. Chronologically, the list of 100 begins with Mike Thurman, who pitched …
Continue reading “Duran Becomes 100th WCL Alumni to Reach the Major Leagues”
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Earlier this week, 42 current and former West Coast League players were selected in Major League Baseball’s annual Rule 4 amateur draft. With the Cincinnati Reds’ selection of Matt McLain with the 17th overall pick, 2021 marks the fifth straight year with a WCL standout drafted in the first round. There were 19 WCL alumni …
Continue reading “42 WCL Alumni Selected in 2021 MLB Draft”
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A total of 19 WCL alumni have been taken in the first 10 rounds of this year’s MLB Draft after 18 additional players were selected on Monday, including four among the top 63 picks. Matt McLain, who earned the WCL’s Top Prospect Award in 2018 as a member of the Bellingham Bells, was selected by the …
Continue reading “18 Former WCL Players Selected on Day Two of MLB Draft”
Read More West Coast League alumni Matt McLain of UCLA was selected in the first round of the MLB Draft, as the Cincinnati Reds picked McLain 17th overall. It is the fifth consecutive season that a former WCL player has been taken in the first round of the MLB Draft. McLain, a UCLA infielder, earned the WCL’s …
Continue reading “McLain Selected in First Round of MLB Draft”
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Seven West Coast League alumni were named to All-America teams by Baseball America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, highlighted by first-team selection Aaron Zavala of the University of Oregon. Zavala, who played for the Ridgefield Raptors in 2019, had a .392 batting average with nine home runs, 38 RBIs and 64 runs scored …
Continue reading “Seven Former WCL Players Named All-Americans”
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It’s Opening Night in the West Coast League, with five games slated for the circuit this evening in Washington and Oregon. All ten U.S.-based teams will be in action for Opening Night, with the Bellingham Bells hosting the Port Angeles Lefties, the Ridgefield Raptors hosting the Bend Elks, the Yakima Valley Pippins hosting the Corvallis …
Continue reading “WCL Opens 2021 Campaign”
Read MoreEntering the 2021 season, the West Coast League continues to enhance technology and data Initiatives with the help of new and expanded partnerships. Among our growing partnerships is with TrackMan, which serves as an additional tool to aid player development and performance evaluation. TrackMan Baseball is used by all 30 Major League Baseball teams and …
Continue reading “WCL Increases Tech and Data Initiatives for 2021”
Read MoreToday the West Coast League, one of North America’s premier summer collegiate baseball leagues, announced the formation of a COVID-19 Health & Safety Group, effective immediately. Meeting weekly from this week through the end of the postseason in August, the Health & Safety Group consists of representatives from five teams based in both Washington and …
Continue reading “West Coast League Creates Health & Safety Group”
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Thursday, the West Coast League announced the addition of the expansion Springfield Drifters as the league’s 16th member team. The Drifters will join the Bend Elks, Corvallis Knights, and Portland Pickles as the league’s fourth Oregon-based team. “When you look at a map,” said WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer, “adding another team in the Willamette Valley …
Continue reading “WCL Adds Springfield Drifters as Newest Member Team”
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Wednesday, the West Coast League announced that all five of the league’s Canadian members have withdrawn from the 2021 season, due to continuing, pandemic-related border and gathering limitations. In addition to the Kelowna Falcons, who previously canceled their season, the Victoria HarbourCats, Edmonton Riverhawks, Kamloops NorthPaws, and Nanaimo NightOwls have also made the difficult decision …
Continue reading “WCL’s Canadian Members Withdraw From 2021 Season”
Read More This year, a record 31 players with West Coast League experience have earned spots on Major League Baseball Opening Day rosters. What’s more, three of those players—reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, of the Cleveland Indians; the Seattle Mariners’ Marco Gonzales; and the Detroit Tigers’ Matt Boyd—will serve as their teams’ Opening …
Continue reading “MLB Opening Day Rosters Feature WCL-Record 31 Alumni”
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Wednesday, the West Coast League announced that Driveline Baseball is now an Official Development Partner, with a wide range of elements that will provide unprecedented opportunities for WCL teams and Driveline athletes. “I’ve been admiring Driveline for years,” said Commissioner Rob Neyer, “and I’m thrilled that now we’ll be working so closely with them. Our …
Continue reading “WCL Announces Driveline Partnership”
Read More Tuesday, West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer released a revised 2021 schedule for the League’s 10 U.S.-based teams. The League and four Canadian teams—the Victoria HarbourCats, along with the expansion Edmonton Riverhawks, Kamloops NorthPaws, and Nanaimo NightOwls—continue to work toward a Canadian-only schedule, while closely monitoring the pandemic responses by border officials and provincial health …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils Adjusted 2021 Schedule for U.S. Teams”
Read MoreToday the West Coast League announced the adoption of a revised 2021 schedule that eliminates all regular-season international travel. The new schedule will consist of the league’s U.S.-based members playing each other, and the league’s Canada-based members doing the same. This revised structure leaves open the possibility of a full league playoff format. “After the …
Continue reading “WCL Announces 2021 Schedule Changes”
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The Kelowna Falcons have featured a long list of big leaguers over the years, including slugger Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles and the newest Seattle Mariner – The Big Maple, James Paxton. Paxton is back in the Pacific Northwest and joins former WCLers Mitch Haniger of the Knights and Marco Gonzales of Wenatchee to …
Continue reading “Kelowna Alumni James Paxton Returns to the Pacific Northwest”
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It’s often been said by those inside the game that the baseball world is very small. As widespread as the game is across the country on Little League fields, high school and college fields, and in professional stadiums, baseball has maintained a decidedly intimate feel with myriad small-town connections. The sport reaches deep into communities, …
Continue reading “A Team Reborn, a Birthday Anniversary, and Ties Between Two Baseball Cities”
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The Corvallis Knights and Wenatchee AppleSox are a tradition celebrated each summer, one inning at a time. The two baseball clubs partnered from the very beginning as founding West Coast League members in 2005. From that inaugural summer collegiate season forward they have enjoyed extraordinary success on the field and in their respective communities. In …
Continue reading “WCL Alumni Mitch Haniger & Marco Gonzales Embody Winning Ways”
Read MoreBy Rob Neyer Tenacious. When asked for a scouting report on Tommy Richards—on Tommy Richards as a player; as a coach; as a person, just living in the world—Scott Anderson kept coming back to the same word: tenacious. If anyone knows, Anderson would. In 2009 and ’10, Anderson was Richards’s head coach with the West …
Continue reading “Richards Ready to Lead Revived Bushnell Program”
Read MoreThere are MLB team coaching staffs that don’t have this much big-league playing experience. Count ’em up, 31 years. Greg Swindell, a 17-year MLB pitcher, has been added by Head Coach Todd Haney for the 2021 Victoria HarbourCats season, as Bench Coach. Add that to Haney’s five seasons and the nine seasons of Pitching Coach …
Continue reading “MLB Vet Greg Swindell Added to HarbourCats Coaching Staff”
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Former Bellingham Bells infielder Matt McLain is one of four West Coast League alumni ranked among the Top 100 MLB Draft Prospects for 2021, according to MLB.com. McLain, a UCLA standout, is listed as the Draft’s No. 3 overall prospect. Other WCL alumni featured on the list include catcher Noah Cardenas (No. 62), right-handed pitcher …
Continue reading “For 2021 Draft, McLain Ranked as No. 3 Prospect”
Read More Today the West Coast League released its official 2021 schedule, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer. “Every year,” said Neyer, “getting the new West Coast League schedule is like getting an early Christmas present. The best early Christmas present.” Opening Day 2021 is set for Tuesday, June 1. All fifteen WCL teams will have started …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils 2021 Schedule”
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Wednesday, former Cowlitz Black Bears pitcher Shane Bieber was named the winner of the 2020 American League Cy Young Award after a dominating season for the Cleveland Indians. Bieber is the first WCL alumni to win a Cy Young Award. “We couldn’t be more thrilled for Shane Bieber, the Cowlitz Black Bears, and the entire …
Continue reading “WCL Alumni Shane Bieber Wins AL Cy Young Award”
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Former Wenatchee AppleSox pitcher Griffin Canning (2014) became the team’s first alum to win a Gold Glove Award by claiming the top defensive honor for a player. Canning earned the American League Gold Glove honor at pitcher after his second MLB season. The right-hander led all American League pitchers with 3 Defensive Runs Saved and …
Continue reading “Canning Earns Gold Glove Award”
Read MoreMonday, the West Coast League’s Cowlitz Black Bears unveiled their new Head Coach: Gary Van Tol, who’s been teaching and coaching young players in the Pacific Northwest for three decades. “Gary is the ideal fit for the Black Bears and our community,” Cowlitz GM Gus Farah said. “Coach Van Tol will recruit, organize, and compete …
Continue reading “Black Bears Hire Van Tol as Next Head Coach”
Read More During the pandemic-shortened 2020 Major League Baseball season, 42 alumni of West Coast League teams played in the major leagues. A number of alumni posted outstanding seasons, such as Cleveland’s Cy Young Award candidate Shane Bieber (Cowlitz, 2014) and Seattle Mariners ace Marco Gonzales (Wenatchee, 2010). Other notable WCL alumni include pitchers Detroit’s Matt Boyd …
Continue reading “42 WCL Alumni Appeared in MLB During 2020 Season”
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The Kamloops NorthPaws have hired Cole Armstrong as the first head coach in franchise history. The 37-year-old from Surrey, B.C. becomes the only current Canadian serving as head coach in the West Coast League. “It’s a dream come true to return to British Columbia to do what I love,”says Armstrong. “I’d like to thank the …
Continue reading “NorthPaws Name Armstrong Head Coach”
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Western North America’s premier summer collegiate baseball league continues to grow with Tuesday’s announcement from Baseball Edmonton introducing the Edmonton Riverhawks as the West Coast League’s 15th member team. The Riverhawks now join the Nanaimo NightOwls and Kamloops NorthPaws among three WCL expansion teams, all in Canada, set to begin play next June. The newest …
Continue reading “West Coast League Expands to Edmonton”
Read More Wednesday, the West Coast League welcomed the Kamloops NorthPaws to western North America’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. “As Canada’s ‘Tournament Capital,’ Kamloops is obviously a hotbed for amateur sports in British Columbia, so collegiate summer ball is a perfect fit,” said WCL commissioner Rob Neyer. “As a new team, the NorthPaws face a stiff …
Continue reading “Kamloops NorthPaws Newest WCL Expansion Team”
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The first Head Coach of the Nanaimo NightOwls brings a wealth of experience, networking, and community service to the role, to lead the team in its West Coast League debut in 2021. The ownership group of the NightOwls is proud to introduce Greg Frady in the top baseball role — which means the completion of …
Continue reading “Veteran Coach to Lead NightOwls in 2021”
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A pair of West Coast League alumni got their first taste of the big leagues during the opening weekend of the 2020 Major League Baseball season. Brandon Bailey and Taylor Jones each made their MLB debut for the Astros in Houston’s series against the Seattle Mariners. Bailey tossed a scoreless inning in relief on Sunday …
Continue reading “Former WCL Players Make MLB Debut”
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Opening Day 2020 has finally arrived for Major League Baseball and four former West Coast League hurlers will toe the rubber in their teams’ first game of the season, as Marco Gonzales, Shane Bieber, Matt Boyd and Tommy Milone have all been tabbed as Opening Day starters. It will be the second season Gonzales has …
Continue reading “Four WCL Alums Named MLB Opening Day Starters”
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The lights, the history, the proud First Nations lore. And the world-famous dessert that helped make the City of Nanaimo a household name, all combined. The ownership group of the expansion team for the 2021 season, set to call historic Serauxmen Stadium home in the West Coast League, along with the team’s Founding Sponsor, Island …
Continue reading “Nanaimo NightOwls to Take Flight in 2021”
Read MoreToday the West Coast League, one of North America’s premier summer collegiate baseball leagues, announced a new partnership with Teambrown Apparel to produce WCL-branded merchandise for the league’s fans around the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the baseball world, with items available immediately. “We initially became aware of the WCL because of their unique …
Continue reading “WCL Announces New Merchandise Partnership with Teambrown Apparel”
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Updated July 27, 2020 To date, 50 players with West Coast League experience have been named to Major League Baseball 60-man rosters for the 2020 season. These unprecedented 60-man rosters provide an expanded player pool from which each MLB team may draw, during the shortened season. In 2019, 45 West Coast League alumni appeared in …
Continue reading “MLB 60-Man Rosters Feature 50 WCL Alums”
Read More All 83 former West Coast League that have gone on to play in the Major Leagues are featured on the WCL’s brand new alumni page. WCL alums reaching “The Show” include 2019 MLB All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber (pictured) and emerging slugger Rhys Hoskins, along with standout hurlers such as James Paxton, Marco Gonzales, and …
Continue reading “Updated MLB Alumni Page Unveiled”
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*Updated as of August 16, 2020 More West Coast League alums are gearing up to start their professional careers, signing as free agents with Major League organizations since the conclusion of MLB’s 2020 amateur draft. In addition to the five WCLers selected in this year’s five-round draft, 16 more players have now agreed to terms …
Continue reading “Former WCL Players Sign as Non-Drafted Free Agents”
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Five alums of West Coast League teams were taken in MLB’s 2020 amateur draft, conducted June 10 and 11. With the Milwaukee Brewers’ selection of Garrett Mitchell with the 20th overall pick, 2020 marks the fourth straight year with a WCL standout drafted in the first round. Mitchell, a UCLA outfielder, played for the WCL’s …
Continue reading “Five WCL Alums Selected in 2020 MLB Draft”
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West Coast League alum Garrett Mitchell of UCLA was selected in the first round of the MLB Draft today, as the Milwaukee Brewers picked Mitchell 20th overall. It is the fourth straight season that a former WCL player has been taken in the first round of the MLB Draft. Mitchell, a UCLA outfielder, played for …
Continue reading “Mitchell Taken in First Round of MLB Draft”
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With MLB’s annual Rule 4 amateur draft set for this Wednesday and Thursday, West Coast League alumni Garrett Mitchell, Jeremy Wu-Yelland, and Holden Powell all have their sights set on being tabbed in the draft’s five rounds. Mitchell, a UCLA outfielder, played for the West Coast League’s Walla Walla Sweets in 2017. In his first …
Continue reading “2020 MLB Draft WCL Names to Know”
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This week the West Coast League’s board of directors voted to cancel its 2020 summer collegiate season, due to pandemic-related safety guidelines and travel restrictions across Washington and Oregon. Concurrently, league members Cowlitz, Port Angeles, Ridgefield, Walla Walla, and Yakima Valley are cancelling their respective seasons. Also this week, the League set June 4 as …
Continue reading “WCL Cancels 2020 Season”
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Seven West Coast League alums were named to Collegiate Baseball’s All-America teams released yesterday including first-team All-Americans Zach Pettway of UCLA, A.J. Lewis of Eastern Kentucky and Kenyon Yovan of Oregon. The teams were selected based on games played prior to the stoppage of the college baseball season due to Covid-19. Pettway shined during his summer …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Named 2020 Collegiate Baseball All-Americans”
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On Friday, May 8, the West Coast League and its member teams released the following statement regarding their 2020 season… The West Coast League is closely monitoring the Covid-19 policies and announcements issued by federal, state, provincial, and local authorities in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Considering the latest information at hand, the WCL has …
Continue reading “An Update Regarding COVID-19 and the WCL”
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By Rob Neyer It definitely felt like the end of the road. This January, Perth Heat manager Brooke Knight and his Australian Baseball League team were many thousands of feet in the air, nearly home after a tough series in Adelaide: three one-run losses in four games to the first-place Bite. But now, with Virgin …
Continue reading “Knight Cherishes His Baseball Adventures”
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Wednesday morning, all twelve West Coast League teams launched the #StayHome4Baseball campaign, encouraging fans to stay home and flatten the coronavirus curve. The #StayHome4Baseball campaign challenges not only fans, but also baseball teams everywhere, at all levels, to help limit and ultimately stop the spread of COVID-19. “It’s not often,” WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer said, …
Continue reading “WCL Urges Fans to #StayHome4Baseball”
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About the West Coast League: The West Coast League (WCL) is the premier summer collegiate baseball league west of the Mississippi. Situated in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the fifteen-year-old, twelve-team, professionally operated wood-bat league showcases pro prospects from major conferences around the nation. Every summer, the league features unparalleled fan and player experiences, with the best …
Continue reading “An Update Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the WCL”
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West Coast League baseball is landing in Nanaimo. The WCL, which is currently made up of 12 teams including Canadian entries in Victoria and Kelowna, is expanding to 13 teams with the addition of Nanaimo. The to-be-named club’s inaugural season is set for 2021. Nanaimo will play its home games at Serauxmen Stadium. The team …
Continue reading “Nanaimo Awarded WCL Expansion Team”
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By Rob Neyer Sure, you already know Jeff Cirillo as an outstanding Major League Baseball player: fourteen seasons in the majors, twice an All-Star, .296 career batting average, Gold Glove-quality defense (even if the voters somehow never quite noticed). You might not know what Cirillo’s been doing since 2007, because he’s kept a relatively low …
Continue reading “Cirillo Ready to Lead Sweets”
Read MoreA new pact further solidifies the West Coast League’s commitment to safe pitching practices. The WCL has been approved at full compliance level by Pitch Smart for the 2020 season. The Pitch Smart program is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball that provides guidelines and best pitching practices to help reduce …
Continue reading “WCL Announces Pitch Smart Implementation”
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By Rob Neyer Todd Haney, the ex-major leaguer who just signed a multi-year extension as the Victoria HabourCats’ Head Coach, wasn’t really supposed to play on baseball’s biggest stage. Coming out of high school in Waco, Texas, he was barely recruited and wound up at tiny Panola College. While Haney did finish his college career …
Continue reading “Victoria Skipper Reflects on Baseball Journey”
Read More By Rob Neyer In part one of this two-part series, we looked at the rich baseball history of the West Coast League’s six North Division cities. Here in part two, we’ll look at the South’s similarly fascinating baseball legacy… Obviously, the history of summer baseball in Portland, Oregon—now home to the internationally famous Pickles—is far …
Continue reading “Exploring Baseball History of WCL South Cities”
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By Rob Neyer Baseball abhors a vacuum. Or perhaps it’s baseball fans who abhor a vacuum. Because I’ve noticed over the years that even when “baseball” leaves a town or city, for whatever reasons, “baseball” usually returns before long. And there is perhaps no better example than today’s West Coast League, now playing in a …
Continue reading “Exploring Baseball History of WCL North Cities”
Read MoreTwo-time Major League All-Star Jeff Cirillo has been announced as the new manager for the Walla Walla Sweets. Cirillo, currently a scout for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, had a 14-year playing career in the Major Leagues that included the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. …
Continue reading “Former MLB All-Star Jeff Cirillo to Manage the Sweets”
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For the second time in franchise history, the Wenatchee AppleSox will host the West Coast League All-Star Game. The AppleSox hosted the inaugural WCL All-Star Game in 2006 and will become the league’s second team to host multiple All-Star Games when they welcome the 13th mid-summer classic in WCL history to Wenatchee. “I am very …
Continue reading “AppleSox to Host 2020 WCL All-Star Game”
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The West Coast League released its official 2020 schedule today, as announced by Commissioner Rob Neyer. “Because of the tremendous geographical scope of our league,” Neyer said, “putting together a schedule is more art than science, and there will always be travel challenges. But we’re confident that our 2020 schedule will showcase our league’s great …
