Springfield Drifters
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| Springfield Drifters | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| League | West Coast League (Since 2021) (South) |
| Location | Springfield, Oregon |
| Ballpark | Hamlin Sports Complex |
| Founded | 2021 |
| Colors | Dark Blue, Sky Blue, White |
| Ownership | Ike Olsson and Kelly Richardson |
| General manager | Jake Willard |
| Coach | Jeff Lyle |
The Springfield Drifters are a collegiate summer baseball team in the West Coast League.
History
[edit source]The Drifters were announced as the 16th team of the WCL on April 16, 2021 by the league.[1] The Drifters announced that their playfield would be located in a new stadium in the complex of Hamlin Middle School.[2]
The Drifters played their first game on May 31, 2022 on the road defeating the Bellingham Bells 4-2. Their first home game was played on June 3 with the Drifters falling to the Cowlitz Black Bears 11-6.[3]
2024
[edit source]On June 24, Kyle Larsen was named the league's pitcher of the week after throwing a five hit shutout in the Drifters' win against Corvallis the previous Tuesday.[4]
On July 9, Kendren Kenzie and Dane Woodcook were selected to represent the Drifters in the 2024 All Star Game in Bellingham.[5]
The Drifters once again failed to qualify for the playoffs. The Drifters are one of two franchises to never make the postseason, along with the Nanaimo NightOwls.
2025
[edit source]On July 8, Cooper Mullens (Michigan) and Isaiah Ibarra (USC) were selected to represent the Drifters at the All Star Game in Bellingham.[6]
The Drifters improved on their 20-34 record from the previous season. The Drifters went 22-32 and finished seventh in the South Division.[7] Cesar Chavez (Cal State Los Angeles) finished with a .341 batting average.[8] 12,115 total fans attended the Drifters' twenty-six home games for an average of 466 fans per game.[9]
The Drifters were eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight season. The Drifters are one of three teams in the WCL to never clinch a playoff berth and one of four teams to never finish with a winning record.
Results by Season
[edit source]| Season | League | Division | Finish | Wins | Losses | Win% | GB | Postseason | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | WCL | South | 8th | 17 | 37 | 0.315 | 22 | Did Not Qualify | Tommy Richards |
| 2023 | WCL | South | 6th | 22 | 32 | .407 | 17 | Did Not Qualify | Tommy Richards |
| 2024 | WCL | South | 8th | 20 | 34 | .370 | 21 | Did Not Qualify | Alan Embree |
| 2025 | WCL | South | 7th | 22 | 32 | .407 | 21 | Did Not Qualify | Jeff Lyle |
| 2026 | WCL | South | 5th | 22 | 27 | .448 | 8 | Jeff Lyle |
| Division champions | League champions | Playoff Team |
Playoff Appearances
[edit source]The Drifters are one of three teams in the WCL to have never qualified for the postseason or to have clinched a winning season.
References
[edit source]- ↑ "WCL Adds Springfield Drifters as Newest Member Team". 22 April 2021.
- ↑ "About".
- ↑ "Win – Loss".
- ↑ https://westcoastleague.com/giesegh-and-larsen-earn-wcls-moss-adams-weekly-honors/
- ↑ https://westcoastleague.com/wcl-all-star-game-rosters-announced/
- ↑ https://westcoastleague.com/2025-wcl-all-stars-announced/
- ↑ https://baseball.pointstreak.com/standings.html?leagueid=145&seasonid=34070
- ↑ https://baseball.pointstreak.com/leaders.html?leagueid=145&seasonid=34070
- ↑ https://baseball.pointstreak.com/attendance.html?leagueid=145&seasonid=34070
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