PORTLAND — Rob Neyer, a former ESPN and Fox Sports journalist, has been named the West Coast League’s new commissioner as the league revamps its leadership structure heading into the 2018 season.

Neyer is the league’s first commissioner since ABCA Hall of Fame head coach Jim Dietz of San Diego State presided over the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League, during the circuit’s formative years.

“We are thrilled to have Rob Neyer represent the West Coast League and act as our league’s commissioner,” said WCL president Tony Bonacci. “His knowledge of the game and passion for what we are doing, not to mention his contacts in baseball, should help us elevate the league to new heights.”

“We can’t be more pleased that Rob has joined us as our commissioner.”

Neyer lives in Portland.

A baseball writer known for his pioneering use of statistical analysis and sabermetrics, Rob began his career working for Bill James and STATS, Inc. He’s also worked for 15 years as a columnist and blogger for ESPN, and was National Baseball Editor at Vox Media’s SB Nation from 2011 to 2013, then Senior Baseball Editor for Fox Sports through 2015. His recent work has been featured in The New York Times, Vice Sports, Complex Sports, and Yahoo, among others.

This October, HarperCollins will publish POWER BALL: Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game, Neyer’s seventh book.

“I’m a passionate, longtime fan of baseball history generally, and Pacific Northwest baseball specifically,” Neyer said. “So it’s difficult for me to imagine a more exciting opportunity, and I’m honored to be associated with such a fine organization. This summer, as I connect with the owners and visit all the beautiful ballparks, I’ll do everything I can to help this great league become even greater.”

WCL members will look to the league’s new commissioner to arbitrate and regulate during the season; to further connect the league and its teams with the baseball community, its markets and those that follow the game; and to act as a league ambassador.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Pippins fans will have a new way to catch Yakima Valley’s 32 home games this summer through a new live-video option available at Yakima County Stadium.

Adding a pay-per-view and season subscription options for all home games in Yakima is part of a larger, West Coast League initiative to have all games live-streamed for fans. Both the Pippins and Walla Walla Sweets started a rudimentary Periscope broadcast for home and away games in 2014. In 2016, the Victoria HarbourCats launched a multi-camera broadcast. Earlier this year, the WCL board of directors approved an initiative to help each ballclub capitalize a video-streaming service in each park. The league anticipates that all clubs will have a live-video solution available for all games.

“We’re excited to be able to extend our reach even further with live video for our local fans, and fans outside the area who can’t come to Yakima,” Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said. “Broadcaster Kevin Vallene has experience both with radio and video broadcasts, and he’s a great asset to have on board as we launch this new medium.

The single-camera operation this year is expected to become a multi-camera setup for 2019, Garretson said. The video stream will include simulcast audio from the Pippins’ English-radio broadcasts on 1460 ESPN Yakima. Advertising options just for streaming video are available, or can be packaged with other advertising mediums, Garretson said.

Single-game and full-season passes will go on sale in May. Some games, or parts of games, may be available for free on certain platforms, such as Facebook Live. Garretson said those details are still being finalized.

The Pippins will use Boxcast, a comprehensive cloud-based solution that includes a full production suite to allow for a great viewing experience. This platform will also allow the Pippins to grow working relationships with local education facilities, as this new initiative creates paying jobs for developing multimedia and video production students.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Valley Pippins fans looking for special deals, giveaways and fireworks have plenty of reasons to head to Yakima County Stadium this summer.

Beginning on Friday, June 1 — Opening Night presented by Legends Casino and Hotel – the Pippins again will have five fireworks nights at The Orchard scattered throughout their 32-game home schedule. That night, the first 1,000 fans will receive a collectible baseball cinch-bag. Other fireworks nights are June 16, June 29, July 20 and Aug. 2.

Single-game tickets for all 32 home games go on sale Monday at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop at 12 S. Second St. in the Larson Building in downtown Yakima. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 509-575-4487 or online at www.PippinsBaseball.com.