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A number of former West Coast League players could have the opportunity to capture Olympic gold in 2020. WCL alums Spencer Howard, Wyatt Mills and Andrew Vaughn were selected to USA Baseball’s roster for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12. In addition Brandon Marklund and Will McAffer were chosen to play for Team Canada. …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Named to Olympic Qualifying Rosters”
Read More 317 alums of West Coast League teams have appeared in or are active in affiliated professional baseball in 2019. The WCL’s list of 2019 pros features 45 players that have appeared in major league games or have been on a big league roster. A number of alums have had outstanding seasons such as 2019 MLB …
Continue reading “317 Alums of WCL Teams Appear in Affiliated Baseball”
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Perfect Game announced on Tuesday their list of the top prospects in the WCL this summer. The list, which was compiled by former Wenatchee AppleSox player Connor Spencer, named Brooks Lee of the Corvallis Knights as the top prospect. Lee was ranked by MLB.com as the No. 37 overall prospect going into this year’s MLB …
Continue reading “Perfect Game Unveils WCL Top 25 Prospects List”
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The 2019 All-West Coast League teams and annual awards were unveiled this morning, as announced by WCL commissioner Rob Neyer. University of Utah slugger Briley Knight of the Corvallis Knights was selected as the WCL’s MVP. The sophomore-to-be for the Utes led the league in a number of offensive categories. He had the top on-base …
Continue reading “All-WCL Teams and Honors Announced”
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It was announced this morning that the West Coast League champion Corvallis Knights were selected by Perfect Game USA as the Summer Collegiate Team of the Year. The Knights are the first team in WCL history to be honored by Perfect Game as their Summer College Baseball Team of the Year. Perfect Game is the …
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The Corvallis Knights are once again the champions of the West Coast League. The Knights beat the Victoria HarbourCats 11-1 on Sunday evening at Goss Stadium to clinch the team’s fourth consecutive title. Corvallis is the first team in WCL history to achieve a four-peat. The title is the seventh for the Knights, as Corvallis …
Continue reading “Knights Win Fourth Straight WCL Title”
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The Corvallis Knights and Victoria HarbourCats are set to clash in the 2019 West Coast League Championship Series. Game 1 is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Friday at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria. Game 2 will be at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Goss Stadium; Game 3 (if necessary) would be at 5:05 p.m. Sunday, also at …
Continue reading “Victoria and Corvallis Advance to WCLCS”
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The final two spots in the 2019 West Coast League playoffs have been secured by the Walla Walla Sweets and Wenatchee AppleSox. Both teams are making their first trip to the postseason since 2013. The Sweets will battle the three-time defending WCL champs Corvallis Knights in the postseason beginning next week. Walla Walla is set …
Continue reading “WCL Playoff Pairings Set”
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One big inning helped to lift the North to the 14-1 win over the South at the 2019 West Coast League All-Star Game on Tuesday night in front of 2,284 fans at Vince Genna Stadium in Bend. The North’s early lead expanded with a nine-run top of the second inning to give the squad a …
Continue reading “North Tops South 14-1 at All-Star Game in Bend”
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West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer announced the league’s all-star selections for its 2019 All-Star Game this morning. This year’s mid-summer classic is being held Tuesday, July 23 in Bend at Vince Genna Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm. “Overseeing the West Coast League’s All-Star selection process is both a blessing and a …
Continue reading “WCL All-Star Game Rosters Announced”
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The participants are set for this year’s West Coast League All-Star Game Home Run Derby. The night before the All-Star Game, on Monday, July 22, the annual slugfest will take place at Vince Genna Stadium in Bend. The derby will begin at 7:05 pm and admission is free. There is also a fireworks show scheduled …
Continue reading “WCL Announces Home Run Derby Lineup”
Read More Former Cowlitz Black Bears pitcher Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Indians made history on Tuesday night, becoming the first West Coast League alum to be selected as the MVP of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Bieber, playing at his home ballpark of Progressive Field in Cleveland, earned the honor after striking out the side …
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Read MoreA number of former West Coast League standouts have either made their Major League Baseball debuts or have been called back up to the big leagues as of late. Thomas Eshelman had a strong outing for the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night. In Eshelman’s start against the Tampa Bay Rays he went five innings and …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Among Recent MLB Call-Ups”
Read More Ninety alums and current players of West Coast League teams were selected in the 2019 MLB Draft. West Coast League alum Adley Rutschman of Oregon State was selected as the No. 1 overall pick of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. The former Corvallis Knights standout is the first WCL alum in …
Continue reading “90 WCLers Picked in 2019 MLB Draft”
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The West Coast League is sorry to report the recent passing of former league president Dennis Koho. From July 2013 until December 2015, Koho oversaw the WCL’s dynamic growth, which included bringing baseball back to Yakima County Stadium in 2014, with the expansion Yakima Valley Pippins, and managing three member transfer sales. “I wasn’t fortunate …
Continue reading “WCL Remembers Former President Dennis Koho”
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The West Coast League’s Moss Adams Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week, as announced by league commissioner Rob Neyer, are Santa Barbara City College outfielder Patrick Caulfield of the Walla Walla Sweets and Cal State Fullerton pitcher Joe Magrisi of the Yakima Valley Pippins for the week of June 4-9. This summer’s …
Continue reading “Caulfield and Magrisi Earn WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Accolades”
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Today the West Coast League announced that New Era will, throughout the 2019 season, serve as the league’s preferred hat. “As our league continues to evolve,” said WCL Commissioner Rob Neyer, “it’s only natural that we’ll enjoy relationships with phenomenal brands like New Era. Beginning this summer, I fully expect to see baseball fans all …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils New Era Caps Partnership”
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Cutting-edge technology will be implemented at five more West Coast League stadiums this summer with the league’s announcement today of an expanded agreement with TrackMan. The company’s 3D Doppler radar system, which is used by all 30 Major League Baseball teams, precisely measures the location, trajectory and spin rate of hit and pitched baseballs. The …
Continue reading “TrackMan Expands to Additional WCL Ballparks”
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How will the game of baseball look in 2050? That’s the question the Portland Pickles and Corvallis Knights will tackle on the Fourth of July with a special exhibition matchup at Walker Stadium. The Pickles announced seven major rules changes that will be implemented for the one-night only Future Game. Check it out, as this …
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Today the West Coast League announced a new agreement with the Southern Umpires Association, set to begin this summer. The SUA will provide ten umpires, who will staff the great majority of the WCL’s U.S.-based games during the upcoming season. “The West Coast League has always made great efforts to hire the best Northwest-based umpires, …
Continue reading “WCL Announces New Umpiring Partnership”
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Marco Gonzales of the Seattle Mariners
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WCL Commissioner Honored by SABR
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West Coast League Commissioner Rob Neyer’s latest book, Power Ball: The Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game
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The West Coast League unveiled its official 2019 schedule today as announced by commissioner Rob Neyer. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and established in 2005, the premier summer collegiate baseball circuit west of the Mississippi showcases top collegiate baseball players from across North America in 12 markets throughout Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, Canada. …
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Current West Coast League commissioner and former ESPN columnist and analytics pioneer Rob Neyer dramatically recreates an action-packed 2017 game between the Oakland A’s and eventual World Series Champion Houston Astros to reveal the myriad ways in which Major League Baseball has changed over the last few decades. We invite all our West Coast League …
Continue reading “Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game”
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294 alums of West Coast League teams have appeared in or are active in affiliated professional baseball in 2018. The WCL’s list of 2018 pros features 38 players that have appeared in major league games or have been on big league rosters this summer. Several alums have been having big MLB seasons such as closer …
Continue reading “294 Alums of WCL Teams in Pro Baseball”
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After extensive community feedback from Southwest Washington, including a “name the team contest”, the newest West Coast League (WCL) membership in SW Washington will commence play in June 2019 as the Ridgefield Raptors. As previously announced, Chris Cota from College of the Canyons will lead the team as the inaugural manager. The unveiling of the …
Continue reading “Ridgefield Unveils Identity”
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Former Bend Elks closer Jeff Brigham of University Washington made his big league debut yesterday as he started on the mound for the Miami Marlins. The right-hander tossed 3 innings in the Marlins 6-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Marlins Park. Brigham closed for Bend in 2011 where he made 9 regular-season appearances …
Continue reading “Former Elk Makes MLB Debut”
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The West Coast League’s newest member, the Ridgefield based WCL team, is pleased to announce that Chris Cota, head coach of College of the Canyons, has been hired as its first skipper in club history. “We are excited to add Chris to our organization and follow his leadership on the field in our inaugural season,” …
Continue reading “Ridgefield Names Inaugural Skipper”
Read MoreFive West Coast League players were named to Perfect Game’s Summer Collegiate All-America teams, which were released on August 23, 2018. WCL co-Pitcher of the Year Landen Bourassa of University of San Francisco earned second-team summer collegiate honors. The Corvallis Knights ace and senior-to-be USF Don tied for the league lead in wins with 5 …
Continue reading “5 WCL Players Named Perfect Game All-America”
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The Kelowna Falcons advanced to the West Coast League Championship Series last night with a thrilling 7-6 win over the Bellingham Bells at Joe Martin Field. The Falcons raced to an early lead scoring three in the first and four in the second to go up 7-0, but the Bells stormed back, scoring the game’s …
Continue reading “Kelowna Advances to WCLCS”
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The Corvallis Knights advanced to the West Coast League Championship Series for a third consecutive year with a sweep of the Portland Pickles in the WCL South Divisional Series. The two-time defending WCL champions edged the Pickles 4-1 last night in 11 innings at a sold out Walker Stadium in Portland. Both WCL South Divisional …
Continue reading “Corvallis Advances to WCLCS”
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The Kelowna Falcons captured the league’s final playoff spot last night by clubbing Wenatchee 11-3 and getting some help from the WCL South first-half champion Portland Pickles, as Portland knocked Victoria out of the post-season by beating the HarbourCats 10-3 at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park. Kelowna advances to the playoffs for the …
Continue reading “Kelowna Captures Final North Berth”
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The race for the West Coast League’s final playoff spot got even hotter after Tuesday night’s results. With Corvallis’s 2-0 win over Yakima Tuesday night at Goss Stadium, now Victoria (27-26) is the only contender for the North’s final playoff spot that controls its own destiny. With a Victoria win over Portland on Wednesday, which …
Continue reading “North Race Goes Down to Final Day”
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The race for the West Coast League’s final playoff spot, as well as the temps in the Pacific Northwest, are really heating up. It’s a red-hot race for the final berth in the North Division. Among the four contenders for that last spot, the only club that controls its own destiny is Yakima Valley. The …
Continue reading “Heated Race in North”
Read MoreThis past Thursday night, the Corvallis Knights clinched a West Coast League playoff berth for the 12th consecutive year by beating their longtime rival the Bend Elks 8-5 at Oregon State’s Goss Stadium. Corvallis is the league’s reigning champion, winning back-to-back WCL titles in 2016 and 2017. The league’s defending champions are currently on an …
Continue reading “Corvallis Clinches Playoff Berth”
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West Coast League commissioner Rob Neyer announced this morning that the league’s 2019 All-Star Game will be played at Vince Genna Stadium, home of the Bend Elks. The exact date for the annual mid-summer classic will be released along with the full 2019 WCL schedule in the fall. The 2019 WCL All-Star Game will be …
Continue reading “Bend to Host 2019 WCL All-Star Game”
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The 2018 West Coast League All-Star Game was powered early by Port Angeles Lefties sluggers Ron Brown of Houston and Kyle Schimpf of Southeastern Louisiana before a packed crowd at Civic Field on a gorgeous evening in Port Angeles, Washington. Monday’s Saltwater Splashdown champ Ron Brown delivered a RBI single in the bottom of the …
Continue reading “North Beats South 10-6 in ASG”
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In arguably the West Coast League’s most exciting home run derby, the hometown slugger – Houston’s Ron Brown of the Lefties – won the league’s inaugural Saltwater Splashdown in the Port Angeles harbor. The Port Angeles Lefties Ron Brown represented the North in the finals, as he outdistanced the Bellingham Bells Matt James 21 to …
Continue reading “Houston’s Ron Brown Wins HR Derby”
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North skipper Darren Westergard of Port Angeles and South head coach Brooke Knight of Corvallis announced their probable starting pitchers for Tuesday’s WCL All-Star Game. Westergard tabbed Wenatchee AppleSox Curtis Bafus of VCU. Bafus is 3-3 with a 2.72 ERA over 7 appearances and 6 starts this summer. The right-hander from Woodinville, Washington has struck …
Continue reading “WCL All-Star Game Probables Announced”
Read MoreThe participants are set for the Saltwater Splashdown, this year’s West Coast League All-Star Game Home Run Derby to be held in the Port Angeles harbor. The event will be the most unique All-Star Game Home Run Derby in WCL history. The night before the All-Star Game, on Monday, July 16, going deep will be …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils Saltwater Splashdown Lineup”
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West Coast League commissioner Rob Neyer announced the league’s all-star selections for its 2018 All-Star Game this afternoon. This year’s mid-summer classic is being held Tuesday, July 17 in Port Angeles at Civic Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm. “In my professional life as a columnist and blogger, I second-guessed dozens of All-Star …
Continue reading “WCL Announces All-Star Game Rosters”
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The first two spots in the 2018 West Coast League playoffs have been secured by the Bellingham Bells and Portland Pickles. The Bells have clinched the first-half North title while the Pickles locked up the first-half title in the South. Bellingham will look to make a return trip to the WCL championship series in 2018. …
Continue reading “Bells and Pickles Clinch”
Read MoreA pair of former West Coast League players, Andrew Vaughn and Cadyn Grenier, recently were the recipients of college baseball’s most prestigious awards. Most recently, former Victoria HarbourCat Andrew Vaughn of Cal won the Golden Spikes Award, the football equivalent of the Heisman. Bend Elks alum Cadyn Grenier of Oregon State was the recipient of …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Andrew Vaughn Earns Top Award”
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The Oregon State Beavers of the Pac-12 went 6-0 in elimination games at the College World Series to capture the program’s third national title. Head coach Pat Casey’s Beavs shutout Arkansas 5-0 yesterday in the CWS finale to secure a national championship. West Coast League alum Adley Rutschman (Corvallis, 2016) was named the College World …
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The West Coast League, together with Clark County and the cities of Ridgefield, Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Washougal, and La Center, announced this afternoon the addition of a West Coast League expansion membership in the Clark County market, to begin play in the spring of 2019. The new team’s home facility will be the Ridgefield …
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Yesterday’s College World Series opening games were heartbreaking for #3 national seed Oregon State and first time CWS participant Washington. Both lost close games, Oregon State 8-6 to North Carolina and Washington 1-0 to Mississippi State on a walk-off hit. As a result, the two Pac-12 teams left standing in the NCAA DI baseball tournament …
Continue reading “OSU and UW to Meet in CWS”
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A competition between West Coast League teams is set to take place off the field as well as on the diamonds this summer, all to support a good cause. The Port Angeles Lefties and the United Way of Clallam County have partnered to start Community Coins, a coin drive designed to see which WCL team …
Continue reading “Port Angeles Introduces Off Field Competition”
Read More73 alums and current players of West Coast League teams were selected in the 2018 MLB draft held June 4-6. Former Corvallis Knights infielder Nick Madrigal of Oregon State was the 4th overall pick in the first round, the highest WCL alum selection ever in the MLB June draft. Over the summer of 2015, Madrigal …
Continue reading “73 WCLers Selected in 2018 MLB Draft”
Read MoreWest Coast League alum Nick Madrigal of Oregon State was selected in the first round of the MLB draft today, as the Chicago White Sox picked Madrigal 4th overall, the highest selection ever for an alumnus of the WCL. Madrigal starred for the Corvallis Knights in 2015. He earned first-team all-WCL honors and set the …
Continue reading “Two WCL Alums Go in First Round of MLB Draft”
Read MoreBeginning this season, most of the West Coast League’s member teams are airing their home games over online streaming video. As part of the league’s move to video broadcasting, fans can now connect with the West Coast League throughout the season unlike ever before with a new weekly streaming video Game of the Week broadcast. …
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Read More West Coast League commissioner Rob Neyer was featured today in an article titled “New WCL baseball commissioner hopes seventh book hits a home run” written by Portland Tribune writer Paul Danzer. To check out commissioner Neyer’s Portland Tribune interview, please click here. ABOUT THE WEST COAST LEAGUE The West Coast League (WCL) is the premier …
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Read MoreThe Wenatchee AppleSox of the West Coast League has been sold by founder Jim Corcoran to Jose Oglesby, a former Microsoft manager. The team, entering its 19th year, will continue to play at Paul Thomas Sr. Field on the campus of Wenatchee Valley College. Assistant general manager and co-owner Ken Osborne will remain with the …
Continue reading “AppleSox Announce Ownership Change”
Read MoreNew West Coast League commissioner Rob Neyer announced this morning that the leading summer collegiate baseball league West of the Mississippi is partnering with Moss Adams, a leading accounting & consulting firm with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. “We’re thrilled to partner with such a dynamic firm as Moss Adams,” said WCL Treasurer Dan …
Continue reading “WCL Introduces Moss Adams Player of the Week”
Read MoreBritish Columbia native James Paxton of the Seattle Mariners tossed a no-hitter last night in his home country of Canada at Toronto’s Rogers Centre. The former Kelowna Falcons ace was masterful, striking out 7 while walking three in the Mariners 5-0 victory over the Blue Jays. The flame-throwing lefty struck out 16 over 7 innings …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Tosses No-No for M’s”
Read MoreThis morning, the West Coast League announced the addition of Commissioner to its league leadership structure, and that former ESPN and Fox Sports journalist Rob Neyer will be filling the position, effective immediately. Neyer is the league’s first commissioner since ABCA Hall of Fame head coach Jim Dietz of San Diego State presided over the …
Continue reading “Baseball Writer Rob Neyer Joins WCL”
Read MoreConstruction is currently underway to upgrade and update the historic home of the Walla Walla Sweets of the West Coast League. Borleske Stadium is undergoing renovations to enhance the fan experience at the ballpark for the upcoming 2018 season. Perhaps the most notable change that Sweets fans and WCL oppoonents will notice as they enter …
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Read MoreFour West Coast League alums – Parker McFadden, AJ Block, Collin Maier and Ryan Walker – combined to no-hit Santa Clara this past Sunday at Washington State as the Cougs blanked the Broncos 5-0 to sweep their non-conference series. McFadden, who pitched for the Cowlitz Black Bears in 2016, got the win – his first …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Twirl No-No for Cougars”
