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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 …
Category Archives: News
WCL Alums Big Part of Cougars Surge
Former 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 …
Former HarbourCat Makes MLB Debut
Former 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 …
WCL Alum Tosses First SAL Perfect Game
Former 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 …
MLB Opening Day Rosters Feature 16 WCL Alums
Sixteen 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 …
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WCL Alums Lead OSU to #1 Ranking
Former 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 …
WCL Alums Shine in WBC
The 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 …
Pippins Unveil All-Star Game Logo
All 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 …
Three WCL Alums Pre-Season All-Americans
Three 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 …
WCL Fan Cave Returns to NWBC
The 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 …
Victoria’s Swanson Leader in Canadian Baseball
Victoria 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 …
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WCL Partner Recognized for Innovation
Longtime 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 …
New Ownership in Gresham
The 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 …
HCats New Skipper Impresses at Hot Stove
By 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 …
WCL Alum Mitch Haniger Traded to Seattle
Former 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 …
HarbourCats Hot Stove Party Big Hit
By 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 …
Holy Cow. Cubs Win! Cubs Win!
By 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 …
WCL Adds Marketing Communications Resource
The 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 …
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WCL Unveils 2017 Schedule
The 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 …
Bells and Sox Name New Head Coaches
Founding 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 …
Perfect Game Releases WCL Prospects List
Perfect 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 …
WCL Coming to Port Angeles in 2017
West 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 …
WCL Alum Makes MLB Debut with Rocks
Former 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 …
Perfect Game Summer All-Americans
Perfect 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 …
Baseball America Releases WCL Prospects List
Baseball 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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Ex-MLBer to Skipper Victoria in 2017
The 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 …
Knights Capture WCL Crown
Corvallis 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 …
All-WCL Teams and Awards Announced
West 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 …
235 WCLers in Affiliated Pro Baseball
235 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 …
Bellingham and Corvallis Advance
The 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 …
Shane Hanon Wins Batting Crown
The 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 …
Bells Clinch Final Postseason Spot
The 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 …
Pippins Clinch Playoff Berth
The 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 …
Second-Half Races Heat Up
The 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 …
South blanks North 4-0 in ASG at Cowlitz
Oregon 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 …
ASG Home Run Derby Lineup Announced
West 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 …
Probable Starters Set for WCL All-Star Game
North 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. …
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All-Star Game Rosters Released
Rosters 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 …
Knights Clinch First-Half South Title
The 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 …
HarbourCats Clinch First-Half North Title
It’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 …
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HarbourCats Set Win Streak Mark
The 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 …
Former Bell Makes MLB Debut
Former 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 …
Former Knight Makes MLB Debut
Former 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 …
88 WCLers Selected in MLB June Draft
Eighty-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 …
WCL Alum Powers Arizona to CWS
It 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 …
WCL Alums Key in UA and UCSB Regional Wins
UC 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 …
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Bend Tosses Combined No-Hitter
Day 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 …
14 WCL Alums Earn All-Pac-12 Honors
Fourteen 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 …
2016 WCL Season Opens Tonight
It’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 …
Inside College Baseball with Donnie Marbut
Welcome 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 …
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WCL Alum Named WCC Player of the Year
West 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 …
WCL Alums Earn Lofty Conference Honors
WCL 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. …
WCL Previews Promotions
It 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 …
Mother’s Day Magic at Angel Stadium
Corvallis 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 …
Inside College Baseball with Donnie Marbut
Welcome 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 …
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John Stanton to Lead Mariners
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 …
Victoria Owner Named Biz Person of Year
A 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. …
Victoria Names Hodgson Broadcaster
VICTORIA, 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 …
WCL Alums Called Up
On 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 …
Q&A with WCL President Marbut
Donnie 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 …
15 WCLers Make MLB Opening Day Rosters
Fifteen 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 …
WCL Introduces New President
Donnie 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 …
Burcham and Israel Cinderella Story at WBC
By 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 …
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Cowlitz to Host 2016 All-Star Game
The 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 …
Pointstreak and WCL Renew
The 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 …
WCL Introduces Split Season
The 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 …
WCL Hits Homer at NWBC
The 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 …
HarbourCats Announce Front Office Reorganization
The 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 …
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Falcons Hire New Skipper
The 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 …
WCL Alum Featured in Baseball America
WCL 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 …
Bells Promote Front Office Staffers
The 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 …
Cats and Dawgs Featured in CBN
The 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 …
King to Champion WCL Social Media and Online Communications
The 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 …
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WCL Alums Named Pre-Season All-America
Three 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 …
College Coaches Put Faith in WCL
As 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 …
WCL President Steps Down
After 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 …
Gresham Club Announces Name, Unveils Logos
Gresham’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 …
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WCL Alum Second in NL ROY Voting
If 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 …
New Gresham Club Announces Head Coach
Justin 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 …
WCL Unveils 2016 Schedule
With 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 …
Gresham, Oregon Lands WCL Club
Starting 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 …
Bells Make Coaching Change
The 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 …
Former WCLer Earns Willie Mac Award
Former 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 …
WCL Top Prospect Lists Released
August 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 …
All-WCL Teams and Awards Announced
West 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 …
Bend Captures First WCL Crown
The 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 …
Bend and Kelowna Earn Spots in WCLCS
The 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 …
First-Round Playoff Pairings Set
The 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 …
West Coast League Divisions Clinched
The 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 …
209 WCL Alums Active in Pros
The 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 …
WCL Wild Card Race Heating Up
The 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 …
Future Bruin Tosses No-No for Sweets
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 …
South Blanks North 3-0 in 2015 WCL All-Star Game
A 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 …
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WCL All-Star Game Probable Starters Announced
2015 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 …
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WCL ASG Home Run Derby Field Unveiled
West 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 …
Rosters Released for WCL All-Star Game
West 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 …
Former Knight Makes MLB Debut
Former 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 …
59 WCLers Selected in MLB June Draft
Several 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 …
West Coast League Opens 2015 Season
The 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 …
Former Falcon Makes MLB Debut
Former 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 …