Each of the fireworks nights also have premium giveaways associated with them. On June 16, presented by Toyota, the first 1,000 fans will receive one of two Pippins souvenir collectible fountain drink cups. The eight-cup series, which continues on various nights throughout the season, will feature first-team All-West Coast League picks from the Pippins’ first four seasons.

Banner Bank Night is June 29 and features Pippins- and Banner Bank-branded piggy banks for the first 1,000 fans. On July 20, Zirkle Fruit presents Johnny and Sparkle dual bobblehead night for the first 1,000 fans.

On Aug. 2, Fan Appreciation Night, Perry Technical Institute will give away 1,000 Pippins Jersey Lunch bags showcasing the Pippins’ new alternate neon green jerseys.

“We’ve had great giveaways during our first four seasons, and this year’s full promotional schedule really takes things to another level,” general manager Jeff Garretson said. “We have something lined up for 31 of our 32 nights so far, and we’re still working on putting together exciting options for our fans. I think this will be our strongest promotional schedule yet.”

The Pippins are again partnering with other organizations in the Yakima Valley to honor several outstanding groups of people. Military Appreciation Night, presented by Caliber Home Loans, is slated for Sunday, June 10. First Responders Night, sponsored by Astria Health, is set for Wednesday, July 11, and Foster Care Awareness Night, sponsored by Community Resource Group, returns on Saturday, July 21.

Also returning this year is Dollar Kids Sundays, courtesy of Ron’s Coin & Collectibles. Youth 12 and younger can purchase a general admission ticket at the box office for $1 on any Sunday game, and can run around the bases after the game. Ron’s will also have free tickets for youth who visit the business on a first-come, first-served basis prior to each Sunday game.

$2 Tuesdays, with $2 advance tickets sponsored by Gesa Credit Union, will be held on four Tuesdays. In addition to ticket specials, fans can purchase hot dogs, regular sodas, nachos, and small popcorn for $2 each.

Thirsty Thursdays, sponsored by Yakima Craft Brewing Co. and Radio Yakima, start on June 21 and take place on each Thursday game after that, featuring discounted drink specials all game long. The Pippins also are introducing Batting Practice Happy Hours on 10 weeknights, featuring advance entry and Happy Hour adult beverages for fans 21 and older.

Scott T. Pippin will host the Mariner Moose and Rebound, the Yakima SunKings mascot, on Mascot Night on Wednesday, June 27.

Another new addition this summer is Wiffle Ball Wednesdays, sponsored by Dickey’s Barbecue, Graf Investments and Ron’s Coin. Youth ages 13 and younger can play wiffle ball with Pippins players on select Wednesday mornings on the Dickey’s Barbecue or Graf Investments Wiffle Ball Fields, and receive a free general admission ticket to that night’s game courtesy of Ron’s Coin.

Other promotional nights include Fiesta Family Night presented by Cuevas & Villa Inc. on Sunday, July 22; Rambling Route Cider Night presented by Tieton Cider Works on Friday, June 8; Little League/GYGSA Night is Monday, June 11; and Team Poster Night, courtesy of Washington Fruit, is Saturday, June 30.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Pippins fans will be getting more fun and games at The Orchard this summer — and the chance to win prizes every night. But they don’t have to wait until June 1 to get in on the action.

The Yakima Valley Pippins have partnered with Micro Fantasy LLC to provide its Micro Fantasy Baseball play-by-play prediction contests for all 32 Pippins home games at Yakima County Stadium.

All spectators at Pippins home games with the Micro Fantasy app installed on their iPhones or Android phones can participate in the prediction contests while watching the games live or listening to the radio broadcasts on 1460 ESPN. There is no charge for fans to install the Micro Fantasy app, and there is no charge to participate in the contests.

Contest participants predict the results of each at-bat in real-time. Points are awarded for correct predictions. The participant with the highest point total after every 3 innings will be announced as a contest winner with prizes to be awarded to each 3-inning winner.

“We’re excited to be offering Micro Fantasy contests at The Orchard this year,” Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said. “We’ve partnered with three great Yakima Valley businesses that will supply prizes, and it will engage fans in a new way while watching the Pippins. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s great for fans of all ages.”