Read MoreThe Bellingham Bells of the West Coast League recently announced they are adding a new scoreboard to Joe Martin Field for the 2018 season. The scoreboard, which will completely replace the current existing structure, will feature a new design and full video display capabilities. The new scoreboard has been made possible by financial support from …
Continue reading “Bells Announce Facility Enhancement”
Read MoreOpening Day MLB rosters feature 22 players that have played for West Coast League teams including four Seattle Mariners. The Mariners CEO is John Stanton who is part of the ownership group that operates WCL clubs in Walla Walla and Yakima Valley. Former Kelowna Falcons ace pitcher James Paxton is starting Saturday at Safeco Field …
Continue reading “22 WCL Alums Make Opening Day MLB Rosters”
Read MoreThe West Coast League’s Victoria HarbourCats and the Wilson’s Group of Companies recently announced, effective immediately, a five-year baseball branding agreement that renames the HarbourCats home – Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park. The branding agreement applies to all baseball related events including HarbourCats home games, the 2018 Baseball Canada Men’s Championship, and other …
Continue reading “Victoria’s Home Has New Name”
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West Coast League alum Emma Tiedemann continues to rise in the broadcasting ranks as the former voice of the Medford Rogues, and much more, is set to be the first female play-by-play voice in the South Atlantic League with the Lexington Legends in 2018. The Rogues were members of the West Coast League from 2013-2015. …
Continue reading “Lexington Legends Name WCL Alum New Broadcaster”
Read MoreThe Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League recently made two major announcements involving Cuba; an exciting addition to their home schedule and the signing of two International pitchers. The HarbourCats will host an international-flavored exhibition game on Monday, July 30 (6:35pm), against Union de Reyes, an amateur team managed by former Cuban National Team …
Continue reading “Victoria Signs Two Cuban Players”
Read MoreJunior right-handed pitcher Joe DeMers of University of Washington tossed a perfect game at Husky Ballpark vs. UC Riverside of the Big West Conference on Saturday, Feb. 24. It was only the 5th perfect game thrown in Pac-12 history. DeMers struck out 9 in UW’s 8-0 win over the Highlanders in the first game of …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Tosses Perfect Game for UW”
Read MoreThe Port Angeles Lefties are hosting the 2018 West Coast League All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 17th at Civic Field. As part of the All-Star Game festivities, the Lefties have big plans for the Home Run Derby to be held the night before. For more details, check out yesterday’s piece in the Peninsula Daily News …
Continue reading “Splashdowns Set for Port Angeles ASG Derby”
Read More63 West Coast Leaue alums were named as Top Players to Watch in their respective conferences in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s annual college baseball preview issue including former Cowlitz Black Bear and current University of Oregon closer Kenyon Yovan and former Corvallis Knights utility man Nick Madrigal of Oregon State, who both also earned CBN pre-season …
Continue reading “63 WCL Alums CBN Top Players to Watch”
Read MoreThe WCL unveiled its official 2018 schedule today, setting the stage for a 14th season of West Coast League baseball. Established in 2005 and located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the premier summer collegiate baseball circuit west of the Mississippi showcases top collegiate baseball players from across North America in 11 markets throughout Washington, Oregon …
Continue reading “WCL Releases 2018 Schedule”
Read MoreThe wildly popular Portland Pickles have joined the premier summer collegiate wood-bat league west of the Mississippi – the West Coast League. The Pickles will make their WCL debut in June of 2018. “We have been huge fans of the West Coast league for many years and are so excited to be joining their 11 …
Continue reading “West Coast League Adds Portland Pickles”
Read MoreThe Port Angeles Lefties announced the hiring of Skagit Valley College assistant coach Darren Westergard as their new head coach. Westergard has been at Skagit Valley for 12 seasons. “I’ve known Darren for over 20 years. I’m excited to have him on board,” said Lefties owner Matt Acker. “He knows baseball, talent and is connected …
Continue reading “Lefties Make Coaching Change”
Read MoreBob Miller has been named head coach of the Bellingham Bells of the West Coast League, the team announced today. Miller, the head coach of the Cuesta College baseball program in San Luis Obispo, Calif., will lead the Bells during the 2018 season. Miller has been the head coach at Cuesta College since 2003. During …
Continue reading “Bells Name New Head Coach”
Read More271 alums of West Coast League teams have played or are active in affiliated professional baseball in 2017. The WCL’s list of 2017 pros features 32 players that have appeared or are active in the big leagues this summer. The list of alums of WCL teams who have appeared in MLB games or are on …
Continue reading “271 Alums of WCL Teams in Pro Baseball”
Read MoreThis past Wednesday, Baseball America’s Pat Hickey released his 2017 top WCL prospect list. UC Santa Barbara’s Chris Lincoln of the Walla Walla Sweets was rated the West Coast League’s top prospect. The sophomore-to-be flashed electric stuff this past summer as he struck out 36 over 33.1 innings pitched. Lincoln has the size and stuff …
Continue reading “Sweets Chris Lincoln Named BA Top Prospect”
Read MoreWest Coast League alum Rhys Hoskins of the Philadelphia Phillies homered for the 11th time in his 18th big league game Sunday afternoon vs. MLB defending champion Chicago at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies beat the Cubs 6-3 behind the power of Hoskins and starting pitching of former Victoria HarbourCats pitcher Nick Pivetta, who improved …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Hoskins Sets MLB Homer Record”
Read MoreThe 2017 all-West Coast League teams were unveiled this morning, as well as the league’s annual awards, as announced by new WCL president Brian Sloan. In the summer of the long ball, West Virginia rising redshirt sophomore catcher Chase Illig of the Bellingham Bells was named MVP of the West Coast League. Illig put on …
Continue reading “All-WCL Teams and Honors Announced”
Read MoreThe Corvallis Knights repeated as West Coast League champions Tuesday night by beating Victoria 4-2 at Goss Stadium before a crowd of 1,430. Corvallis captured its fifth WCL title by taking the decisive third game of the 2017 WCLCS. Victoria opened the series Saturday night with a 5-4 walk-off win at Royal Athletic Park before …
Continue reading “Knights Edge HarbourCats 4-2”
Read MoreWith their backs against the wall, the defending WCL champion Corvallis Knights responded again. Facing elimination for the third time in the West Coast League playoffs, the Knights erupted for six runs in the last of the eighth inning to defeat Victoria 6-0 in Game 2 of the Championship Series before a loud crowd of …
Continue reading “Corvallis Evens WCLCS with Game 2 Win”
Read MoreThe Victoria HarbourCats scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, capped by a RBI single to deep center from Po-Hao Huang, to give the ‘Cats a dramatic 5-4 walk-off victory over the Corvallis Knights. It was a classic, back-and-forth, nail-biting opening game of the 2017 West Coast League Championship Series, …
Continue reading “Victoria Takes Game One of WCLCS”
Read MoreThe Corvallis Knights and Yakima Valley Pippins went the distance to decide who would represent the South in the 2017 West Coast League Championship Series; with the Knights prevailing 3-2 in a tightly contested decisive third game in Corvallis on Thursday, August 10. Yakima Valley won game one at Yakima County Stadium in convincing fashion, …
Continue reading “Corvallis Advances to WCLCS”
Read MoreThe Victoria HarbourCats swept the Kelowna Falcons to advance to the West Coast League Championship Series for the first time in franchise history. In the West Coast League’s first all-Canadian divisional series, Victoria won game one 9-3 at Royal Athletic Park last night and bested Kelowna 11-5 tonight at Elks Stadium to take the series. …
Continue reading “Victoria Advances to WCLCS”
Read MoreThe Victoria HarbourCats were scoreboard watching Monday night, and rooting hard for South first-half and second-half South champs Corvallis vs. Wenatchee at the AppleSox home park Paul Thomas Sr. Field. Victoria needed the Knights to beat Wenatchee to advance to the North Divisional Series vs. Kelowna tomorrow; and it was all cheers for the Cats …
Continue reading “Last Playoff Spot Goes to HarbourCats”
Read MoreSunday’s final day of the West Coast League’s regular-season schedule had a playoff feel to it, as so many teams were in contention for the league’s final two playoff spots. Both key games in the North Division ended in wild walk-offs, as the Bellingham Bells kept their playoff hopes alive with a two-run 9th-inning, and …
Continue reading “Knights Win Second-Half; Pippins Clinch Berth”
Read MoreFor the first time in WCL history, multiple contenders are fighting for multiple playoff spots on the final day of the regular season. Both the North and South second-half champions are still undecided as the league wraps its regular season either today, or tomorrow if Corvallis and Wenatchee have to make-up a game that was …
Continue reading “Last Two WCL Playoff Berths Still Up for Grabs”
Read MoreWith five scheduled regular-season dates to go, West Coast League North and South races are too close to call, with six contending teams vying for the league’s final two postseason berths with no contending team more than two games out of contention. Tonight, the Victoria HarbourCats are hosting arguably the biggest game of the WCL …
Continue reading “Second-Half Races Going Down to Wire”
Read MoreDevlin Granberg of the Cowlitz Black Bears (Dallas Baptist) made himself comfortable at the plate at Yakima County Stadium when Cowlitz took two of three games from the Yakima Valley Pippins the week prior. He collected a pair of multiple-hit nights, and even hit a solo home run over the right field wall in the …
Continue reading “Granberg Powers South to 5-2 All-Star Game Win”
Read MoreChase Illig of the Bellingham Bells (West Virginia) hit his sixth home run of the season on Sunday night within the familiar confines of Joe Martin Field. He had no issue transferring that power over to Yakima County Stadium last night, as he blasted 11 home runs in round one and cruised to a wire-to-wire …
Continue reading “Bellingham Bells Slugger Wins Derby”
Read MoreNorth and South head coaches Greg Goetz of Bellingham and Marcus McKimmy of Yakima Valley, respectively, announced their starting pitchers for tomorrow night’s West Coast League All-Star Game, presented by Target Zero, which starts at 7:05 pm at Yakima County Stadium. Port Angeles Lefties right-hander Nick Bonniksen will start for the North. Bonniksen is a …
Continue reading “ASG Head Coaches Announce Probable Starters”
Read MoreWith beautiful weather expected in Yakima for the two days covering this year’s West Coast League All-Star Game events, there’s no doubt the 10 players who will participate in Monday’s Home Run Derby will heat things up. The Home Run Derby, presented by Wildhorse Casino, begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Yakima County Stadium, with …
Continue reading “WCL Releases ASG Home Run Derby Lineup”
Read MoreThe stage is now set for the West Coast League’s premier in-season event, with the announcement today of the North and South All-Star Teams by Brian Sloan, the new league president. This year’s WCL All-Star Game is hosted by the Yakima Valley Pippins and presented by Target Zero, and will be played Tuesday, July 18, …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils All-Star Game Rosters”
Read MoreThe Kelowna Falcons clinched the WCL North first half last night with a 5-3 road win at Yakima Valley. The Falcons finished the first half with a 17-10 record and own the tie-breaker advantage over both Bellingham and Wenatchee, two North teams with 10 losses and remaining games in the first half. By clinching, the …
Continue reading “Kelowna Clinches First-Half Title in North”
Read MoreThe Corvallis Knights clinched the WCL South first half last night with its 3-2 win at Gresham and Yakima Valley’s 11-5 home loss to Kelowna to earn a spot in the league’s postseason. The North is still up for grabs with four teams contending; Kelowna, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Bellingham. The Falcons sit in first …
Continue reading “Corvallis Clinches First-Half Title in South”
Read MoreWest Coast League Interim President Tony Bonacci – WCL Vice President and owner of the Cowlitz Black Bears – announced the hiring of longtime baseball executive Brian Sloan as the league’s new President this morning. Sloan assumes his President’s duties effective immediately. Sloan is a baseball marketing specialist who has established and cultivated many high …
Continue reading “WCL Introduces New League President”
Read More82 current and former WCL players were selected in the 2017 MLB draft held June 12-14. Former Wenatchee AppleSox Keston Hiura of UC Irvine was the 9th overall pick in the first round, the highest WCL alum selection ever in the MLB June draft. Over the summer of 2015, Hiura tore apart WCL pitching for …
Continue reading “82 WCLers Picked in 2017 MLB Draft”
Read MoreFive former WCLers were picked in the first two rounds of the MLB draft on Monday, June 12. Wenatchee AppleSox alum Keston Hiura of UC Irvine was the 9th overall pick in the first round, the highest WCL alum selection ever in the MLB June draft. Over the summer of 2015, Hiura tore apart WCL …
Continue reading “Five WCLers Picked in First Two Rounds of MLB Draft”
Read MoreFormer Kelowna Falcons pitcher Phil Maton made his big league debut today for the San Diego Padres at Petco Park vs. the Kansas City Royals. Maton tossed a scoreless inning in the Padres 8-3 defeat. Maton, out of Louisiana Tech, starred for Kelowna in the summer of 2012 where he went 2-1 with a save …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Makes MLB Debut for Padres”
Read MoreSeven West Coast League alums were named to Baseball America’s All-America teams released yesterday including first-team All-Americans Big West Defensive Player of the Year David Banuelos of Long Beach State, who played for the Bellingham Bells in 2016, and Pac-12 Player of the Year Nick Madrigal of Oregon State, who set the WCL single-season mark …
Continue reading “Seven Former WCLers Named All-Americans”
Read MoreThe Wenatchee AppleSox used a 12-hit attack to outscore the Victoria HarbourCats 9-0 last night to take the rubber match of the three-game West Coast League (WCL) series between the two teams, but that did not seem to matter to the 1,263 die-hard fans in attendance, as they got to see history being made when …
Continue reading “Claire Eccles Makes Debut for Victoria”
Read MoreFormer Bend Elks infielder Tyler Smith was called up this past Friday from AAA Tacoma. That night, he debuted at Safeco Field for the Seattle Mariners at second base and doubled in his first big league at bat. Smith starred in college at Oregon State and played for the Elks in the summer of 2010 …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Tyler Smith Makes MLB Debut”
Read MoreThe Pac-12 announced its all-conference honors today, and former Corvallis Knights infielder Nick Madrigal of #1-ranked Oregon State was selected as both the conference’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Madrigal got his first taste of college baseball during the summer of 2015, where he earned first-team all-WCL honors and set …
Continue reading “Former WCL Star Named Pac-12 Player of Year”
Read MoreBend Elks fans were fortunate to see a young Jake Thompson further develop during the summer of 2014. Fast forward to 2017, and the redshirt junior is having arguably the best season of any pitcher in the country. He tossed a complete game shutout this past Saturday vs. Washington State and was named Pac-12 Pitcher …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Named Pac-12 Pitcher of Week”
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It is a landmark day for the Victoria HarbourCats and the West Coast League, as the HarbourCats announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Claire Eccles, who is set to become the first female player in WCL history. Eccles, 19, represented Canada at the 2016 Women’s Baseball World Cup in South Korea last September, making two …
Continue reading “HarbourCats Sign Claire Eccles”
Read MoreFormer West Coast League pitchers Ryan Walker and Trenton Dupre of Washington State both excelled in the WCL for the Corvallis Knights; Walker following his frosh season in 2015 and Dupre after his junior campaign in 2016. Both also pitched in the WCL All-Star Game and have contributed to the Cougars late season surge that …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Big Part of Cougars Surge”
Read MoreFormer Victoria HarbourCats hurler Nick Pivetta of the Philadelphia Phillies made his MLB debut today vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers in LA. The Victoria, BC native made two starts for the Cats in 2013, including the inaugural WCL home game at Royal Athletic Park, which Pivetta won 8-6 vs. Kelowna. Nick went 2-0 while with …
Continue reading “Former HarbourCat Makes MLB Debut”
Read MoreFormer Cowlitz Black Bears southpaw Domenic Mazza of UC Santa Barbara made South Atlantic League history this past Tuesday by tossing the league’s first perfect game for the Augusta GreenJackets. The GreenJackets are a Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Mazza, a native of Walnut Creek, California, pitched for the Black Bears following …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Tosses First SAL Perfect Game”
Read MoreSixteen players who have played for West Coast League teams made Major League Baseball 2017 Opening Day rosters. The region’s team – the Seattle Mariners – feature three former WCL players. Last year, 28 alums of WCL teams appeared in the major leagues. Below is a list of players who played for WCL member teams …
Continue reading “MLB Opening Day Rosters Feature 16 WCL Alums”
Read MoreFormer West Coast Leaguers are leading the charge for #1 ranked Oregon State. After sweeping perennial Pac-12 power Arizona State in Tempe, the Beavers were ranked #1 in the nation by both D1Baseball.com and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper yesterday. Today, former Bend Elks shorstop Cadyn Grenier and pitcher Jake Thompson were named Pac-12 Player of the …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Lead OSU to #1 Ranking”
Read MoreThe star-studded World Baseball Classic is delivering world-class baseball, upsets and fantastic finishes as first-round Pool Play is being held in Tokyo, Seoul, Miami and Jalisco. The biggest surprise thus far is Team Israel, who opened its Pool Play in Seoul with a stunning 2-1 extra-inning win over South Korea. Former Kitsap BlueJackets infielder Scott …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Shine in WBC”
Read MoreAll roads will lead to Yakima County Stadium this summer for the West Coast League’s All-Star Game, and the Yakima Valley Pippins and the Yakima County Traffic Safety Taskforce, the game’s presenting sponsor, are teaming up to ensure fans get to the game and back home again safely. “The All-Star Game is the league’s premiere …
Continue reading “Pippins Unveil All-Star Game Logo”
Read MoreThree alums of the West Coast League were named to Baseball America’s pre-season All-America teams, which were released yesterday. Sophomore infielder Nick Madrigal of Oregon State was named first-team All-America. Madrigal played for the Corvallis Knights in 2015 and broke the league’s single season steals record by swiping 40 bases that summer. He was a …
Continue reading “Three WCL Alums Pre-Season All-Americans”
Read MoreThe West Coast League was out in full force this past weekend at the 2017 Northwest Baseball Coaches convention held January 20-22 at the Portland airport Sheraton. The event saw the return of the popular WCL Fan Cave, which entertained coaching guests such as associate head coaches Pat Bailey and Jay Uhlman of Oregon State …
Continue reading “WCL Fan Cave Returns to NWBC”
Read MoreVictoria HarbourCats managing partner Jim Swanson was recently recognized by Canadian Baseball Network as one of the most influential Canadians in baseball in CBN’s top 100 list for 2016. Swanson came in at #76. HarbourCats broadcaster and communications director; and West Coast League Coordinator of Online Communications Jonathan Hodgson earned honorable mention. To check out …
Continue reading “Victoria’s Swanson Leader in Canadian Baseball”
Read MoreLongtime West Coast League partner Baden Sports, located in Renton, Washington, was recognized this month by Seattle Business Magazine for its innovative products. As part of the magazine’s 2016 Family Business Awards, Baden earned a gold award in the category of Innovation. Baden is the official basedball supplier of the WCL. The league has being …
Continue reading “WCL Partner Recognized for Innovation”
Read MoreThe Gresham GreyWolves have been purchased by Scott and Misty Barchus. The purchase announcement was made this past Tuesday by Jerry and Lisa Walker who brought their West Coast League team to Gresham last season. “We are very happy to turn over operations of the GreyWolves to the Barchus’ as they have connections with the …
Continue reading “New Ownership in Gresham”
Read MoreBy Jonathan Hodgson Brian McRae knows Bo. Well, sort of. The Kansas City Royals called McRae up to the major leagues in August of 1990 in a move that corresponded with Bo Jackson landing on the disabled list. Jackson famously starred as a power-hitting outfielder with the Royals and later the Chicago White Sox and …
Continue reading “HCats New Skipper Impresses at Hot Stove”
Read MoreFormer West Coast League star Mitch Haniger could not be more excited about his recent trade to the Seattle Mariners and a return to the Pacific Northwest. “Can’t wait for spring already! Let’s go @Mariners,” he tweeted on his Twitter page, @m_Hanny19, following Seattle’s blockbuster deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Nov. 23. “Pumped to …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Mitch Haniger Traded to Seattle”
Read MoreBy Jonathan Hodgson WCL Coordinator of Online Communications Significant names from the baseball world, past, present and future, descended on Victoria on November 5th for the 2nd Annual HarbourCats Hot Stove. The event, hosted by Yates Street Taphouse, was headlined for the second straight year by Gregg Zaun, a former major league catcher and current …
Continue reading “HarbourCats Hot Stove Party Big Hit”
Read MoreBy Jonathan Hodgson WCL Coordinator of Online Communications Young slugger Kyle Schwarber of the Chicago Cubs played an instrumental role in the Cubbies first World Series championship since 1908. Last night at Progressive Field in Cleveland, the second-year player collected three hits and started the Cubs tie-breaking 10th-inning two-run rally with a lead-off single in …
Continue reading “Holy Cow. Cubs Win! Cubs Win!”
