Author Archives: Chris King

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 standouts Hunter Katschke (Utah Tech) and Isaiah Magdaleno (Hawaii). Both Katschke and Magdaleno have played crucial roles in Ridgefield’s team-record winning streak, currently at 13 and counting. In four games with the …

Continue reading “Katschke and Magdaleno Earn WCL’s Moss Adams Weekly Honors”

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”

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”

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”

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. …

Continue reading “MLB Network to Broadcast WCL All-Star Game”

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 …

Continue reading “WCL All-Star Game Rosters Announced”

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”

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”

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”

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 …

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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 …

Continue reading “Raptors Throw Combined No-Hitter”

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”

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 …

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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”

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”

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”

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 …

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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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In 2023, 288 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) …

Continue reading “288 WCL Alumni Active in Affiliated Baseball”

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 …

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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 …

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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”

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 …

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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”

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 …

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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”

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”

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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”

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”

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”

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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”

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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”