Garretson is encouraging fans to download the app and register for an account before the Pippins’ opening night on June 1.

To jump-start the fun and provide an opportunity for fans to download and experience the contests, Micro Fantasy has set up contests during three upcoming Seattle Mariners home games for participants to become familiar with how the game works.

The sample games are on April 13 (Oakland at Seattle), April 14 (Oakland at Seattle) and April 16 (Houston at Seattle). Fans can play while watching on ROOT Sports Northwest or listening on the radio.

The Pippins will provide a prize to the winner of each 3-inning Micro Fantasy game during the trial. Only participants with registered Micro Fantasy accounts are eligible to win prizes.

During Pippins games, the winner of each 3-inning Micro Fantasy contest will win a gift card from the Valley Mall, Second Street Grill or Legends Casino, Garretson said. A grand prize will be awarded to the overall points champion at the end of the season.

The Micro Fantasy app is available for download through the Apple AppStore and Google Play. An online version is available on microfantasy.com.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Valley’s Pippins are adding another familiar face to the 2018 roster.

Pitcher Matt Driver, a 6-foot-2 sophomore right-hander, was on the 2017 squad to start and end the season with a pair of 10-day contracts. This year, the Kennewick native has been signed to a full-season contract.

Also joining the Pippins is YVC teammate Easton Henke, a 6-3 sophomore right-hander from Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, and Bellevue College sophomore infielder Grant DeLappe from Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Wash.

“The NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference) consistently produces and develops quality players who move on to Division 1, NAIA, and professional baseball year in and year out,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said.

Driver, pitched 8.2 innings in six appearances for the Pippins last summer, finishing 0-2 with a 7.27 ERA. But he’s been impressive for the Yaks so far this spring: He’s 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. In his past two appearances, Driver has struck out 18 batters in 9 innings, picking up a victory against Centralia CC on March 11, his most recent appearance.

“I’ve seen Matt’s fastball up to 90-91 this year, but what impresses me most is that he’s learning how to take full control of games from the rubber,” McKimmy said. “He is in great shape and mentally ready for the rigors of the WCL schedule.”

Henke has struck out seven and walked five in 8.1 innings so far this season, coming out of the bullpen in two of the three games in which he’s seen action. He’s 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA.

“I’ve had my eye on Easton for some time. He will pitch out of the bullpen for us, and will have a valuable role in the middle to late innings when the game is on the line,” McKimmy said. “Easton is a quality YVC pitcher, with experience, who has earned the opportunity to put on the Pippin green. I am pumped to have him.”

DeLappe, who will attend Washington State University in the fall, is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound middle infielder for the Bulldogs and is hitting .194 in 13 games so far this spring. In 2017, DeLappe batted .300 with 12 doubles, six triples and seven home runs for Bellevue.

“He can really hit and play defense – though he’s gotten off to a slow start at the plate this year,” McKimmy said. “I like the energy he plays the game with, which for a shortstop on our team is essential. He can be a field general and solidify our defense in the middle of the diamond. WSU got a real good player here.”

The Pippins host Walla Walla on June 1 in both teams’ season opener. Tickets for opening night, presented by Legends Hotel and Casino, are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or at pippinsbaseball.com.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Two freshmen infielders and a freshman right-handed pitcher are the newest additions to the Yakima Valley Pippins roster for 2018.

Nick DiCarlo, a 6-foot-2, 190-pounder at Cal Poly SLO, is currently batting .300 (6 for 20) for the Mustangs in the 11 games he’s played as a true freshman. DiCarlo attended Arcadia High School in Phoenix, where he hit .372 with 12 doubles, two home runs and 19 during his senior season in 2017.

“Nick is a very talented freshman who will be an infielder who stands out immediately when he puts on the Pippin green,” Yakima Valley manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He’s very dynamic in his offensive skill set and will probably play a lot of third base for us, but can play the other two infield spots as well.

“Since he’s already seeing early action this spring for the Mustangs, he will hit the ground running when he gets to Yakima,” McKimmy continued. “Nick’s a winner, and we expect that to infect his teammates and Yakima County Stadium. He played for the Utah Marshalls out of high school, which is on the short list of best summer programs in the western United States.”