Read MoreThe West Coast League is pleased to announce the addition of Jonathan Hodgson to its marketing communications team. Hodgson will act as the WCL’s Coordinator of Online Communications. He joins Chris King, the league’s Director of Online Communications, as a content creator for WCL online communications. Jonathan’s focus will be writing stories for the league …
Continue reading “WCL Adds Marketing Communications Resource”
Read MoreThe West Coast League unveiled its official 2017 schedule today as announced by league president Donnie Marbut. The upcoming season marks the WCL’s 13th campaign since the league was established in 2005. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the premier summer collegiate baseball circuit west of the Mississippi showcases top collegiate baseball players from across …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils 2017 Schedule”
Read MoreFounding West Coast League members the Bellingham Bells and Wenatchee AppleSox recently made head coaching changes. Yesterday, the Sox introduced Kyle Krustangel of Yakima Valley CC as the club’s fourth head coach. He replaces A.J. Proszek. Kyle guided the Yaks to a NWAC championship in his first season as head coach at YVCC. The Whitworth …
Continue reading “Bells and Sox Name New Head Coaches”
Read MorePerfect Game released its top thirty WCL prospects list last week. Corvallis Knights junior southpaw Cameron Bishop of UC Irvine was rated the league’s top prospect with Cal Bear frosh right-hander Jared Horn of the Bellingham Bells being ranked #2. Horn was rated the WCL’s top prospect and Bishop #2 by Baseball America. The list …
Continue reading “Perfect Game Releases WCL Prospects List”
Read MoreWest Coast League baseball is coming to Port Angeles, Washington in 2017. The WCL is proud to announce the birth of the Port Angeles Lefties, who will begin play in the league next season. Team ownership as well as members of the organization, Port Angeles city officials – led by Mayor Patrick Downie – along …
Continue reading “WCL Coming to Port Angeles in 2017”
Read MoreFormer Wenatchee AppleSox infielder Pat Valaika made his major league debut this past Tuesday as a pinch-runner for the Colorado Rockies. An alum of UCLA, Valaika scored his first run in the big leagues last night as a pinch-runner in the Rocks 6-5 come from behind win over the San Francisco Giants. Valaika played for …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Makes MLB Debut with Rocks”
Read MorePerfect Game released its Summer Collegiate All-America teams last week. Four WCL players made the list including two first team honorees, both pitchers – Bellingham’s Sam Hellinger of Gonzaga and Yakima Valley’s Zach Draper of College of Idaho. Hellinger led the WCL in saves with 15 (regular and postseason combined) and Draper was the WCL’s …
Continue reading “Perfect Game Summer All-Americans”
Read MoreBaseball America released its 2016 West Coast League top ten prospects list today. Bellingham’s Jared Horn of Cal Berkely of the Pac-12 was named the league’s top prospect. In total, six prospects from the Pac-12 were featured on Baseball America’s list along with representatives from the Big West, WCC and Big 12. West Coast League …
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Read MoreThe Victoria HarbourCats are pleased to announce that former Major League Baseball star outfielder Brian McRae, now a college coach with summer baseball managerial experience, will take over as the team’s head coach. McRae has agreed to a two-year contract to lead the on-field product at Royal Athletic Park. McRae, who turns 49 on August …
Continue reading “Ex-MLBer to Skipper Victoria in 2017”
Read MoreCorvallis erased a West Coast League Championship Series (WCLCS) game three 4-2 deficit by scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh-inning at Goss Stadium, as the Knights edged Bellingham 6-4 on Tuesday night before a crowd of 1,112 to win the West Coast League title. The Knights won the WCLCS opener 4-0 at …
Continue reading “Knights Capture WCL Crown”
Read MoreWest Coast League president Donnie Marbut released the 2016 all-West Coast League teams this morning, as well as announcing the league’s 2016 awards. Rising UCLA freshman Michael Toglia of the Wenatchee AppleSox was named MVP of the West Coast League. The 35th round draft pick of Colorado Rockies from Gig Harbor, Washington led the WCL …
Continue reading “All-WCL Teams and Awards Announced”
Read More235 alums of West Coast League teams have played or are active in affiliated professional baseball in 2016. The WCL’s list of 2016 pros features 28 players that have appeared in the big leagues this summer. The list of alums of WCL teams who have appeared in MLB games in 2016 include starting first baseman …
Continue reading “235 WCLers in Affiliated Pro Baseball”
Read MoreThe Bellingham Bells and Corvallis Knights advanced to the West Coast League Championship Series with wins last night to earn Divisional Series sweeps. The Bells, led by shortstop Chase Strumpf, beat Victoria 12-1 at Royal Athletic Park to earn a berth in the WCLCS for the second time in three years. Strumpf, an incoming freshman …
Continue reading “Bellingham and Corvallis Advance”
Read MoreThe West Coast League regular season wrapped up yesterday with Bellingham and Yakima Valley securing second-half North and South titles, respectively. The Bells finished tied with Victoria at 17-10, but owned the tie-breaker as the Bells went 4-2 vs. the HarbourCats in the second half. Yakima Valley topped Corvallis by one game, finishing 17-10. The …
Continue reading “Shane Hanon Wins Batting Crown”
Read MoreThe Bellingham Bells clinched the final WCL playoff spot last night with a 4-3 extra-inning win at Wenatchee. Bellingham will face Victoria in the North Divisional Series. Game one is set for Bellingham’s Joe Martin Field on Tuesday, August 9. Games two and three (if necessary) will be held at Royal Athletic Park Wednesday, August …
Continue reading “Bells Clinch Final Postseason Spot”
Read MoreThe Yakima Valley Pippins clinched a playoff berth last night as the Gresham GreyWolves were eliminated from postseason contention by the Corvallis Knights, 10-2. With three games remaining in the WCL regular season, the Pippins second-half record is 16-8, three games better than Gresham; and Yakima Valley owns the second-half tie-breaker as well as an …
Continue reading “Pippins Clinch Playoff Berth”
Read MoreThe WCL North and South second-half playoff chase is about as hot as it can get. With summer finally here in the Pacific Northwest, the final week of the WCL regular season is sure to be heated. Only a half-game separates Yakima Valley and Gresham (13-7) in the South, with the Pippins in first with …
Continue reading “Second-Half Races Heat Up”
Read MoreOregon State senior-to-be outfielder Kyle Nobach of the Corvallis Knights and Cal sophomore-to-be outfielder Jeffery Mitchell of the Gresham GreyWolves combined for five hits, three runs and a pair of RBIs to lead the South to a 4-0 win over the North in the 2016 West Coast League All-Star Game played last night in front …
Continue reading “South blanks North 4-0 in ASG at Cowlitz”
Read MoreWest Coast League president Donnie Marbut released the lineup of WCL All-Star Game Home Run Derby entrants this morning. Topping that list are WCL HR leaders Ben Polshuk of Victoria and Colorado Rockies 35th round draft pick Micheal Toglia of Wenatchee. Both have blasted 5 homers this summer and are tied for the league lead …
Continue reading “ASG Home Run Derby Lineup Announced”
Read MoreNorth skipper Bryan Donohue of the second-half first-place Kelowna Falcons and South head coach Grady Tweit of the Cowlitz Black Bears tabbed their West Coast League All-Star Game starting pitchers on Sunday. Donohue announced that Walla Walla’s Easton Lucas of Pepperdine would start for the North this Tuesday at Lower Columbia College’s David Story Field. …
Continue reading “Probable Starters Set for WCL All-Star Game”
Read MoreRosters for the 2016 West Coast League All-Star Game hosted this summer by the Cowlitz Black Bears were announced by league president Donnie Marbut this morning. The WCL’s annual showcase is set for Tuesday, July 19 at David Story Field in Longview, Washington. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm. As in past years, a …
Continue reading “All-Star Game Rosters Released”
Read MoreThe Corvallis Knights secured a spot in the 2016 WCL postseason by clinching a first-half South title with its win yesterday at Yakima Valley. The Knights can finish no worse than in a first-half tie with Yakima Valley after improving to 15-8 by edging the Pippins 2-1. Corvallis owns the tie-breaker advantage – highest winning …
Continue reading “Knights Clinch First-Half South Title”
Read MoreIt’s been a magical West Coast League (WCL) season so far for the Victoria HarbourCats and that magic continued at Royal Athletic Park (RAP) on Thursday, June 30, as the HarbourCats rolled to an unprecedented 18th win in a row with a 9-1 win over the Kelowna Falcons. The win clinched the first-half North Division …
Continue reading “HarbourCats Clinch First-Half North Title”
Read MoreThe Victoria HarbourCats made WCL history last night as they beat the Wenatchee AppleSox at Paul Thomas Sr. Field 7-4 to extend their record-setting win streak to 15 games. They broke the old mark – 14 consecutive wins – previously held by the AppleSox. Victoria is currently in first place in the WCL North with …
Continue reading “HarbourCats Set Win Streak Mark”
Read MoreFormer Bellingham Bells ace and 2011 first-team all-WCL starting pitcher Adrian Sampson of the Seattle Mariners made his big league debut yesterday at Fenway Park vs. the mighty Red Sox. A product of Bellevue College, Sampson nearly went five innings in the Mariners 6-2 loss at Boston. Sampson was masterful back in the summer of …
Continue reading “Former Bell Makes MLB Debut”
Read MoreFormer Corvallis Knights southpaw Tyler Anderson of University of Oregon made his MLB debut this past Sunday at home vs. the San Diego Padres. The lefty from Las Vegas, Nevada turned in an impressive first start as Anderson tossed 6.1 innings of one-run baseball allowing no walks while striking out six in the Rocks 2-1 …
Continue reading “Former Knight Makes MLB Debut”
Read MoreEighty-eight WCL alums and current players were selected in the 2016 MLB June draft held June 9-11. Former Corvallis Knights catcher Logan Ice was the first West Coast League alum to be picked as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 2nd round. Ice played for Corvallis …
Continue reading “88 WCLers Selected in MLB June Draft”
Read MoreIt was a dream day yesterday for senior Ryan Aguilar of Arizona. The former Cowlitz Black Bears star led his Wildcats to the College World Series and was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 31st round of the MLB June draft. Last night, Aguilar’s Arizona Wildcats rallied from a 5-1 deficit vs. Mississippi State …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Powers Arizona to CWS”
Read MoreUC Santa Barbara of the Big West and Arizona of the Pac-12 both won Regionals this past weekend. The Gauchos and Wildcats are the last west teams still standing in what started as a 64-team NCAA tournament field, as UCSB won the Nashville Regional and Arizona the Lafayette Regional. The Gauchos were led by former …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Key in UA and UCSB Regional Wins”
Read MoreDay two of the West Coast League season featured history in Bend, Oregon. At Vince Genna Stadium, right-hander Kris Jackson of Chemeketa CC and southpaw Logan Hatley of Linn-Benton CC combined on the Elks first WCL no-hitter in club history vs. long-time rvial Corvallis. Jackson tossed eight innings, walked two and struck out 6 while …
Continue reading “Bend Tosses Combined No-Hitter”
Read MoreFourteen alums of West Coast League clubs were named to the 2016 All-Pac-12 team. In addition, former Corvallis Knights Logan Ice and Nick Madrigal of Oregon State were named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, respectively. Junior catcher Logan Ice of OSU earned honorable mention all-WCL honors in 2014. Madrigal …
Continue reading “14 WCL Alums Earn All-Pac-12 Honors”
Read MoreIt’s Opening Day in the West Coast League. June 3 features WCL baseball in Bend, Cowlitz, Kelowna, Walla Walla and Wenatchee. The defending champion Elks take on longtime rival Corvallis at Vince Genna. The Black Bears open at David Story Field in Longview, Washington vs. the Kitsap BlueJackets. 2015 finalist Kelowna hosts 2014 WCL champion …
Continue reading “2016 WCL Season Opens Tonight”
Read MoreWelcome to the second edition of the West Coast League’s Inside College Baseball, where new league president Donnie Marbut provides insight and analysis on the West Coast college baseball landscape. The former Washington State University head coach and Pac-12 Network analyst offers up his latest thoughts on college baseball in the west, which highlights many …
Continue reading “Inside College Baseball with Donnie Marbut”
Read MoreWest Coast League alum Jeff Bohling of Gonzaga was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year. Click here for more info from GU’s website. Bohling played for the Kitsap BlueJackets in 2014. That summer, he hit .255 with a homer and 17 RBIs over 145 at bats. He debuted in the West Coast …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Named WCC Player of the Year”
Read MoreWCL alum Joe DeRoche-Duffin of University of Connecticut was named the Player of the Year in the American Athletic Conference. Duffin played for Corvallis in 2013 and 2014 and represented the Knights in the WCL HR Derby both years. Joe had a breakout senior season for the Huskies blasting 17 homers and collecting 52 RBIs. …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Earn Lofty Conference Honors”
Read MoreIt is going to be a fun-filled summer at West Coast League ballparks in 2016. Fans will not only get to experience outstanding action on the field, but all 11 teams have fantastic promotions scheduled throughout the season. A few highlights include bobblehead giveaways, an appearance by the World Famous SD Chicken, and a number …
Continue reading “WCL Previews Promotions”
Read MoreCorvallis Knights alum and 2009 West Coast League Pitcher of the Year Matt Andriese (pictured) made his 2016 debut with the Tampa Bay Rays extra special as the right-hander pitched in front of friends and family, including his mom Lynn, at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Mother’s Day. Andriese, a native of Redlands, California, grew …
Continue reading “Mother’s Day Magic at Angel Stadium”
Read MoreWelcome to the first edition of the West Coast League’s Inside College Baseball, where new league president Donnie Marbut provides insight and analysis on the West Coast college baseball landscape. The former Washington State University head coach and current Pac-12 Networks commentator offers up his latest thoughts on college baseball in the west, which highlights …
Continue reading “Inside College Baseball with Donnie Marbut”
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The West Coast League along with the Yakima Valley Pippins and Walla Walla Sweets, the two WCL teams owned and operated by Pacific Baseball Ventures, congratulate John Stanton in his new role as chairman and CEO of the Seattle Mariners of the American League. Stanton, the chairman of PBV who was born in Seattle and …
Continue reading “John Stanton to Lead Mariners”
Read MoreA member of the Victoria HarbourCats local ownership group, and giant of the Victoria business community, John Wilson was honored recently by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. At the chamber’s annual Business Awards held at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel this past Thursday evening, Wilson was named 2016 Victoria Business Person of the Year. …
Continue reading “Victoria Owner Named Biz Person of Year”
Read MoreVICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats are pleased to announce Jonathan Hodgson as the new ‘Voice of the HarbourCats’ for all online broadcasts throughout the 2016 season. HarbourCats online broadcasts will return this season, with all 27 regular season West Coast League home games plus three exhibition games and a BCPBL showcase game at Royal …
Continue reading “Victoria Names Hodgson Broadcaster”
Read MoreOn Monday, April 11, rookie Texas Rangers catcher Brett Nicholas made his big league debut in the Rangers 7-3 win vs. Seattle at Safeco Field. Nicholas starred for the Kelowna Falcons in 2008 where he earned first-team all-WCL honors as a first baseman following his frosh spring at Gonzaga. Nicholas would later transfer to University …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Called Up”
Read MoreDonnie Marbut’s lifelong love affair with baseball took on an added dimension on March 31st, when the longtime player and coach was named the fifth president of the West Coast League, the premier summer collegiate wood-bat circuit on the West Coast. A native of Aberdeen, Wash., and former three-sport start at Aberdeen High School, Marbut …
Continue reading “Q&A with WCL President Marbut”
Read MoreFifteen players who have played for West Coast League teams made Major League Baseball 2016 Opening Day rosters. Last year, 25 alums of WCL teams appeared in the major leagues. Below is a list of West Coast Leaguers that are starting their 2016 professional season in the big leagues. AMERICAN LEAGUE Chris Davis (Kelowna), Baltimore …
Continue reading “15 WCLers Make MLB Opening Day Rosters”
Read MoreDonnie Marbut, former head baseball coach at Washington State University, assumes duties today as President of the West Coast League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league West of the Mississippi. Marbut, a native of the Pacific Northwest, is the league’s fifth president. “The league is thrilled to introduce Donnie as its new leader,” said Owner/General …
Continue reading “WCL Introduces New President”
Read MoreBy Jonathan Hodgson Colorado Rockies prospect Scott Burcham is enjoying what is likely the highlight of his career to this point. The Rockies’ farmhand and former West Coast League talent, was the starting shortstop for Israel at the World Baseball Classic. A native of La Quinta, CA, Scott gained eligibility to play for Israel due …
Continue reading “Burcham and Israel Cinderella Story at WBC”
Read MoreThe Cowlitz Black Bears are pleased to announce they will host the 2016 West Coast League All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 19, at David Story Field in Longview, Washington. This showcase event will feature over forty of the WCL’s top players in the league’s annual exhibition. “It’s a great honor for this community to host …
Continue reading “Cowlitz to Host 2016 All-Star Game”
Read MoreThe West Coast League and Pointstreak Sports Technologies Inc. announced a renewal to a long-standing and successful stats partnership. “The WCL is pleased to continue the partnership with Pointstreak to provide our players with deep stats into the future,” said Holly Jones, the acting president of the West Coast League. “Pointstreak’s Statistics platform is very …
Continue reading “Pointstreak and WCL Renew”
Read MoreThe West Coast League will be adopting a new split season format beginning in 2016 to determine its first-round playoff pairings. The WCL season will be split equally into two parts, with the winner from each division of each half securing a playoff berth. The 54-game league schedule will be divided into a first and …
Continue reading “WCL Introduces Split Season”
Read MoreThe West Coast League was a corporate sponsor of the very well attended Northwest Baseball Convention that was held this past weekend (January 22-24) at the Sheraton Portland Airport. The WCL was also a title sponsor of the event’s Walk of Champions where the league’s 2015 champ the Bend Elks were honored. Bend general manager …
Continue reading “WCL Hits Homer at NWBC”
Read MoreThe development of the Victoria HarbourCats in the community has allowed the West Coast League franchise to make organizational changes geared to improving operations and prepare for growth. The HarbourCats, who took on a new ownership structure last spring when John Wilson, Richard Harder, Ken Swanson and Jim Swanson purchased the team, will play their …
Continue reading “HarbourCats Announce Front Office Reorganization”
Read MoreThe Kelowna Falcons have hired a new head coach in Mt. Hood Community College’s Bryan Donohue. Donohue is entering season number nine with the Mt Hood Saints, where he has compiled a record of 243-127 and is a 6-time Coach of the Year in the NWAC Southern Region. Prior to coaching at Mt Hood, Donohue …
Continue reading “Falcons Hire New Skipper”
Read MoreWCL alum Colin Walsh was recently featured in Baseball America in a piece written by BA editor John Manuel. Walsh played for the Kelowna Falcons in 2008 and earned honorable mention all-West Coast Collegiate Baseball League honors as the Stanford infielder led Kelowna in hitting with a .352 batting average that summer. Colin was selected …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Featured in Baseball America”
Read MoreThe Bellingham Bells announced today that they have promoted two key front office staff members to expanded roles for the 2016 season. General Manager Nick Caples will assume the new role of Vice President of Operations and Assistant General Manager Stephanie Morrell will be promoted to the role of General Manager. “This is an extremely …
Continue reading “Bells Promote Front Office Staffers”
Read MoreThe West Coast League leader in attendance in 2015 – the Victoria HarbourCats – were recently recognized as one of Canada’s leaders in summer collegiate baseball by the Canadian Baseball Network. The article by Jonathan Hodgson titled “HarbourCats, Dawgs are summer time draws” featured the HarbourCats and Okotoks Dawgs, a member of the Western Major …
Continue reading “Cats and Dawgs Featured in CBN”
Read MoreThe West Coast League announced this afternoon the appointment of Chris King as its new social media resource and first director of online communications. King, a graduate of Washington State University, started his professional journey with the WCL’s founding flagship member – the Wenatchee AppleSox. The Marysville, Washington native launched his career as the team’s …
Continue reading “King to Champion WCL Social Media and Online Communications”
Read MoreThree West Coast League alums were named to Louisville Slugger’s pre-season All-America teams as selected by Collegiate Baseball newspaper. Former Bellingham Bells shortstop Colby Woodmansee of Arizona State was a second-team All-America pick. The junior played in the WCL following his frosh season at ASU and hit five home runs for the 2014 WCL champion …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Named Pre-Season All-America”
Read MoreAs the West Coast League and its partners look forward to a holiday season with family and friends, we as a league wish our loyal coaching friends and wonderful partner schools the very best during the holidays and this upcoming spring. The WCL is fast approaching its 12th season in 2016, and is thankful to …
Continue reading “College Coaches Put Faith in WCL”
Read MoreAfter nearly three seasons presiding over the West Coast League (WCL) – the leading summer collegiate wood-bat baseball league in the west – Dennis Koho announced his resignation as WCL president effective immediately. Koho cited needs to focus solely on his law practice and to spend more time with family. “I am appreciative of having …
Continue reading “WCL President Steps Down”
Read MoreGresham’s new West Coast League baseball team now has a name – the Gresham GreyWolves will take the field for the first time next summer and call Oslund Field at Mt. Hood Community College their home. Team owners, Jerry and Lisa Walker, made the announcement in front of an overflow crowd at Gresham’s City Council …
Continue reading “Gresham Club Announces Name, Unveils Logos”
Read MoreIf WCL alum and Giants third baseman Matt Duffy had a National League Rookie of the Year Award ballot, he would have supported Kris Bryant, too. Duffy finished second in the voting for the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s top NL rookie honor in results announced yesterday. Bryant, the Cubs’ third baseman, received all 30 …
Continue reading “WCL Alum Second in NL ROY Voting”
Read MoreJustin Barchus will take the helm as the first ever head coach for the newly announced West Coast League Gresham baseball team for the 2016 season. The announcement was made by team team owners Jerry and Lisa Walker. “We believe Justin is the perfect coach to lead Gresham in 2016 and for many years to …
Continue reading “New Gresham Club Announces Head Coach”
Read MoreWith WCL meetings wrapped up, a new and exciting market now part of the league footprint, and the world focused on baseball with the start of the World Series, the WCL is thrilled to release its 2016 league schedule. The upcoming season marks the 12th season of WCL baseball in the beautiful Pacific Northwest as …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils 2016 Schedule”
Read MoreStarting summer 2016, Gresham, Oregon will be home to the newest West Coast League baseball team. Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis, along with West Coast League President Dennis Koho, made the announcement today at Mt. Hood Community College’s Oslund Field. “We are proud to welcome the West Coast League to Gresham. This league will bring a …
Continue reading “Gresham, Oregon Lands WCL Club”
