Baseball 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 the top brand of baseball we offer,” said WCL president Ken Wilson in announcing the games. “And, we’ll give them a real taste of affordable family entertainment.”

Longview/Kelso has long sought a pro-like WCL team. The Knights and BlueJackets will play at cozy Story Field on the campus of Lower Columbia College on Sunday, July 19. Kitsap will be the home team and game time is 5:05 pm. Proceeds will go to support the Lower Columbia baseball program.

“We’re excited that the WCL is playing a regular season game here,” said Lower Columbia Athletic Director Kirc Roland. “We’ve got a great ballpark and this market is ready for the West Coast League.”

Klamath Falls was recently awarded a conditional WCL team, to begin play as soon as 2010. Klamath Falls last had professional baseball when the Class C Far West League Gems played 60 years ago. Historic Kiger Stadium, home of the Gems, will be the site of the Thursday, July 23 game, which will benefit the Kiger Stadium Foundation and the local Little League program. Game time is 7:05 and Corvallis will be the home team.

“The Knights are looking forward to playing in these games,” noted Corvallis president Dan Segel. “This is another big step for our league as we expand to new markets. We hope to put on an entertaining show.”

Tickets for both games go on sale June 1 at sites to be announced.