McKimmy is also looking forward to the versatility of Brendan Brooks, a 6-foot-1, 165-pound freshman infielder at Cal Irvine.

“We really like the versatility that Brendan will give us offensively and defensively,” he said. “He is just a really good, skilled baseball player. I’m confident that he can play all three infield spots in the summer, but his first college start was in the outfield.”

Brooks, from Corona, Calif., attended Norco High School in Norco, Calif., where he hit .370 with nine doubles and 12 RBI in 28 games his senior year. At Irvine, he’s hitting .297 in nine starts with the Anteaters.

Teammate Jake Lachemann, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound right-hander, also is expected to have an impact with the Pippins.

“Jake will be an important piece of our bullpen,” McKimmy said. “He is an 88- to 90-mph arm from an incredibly valuable angle, given his height.”

Lachemann was 3-1 with three saves in 20 innings pitched for San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., in 2017. He’s also the grandson of former Major League Baseball player and manager Marcel Lachemann.

“One thing I’ve learned is to trust the value of baseball families,” McKimmy said.

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or at pippinsbaseball.com.

“Every Christmas and birthday, I am met with sweet messages from our former Pippins players,” says Kristi Foster (second from right), whose family has hosted players since 2014. “These messages will never get old, and it is just a small part of the joy the Pippins Host Family program has brought to my family.”

YAKIMA, Wash. – As the Yakima Valley Pippins gear up for their fifth season at Yakima County Stadium, the team is also seeking additional host families to house players while in Yakima.

“One of the questions we’re often asked is where do players stay during the summer,” Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said. “With players coming from all around the country, we also get that question a lot from parents.”

Host families have been a critical part of the organization’s success from Day 1, Garretson said. “Without our great hosts, we wouldn’t be able to operate. It’s as simple as that.”

Families interested in hosting a player can apply online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PippinsHostFamily

Garretson estimates about 30 beds will be needed for this summer.

Although host families “adopt” their players for less than three months, many of them keep active ties with players long after they’ve left Yakima.

“Our family has been expanded, thanks to the opportunity we have had to host several Pippins players,” said Kristi Foster, whose family has hosted players since the team’s inaugural 2014 season. “We have not only added the players to our extended family, but their families as well. The host family program has initiated lifelong relationships that have even taken us to California where our former Pippins families were able to host us as well.”

Host families provide free room and board during the West Coast League season, a family environment to help players adjust to a new community away from their own families, and, in some cases, transportation to and from the ballpark. Typically, players arrive in late May and stay through mid-August.

In return, host families receive a Stadium View season ticket for each member of the immediate household, a full-season parking pass, 20 percent off team merchandise during the season, on-field recognition during Fan Appreciation Night, and more.

“We expect our players to represent their colleges and their families well while in Yakima, and host families have contributed to their growth, too,” Garretson said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll see major leaguers in coming years who have played for the Pippins and have grown up with adopted brothers and sisters here in Yakima.”

Foster concurred.

“Our boys consider many of these former players almost like brothers,” Foster said. “Long after the players go back to their respective homes, I find my boys texting or Facebook messaging them. Whether it be a baseball-related question, something they saw in the news, or just a “Hey how’s that anatomy class going?” these guys truly become a part of your family.”

YAKIMA, Wash. – A catcher from Montana State University Billings and a pair of freshmen from Dixie State University are the latest additions to the Yakima Valley Pippins for this summer.

Catcher Andrew Schleusner, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound sophomore from Kalispell, Mont., started his 2018 collegiate season with a bang – earning Player of the Week honors in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference after batting .462 over three games this past weekend, including seven RBI and three walks. That included a 4-for-5 effort in MSUB’s 15-7 Friday victory over 15th-ranked Dixie State.

“Andrew is a player I’ve had my eye on for almost a year now,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “I saw him last spring for the first time, but it was too late in the process to get him in a Pippins uniform. He can really catch and throws well from behind the plate, and now he’s a year older. I’m pleased to see him come out of the gates fast this spring with the bat.”