Read MoreThe Bellingham Bells have promoted Mike Gange to the role of head coach, the team announced yesterday. Gange previously served as an assistant coach for the Bells during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. “We are thrilled to have Mike on board as our manager for the 2016 season,” general manager Nick Caples said. “Mike is …
Continue reading “Bells Make Coaching Change”
Read MoreFormer Corvallis Knights’ infielder Matt Duffy was the recipient of the 2015 Willie Mac Award, an annual honor voted on by San Francisco Giants players and coaches; and Giants’ legend Willie McCovey. The award ceremony took place before the Giants/Colorado Rockies game at AT&T Park on Friday, October 2. Duffy played shortstop and second base …
Continue reading “Former WCLer Earns Willie Mac Award”
Read MoreAugust 31, 2015 by Pat Hickey, Baseball America 1. Cadyn Grenier, ss, Bend (Fr., Oregon State) A three-time first team All-State selection at Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, Grenier was considered a top-five round talent this past June. The Cardinals were interested in taking him with the 23rd overall pick, but couldn’t match his …
Continue reading “WCL Top Prospect Lists Released”
Read MoreWest Coast League president Dennis Koho released the 2015 all-West Coast League teams this morning, as well as announcing the league’s 2015 awards. The East Division-champion Kelowna Falcons captured all or a share of all the individual awards as Falcons’ shortstop Hunter Villanueva of Fresno Pacific earned MVP honors, Kelowna right-hander Brady Miller of Western …
Continue reading “All-WCL Teams and Awards Announced”
Read MoreThe Bend Elks swept through the WCL playoffs scoring 43 runs and winning four straight to capture the team’s first West Coast League title. The Elks were led Monday night by Billy King’s grand slam home run in the third, as King’s blast erased a two-run deficit and put Bend up 4-2. King, a junior-to-be …
Continue reading “Bend Captures First WCL Crown”
Read MoreThe Kelowna Falcons punched their ticket to the West Coast League Championship Series (WCLCS) with a thrilling 9-6 win last night over the WCL defending champion Bellingham Bells at Elks Stadium. The Falcons will face the Bend Elks in the WCLCS with game one set for Saturday, August 15 at Elks Stadium in Kelowna. First …
Continue reading “Bend and Kelowna Earn Spots in WCLCS”
Read MoreThe final piece of the WCL playoff puzzle was put in place this past Saturday night as the Corvallis Knights captured the league’s wild card spot with a 7-4 home win over Medford. West Coast League president Dennis Koho announced the league’s postseason first-round pairings this morning. Corvallis will play the Bend Elks with game …
Continue reading “First-Round Playoff Pairings Set”
Read MoreThe Kelowna Falcons and WCL defending champion Bellingham Bells joined the Bend Elks this past week as WCL Division champions. The Falcons clinched the East while Bellingham captured the West. Bend, under new owners John & Tami Marick and new skipper Trey Watt, were the first WCL team to clinch its division earning their first …
Continue reading “West Coast League Divisions Clinched”
Read MoreThe WCL’s list of 2015 pros features 21 players that have appeared in the big leagues this summer. The list of alums of WCL teams who have appeared in MLB games include star outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury of the New York Yankees, starting third baseman Matt Duffy of San Francisco, starting first baseman Chris Davis of …
Continue reading “209 WCL Alums Active in Pros”
Read MoreThe West Coast League wild card race is heating up down the final stretch as Corvallis, Victoria and Yakima Valley all are battling for the WCL’s final playoff berth with the regular season ending Sunday, August 9. Corvallis (28-20) leads the wild card standings by two games over Victoria (26-22) and Yakima Valley (26-23) trails …
Continue reading “WCL Wild Card Race Heating Up”
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Walla Walla Sweets right-hander Kyle Molnar tossed a no-hitter last night (July 27) versus the Kitsap BlueJackets at Gene Lobe Field. The future UCLA Bruin pitcher walked 3 and struck out 8 in the Sweets’ 2-0 road win. Molnar, a senior this past spring at Aliso Niguel High School in California, has made 4 appearances …
Continue reading “Future Bruin Tosses No-No for Sweets”
Read MoreA day of West Coast League revelry ended with a 3-0 South win over the North before a crowd of 1,985 at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Washington at the 2015 WCL All-Star Game presented by John Howie Restaurants. Before the game Bells’ owner Eddie Poplawski spoke about the All-Star Game’s return to Bellingham. “This …
Continue reading “South Blanks North 3-0 in 2015 WCL All-Star Game”
Read More2015 WCL All-Star Game coaches Jeff James of Bellingham and Brooke Knight of Corvallis announced the probable starting pitchers for Monday’s mid-summer classic at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Washington. James named Bells’ ace Andrew Kemmerer of Central Arkansas the North starter. Kemmerer, a senior-to-be from Issaquah, Washington, has made six starts and logged 37 …
Continue reading “WCL All-Star Game Probable Starters Announced”
Read MoreWest Coast League president Dennis Koho announced the field for the 2015 West Coast League All-Star Game Home Run Derby. The participants include WCL Home Run leader Dan Mayer of Medford. The junior-to-be slugger from University of the Pacific has blasted 8 home runs for the Rogues. He will be challenged by Bellingham’s Bronson Larsen …
Continue reading “WCL ASG Home Run Derby Field Unveiled”
Read MoreWest Coast League president Dennis Koho announced the North and South rosters for the 2015 WCL All-Star Game presented by John Howie Restaurants scheduled for Monday, July 20 at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Washington. The defending champion Bells are hosting this season’s mid-summer classic and feature six players on the North roster. Bellingham leads …
Continue reading “Rosters Released for WCL All-Star Game”
Read MoreFormer Corvallis Knights pitcher Matt Boyd made his big league debut at the Rogers Centre today as the starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Matt was the hard-luck loser as the Jays were blanked 4-0 by the Texas Rangers. Boyd pitched 6.2 innings and walked none while striking out 7. Boyd starred at Oregon …
Continue reading “Former Knight Makes MLB Debut”
Read MoreSeveral current West Coast League players and alums were selected in the Major League Basebal June draft held June 8-10. The first two alums picked were Wenatchee’s James Kaprielian of UCLA (16th overall selection) – by the New York Yankees – and Walla Walla’s Jon Harris of Missouri State (29th overall selection) – by the …
Continue reading “59 WCLers Selected in MLB June Draft”
Read MoreThe West Coast League 2015 season got underway on Friday, June 5th with series at Bend, Bellingham, Victoria, Walla Walla and Yakima Valley. Under new ownership, the Bend Elks started a new era with a series win over their rivals the Corvallis Knights taking the final two games of the series at historic Vince Genna …
Continue reading “West Coast League Opens 2015 Season”
Read MoreFormer Kelowna Falcons pitcher Tyler Wagner made his Major League debut on Sunday, May 31 for the Milwaukee Brewers versus the Arizona Diamondbacks at Miller Park in a game that lasted 17 innings. Wagner’s Brewers won it 7-6 on a walk-off homer. Tyler pitched 3.2 innings and allowed 5 runs in his first big league …
Continue reading “Former Falcon Makes MLB Debut”
Read MoreSeveral WCL alums earned All-Big West, All-Pac-12 and All-WCC honors this past week. Former WCLers swept the Big West’s top awards as junior right-hander Thomas Eshleman, a former Klamath Falls Gem (2012), of Cal State Fullerton was named BWC Pitcher of the Year, ex-Gem (2013) outfielder Cameron Newell of UC Santa Barbara was named co-BWC …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Sweep Big West Top Honors”
Read MoreWest Coast League alum James Paxton of the Seattle Mariners tossed eight shutout innings vs. Boston yesterday at Safeco Field in the Mariners 5-0 win over the Red Sox. Paxton pitched for the Kelowna Falcons in 2007, and is currently 2-2 with a 3.59 ERA for Seattle. 19 players with experience playing for WCL teams …
Continue reading “Alums of WCL Teams Excel in MLB”
Read MoreUCLA earned a Pac-12 title today with a 5-3 clinching win over Arizona and USC’s 7-5 loss to Cal. The second-ranked Bruins are 40-12 overall and 21-6 in the Pac-12; and finish the regular season at Oregon May 22-24. This past Friday night, Bruin ace and WCL alum James Kaprielian took part in UCLA baseball …
Continue reading “WCL Alums Lead UCLA and OSU to Top of Pac-12”
Read MoreThe West Coast League is not only a developing ground for young players, the league is also where young coaches can gain experience to help further their coaching careers. The league features a couple veteran coaches, but most of the league’s coaches are younger skippers with long-term college coaching aspirations like 2014 WCL Coach of …
Continue reading “WCL Head Coaches in Place for 2015 Season”
Read MoreThe Bellingham Bells are excited to announce they will host the 2015 West Coast League All-Star Game on Monday, July 20 at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham, Wash. The All-Star Game will be presented by award winning John Howie Restaurants: John Howie Steak, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar and Sport Restaurant & Bar. “The West …
Continue reading “Defending Champion Bells to Host WCL ASG”
Read MoreWCL alum Drew Rasmussen of Oregon State tossed the Beavers’ first perfect game in school history yesterday at Goss Stadium, the summer home of the Corvallis Knights. The freshman struck out 10 Washington State batters and allowed no base runners in OSU’s 3-0 win over the Cougars. Rasmussen pitched last summer for the Wenatchee AppleSox. …
Continue reading “Former AppleSox Hurler Tosses Perfect Game”
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With an acknowledgement to their historic past, the Corvallis Knights will make a fresh statement this season with the introduction of new team colors and a bold new logo. After considerable offseason research, arguably the West Coast League’s most successful franchise teamed up with San Diego based branding company Brandiose to chart its new path. …
Continue reading “Knights Enter Golden Era; New Logo Unveiled”
Read MoreBaseball America’s College Preview issue hit the streets last week and its retro cover shot featured former Klamath Falls Gems pitcher Thomas Eshelman of Cal State Fullerton. This is the second WCL alum to recently don a Baseball America cover, the other being former Wenatchee AppleSox Marco Gonzales of Gonzaga with the St. Louis Cardinals …
Continue reading “Three WCL Alums Named Pre-Season All-America”
Read MoreThree West Coast League teams based in Oregon made key front office moves earlier this month. Medford and Corvallis got things started as the Rogues named Ian Church their new general manager and the Knights announced the return of Holly Jones to the club. Shortly thereafter, Klamath Falls added Bryce Mallory to its front office. …
Continue reading “Medford Rogues Start 2015 with New GM”
Read MoreOne of the West Coast League’s founding members – the Kitsap BlueJackets – are celebrating their 10th anniversary season with a big change. Entering the team’s eleventh season, former BlueJackets’ head coach Matt Acker has returned to the club as an owner and as the team’s general manager. Kitsap’s co-founder and longtime managing partner Rick …
Continue reading “Kitsap Celebrates Anniversary with Big Change”
Read MoreVictoria HarbourCats Vice-President and General Manager Jim Swanson was recently named as one of the most influential Canadians in baseball in 2014 by the Canadian Baseball Network. The second-year HarbourCats’ GM earned honourable mention. The HarbourCats led the West Coast League in attendance last summer drawing 42,563 for the WCL season and 1,576 per game. …
Continue reading “Victoria HarbourCats GM Recognized by CBN”
Read MoreThe West Coast League released its 2015 game schedule this morning, as announced by league president Dennis Koho. The upcoming season marks the 11th season of WCL baseball in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The league features the best collegiate baseball players in North America across 12 markets in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Opening Day …
Continue reading “West Coast League Releases 2015 Schedule”
Read MoreAfter 15 years of owning and operating the Bend Elks, owner/general manager Jim Richards sold the Elks to John and Tami Marick. The sale was finalized in early October. John is the CEO of Consumer Cellular based in Portland, Oregon. John and Tami hired longtime Bend Elks coach Casey Powell to run their operation. The …
Continue reading “Bend to Enter 2015 Season Under New Management”
Read MoreFormer Corvallis Knights infielder Matt Duffy and catcher Andrew Susac helped the San Francisco Giants capture their third World Series title in five years. Both rookies contributed late in the season and during the playoffs. During the World Series, Duffy was featured in a New York Times article titled “A Giants Rookie’s Rise, Just a …
Continue reading “Two WCL Alums Earn Rings in Rookie Seasons for SF”
Read MoreFormer Wenatchee AppleSox pitcher Marco Gonzales of the St. Louis Cardinals earned a playoff series-clinching win last night vs. Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was Gonzales second win of the series, both in games started by the likely NL Cy Young Award winner Kershaw. In each appearance, Marco tossed one scoreless inning …
Continue reading “Former WCLer Marco Gonzales Pitches Cards to NLCS”
Read MorePerfect Game Crosschecker recently released its top 20 West Coast League prospects list. WCL MVP Vince Fernandez of UC Riverside was rated the league’s top prospect. The #2 rated prospect was third baseman Sean Bouchard (pictured at bat with the Walla Walla Sweets last summer), an incoming frosh at UCLA. Bouchard was also ranked the …
Continue reading “WCL MVP Vince Fernandez Named PGC Top Prospect”
Read MoreWest Coast League Top Ten Prospects by Clint Longnecker, Baseball America September 12, 2014 Postseason Recap: The Bellingham Bells reached the West Coast League championship series for the first time since 2005 and captured their first league title in franchise history. Bellingham topped the defending champion Corvallis Knights in the decisive third game by a …
Continue reading “Future Duck David Peterson Top WCL Prospect”
Read MoreThe Klamath Falls Gems recently extended their Lease for the use of Kiger Stadium for an additional five years. The original lease, signed in 2011, was set to expire at the end of the 2015 season. “The extension should remove any doubts as to the Gems’ commitment to the community,” said Gems’ General Manager and …
Continue reading “Gems Extend Commitment to Klamath”
Read MoreWest Coast League President Dennis Koho announced the 2014 All-West Coast League teams and individual league awards as voted on by the league’s field managers. This year’s WCL Champions, the Bellingham Bells, placed three pitchers on the All-WCL first team and collected a number of honors including Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year, …
Continue reading “Pippins’ Slugger Vince Fernandez Named WCL MVP”
Read MoreThe Bellingham Bells captured their first West Coast League crown with a thrilling 3-2 win over the WCL defending-champion Corvallis Knights at Joe Martin Field before a boisterous crowd of 2,821. The Bells made an early three-run lead stand and closer David Bigelow of Gonzaga shut the door on Corvallis in the ninth recording the …
Continue reading “Bellingham Edges Corvallis 3-2 to Capture WCL Title”
Read MoreBellingham jumped on Corvallis early scoring two runs in the first inning, which turned out to be more than enough as lefty reliever Dan Ludwig of Belmont stymied the Knights over 5.1 innings pitched to earn the WCLCS game two victory. The Bells started the last of the first with singles by Dustin Breshears of …
Continue reading “Bells Beat Knights 4-1 to Force Decisive Game Three”
Read MoreThe Corvallis Knights took game one of the West Coast League Championship Series at Goss Stadium by edging the Bellingham Bells, 4-3. Bellingham led early 3-1, but Corvallis outfielder Scott Quinlan of UC Santa Barbara put the Knights ahead for good with his three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth. The Knights bullpen …
Continue reading “Knights Edge Bells 4-3 in Game One of WCLCS”
Read MoreThe West Coast League first-round best-of-three series both ended last night in dramatic fashion with walk-off hits in the bottom of tne ninth at Goss Stadium and Joe Martin Field, respectively. Both hard-fought series were played before enthusiastic crowds and featured late-inning thrills. First, WCL all-star Kevin Kline of Dixie State sent the Corvallis Knights …
Continue reading “Walk-Off Wednesday in West Coast League Playoffs”
Read MoreThe Bend Elks (31-22) secured the West Coast League’s final playoff berth by clinching the wild card last night with a 10-2 home win over Klamath Falls while Wenatchee dropped an extra-inning affair with Yakima, 7-6. The league’s first-round best-of-three playoff series will start Tuesday, August 12 at Bend’s Vince Genna Stadium and at Yakima …
Continue reading “Bend Clinches WCL Wild Card Spot”
Read MoreThe expansion Yakima Valley Pippins clinched the East Division title last night with a 7-6 walk-off home win over Cowlitz before a crowd of 2,769 at the Yakima County Stadium. Yakima Valley (33-18) is the first WCL expansion team to win a division title. The Pippins finish the regular season at Wenatchee. Yakima Valley is …
Continue reading “Expansion Yakima Valley Clinches East Division”
Read MoreChris Davis has always hit north of the border by Melissa Couto, Canadian Baseball Network If anything can help Chris Davis get out of his lengthy slump, it’s a trip to Canada. The Baltimore Orioles slugger, who arrived in Toronto to begin a three-game set against the Blue Jays on Tuesday with a measly .195 …
Continue reading “Baltimore Slugger Chris Davis Starred in Kelowna”
Read MoreWith one week remaining in the West Coast League regular season, the Bellingham Bells have clinched the West Division. The Bells own the league’s best record at 33-14 and were recently awarded the 2015 WCL All-Star Game. The division title is Bellingham’s first as a member of the West Coast League. The South Division is …
Continue reading “West Coast League Wild Card Spot Up for Grabs”
Read MoreFormer Corvallis Knights catcher Andrew Susac of Oregon State made his big league debut with the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, July 26th at AT&T Park vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. His first major league at bat was against Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw. Susac played in the West Coast League in 2009 and earned all-WCL …
Continue reading “Corvallis Alums Susac and Duffy Make Giant Debuts”
Read MoreThe Toronto Blue Jays and Victoria HarbourCats teamed up July 2-3 to host a youth baseball camp for kids on Vancouver Island at Sports Traders Diamond at Royal Athletic Park. The Blue Jays Honda Super Camp drew lots attention, and was a big hit. So much so that MLB.com captured the fun. Check out their …
Continue reading “MLB.com Video Features Blue Jays and HarbourCats”
Read More2014 WCL All-Star Game Washed Out By Bob Webster, West Coast League Contributing Writer July 21, 2014 Even though rain canceled the All-Star Game, the 2014 West Coast League All-Star Game festivities in Klamath Falls were a huge success. Things got started on Sunday, July 20 with a Welcome Party, followed by a Luncheon and …
Continue reading “Rain Washes Out WCL All-Star Game”
Read MoreThe lineup of 2014 West Coast League All-Star Game Home Run Derby sluggers was released this afternoon by league president Dennis Koho. Four of the most prolific home run hitters in the WCL top the list of entrants including league-leader Gabe Clark of Victoria, who has blasted six roundrippers; and Joe Duffin of Corvallis, Vince …
Continue reading “WCL ASG Home Run Derby Lineup Released”
Read MoreWest Coast League All-Star Game managers Ed Knaggs of Wenatchee (North) and Mitch Karraker of Klamath Falls (South) announced their starting pitchers for this Monday’s WCL midsummer classic at Kiger Stadium in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The host South will start Corvallis Knights right-hander Jackson Lockwood of University of Portland while the North team will counter …
Continue reading “All-Star Game Probable Starters Announced”
Read MoreWest Coast League president Dennis Koho announced the league’s All-Star Game rosters this morning. The North squad – made up of Kelowna, Victoria, Bellingham, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Yakima – will be managed by Ed Knaggs, the skipper of the Wenatchee AppleSox. The South team – compromised of Kitsap, Cowlitz, Corvallis, Bend, Medford and host …
Continue reading “WCL Unveils All-Star Game Rosters”
Read More210 alums of West Coast League teams have played or are active in affiliated professional baseball in 2014
Read MoreThe home of the Klamath Falls Gems, Kiger Stadium, is the host site of the 2014 West Coast League All-Star Game to be held on Monday, July 21st. Summer baseball has a long history at Kiger, including hosting the original Gems who played in the Far West League, a “Class D” minor league, from 1948-1951 …
Continue reading “Kiger Stadium to Host WCL All-Star Game”
Read MoreThe 2014 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American team selected by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper was recently released by CBN. The list includes two current West Coast League players – catcher Aaron Barnett of the Victoria Harbourcats and two-way player Trenton Brooks of the Wenatchee AppleSox – and WCL alum AJ Balta of Oregon, who played for the …
Continue reading “Louisville Slugger Frosh All-Americans”
Read MoreFormer All-WCL first-teamer Marco Gonzales of the Wenatchee AppleSox made his Major League Baseball debut for St. Louis yesterday afternoon at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado vs. the Colorado Rockies. His appearance was televised live on MLB Network. The southpaw went 5 innings allowing 5 runs on 7 hits while walking two and striking out …
Continue reading “Former AppleSox Marco Gonzales Makes MLB Debut”
Read MoreBellingham Bells Owner Eddie Poplawski Driven by Love of Community, Mentoring Players – Whatcom TALK For Eddie Poplawski, becoming owner of the Bellingham Bells was about something much bigger than his love of the game. It was also about building – and celebrating – community, and readying his talented young players for successful, fulfilling lives …
Continue reading “Player Development and Community”
Read MoreThe 2014 MLB June draft concluded yesterday. 63 WCL alums or current players were selected. The first former WCL player to be selected was ex-Kelowna Falcons utlity player Connor Joe of San Diego. He was selected in the Competitive Balance Round A by the Pittsburgh Pirates and was the 39th overall pick of the draft, …
Continue reading “63 WCLers Selected in 2014 MLB June Draft”
Read MoreThe MLB June draft kicked off on Thursday, June 5 and concludes today; Saturday, June 7. There were no WCL alums or current WCLers drafted on day one (first round), but several were picked yesterday; the first WCL pick being former Kelowna Falcon Connor Joe of San Diego, who was selected 39th overall as a …
Continue reading “Former Sweet Matt Imhof Picked 47th Overall”
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The role of 10-day contracts in West Coast League baseball By Gary Belleville, Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Blog harbourcatsbaseball.blogspot.ca The NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament was played this past weekend with the top 64 teams in the country squaring off in 16 regional tournaments. The winner of each regional advances to a Super Regional next weekend, …
Continue reading “Temp Players Thrive in West Coast League”
Read MoreMr. Baseball by Eric Rowe, Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Blog harbourcatsbaseball.blogspot.ca Literally. We’ve talked so much about the start of the 2014 West Coast League season, we’ve analyzed baseball players, baseball executives, baseball statistics but what about just, the baseball. If you’ve watched Bull Durham, you’ll know that there are 108 stitches in a baseball, but …
Continue reading “Mr. Baseball”
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Keizer, Oregon, June 3, 2014 – With the start of the West Coast League’s 10th season only days away, the League is excited to announce a partnership with Black Ball Ferry Line that will see the Coho ferry designated as the “Preferred Ferry of the West Coast League” for the 2014 season. “We are a …
Continue reading “West Coast League and Black Ball Ferry Partner”
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Southpaw Elliot Surrey of UC Irvine tossed a gem this past Saturday night to beat the #1 national seed Oregon State Beavers at their park – Goss Stadium – Surrey’s home last summer. The left-hander pitched for WCL champion Corvallis and posted a league-low 1.27 ERA for the Knights. UC Irvine routed OSU 14-2 as …
Continue reading “WCL ERA Leader Elliot Surrey Stymies OSU”
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Victoria HarbourCats GM Jim Swanson announced that Victoria has partnered with the Toronto Blue Jays of the American League to host a two-day youth camp, July 2-3, at Royal Athletic Park. The instructors feature five former Jays including Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar (pictured).
