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By Steve Mims The Springfield Drifters will play 57 games in 65 days this summer with a schedule that mirrors the dog days of summer in the major leagues. “That’s the goal, ultimately, to play pro baseball and have it be an everyday job,” said Ben Newton, an infielder from Fresno State who will spend… Continue reading New Addition to Drifters Infield, Ben Newton

By Steve Mims Bobby Blandford was a two-sport star at Pleasant Grove High School, but baseball always topped his list. “As a kid, I loved football, but baseball was my main sport,” he said. “As I grew older, I found more success in baseball and was more attached to baseball than football.” The Elk Grove,… Continue reading New Drifters Outfielder, Bobby Blandford

by Steve Mims After graduating from Sheldon High School in 1983, Chris Miller was set to play quarterback at the University of Oregon. But before Miller made it to Autzen Stadium, the Toronto Blue Jays tried to buy him out of college when general manager Pat Gillick drafted Miller in the 17th round of the… Continue reading Chris Miller, Toronto Blue Jays Shortstop…Almost.

by Steve Mims Hunter Dryden might be able to help the Springfield Drifters at the plate and on the mound. The sophomore is 4-4 with a 3.88 ERA during the spring for Whitworth University while batting .233 with two homers and seven RBIs. Dryden is listed as a pitcher and infielder on the roster for… Continue reading Player Profile: Hunter Dryden

by Steve Mims Ryne Hays will arrive in Springfield on a hot streak. The sophomore catcher is batting .286 while leading Yakima Valley College with five home runs and 33 RBIs this spring. He has nine doubles and 26 runs scored in 31 games while compiling a .343 on-base percentage. “I think I have been… Continue reading Player Profile: Catcher Ryne Hays

by Steve Mims Dale Scott was a sophomore at Sheldon High School in 1975 when he got tipped off that he could make some money umpiring local baseball games. He was 15, but the age limit to work games was 16.“I turned 16 in August, but this was January and February,” he said. “I saw… Continue reading Umpire, Author Dale Scott, “The Umpire Is Out,” on Officiating and the WCL

by Steve Mims   Ryan Escover got some pitching advice from Blake Snell in the offseason. The former American League Cy Young Award winner spent much of the winter working out at Shoreline Community College just north of Seattle. His dad, Dave Snell, is the Dolphins baseball coach. “Because of the MLB lockout, he was… Continue reading Player Profile: Ryan Escover, RHP

by Steve Mims Rob Neyer was putting the finishing touches on his seventh book in the spring of 2018 when the West Coast League came calling for a commissioner. The famed baseball author was surprised and intrigued at the thought of running a summer baseball league. “To be frank, it completely blindsided me when the… Continue reading Being the WCL Commissioner is not a Part-Time Job

by Steve MimsWhen the West Coast League was seeking a 16th team, Springfield became the perfect fit. The Springfield Drifters join the Edmonton Riverhawks as new franchises when the collegiate summer baseball league starts its season next month. “When we have a chance to add a team in our geographic footprint, we will jump on… Continue reading Drifters, a Perfect Fit for the West Coast League