MSUB went 3-1 on opening weekend, winning two of the three games against Dixie State in addition to beating Cal State San Bernardino.

Dixie State pitchers Tyler Hollow and Jack Gonzales also are heading to Yakima this summer.

Hollow, a 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander from Boise, Idaho, pitched an inning against MSUB on Saturday, allowing two runs and three hits. A two-way player, Hollow is hitting .267 (4 for 15) with three RBI in six games with the Trailblazers.

“As an infielder and right-handed pitcher, Tyler’s versatility will really allow our coaching staff to open up the playbook on how we use him in various roles game to game,” McKimmy said. “He comes from a fantastic baseball family in the Boise area and can play any spot in the infield for us this summer.”

Gonzales, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound left-hander from Oceanside, Calif., struck out four and walked two, allowing six hits and six runs, in his Friday debut.
“We anticipate Jack will come into the summer with quite a bit of college experience after his first year at DSU,” McKimmy said. “He will be used mostly out of the bullpen this spring, but can also extend into some long relief when needed. You can never have enough quality arms from the left side.

“We’re excited to welcome players from two quality Division II programs we have worked with in the past,” McKimmy continued. “Coach (Chris) Pfatenhauer (DSU) and coach (Aaron) Sutton (MSUB) are proven winners at every level they’ve been at, and have sent us very fine young men and athletes over the years.”

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Discounted opening night tickets are also on sale through the end of February.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Chase Farrell, who originally signed with the Pippins prior to the 2017 season, and Sean Mullen, a pair of right-handers attending or headed to UCLA, are the newest additions to Yakima Valley’s pitching staff this summer.

Farrell, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound hurler from Valencia, Calif., was selected by the Houston Astros in the 40th round of th 2017 Major League Baseball draft. As a senior at Valencia High, he finished with an 8-2 record and a 1.43 ERA in 73.2 innings, with 83 strikeouts and one no-hitter.

“His arm really works,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “What most of our fans don’t remember is that Chase was signed to be a Pippin in 2017. He had a dominant senior year and didn’t play summer ball because of innings restrictions. He is even better this year, a year older, and could possibly throw some starter innings for UCLA as a true freshman. He will be in the 89-90 mph range with his fastball, and he has a really good changeup, and a slider.”

Mullen, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder from Bakersfield, Calif., is heading into his senior season at Stockdale High. As a junior, Mullen was 9-1 with a 3.48 ERA in 54.1 innings. He struck out 61 and walked 35. Mullen, who also plays infield, led the Mustangs with a .470 average, 47 hits and seven home runs, and was the second-leading batter with 11 doubles and 29 RBI.

“Up until this year (2017), I thought he was going to be a pitcher only in college,” Stockdale coach Brad Showers told the Bakersfield Californian newspaper last summer. “I didn’t know if he was good enough to be a two-way guy.”

After Mullen’s breakout junior season, Showers said he believes Mullen could be a two-way starter for the Bruins.
McKimmy is looking forward to having Mullen on the Pippins roster.

“I anticipate his role will be condensed to a vital bullpen arm for us, depending on how much he throws this spring, but having his versatility will be crucial for 59 games this summer,” McKimmy said. “Reports have had Mullen up to the 92-94 mph range, which will give him a great advantage in this wood-bat league if he’s a consistent strike-thrower.

“In talking with Sean recently, he’s really pumped to make Yakima Valley his home this summer.”

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Discounted opening night tickets are also on sale through the end of February.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Dylan Villalobos, who pitched briefly with Yakima Valley last summer, is the fifth announced pitcher who will return to the Pippins in 2018.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman from La Habra, Calif., who attends Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, pitched only 3 2/3 innings in three games for Yakima Valley in 2017 because of an arm injury. He struck out four and walked five, allowing three hits and one earned run in that stretch.

But manager Marcus McKimmy believes Villalobos’ potential earned him a return trip to Yakima next season.