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The Road to Omaha – The NCAA Div-1 baseball season explained by Brian Hayes HarbourCats Baseball Blog writer While West Coast League fans await the beginning of summer and the start of the 2014 season, many of the athletes that will be filling WCL rosters spent the spring competing for NCAA teams hoping to lead …
Continue reading “College World Series and Omaha are Synonymous”
Read MoreFormer Klamath Falls Gems pitcher Thomas Eshelman (pictured), a second-team all-WCL selection in 2012, continues to master his craft for the Cal State Fullerton Titans. The sophomore right-hander recently earned NCBWA National Player of the Week honors for his performance versus University of Hawaii on April 25, 2014. Thomas is 6-1 on the season and …
Continue reading “Gems’ Alum Thomas Eshelman Master of Control”
Read MoreIt appears former Kitsap BlueJackets head coach Matt Acker is returning to guide the Silverdale, Washington based club. But he will now be focused on managing operations. Matt skippered the Jackets for seven seasons from 2005-2011. Kitsap is a founding member of the West Coast League and plays its games at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. …
Continue reading “Back to the Future for Kitsap”
Read MoreOregon State shocked the baseball world last spring by winning the Pac-10 and appearing in the College World Series (the Beavs first CWS appearance since 1952). There won’t be any surprises this spring as the Beavers have been ranked from the season’s first pitch. Overnight, the Beavers went from hunter to hunted. Senior outfielder Geoff …
Continue reading “Geoff Wagner”
Read MoreFormer Aloha Knights Bill Rowe and Kevin Gunderson teamed up again to lead Oregon State to a huge College World Series victory and even its series with North Carolina 1-1. Sunday evening, Rowe shocked the baseball world with a three-run homer in the fourth-inning that put OSU ahead 7-5 after going into the inning down …
Read MoreThe #25 ranked University of California, Riverside Highlanders went 4-0 last week sweeping conference power Cal State Fullerton over the weekend and beating #18 ranked UCLA on Tuesday. Many of the Highlanders (27-16, 7-2) star performers developed in the WCCBL including last week’s (April 23-29) Big West Player of the Week Jaime Pedroza and Pitcher …
Continue reading “Jaime Pedroza and Marc Rzepczynski”
Read MoreDefending Big West champion UC Irvine was ranked #8 in Baseball America’s college baseball preview issue (Feb. 22-Mar. 7, 2010). The Anteaters send many of its players to the West Coast League. 2009 Big West Pitcher of the Year Daniel Bibona (pictured) developed his superb changeup in the summer of 2007 with the Corvallis Knights. …
Continue reading “Ronnie Shaefer”
Read Moreby Aaron Yost, College Baseball Daily Wednesday, April 2, 2014 It’s hard to argue with the success the Pac-12 Conference has enjoyed on the national stage – both historically and in more recent years – and many of the players in the conference are developing during the summer months throughout the West Coast League. Reigning …
Continue reading “WCL teams stocking up on Pac-12 talent”
Read MoreCanada’s most-decorated athletics program, the UBC Thunderbirds, celebrated its best and brightest stars, both past and present, at the 93rd annual UBC Big Block Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet on April 1. Ex-Falcons’ infielder Andrew Firth was honored earning the Bobby Gaul Memorial Trophy as UBC’s graduating Male Athlete of the Year.
Read MoreEach summer, the Big West conference sends its best young players to the West Coast League to further develop. That development is on full display throughout the conference as WCL alums are excelling early this spring for #5-ranked Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to #9-ranked Cal State Fullerton to #15-ranked UC Santa Barbara to traditional …
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Read MoreThe West Coast League released its overall total attendance figures for the 2013 season. For the first time, total overall attendance eclipsed the 400,000 mark as WCL clubs drew 402,958 fans last summer. The Bend Elks topped the league in overall attendance drawing 51,283 to Vince Genna Stadium for an average of 1,602 per game. …
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Read More166 alums of West Coast League teams played in affiliated professional baseball in 2013
Read MoreThe Board of Directors of the West Coast League voted to re-align the league’s divisions for the 2014 season. The vote moved to create a three-division alignment based on natural geographical boundaries. The South Division includes all of the league’s Oregon teams – the defending WCL champion Corvallis Knights, Bend Elks, Klamath Falls Gems, and …
Continue reading “West Coast League re-aligns, moves to three divisions”
Read MoreBaseball America released its West Coast League top ten prospects list on September 5, and yesterday (September 11) Perfect Game Crosschecker announced its top 40 list. Sophomore-to-be pitcher Cody Poteet of UCLA was rated the league’s top prospect by both BA and PGC. Poteet made six starts for the North Division champion Walla Walla Sweets …
Read MoreWest Coast League president Dennis Koho announced the League’s awards and All-WCL teams this afternoon. This summer’s WCL Champion, the Corvallis Knights, led the WCL in selections with seven All-WCL players and five honorable mention picks. Bellingham slugger Alex Calbick of Maine (pictured) was named the MVP of the West Coast League. The senior-to-be not …
Read MoreThe Corvallis Knights won their third West Coast League Championship on Monday night before a crowd of 1,224 at Goss Stadium. The Knights swept the Wenatchee AppleSox two games to none by beating them 1-0 in game two. It was the fourth time the two teams had met in the West Coast League Championship Series …
Continue reading “Knights win third WCL title; Corvallis blanks AppleSox 1-0 in game two thriller”
Read MoreHistory was made all across Royal Athletic Park Tuesday night at the 2013 WCL All-Star Game, as 4,210 fans watched the South Division All-Stars knock off the North by a score of 7-5. The crowd of 4,210 was a new WCL single-game high in the first ever All-Star Game hosted on Canadian soil. It was …
Read MoreThe teams for the 2013 West Coast League All-Star Game presented by Yates Street Taphouse were announced this morning by the WCL All-Star Game committee. With 25 players named to each team, the North Division and South Division squads will meet on Tuesday, July 23, at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, Canada, at 7 p.m. …
Continue reading “West Coast League announces 2013 WCL All-Star Game rosters”
Read MoreFormer West Coast League players led UCLA to the College World Series finals and sweep of Mississippi State to win the program’s first national title. UCLA won game one of the best-of-three championship series, 3-1. Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Valaika knocked in the game-winner in the first with a RBI single and …
Continue reading “National champion UCLA Bruins led by WCL alums”
Read MoreBellingham Bells pitcher Mike Connolly, who just finished his junior year at the University of Maine, will not be returning to the East Coast for his senior season of baseball. Connolly came to terms this week with the San Francisco Giants, who selected him in the 27th round (No. 822 overall) of this year’s MLB …
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Read MoreThe West Coast League represented well this year in the MLB draft as 57 former and current WCL players were selected by MLB teams. The top WCL draft pick was Wenatchee AppleSox alum Marco Gonzales of Gonzaga (pictured). The St. Louis Cardinals selected Gonzales in the first round as the 19th overall pick. This is …
Continue reading “57 WCLers selected in the 2013 MLB June draft”
Read MoreThe West Coast League represented well this year in the MLB draft as 57 former and current WCL players were selected by MLB teams. The top WCL draft pick was Wenatchee AppleSox alum Marco Gonzales of Gonzaga (pictured). The St. Louis Cardinals selected Gonzales in the first round as the 19th overall pick. This is …
Read MoreSeveral ex-WCLers were named to season-ending all-conference teams in the Pac-12, Big West and WCC. And five WCL alums were named to Louisville Slugger All-America teams as announced by Collegiate Baseball News yesterday including first-team selection Thomas Eshelman of Cal State Fullerton (Klamath Falls Gems, 2012), second-team pick Jimmie Sherfy of Oregon (Corvallis Knights, 2011); …
Continue reading “Five WCL alums earn All-America honors”
Read MoreThe West Coast League will expand in 2014 as Pacific Baseball Ventures, LLC (PBV), the ownership group of the Walla Walla Sweets, announced today that they have been awarded a West Coast League membership in Yakima, Washington. The soon-to-be-named Yakima team will begin WCL play in time for the 2014 season. “We are excited to …
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Read MoreThe West Coast League has been known as a pitching league. That’s ringing very true this spring as several former WCL hurlers have been dominant. No one has been as impressive as frosh Thomas Eshelman (pictured) of Cal State Fullerton. Eshelman was introduced to college baseball last summer with the Klamath Falls Gems. Thomas pitched …
Read MoreWest Coast League alumnus Bud Norris (pictured) will throw the first pitch of the 2013 Major League Baseball season. The veteran Houston right-hander, a standout on the 2005 Aloha Knights, has earned the starting nod for Sunday night’s game against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park, the first big league game this season. It …
Continue reading “Norris to throw first pitch of 2013 MLB season for Astros”
Read More#3 ranked and undefeated Oregon State looked to extend its 15-game win streak versus University of San Francisco of the West Coast Conference yesterday at Goss Stadium. But the Dons would have nothing of it, and handed OSU its first loss of the season beating the Beavers 5-1. Earlier on Tuesday, ex-Klamath Falls Gems and …
Read MoreThe West Coast League board of directors voted last week to move from 2-man umpiring crews to 3-man crews for the 2013 season. The change was adopted to improve officiating and help further develop umpires in the region by working professionally-run games in the West Coast League. Like the Cape Cod League, the WCL now …
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Read MoreSeveral ex-WCLers earned 2013 preseason honors by Baseball America in its college baseball preview issue. Former Wenatchee AppleSox southpaw and first baseman Marco Gonzales of Gonzaga was named to Baseball America’s first-team All-America squad. Gonzalez led Wenatchee to a WCL title in 2010 as the Zags’ frosh-to-be went 5-1 with a 2.76 ERA while striking …
Continue reading “WCL alums earn pre-season Baseball America honors”
Read MoreThe list of pros features 18 players that have appeared in the big leagues this season including Chris Davis (pictured) of resurgent Baltimore. To date, Davis is hitting .267 with 20 doubles, 28 homers and 77 RBIs for the 89-67 Orioles. Other Major Leaguers include star outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury of Boston, starting pitcher Tommy Hanson …
Continue reading “160 alums of WCL teams appear in affiliated pro ball in 2012”
Read MoreWCL Top Ten Prospects by Conor Glassey, Baseball America The Wenatchee AppleSox are something of a summer league dynasty. Over the first eight years of the West Coast League, Wenatchee has won five championships. This year, the team defeated the Corvallis Knights in the best-of-three championship series, two games to one. Wenatchee leads the West …
Read MoreThe 2012 All-West Coast League teams were released, along with the league’s individual and team awards, this afternoon by WCL president Ken Wilson. The Klamath Falls Gems led the way with seven players named All-WCL while the Kelowna Falcons and Wenatchee AppleSox had five players honored. The league’s Most Valuable Player is Wenatchee third baseman …
Read MoreThe West edged the East 3-2 in the 2012 West Coast League All-Star Game before a near capacity crowd of 2,006 at Borleske Stadium in Walla Walla, Washington. The game featured outstanding pitching by both teams and a thrilling finish that saw the East nearly rally in the bottom of the ninth to tie or …
Read Morehe teams for the 2012 West Coast League All-Star Game presented by NAPA Auto Parts were announced this past Tuesday by league president Ken Wilson. In total, forty-two players were named to the East Division and West Division squads, which will meet Tuesday, July 24 at Borleske Stadium in Walla Walla, Washington. Wenatchee AppleSox coach …
Continue reading “WCL President Ken Wilson announces WCL All-Star Game rosters”
Read MoreA record 56 former or current West Coast League players were selected in the 2012 Major League Baseball June draft held June 4-6. The former WCL high was 51 selections in the 2009 MLB draft, which was 50 rounds (10 more than in 2012). Two former WCLer outfielders were picked in the first round. 2010 …
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Read MoreSeveral ex-WCLers were named to season-ending all-conference teams in the Pac-12, Big West and WCC. Senior right-hander Alex Keudell of Oregon, who pitched for the 2010 Cowlitz Black Bears, was named the Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year. Ex-Corvallis Knights star outfielder Mitch Haniger (pictured) of Cal Poly was named Big West Player of the Year. …
Continue reading “Ex-Cowlitz Black Bear Alex Keudell of Oregon is named Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year”
Read MoreThe University of Oregon Ducks are flying high. George Horton’s club is 19-8 in Pac-12 play, 41-14 overall and are ranked #5 by Baseball America. The Ducks’ roster has a definite WCL feel to it with closer Jimmie Sherfy (2.25, 4-2, 16 saves) and outfielder Aaron Jones (pictured) leading the way. Sherfy, who emerged last …
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Read MoreBaseball America and Perfect Game Crosschecker released their summer collegiate baseball top prospects lists and Corvallis left-handed pitcher Jace Fry, a frosh-to-be at Oregon State, was named the West Coast League’s #1 prospect by both the national publication and comprehensive online scouting notebook. To check out the lists, please read below. Baseball America Top Ten …
Read MoreThe 2011 All-WCL teams and awards were announced by West Coast League president Ken Wilson as voted on by league head coaches and executives. The Wenatchee AppleSox placed six players on the first team, more than any other club. Eleven players from Corvallis were All-WCL selections, making the Knights the most represented club on both …
Read MoreThe return of the West Coast League All-Star Game was a huge hit. Fans, players, coaches and scouts enjoyed a full evening of entertainment that included a rousing home run derby, exciting game and spectacular fireworks show. The league’s midsummer classic was nearly a sellout at Goss Stadium in Corvallis as 2,517 fans attended the …
Read MoreThe list of pros features 12 players that have appeared in the big leagues this season including the first WCL alum to appear in a MLB All-Star Game, Jacoby Ellsbury (pictured) of the Boston Red Sox. Other major leaguers include starting pitcher Tommy Hanson of Atlanta, starting pitcher Jeff Francis of Kansas City, catcher Chris …
Continue reading “130 alums of WCL teams played in affiliated pro ball in 2011”
Read MoreWest Coast League president Ken Wilson announced the league’s 2011 All-Star teams as voted on by fans, league coaches and the Major League Scouting Bureau. The East Division team, coached by Ed Knaggs of Wenatchee, features ten AppleSox, including ace pitcher Owen Jones of the University of Portland. Jones leads the league with five wins. …
Continue reading “West Coast League announces 2011 East and West all-star teams”
Read MoreSeveral ex-WCLers were named to 2011 All-Conference teams including Marco Gonzales of Gonzaga. The frosh southpaw and first baseman was named the West Coast Conference co-Player of the Year. Gonzales went 11-2 this past spring and hit .291 for the Bulldogs. Marco played for the Wenatchee AppleSox in the summer of 2010, where he earned …
Continue reading “Ex-Wenatchee star Marco Gonzales named co-WCC Player of the Year”
Read More45 players that have competed for WCL clubs were selected in the 2011 MLB June draft held Monday, June 6 through Wednesday, June 8 including two first-rounders. The first West Coast League pick was Tyler Anderson of University of Oregon. Anderson (pictured) was the 20th overall selection and was taken by the Colorado Rockies. Tyler …
Continue reading “Forty-Five WCLers selected in 2011 MLB June draft”
Read MoreEx-Wenatchee AppleSox first baseman Dillon Baird of the Arizona Wildcats was named Pac-10 Player of the Week for the week of May 18-24, the final week of Pac-10 play. Baird went 7-for-13 vs. University Oregon at PK Park to improve his Pac-10 leading batting average to .433 and capture the conference’s batting crown. Dillon further …
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Read MoreThe University of Oregon Ducks are flying high. George Horton’s club is 19-8 in Pac-12 play, 41-14 overall and are ranked #5 by Baseball America. The Ducks’ roster has a definite WCL feel to it with closer Jimmie Sherfy (2.25, 4-2, 16 saves) and outfielder Aaron Jones (pictured) leading the way. Sherfy, who emerged last …
Read MoreThe Seattle Mariners can pitch. They can field. And presumably they’ll have better chemistry than in 2010, when a poor start, an anemic offense that scored just 513 runs, and a fractured clubhouse led to the early dismissal of manager Don Wakamatsu. Management addressed those concerns in the offseason, by adding some veteran bats, by …
Continue reading “WCL president Ken Wilson to announce over 30 games for Seattle Mariners”
Read More130 alums of West Coast League teams are active (as of July 24, 2011) or have played in affiliated professional baseball this summer. The list of pros features 12 players that have appeared in the big leagues this season including the first WCL alum to appear in a MLB All-Star Game, Jacoby Ellsbury (pictured) of …
Continue reading “Ex-Bend outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury first WCL alum to play in MLB All-Star Game”
Read MoreThe West Coast League enters its seventh season on a roll. The league has added Klamath Falls, one of the top available markets in the Pacific Northwest. The expansion Gems will start their first season on Friday, June 3rd, hosting the Bend Elks at historic Kiger Stadium. The West Coast League All-Star Game, on hiatus …
Read MoreSeveral ex-WCLers were named to 2011 preseason all-conference teams by Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball in their respective college baseball preview issues. Former Corvallis Knights catcher Andrew Susac of Oregon State and pitcher Tyler Anderson (pictured) of University of Oregon were named to Baseball America’s second-team and third-team All-America squads, respectively. Susac was rated the …
Read MoreThe West Coast League All-Star Game is back. After a two-season hiatus, the 2011 WCL All-Star Game will be held at Goss Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon on Tuesday, July 26th. “Our owners decided to reinstate this great showcase event,” said WCL president Ken Wilson in making the announcement. “It’s terrific for our players, and the …
Read MoreBaseball America and Perfect Game Crosschecker released their summer collegiate baseball top prospects lists last month and Cowlitz C/3B Stefan Sabol, a frosh-to-be at Oregon, was named the West Coast League’s #1 prospect by both the national publication and comprehensive online scouting notebook. To check out the lists, please read below. Baseball America Top 10 …
Continue reading “Cowlitz star Stefan Sabol of University of Oregon named #1 WCL prospect”
Read MoreFor the sixth consecutive season, the West Coast League significantly grew its fan base. As the league grew from eight teams to nine, 2010 per game average attendance increased 20% to 966 per game. As the league set new attendance benchmarks, total league attendance eclipsed 200,000 for the first time, growing by 40% over 2009. …
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Read MoreWCL president Ken Wilson announced the 2010 All-West Coast League teams as voted on by member head coaches. Wenatchee first baseman Eric Peterson of Washington, utility man Trevor Brown of UCLA, and pitchers Marco Gonzales of Gonzaga and Jeff Ames of Lower Columbia College; Bend second baseman Tommy Richards of Washington State; Corvallis outfielder Michael …
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Read MoreBend Elks second baseman Tommy Richards of Washington State was named the 2010 West Coast League Most Valuable Player as announced by WCL president Ken Wilson and voted on by the league’s coaches. Richards (pictured), a junior-to-be at WSU, led the league in batting with a .364 average, hit 2 home runs and collected 33 …
Continue reading “West Coast League announces its 2010 awards”
Read MoreKlamath Falls, Oregon will join the West Coast League for the 2011 season, becoming the 10th active franchise. Klamath Falls Gems Baseball, LLC, will operate the professional, minor league-like team, according to WCL president Ken Wilson, who made the announcement. Five Klamath Falls residents make up the operating group, led by Oregon Tech basketball coach …
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Read MoreThe list of pros features 11 players that have appeared in the big leagues this season including pitcher Tommy Hanson (pictured) of Atlanta, pitcher Jeff Francis of Colorado, first baseman Chris Davis of Texas, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury of Boston, pitcher Jason Hammel of Colorado, pitcher Clay Mortensen of Oakland, outfielder Nyger Morgan of Washington, infielder …
Continue reading “131 alums of WCL teams played affiliated pro baseball in 2010”
Read More46 collegiate prospects that have played for WCCBL clubs were selected in the 2010 MLB June draft held Monday, June 7 through Wednesday, June 9. The first West Coast League pick for a second consecutive year was 2007 league strikeout leader James Paxton of Kentucky. Paxton was the 37th overall pick of the 2009 MLB …
Continue reading “Former Kelowna Falcons ace James Paxton selected in 4th round by Seattle”
Read MoreSeveral ex-WCLers were named to 2010 All-Conference teams including Daniel Bibona of UC Irvine. The senior southpaw was named the Big West Pitcher of the Year for a second consecutive season and earned first-team All-America honors. Daniel pitched for the Corvallis Knights in the summer of 2007, where he developed his masterful changeup. Selected in …
Read MoreDefending Big West champion UC Irvine was ranked #8 in Baseball America’s college baseball preview issue (Feb. 22-Mar. 7, 2010). The Anteaters send many of its players to the West Coast League. 2009 Big West Pitcher of the Year Daniel Bibona (pictured) developed his superb changeup in the summer of 2007 with the Corvallis Knights. …
Read More2008 & 2009 American League steals leader Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox was recently named the #1 college outfielder of the decade by Baseball America as voted on by Division I college head coaches. Ellsbury was first introduced to college baseball as a member of the 2002 Bend Elks. Jacoby joined the Elks …
Read MoreThe West Coast League has awarded a membership to Walla Walla, Washington, to be owned by Pacific Baseball Ventures, LLC, a Pacific Northwest group. The team will begin play in 2010. “We’re excited to be returning minor league-like baseball to Walla Walla, and to have a terrific ownership group with ties to the community,” said …
Continue reading “Walla Walla expansion franchise awarded to Pacific Northwest ownership group”
Read MoreBaseball America and Perfect Game Crosschecker recently released their summer collegiate baseball prospects lists. Corvallis catcher Andrew Susac, a frosh-to-be at Oregon State, was named the West Coast League’s #1 prospect by both the national publication and comprehensive online scouting notebook. Both lists also rated Corvallis pitcher Matt Andriese of UC Riverside and first baseman …
Read MoreFor the fifth consecutive season, the WCL significantly grew its fan base. 2009 attendance numbers set new benchmarks as league total attendance increased by 17%. League attendance eclipsed 150,000 for the first time, with each WCL team, with the exception of Spokane, increasing their total attendance for league games. Corvallis had the largest increase, up …
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Read MorePresident Ken Wilson of the West Coast League announced the circuit’s 2009 honors, as voted on by WCL general managers and coaches, including MVP, Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year and the Jim Dietz Team Sportsmanship Award. Corvallis shortstop Richie Jimenez, a junior-to-be at UNLV, was named 2009 WCL …
Read More119 alums of West Coast League teams are active (as of August 25, 2009) in affiliated professional baseball.
