Landon Schirer joins Yakima Valley staff; Krustangel, Graham back in 2023

YAKIMA, Wash. — Landon Schirer, a hard-throwing relief pitcher who was a co-leader in saves in the West Coast League in 2021, is joining the Yakima Valley Pippins coaching staff in 2023.

Schirer, who pitched for Pippins head coach Kyle Krustangel in Wenatchee in 2019 and again for the Pippins in 2021, is a great addition to the staff, Krustangel said.

“I’m really excited to bring Landon on,” said Krustangel, who will return as Pippins skipper for his third season in 2023. “He had great success for multiple years playing for me in the league, and he understands how important this league is to player growth and development.

“Landon brings a bulldog mentality, and our pitching staff is lucky to have him at the reins.”

Schirer, a recent graduate of Angelo State, earned six saves in 11 appearances during the Pippins’ North Division championship season. He struck out 18 and walked 15 in 15,6 innings while compiling a 3.45 ERA.

Also returning with Krustangel is Johnny Graham, who debuted with the Pippins in 2022 as assistant coach.

“Johnny brings a wealth of knowledge from 20-plus years coaching,” Krustangel said. “He’ll run infield and set up our game-day defense, in addition to coaching our baserunning. Johnny brings knowledge, love of the game, and a toughness that is felt on and off the field. We both feel culture and mind-set is as important as Xs and Os.”

The Pippins begin their ninth WCL season at Cowlitz on Friday, June 2, and open their home season against Corvallis on Tuesday, June 6.