“We’re very excited to have Dylan come back,” McKimmy said. “His progression back from injury this fall has been really positive. Unfortunatley, our fans didn’t get to see him much last summer, but when he pitched he was really good, and he’s shown even greater glimpses of that this fall.”

Villalobos joins Cal Poly teammates Taylor Dollard and William Adair in a return to Yakima next June. In all, at least five pitchers are coming back from 2017 – the most ever.

“The pitchers we have coming back not only have a comfort level with our fans and stadium and the mound, but also with our pitching philosophy,” McKimmy said. “A couple of our returning pitchers really just scratched the surface of what we were trying to do with them developmentally. The fact that they’ve accepted a position back with the Pippins shows they’re motivated and they’re excited to put on the uniform again.”

Pitchers Cullen Kafka (Oregon) and WCL All-Star Connor White (Portland) also will return for Yakima. Returning position players include outfielder Michael Russo (2017) and catcher Chris Ceballos (2016).

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Ticket vouchers, mini plans, group night outings and prepaid parking passes are also available for purchase. Opening night tickets go on sale Dec. 1.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Taylor Dollard, who led the West Coast League with a 6-0 record during the 2017 regular season and also earned the Pippins’ first-ever playoff victory, is returning to Yakima Valley next summer.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-hander from Sherman Oaks, Calif., was a breakout success for the Pippins this past summer. In eight appearances, including his playoff win, Dollard struck out 27 and walked only six in 38 1/3 innings. He compiled a 2.35 ERA, surrendering only 10 earned runs in his outings.

“Taylor’s presence and poise for such a young individual really jumped off the page last year,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He’s a guy who you really need to sit and watch for multiple starts to realize why his value is as a starter. He’s got a three-pitch mix, with an incredible baseball IQ.”

Dollard’s performance earned him recognition as an All-West Coast League starting pitcher, despite not joining the team until late June.

2018 is the first season in which the Pippins are bringing back multiple pitchers. In previous years, most returners have been position players.

“Any time you can have a returner back is invaluable,” McKimmy said. “He’s familiar with our community, our fans and how we want to attack things from the pitching side.”

Dollard, a freshman at Cal Poly this year, reminds McKimmy of another stellar freshman Pippins pitcher – Gonzaga’s Eli Morgan in 2014.

“When I think of Taylor and Eli, who was also undefeated through the regular season in 2014, they just really have unshakeable confidence in what they do, in their plan and their process,” the manager said. “Taylor attacks the zone with multiple pitches and does things intangibly that winners do, and that translated into a first-team all-league selection.”

Dollard joins at least five other Pippins who are returning in 2018, including Connor White, Michael Russo, William Adair and Cullen Kafka from 2017 and Chris Ceballos from the 2016 squad.

The Pippins open their fifth anniversary season on June 1, hosting the Walla Walla Sweets at Yakima County Stadium. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. Ticket vouchers, mini plans, group night outings and prepaid parking passes are also available for purchase. Opening night tickets go on sale Dec. 1.

YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima Valley Pippins will move to the West Coast League’s North Division in 2018, and will open their fifth season against their sister team, the Walla Walla Sweets, at home on Friday, June 1.

The Pippins’ 59-game schedule includes 32 home games at Yakima County Stadium, starting with the three-game series against the Sweets. Both the Pippins and Sweets are owned and operated by Pacific Baseball Ventures.

The June 1 opener is the fourth time in five years the Pippins have started their season at home.

“We really like the way our schedule is set up this year,” general manager Jeff Garretson said. “We open with weekend series that will be great for families with kids still in school during those weeks, and with our earlier start times most days, that also will be more family-friendly this year.”

Pippins home games will begin at 6:35 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, except for special event nights such as fireworks nights. Sunday games will begin at 6:05 p.m., an hour later than prior years, to help deflect the midafternoon heat.

Joining Yakima and Wenatchee in the North Division are Bellingham and Port Angeles, and Victoria and Kelowna in British Columbia. The Pippins replace Walla Walla in the North; the Sweets will move to the South Division.