Read MoreWest Coast League president Ken Wilson announced the 2009 All-West Coast League teams as voted on by member head coaches. Corvallis first baseman Taylor Ard of Mt. Hood CC, shortstop Richie Jimenez of UNLV, third baseman Doug Cherry of Washington and pitchers Kyle Kraus of University of Portland and Matt Andriese of UC Riverside; and …
Continue reading “League president Ken Wilson announces All-WCL teams”
Read MoreThe Wenatchee AppleSox swept both the East Divisional Series and WCL Championship Series to capture their third WCL title in five years. The Sox avenged their WCL Championship Series loss last summer to Corvallis by sweeping the Knights in 2009. Wenatchee rode the left arm of junior-to be Reedy Berg of Gonzaga to register road …
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Read MoreThe West Coast League has awarded the Longview/Kelso franchise to Tony Bonacci, a successful businessman and long-time manager and sponsor of amateur baseball programs. League president Ken Wilson made the announcement Thursday, June 18, praising Bonacci as having “the perfect combination of grassroots experience in baseball and success in business.” Bonacci has been pursuing a …
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Read MoreSeveral ex-WCLers were named to 2009 All-Conference teams including A.J. Morris (pictured) of Kansas State. The junior right-hander also earned All-Big 12 and All-America honors and was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Year. Morris, who was picked by the Washington Nationals in the 4th round of this June’s MLB draft, finished the season as …
Continue reading “Ex-Moses Lake ace A.J. Morris of Kansas State is named All-American”
Read More51 collegiate prospects that played for WCCBL clubs were selected in the 2009 MLB June draft held Tuesday, June 9 through Thursday, June 11. The first West Coast League pick was 2007 league strikeout leader James Paxton of Kentucky. Paxton pitched for Kelowna. The lefty went 3-5 with a 2.95 ERA over 11 starts while …
Continue reading “51 WCL alums selected in the 2009 MLB June draft”
Read More2008 first-team All-West Coast League third baseman Andrew Darr of Arkansas delivered his biggest game when it mattered most as the University of Arkansas came from behind twice against host Florida State to beat the Seminoles 9-8 on Saturday to earn a berth in the 2009 College World Series. Darr, who starred for the Bend …
Continue reading “Ex-Bend Elks star Andrew Darr leads Arkansas to College World Series”
Read MoreOn Tuesday, May 26, the Big West named former Corvallis Knights hurler Daniel Bibona of #1 ranked UC Irvine its 2009 Pitcher of the Year. Bibona is now the third alum of the West Coast League to be named Pitcher of the Year in a profile conference. Last week, the Big 12 named last summer’s …
Read MoreLongview/Kelso, Washington is the newest member of the West Coast League. League president Ken Wilson announced that the five-year old league, based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, had awarded Longview/Kelso an expansion franchise. The Cowlitz County club becomes the tenth member of the West’ leading wood-bat summer collegiate league, which launched in 2005 with 7 …
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Read MoreEx-Wenatchee AppleSox first baseman Dillon Baird of the Arizona Wildcats was named Pac-10 Player of the Week for the week of May 18-24, the final week of Pac-10 play. Baird went 7-for-13 vs. University Oregon at PK Park to improve his Pac-10 leading batting average to .433 and capture the conference’s batting crown. Dillon further …
Continue reading “Former Wenatchee infielder Dillon Baird of Arizona wins Pac-10 batting title”
Read MoreEx-Kelowna Falcons infielder Chris Davis of the Texas Rangers blasted a walk-off two-run homer off Seattle Mariners closer Brandon Morrow to give Texas the 3-2 series finale victory in a game played Thursday afternoon at the Ballpark in Arlington (May 14, 2009). The home run was Davis’ 10th of the young season (3rd in AL) …
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Read MoreJunior right-hander A.J. Morris (pictured) of Kansas State has been masterful this spring, setting a school wins record and leading the Wildcats to a 38-13-1 overall record (13-9-1 record in Big 12) and #11 ranking in Baseball America. Morris is 11-1 over 13 starts and 91 2/3 innings pitched. He’s posted a team low 1.67 …
Continue reading “Ex-Moses Lake Pirates ace A.J. Morris leads Kansas State to #11 ranking”
Read MoreFormer Bend Elks shorstop Brian Barden of Oregon State was named National League Rookie of the Month for April. Barden starred for Bend in 2000. Barden had an outstanding month of April, batting .385 in 21 games, displaying his trademark versatility by playing third base, second and shortstop. He had a .641 slugging percentage, which …
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Read MoreHeading into the second-half of the 2009 collegiate season, several West Coast League alums are making an impact on ranked teams and 5 of 10 Pac-10 clubs leading hitters played in the West Coast League. WCL alums making a difference for ranked teams (Baseball America’s latest rankings): #1 UC Irvine – Ace lefty Daniel Bibona …
Read MoreBaseball fans in two future WCL markets will get their first look at West Coast League baseball this July. Both Longview/Kelso, Washington and Klamath Falls, Oregon will host games between the defending WCL champion Corvallis Knights and the Kitsap BlueJackets. “This is a terrific opportunity for fans in these communities to get out and see …
Continue reading “Longview/Kelso and Klamath Falls to host neutral site WCL charity games”
Read MoreA West Coast League team will start play as soon as 2010 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. League president Ken Wilson announced the awarding of a conditional WCL membership to the City. Klamath Falls becomes the ninth member of the wood-bat summer college league, which launched in 2005 with 7 teams. “We’ve spent more than a …
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Read MoreThe National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association named redshirt junior Kyle Conley (pictured) of University of Washington to its pre-season All-America third team. The right-handed hitting outfielder from Richland, Washington, led the Huskies in virtually every offensive category last spring, including average (.337), home runs (19) and runs batted in (57). He also either led the …
Read MoreWest Coast League 2005 Pitcher of the Year Tommy Hanson (pictured) was not only named the Atlanta Braves #1 prospect by Baseball America in its January 12-25 issue, but the right-hander from Redlands, California was also pictured on the cover of the national publication’s latest issue that was distributed at the American Baseball Coaches Association …
Continue reading “2005 WCCBL Pitcher of the Year named 2008 Arizona Fall League MVP”
Read MoreThe list of pros features 9 big leaguers, including MLB pitchers Jeff Francis of the Colorado Rockies and Jason Hammel of the Tampa Bay Rays and outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury (pictured) of the Boston Red Sox and Nyjer Morgan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, power-hitting rookie third baseman Chris Davis of the Texas Rangers and infielder Brian …
Continue reading “104 ex-WCCBLers were active in affiliated professional baseball in 2008”
Read MoreThe West Coast Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL) is now the West Coast League (WCL) announced league president Ken Wilson. The West Coast League also announced plans to expand its regular season schedule to 48 games. “As brand recognition of our league has grown, it’s become clear that our identity can be simplified,” said Ken Wilson. …
Continue reading “League Shortens Name, Adds to Schedule”
Read MorePerfect Game Crosschecker released its top twenty five prospect list for the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League last week. Jake Locker, star quarterback at University of Washington, was named the league’s top prospect. The WCCBL’s top full-time baseball prospect was fireballing southpaw Josh Osich of Oregon State. Osich, a sophomore-to be from Boise, Idaho, went …
Continue reading “Perfect Game Crosschecker releases its top 25 WCCBL prospects list”
Read MoreBaseball America released its top ten prospect list for the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League at baseballamerica.com on Wednesday, September 3. Jake Locker, star quarterback at University of Washington, was named the league’s top prospect. If Jake decides against pursuing a professional career in football, Locker is a likely first round MLB draft pick. The …
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Read MoreFor the fourth consecutive season, the WCCBL grew its fan base. 2008 attendance numbers set new benchmarks as league total attendance increased by 30%. Bend and Wenatchee both eclipsed the 40,000 mark for overall attendance, the first two WCCBL teams to exceed 40,000 for a season. Bend led the WCCBL in all attendance categories including …
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Read MorePresident Ken Wilson of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League announced the league’s 2008 honors, as voted on by WCCBL general managers and coaches, including the WCCBL MVP, Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year and the new Jim Dietz Team Sportsmanship Award. Bend outfielder Drew Heid of Gonzaga of …
Continue reading “2008 WCCBL honors announced, Bend outfielder Drew Heid of Gonzaga named MVP”
Read MoreWCCBL President Ken Wilson announced the 2008 All-West Coast Collegiate Baseball League teams as voted on by member head coaches. Corvallis outfielder Logan Lotti of Sierra College, Spokane second baseman Aaron Headrick of Skagit Valley CC, Moses Lake starting pitcher A.J. Morris of Kansas State, Corvallis reliever Taylor Starr of Oregon State, Bend outfielder Drew …
Continue reading “League president Ken Wilson announces All-WCCBL teams”
Read MoreUnder the guidance of rookie skipper Brooke Knight, the Corvallis Knights swept the Wenatchee AppleSox in the league’s best-of-three championship series. Corvallis used great pitching and defense to post the league’s top record at 31-11 and take the WCCBL Championship Series in two games. The Knights won game one at Wenatchee’s Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium …
Continue reading “Corvallis captures first WCCBL title, sweeps Wenatchee”
Read MoreThe champions of the East and West, the Wenatchee AppleSox (23-19) and Corvallis Knights (31-11), earned spots in the 2008 WCCBL Championship Series. The best-of-three series gets started tonight in Wenatchee. The series will then shift to Goss Stadium in Corvallis for game two on August 18 and game three on August 19 (if necessary). …
Continue reading “WCCBL Championship Series pits Corvallis vs. Wenatchee”
Read MoreGonzaga alum Darin Holcomb (pictured) tore up the South Atlantic League this past summer in only his second season of pro baseball. He led the Asheville Tourists in batting average (.318) and RBI (102) and earned South Atlantic League MVP honors. This isn’t Holcomb’s first MVP honor. The third baseman from Spokane, Washington was named …
Continue reading “2006 West Coast League MVP Darin Holcomb named 2008 South Atlantic League MVP”
Read MoreThe West All-Stars jumped out to a 2-0 lead at Larson Playfield in Moses Lake, Washington before the East tied things in the bottom of the second on a two-run blast by Kelowna’s Stephen Hagen of Oregon State. Both teams put up zeros for the next 7 innings and the game was called after nine …
Continue reading “East and West play to 2-2 tie in 2008 WCCBL All-Star Game”
Read MoreWCCBL president Ken Wilson announced the league’s 2008 All-Star teams as voted on by East and West coaches. The East team, to be coached by 7th-year skipper Ed Knaggs of Wenatchee, features eight AppleSox including ace pitcher Steve Ames of Columbia Basin College. The sophomore right-hander from Vancouver, Washington leads the league in strikeouts with …
Continue reading “WCCBL president Ken Wilson announces East and West All-Star teams”
Read More34 collegiate prospects that played for WCCBL clubs were selected in the 2008 MLB June draft held Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6. The first WCCBL pick was 2007 All-WCCBL pitcher Stephen Fife of University Utah. Fife pitched last summer for the Bellingham Bells. The right-hander went 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA over 8 …
Continue reading “34 WCCBL alums picked in the 2008 MLB June draft”
Read MoreSeveral ex-WCCBLers were named to 2008 All-Conference teams including Sawyer Carroll of University of Kentucky who was All-SEC and first-team All-America. Carroll led the Wildcats in batting average (.419), hits (98), homeruns (19), RBI (83), total bases (183), slugging percentage (.782) and on base percentage (.514). With Kelowna in 2006, Carroll made the East All-Star …
Continue reading “Former Kelowna Falcons star Sawyer Carroll of Kentucky is named All-American”
Read MoreThe Washington Huskies took the rubber game of its 2008 Apple Cup series with the Washington State Cougars at Husky Ballpark. The Dawgs were led by former Wenatchee AppleSox Kyle Conley and Nick Haughian. Conley homered twice (and went 3 for 3 with 4 RBI) and Haughian threw a complete game four-hitter (and struck out …
Continue reading “Former Sox Conley and Haughian of UW lead Huskies over Cougars”
Read MoreThe West Coast Collegiate Baseball League, a leading summer collegiate league based in the Pacific Northwest, is looking to expand by as many as two teams by 2010. “A number of communities have expressed interest in the WCCBL,” announced new League President Ken Wilson. “The demand for affordable family entertainment is significant, especially in today’s …
Continue reading “WCCBL looks to expand by as many as two teams by 2010”
Read MoreThe Washington Huskies took the rubber game of its 2008 Apple Cup series with the Washington State Cougars at Husky Ballpark. The Dawgs were led by former Wenatchee AppleSox Kyle Conley and Nick Haughian. Conley homered twice (and went 3 for 3 with 4 RBI) and Haughian threw a complete game four-hitter (and struck out …
Continue reading “Kyle Conley and Nick Haughian”
Read MoreWCCBL alum Nick Haughian of University of Washington pitched arguably the gem of the college season Friday, April 4th at Safeco Field – the home of the Seattle Mariners – as the former Wenatchee AppleSox twirled a two-hit shutout at Pac-10 rival Arizona. Haughian struck out 15 in the Huskies 1-0 victory. The southpaw from …
Read MoreSawyer Carroll of #21 ranked University of Kentucky (22-4) is one of several WCCBL alums excelling in power conferences like the SEC, Pac-10 and Big West. Sawyer Carroll is a serious candidate for the 2008 Brooks Wallace National Player of the Year Award. The senior outfielder/first baseman from Henryetta, Oklahoma is hitting .457 with 9 …
Continue reading “Ex-Kelowna Falcons star leads Kentucky of SEC to 22-4 record and #21 ranking”
Read MoreSawyer Carroll of #21 ranked University of Kentucky (22-4) is one of several WCCBL alums excelling in power conferences like the SEC, Pac-10 and Big West. Sawyer Carroll is a serious candidate for the 2008 Brooks Wallace National Player of the Year Award. The senior outfielder/first baseman from Henryetta, Oklahoma is hitting .457 with 9 …
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Read MoreThe West Coast Collegiate Baseball League, a leading summer collegiate league based in the Pacific Northwest, hired Ken Wilson as its first full-time president. Wilson will captain the growth-minded four-year-old league in an industry that is exploding with the popularity of college baseball and increasing demand for minor league entertainment. “The WCCBL is looking to …
Continue reading “WCCBL hires Ken Wilson. Former Mariners broadcaster to lead League”
Read MoreOn the eve of the MLB World Series between the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox – showcasing two alums of WCCBL clubs, Rockies’ starting pitcher Jeff Francis (Bellingham Bells) and Red Sox starting centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (Bend Elks) – the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League announced its 2007 DeMarini All-Performance and Rawlings Gold Glove …
Continue reading “WCCBL announces DeMarini All-Performance and Rawlings Gold Glove teams”
Read MoreWest Coast Collegiate League president Dan Segel announced today that the league has appointed Dave Perez as its first Supervisor of Umpires. “The league is thrilled to have Dave as our first Supervisor of Umpires. He and his umpiring group will elevate the league’s professionalism and better our product. He’s a quality administrator and umpire …
Continue reading “WCCBL names Dave Perez its first Supervisor of Umpires”
Read MoreThe list of pros features seven big leaguers, including MLB starting pitchers Jeff Francis of the Colorado Rockies and Jason Hammel of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, starting outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox and Nyjer Morgan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and infielder Brian Barden of the St. Louis Cardinals. Catcher Chris Stewart …
Continue reading “94 alums of WCCBL teams were active in affiliated professional baseball in 2007”
Read MoreBaseball America and Perfect Game Crosschecker recently announced their summer collegiate prospect lists. Check ’em out below. By John Manuel, Baseball America August 29, 2007 1. Jorge Reyes, rhp, Moses Lake (So., Oregon State) The Most Outstanding Player of the 2007 College World Series, Reyes dominated in his second summer in the WCCBL, though he …
Read MoreThe Moses Lake Pirates captured their first WCCBL title Monday night by beating the West Division Champion Corvallis Knights 3-2 at Larson Field to sweep the league’s Championship Series 2 games to none. Moses Lake’s 29-13 record was the league’s top mark. The Pirates took advantage of three Corvallis errors to score 3 unearned runs. …
Continue reading “Moses Lake captures WCCBL crown, beats Corvallis 3-2 to sweep Championship Series”
Read MoreThe Bend Elks hosted the National Champion Oregon State Beavers scrimmage this past Saturday before a crowd of 1,757 at Vince Genna Stadium. The Back 2 to Bend Fall Classic was played on a picturesque afternoon that featured a glimpse of the 2008 Oregon State ballclub. There was a deja vu quality to Saturday’s scrimmage …
Read MoreThe Moses Lake Pirates captured game one of the WCCBL Championship Series by beating the Corvallis Knights 3-2 at Goss Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. The Pirates recorded the first road win of the 2007 WCCBL playoffs. Up 1 game to none in the best two-out-of-three series, Moses Lake can close out Corvallis with a win …
Continue reading “Moses Lake edges Corvallis 3-2 to take game one of WCCBL Championship Series”
Read MoreCommissioner Jim Dietz of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League announced the league’s MVP, Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year and All-WCCBL teams as voted on by member owners and coaches. Moses Lake’s Zach Kim of University of San Francisco and Kitsap’s Brandon Kuykendall of Bendictine College were named …
Continue reading “Commissioner Dietz announces All-WCCBL teams and honors”
Read MoreCorvallis and Moses Lake held serve Thursday night as each Division Champ won its Divisional Series at home. The Knights won in dramatic fashion as Jim Murphy (pictured) of Washington State blasted a game-winning two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to give Corvallis the 4-3 series clinching win. Oregon State frosh-to be Greg …
Read MoreThe East All-Stars beat the West All-Stars 4-1 on a beautiful evening in Bellingham, Washington before a crowd of 1,092 at Joe Martin Field. WCCBL advisory board member Carl Moesche of the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau announced All-Star co-MVPs and a top prospect as picked by the over 10 major league scouts in attendance. …
Continue reading “East beats West 4-1 on beautiful evening in Bellingham”