Walla Walla is joined in the South by Cowlitz, Corvallis, Bend and the Portland Pickles, who are replacing the Gresham GreyWolves in the West Coast League this year. Portland has been in the Great West League the past two seasons. The Pippins will travel to Portland for a three-game series, but by scheduling rotation, the Pickles won’t play in Yakima this summer.

The Pippins’ home schedule includes five nonleague games. The league has extended its regular season by three days, and will conclude on Wednesday, Aug. 8, followed by the division and championship series.

Season tickets sales, mini plans and ticket vouchers are now on sale at the Pippins’ holiday kiosk at Center Court of the Valley Mall, the team offices at 12 S. Second St. in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487, or online at PippinsBaseball.com. The Pippins promotional schedule will be announced early next year.

The Pippins’ 2018 schedule:

June 1-3: Walla Walla; 5-7: at Victoria; 8-10: Bend; 11: TBA (nonleague); 12-14: at Portland; 16-17: TBA (nonleague); 19-21: Kelowna; 22-24: at Kelowna; 26-28: Cowlitz; 29-30: Bellingham.

July 1: Bellingham; 2-4: at Wenatchee; 6-8: at Port Angeles; 10-12: Corvallis; 13-15: at Bend; 18-20: Port Angeles; 21-24: Wenatchee; 25-26: TBA (nonleague); 27-29: at Cowlitz; 31: Victoria.

Aug. 1-2: Victoria; 3-5: at Walla Walla; 6-8: at Corvallis.

YAKIMA, Wash. – William Adair made a good first impression with the Yakima Valley Pippins in 2017.

On July 11, the Dallas, Texas, right-hander joined the team at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport en route to Victoria, British Columbia. He pitched three relief innings against the HarbourCats that night, striking out three and walking one, and earned the win.

Now a freshman at Cal Poly, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Adair will return to the Pippins next summer.

“His personality and toughness stand out,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “We called him Texas Tough, which was pretty apparent when he joined the team. Great spirit, great personality, outstanding teammate.”

Adair finished the 2017 campaign with a 2-2 record and 5.81 ERA in 21.2 innings. He struck out 21 and walked 14.

“We’re not a playoff team in 2017 without a handful of guys, and Adair was one of them,” McKimmy said. “He’s got a ‘plus’ change-up and a ‘plus’ curve, and a mid-80s fastball. He’s just scratching the surface with what he can do.”

Adair joins at least four other Pippins who are returning in 2018, including Connor White, Michael Russo and Cullen Kafka from 2017 and Chris Ceballos from the 2016 squad.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ new holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Kevin Vallene, a Washington native and soon-to-be graduate of Washington State University, will be the new voice of the Pippins for the 2018 season.

Vallene is currently finishing his senior year at WSU, majoring in communications and broadcasting. During his time with the Cougars, he has called a number of WSU sports for KUGR, the student-run radio station, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. He called the 2016 Holiday Bowl between the Cougars and the Minnesota Golden Gophers in San Diego, and has also hosted a sports radio show on the the station throughout his college career.

A Redmond, Wash., native, Vallene drove more than 3,000 miles over the course of five days to spend this past summer in Florida to broadcast Florida Collegiate Summer League games for the Winter Garden Squeeze. His favorite moment of the summer was calling the FCSL home run derby, where a Squeeze player hit a league-record 12 home runs in the first round and 14 overall in the contest.

For his work during the summer, Vallene was named Broadcast Intern of the Year by the FCSL. He found out he won the award during the league’s championship game at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Having my name called at Tropicana Field was a really cool experience for me,” he told the online news publication OrangeObserver.com. “Just to be at a Major League park and win the award was fun.”

Vallene is counting on his experience last summer to help him in his role with the Pippins in 2018.

“It was so fun being down there and experiencing the grind of broadcasting a full season of baseball,” Vallene said. “I’m really excited to join the Pippins this summer and bring the games and storylines to those who can’t make it to the ballpark.”

In addition to broadcasting all home and away games, Vallene will be the team’s media relations manager.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ new holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Pitcher Cullen Kafka, who experienced moderate success with the Pippins in 2017, is returning to Yakima Valley again next summer.