Read MoreWCCBL commissioner Jim Dietz announced the league’s 2007 All-Star teams following a Monday afternoon conference call with the East and West coaches. The East team, as selected by the East’s head coaches, features nine Moses Lake Pirates including ace pitcher Dale Reneau of Oral Roberts and outfielder Steve Tinoco (pictured) of Long Beach State. Reneau …
Continue reading “WCCBL announces East and West All-Star teams”
Read MoreThe Oregon State Beavers beat the North Carolina Tar Heels of the ACC 3-2 Monday, June 26 to win the Pacific Northwest’s first College World Series. The Beavers (50-16) became the first team in CWS history to lose twice in Omaha and win the national championship. The Pac-10 champions went 6-0 in elimination games and …
Read MoreOmaha, Nebraska, June 24, 2007 – The Oregon State Beavers of the Pac-10 beat North Carolina of the ACC 9-3 Sunday night to sweep the Tar Heels in the College World Series championship series. With the victory, the defending champs are the first team to repeat in Omaha since the LSU Tigers in 1996-1997. WCCBL …
Read MoreOmaha, Nebraska, June 24, 2007 – The Oregon State Beavers of the Pac-10 beat North Carolina of the ACC 9-3 Sunday night to sweep the Tar Heels in the College World Series championship series. With the victory, the defending champs are the first team to repeat in Omaha since the LSU Tigers in 1996-1997. WCCBL …
Continue reading “Jorge Reyes”
Read MoreOmaha, Nebraska, June 23, 2007 – Freshman Jorge Reyes led Oregon State to within one win of its second straight College World Series (CWS) title with another strong pitching performance and the Beavers beat North Carolina 11-4 in Game 1 on Saturday night. Reyes pitched with the Moses Lake Pirates of the WCCBL last summer …
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Read MoreDaniel Turpen of the 47-15 and #4 ranked Oregon State Beavers tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings vs. the #1 ranked Rice Owls to lead the Pac-10 champions to a 5-0 College World Series victory. The win sets up a second game with Rice Thursday, June 22 to determine who faces North Carolina in the CWS …
Continue reading “Ex-Knight pitcher Daniel Turpen earns win vs. Rice at CWS”
Read More30 collegiate prospects that played for WCCBL clubs were selected in the 2007 MLB June draft held Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8. The first collegian with experience playing with a WCCBL club selected in this year’s draft was WCC Pitcher of the Year Clayton Mortensen. Mortensen was picked in the 1st round (supplemental …
Continue reading “30 collegians with WCCBL experience selected in 2007 MLB draft”
Read MoreThe #5 ranked Oregon State Beavers won the Pac-10 title for a second straight spring. OSU posted a conference best 16-7 mark and will host a regional June 2-4 as a #1 seed. The 39-14 Beavers offense was led by junior outfielder Cole Gillespie who was named Pac-10 Player of the Week for May 23-29 …
Read MoreFreshman Jorge Reyes led Oregon State to within one win of its second straight College World Series (CWS) title with another strong pitching performance and the Beavers beat North Carolina 11-4 in Game 1 on Saturday night. Reyes pitched with the Moses Lake Pirates of the WCCBL last summer and will return to the Pirates …
Read MoreJunior outfielder Grant Desme put on an offensive display for the ages this spring for the Cal Poly Mustangs of the Big West Conference. Unfortunately, Grant’s magical season was cut short due to injury a weekend ago vs. UC Davis. He finished hitting .405 with 15 HR and 53 RBI. He leads Cal Poly in …
Continue reading “Former Bend Elk Grant Desme of Cal Poly SLO tears up Big West pitching”
Read MoreFreshman right-hander Jorge Reyes of Oregon State has emerged as the Beavers Sunday starter in the Pac-10 and is quickly drawing attention from East to West. The prestigious Cape Cod League has shown great interest, yet Reyes, who hails from Warden, Washington, has made it known he would like to pitch close to home this …
Read MoreThis season the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League will feature two of the West Coast’s finest collegiate ballparks. The league’s Spokane franchise is moving to the brand new Patterson Baseball Complex and Washington Trust Field at Gonzaga University. The facility’s dedication ceremony was attended by over 1,500 supporters last Friday. The state-of-the-art park features 1,300 …
Read MoreLast spring’s freshman sensation Jared Prince is affectionately nicknamed “Captain Cougar” by his head coach, Donnie Marbut. Jared turned in the most productive offensive and defensive year at WSU since ex-major leaguer John Olerud. In doing so, he earned numerous accolades including All-Pac-10 and freshman All-American honors. But Jared’s focus is far from the past …
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Read MoreThe #25 ranked University of California, Riverside Highlanders went 4-0 last week sweeping conference power Cal State Fullerton over the weekend and beating #18 ranked UCLA on Tuesday. Many of the Highlanders (27-16, 7-2) star performers developed in the WCCBL including last week’s (April 23-29) Big West Player of the Week Jaime Pedroza and Pitcher …
Read MoreLast spring’s freshman sensation Jared Prince is affectionately nicknamed “Captain Cougar” by his head coach, Donnie Marbut. Jared turned in the most productive offensive and defensive year at WSU since ex-major leaguer John Olerud. In doing so, he earned numerous accolades including All-Pac-10 and freshman All-American honors. But Jared’s focus is far from the past …
Read MoreSpokane businessman Irv Zakheim announced today that he has entered into an agreement to purchase the Spokane RiverHawks baseball team. The RiverHawks were established in 2003 as a local collegiate summer team, showcasing prospects from colleges throughout the West. “This is a great organization, and I’m extremely excited to become a part of it,” Zakheim …
Continue reading “Spokane RiverHawks Announce New Ownership”
Read MoreOregon State shocked the baseball world last spring by winning the Pac-10 and appearing in the College World Series (the Beavs first CWS appearance since 1952). There won’t be any surprises this spring as the Beavers have been ranked from the season’s first pitch. Overnight, the Beavers went from hunter to hunted. Senior outfielder Geoff …
Read MoreKnights Baseball Club, Inc. announced that the Aloha Knights of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL) are moving to Corvallis, Oregon. The club signed a lease agreement with Oregon State University earlier this month and will play this summer at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field, the home of the 2006 national champion Beavers. The …
Read MoreAt the league’s fall owners meetings, the WCCBL Board of Directors voted to form an East and West Division. With the creation of Divisions, the league announced plans to add a round of playoffs in 2007. This summer, four WCCBL teams will qualify for the post-season. Two Divisional Series will determine who competes in next …
Read More74 players with experience competing for WCCBL teams are currently active professionals playing for MLB affiliated clubs. The list of pros includes MLB starter Jeff Francis of the Colorado Rockies. Francis excelled at Coors Field as the left-hander, who threw his final amateur game for the Bellingham Bells, went 14-12 with a 5.68 ERA over …
Continue reading “74 active affiliated pros played summer ball for WCCBL clubs in 2006”
Read MoreThe West Coast Collegiate Baseball League announced its All-WCCBL teams, Rawlings Gold Glove recipients and DeMarini All-Performance winners. In addition, the league’s MVP, Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year were named. Spokane’s Darin Holcomb of Gonzaga was named the league’s MVP. Holcomb, a junior-to be, played a solid …
Read MoreThe Wenatchee AppleSox repeated as WCCBL Champions Thursday night as the Sox beat the first place Spokane RiverHawks 7-2 at Avista Stadium. Wenatchee has now won all its WCCBL post-season games. Last summer, Wenatchee swept the Bellingham Bells. The Sox two wins vs. the Hawks improves its WCCBL Championship Series mark to 4-0. Wenatchee jumped …
Continue reading “Wenatchee repeats. Sox beat Hawks 7-2 to win WCCBL title”
Read MoreWCCBL All-Star Game co-MVP DJ Lidyard of Wenatchee tossed a complete game no-hit shutout Wednesday, July 19 at Moses Lake. Lidyard allowed only two base runners, both walks, while striking out 16 Pirates. Lidyard (pictured) improved his record to 4-1, increased his league leading strikeout total to 71, lowered his ERA to 1.70 and was …
Continue reading “Pennant races red hot. Spokane perched in first. Wenatchee’s Lidyard twirls no-no”
Read MoreThe WCCBL’s inaugural All-Star game ended in a 6-6 tie before 1,083 fans at Wenatchee’s Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. Carl Moesche of the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau named Spokane’s Darin Holcomb of Gonzaga as the game’s “top prospect” and awarded All-Star co-MVP honors to Aloha’s Zach Borba of UNLV and Wenatchee’s DJ Lidyard of …
Read MoreCommissioner Jim Dietz announced the WCCBL’s inaugural East and West teams this afternoon for its first All-Star game next Tuesday, July 11 at 7 pm. The East team features prospects from the league leading Spokane RiverHawks, defending champion Wenatchee AppleSox, Kelowna Falcons and expansion Moses Lake Pirates and will be managed by 2005 WCCBL Coach …
Continue reading “WCCBL announces inaugural East and West All-Star teams”
Read MoreThe Oregon State Beavers beat the North Carolina Tar Heels of the ACC 3-2 Monday, June 26 to win the Pacific Northwest’s first College World Series. The Beavers (50-16) became the first team in CWS history to lose twice in Omaha and win the national championship. The Pac-10 champions went 6-0 in elimination games and …
Read MoreFormer Aloha Knights Bill Rowe and Kevin Gunderson teamed up again to lead Oregon State to a huge College World Series victory and even its series with North Carolina 1-1. Sunday evening, Rowe shocked the baseball world with a three-run homer in the fourth-inning that put OSU ahead 7-5 after going into the inning down …
Read MoreCommissioner Jim Dietz recently announced that the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League will host an All-Star banquet dinner Monday, July 10 at the Red Lion in Wenatchee as part of its inaugural All-Star event. The dinner will celebrate collegiate baseball and feature an exciting lineup of speakers and honored guest John Olerud. Sponsored by Red …
Read More2005 All-WCCBL first baseman Bill Rowe continued to swing a torrid post-season bat and All-Pac-10 closer Kevin Gunderson recorded his second College World Series save as OSU advanced to the CWS Championship Series by shutting out Rice in consecutive games. In Thursday night’s bracket championship game vs. the #1 ranked Rice Owls, OSU’s senior first …
Continue reading “Beavers advance to Championship Series vs. North Carolina”
Read More19 collegiate prospects who played for WCCBL clubs were selected in the 2006 MLB June draft held Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7. The first collegian with experience playing with a WCCBL club selected in this year’s draft was Pac-10 Player of the Year Cole Gillespie of Oregon State. Gillespie was picked in the …
Continue reading “19 collegians with experience playing for WCCBL clubs selected in ’06 draft”
Read MoreMajor League Baseball’s first weekend of interleague play featured a pitching matchup of two former Bellingham Bells at Coors Field. On Saturday, May 20, Canadian born southpaw Jeff Francis of the Colorado Rockies out-dueled his 2002 Bells teammate Ty Taubenheim of the Toronto Blue Jays in Taubenheim’s major league debut. Francis took a no-hitter into …
Continue reading “Bells alum Ty Taubenheim faces Bellingham teammate in MLB debut”
Read MoreThe Seattle Mariners can pitch. They can field. And presumably they’ll have better chemistry than in 2010, when a poor start, an anemic offense that scored just 513 runs, and a fractured clubhouse led to the early dismissal of manager Don Wakamatsu. Management addressed those concerns in the offseason, by adding some veteran bats, by …
Continue reading “Ken Wilson to Broadcast Seattle Games”
Read MoreLast spring’s University of Washington Huskies featured senior sluggers Brent Lillibridge, Kyle Larsen, Taylor Johnson and Nick Batkoski, but it was a freshman pitcher turned hitter from Kent, Washington that proved to be the Dawgs biggest stick. Mid-season injuries paved the way for Matt Hague’s offensive emergence. The young right-handed slugger made the best of …
Read MoreDaniel Turpen of the 47-15 and #4 ranked Oregon State Beavers tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings vs. the #1 ranked Rice Owls to lead the Pac-10 champions to a 5-0 College World Series victory. The win sets up a second game with Rice Thursday, June 22 to determine who faces North Carolina in the CWS …
Continue reading “Daniel Turpen”
Read MoreUW’s post-season dreams could come true considering Kyle Parker’s history in big games. All the freshman did in 2004 was earn a complete game 7-2 win in the Huskies NCAA Regional victory vs. host Ole Miss and win two games for the Aloha Knights at the NBC World Series including a shutout in the Series …
Read MoreThe WCCBL announced plans to host its first All-Star gala Tuesday, July 11 at Wenatchee. The league’s All-Star teams will be split into East and West squads and feature the WCCBL’s top prospects. The East will showcase stars from the host and WCCBL defending champion Wenatchee AppleSox, Kelowna Falcons, Spokane RiverHawks and expansion Moses Lake …
Continue reading “WCCBL announces All-Star game and post-season plans”
Read MoreLast spring’s University of Washington Huskies featured senior sluggers Brent Lillibridge, Kyle Larsen, Taylor Johnson and Nick Batkoski, but it was a freshman pitcher turned hitter from Kent, Washington that proved to be the Dawgs biggest stick. Mid-season injuries paved the way for Matt Hague’s offensive emergence. The young right-handed slugger made the best of …
Read MoreWCCBL Pitcher of the Year Tommy Hanson of Riverside CC and WCCBL MVP Steve Marquardt of Columbia Basin College were respectively rated the country’s #3 and #4 Junior College prospects in Baseball America’s 2006 College Baseball preview issue. Both are sophomores and draft-and-follow student-athletes. Hanson was drafted last June by the Atlanta Braves in the …
Read MoreThird baseman Travis Hanson of the Springfield Cardinals of the Texas League (AA) was recently named the St. Louis Cardinals 2005 Minor League Player of the Year. Hanson was also named to the club’s 40-man MLB roster and should report this February to the team’s major league spring training camp in Florida. Hanson played for …
Continue reading “Travis Hanson named Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year”
Read MoreOn Monday, December 5, the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League unanimously accepted the Moses Lake Pirates as its eighth member team. With the Pirates, Husband and wife Brent and Amy Kirwan led a successful community effort to bring pro-like baseball to Moses Lake, Washington. The Kirwans, the clubs owner operators, recently hired Wenatchee Valley College …
Read MoreThe Spokane RiverHawks announced this week that the club will play its home games at historic Avista Stadium in 2006 and that coaching legend Steve Hertz will replace ex-major leaguer Kevin Stocker as the team’s field manager. Avista Stadium is the home of the Spokane Indians of the affiliated pro Northwest League. Hertz, GU’s Director …
Read MoreWCCBL Pitcher of the Year Tommy Hanson of the Aloha Knights was named to Baseball America’s College Summer All-America first-team, which was announced by the national publication last month. He was the only WCCBL player chosen and one of only three selections from Western summer leagues. The Alaska Baseball League (ABL) featured two first-team picks. …
Read More74 players with experience competing for WCCBL teams are currently active professionals playing for MLB affiliated clubs. The list of pros includes MLB starter Jeff Francis of the Colorado Rockies. Francis excelled at Coors Field as the left-hander, who threw his final amateur game for the Bellingham Bells, went 14-12 with a 5.68 ERA over …
Continue reading “74 active affiliated pros played summer ball for WCCBL clubs”
Read MoreThird baseman Travis Hanson of the Springfield Cardinals of the Texas League (AA) was recently named the St. Louis Cardinals 2005 Minor League Player of the Year. Hanson was also named to the club’s 40-man MLB roster and should report this February to the team’s major league spring training camp in Florida. Hanson played for …
Continue reading “Travis Hanson named Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year”
Read MoreWCCBL Notes The Wenatchee AppleSox won the inaugural WCCBL Championship Series as the Sox swept the Bellingham Bells 2 games to 0. The WCCBL Champions won game one at Bellingham by erasing a two run deficit with a three-run ninth to take the series opener 3-2. Shortstop Brent Wyatt of Wenatchee Valley College delivered the …
Read MoreThe Wenatchee AppleSox recorded their second straight WCCBL championship series late-inning come from behind victory to beat the Bellingham Bells 5-2 and sweep the league’s inaugural three-game championship series 2 games to 0. With the Bells leading 2-1 going to the bottom of the sixth, Steve Marquardt, a sophomore-to be at Columbia Basin College, delivered …
Continue reading “Wenatchee wins Championship Series. AppleSox are WCCBL champions”
Read MoreImagine the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox centerfielder. He runs like the wind, tracks everything, he leads off, is an offensive catalyst, he hits from the leftside and he’ll surprise you with his power (ask the Yankees). Now picture Jacoby Ellsbury without the locks and beard and you’ve got the next Johnny Damon. Ellsbury …
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Read MoreThe #5 ranked Oregon State Beavers won the Pac-10 title for a second straight spring. OSU posted a conference best 16-7 mark and will host a regional June 2-4 as a #1 seed. The 39-14 Beavers offense was led by junior outfielder Cole Gillespie who was named Pac-10 Player of the Week for May 23-29 …
Continue reading “Cole Gillespie”
Read More2005 All-WCCBL first baseman Bill Rowe continued to swing a torrid post-season bat and All-Pac-10 closer Kevin Gunderson recorded his second College World Series save as OSU advanced to the CWS Championship Series by shutting out Rice in consecutive games. In Thursday night’s bracket championship game vs. the #1 ranked Rice Owls, OSU’s senior first …
Read MoreAt its winter board meeting the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL), a premier wood-bat summer college league, announced its inaugural advisory board. The boardis membership includes such baseball luminaries as legendary ex-Washington State University head baseball coach Chuck “Bobo” Brayton; ESPN Baseball Tonight analyst Harold Reynolds; Northwest League President, Bob Richmond; 2003 Minor League …
Continue reading “WCCBL appoints Advisory Board”
Read MoreA new summer collegiate baseball league has taken root out West. It will open play June 14, 2005 with seven teams and a 36-game regular season schedule. The summer amateur league is a first of its kind on the West Coast, as the newly formed West Coast Collegiate Baseball League will feature only college players …
Continue reading “New Summer College League launches in Pacific Northwest”
Read MoreBremerton, Washington, December 18, 2004 – The expansion Kitsap BlueJackets are doing all the right things as they prepare for their first season in summer college baseball. At least, that’s the opinion of 66-year-old Jim Dietz, commissioner of the new seven-team West Coast Collegiate Baseball League. Of course, Dietz could teach a class on the …
Continue reading “WCCBL showcases Expansion Team in Bremerton, Washington”
Read MoreUW’s post-season dreams could come true considering Kyle Parker’s history in big games. All the freshman did in 2004 was earn a complete game 7-2 win in the Huskies NCAA Regional victory vs. host Ole Miss and win two games for the Aloha Knights at the NBC World Series including a shutout in the Series …
Continue reading “Kyle Parker”
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