The 6-foot-4, 202-pound right-hander from Walnut Creek, Calif., pitched in five games and started three for the Pippins last summer before being shut down with shoulder soreness. The University of Oregon freshman had a 1-2 record with a 4.35 ERA in 20.2 innings, striking out 16 and walking nine. Only 10 of the 21 runs Kafka allowed last summer were earned.

“We were just scratching the surface of Cullen’s summer development when he got shut down,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He had some good starts for us last summer – his last start was a win against Bend. His ERA was pretty good even though we lost some games for him, one earned run in a loss at Kelowna, one earned run at Gresham in a loss.”

McKimmy is pleased with Kafka’s 2017 effort and that earned him a return trip to Yakima.

“We love his character and personality, and we anticipate that he’ll turn a corner in his development next summer,” the manager said. “Coming from a big-time Pac-12 school, he’ll be more seasoned and more mature, and ready to go through the rigors of a West Coast League summer.”

What role Kafka fills next summer will depend on him, McKimmy said.

“It’s going to depend on his physical maturity,” McKimmy said. “He came in last year throwing a lot of innings where we wanted to use him more in a relief and long-relief role at times, and he was forced to start. He can do both. It’s going to depend on his physical conditioning and where his arm care is at come June.”

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, at the Pippins’ new holiday kiosk in the Valley Mall, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Conner White, a right-handed pitcher who earned All-Star and All-West Coast League recognition in 2017, will return to the Yakima Valley Pippins in 2018.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound University of Portland junior pitcher from Woodinville, Wash., led the WCL with 11 saves during the regular season. In 22 appearances, White struck out 32 and walked 14 in 24 innings pitched, allowing just 14 hits and compiling a 1.13 ERA.

“His leadership and his ability to be a great teammate really stand out,” said Marcus McKimmy, who will return as Pippins field manager again next summer. “From Day 1 to the end of the season, his ability to throw strikes and to develop his breaking pitch allowed him to be the lock-down guy for us.

“Connor’s future is really undetermined as far as how good he can be, and that’s where the Pippins come in,” McKimmy continued. “Another year of development, another year of maturity will really benefit him.”

In addition to earning first-team All-WCL honors by league coaches after the 2017 season, White was selected as a league All-Star and was the starting pitcher for the South team in the 2017 All-Star Game hosted by the Pippins at Yakima County Stadium.

White allowed only six runs – including four earned – in his 22 regular-season appearances. He didn’t allow any runs in the regular season after a July 1 appearance in Kelowna, a stretch that spanned 12 appearances and 14 innings in which he gave up only six hits and struck out 19.

“Connor was someone we used in multiple roles, and that’s something that fans may forget,” McKimmy said. “We signed him as a two-way player, and he caught for us early. He was an everyday catcher at Columbia Basin and was their closer. We asked him to make pitching a priority, we felt that was going to help our ballclub the best given our roster dynamic.”

White is the first Pippins player to be announced for the 2018 season.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced in late October, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Catcher Chris Ceballos, a 2016 All-Star selection whose season was cut short by injury, will return in 2018 to play for the Yakima Valley Pippins.

Ceballos, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound sophomore from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Calif., hit .269, with 29 hits, nine doubles, a triple and 16 RBIs in 32 games for the Pippins during his stint in Yakima. But a lower-back injury just before that year’s All-Star Game cut Ceballos’ season short. Despite playing just over half a season, Ceballos still earned All-WCL honorable mention recognition.

“Bringing players back to Yakima is something that is very special to our team and our fans,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “In addition to quality baseball attributes, players are more physical, mature and must be great locker room guys. In Chris’ case, he is all of those things and can play multiple positions for us as well.”

In addition to catching, Ceballos will see time at first base next summer.

Ceballos started his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton before transferring to OCC after a redshirt season. The Pirates were 36-12 overall and 16-5 in California Community College Athletic Association play in 2017.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Outfielder Michael Russo, who got off to a promising start in 2017 with the Yakima Valley Pippins before a season-ending arm injury, is coming back to Yakima to try again next year.

The left-handed-hitting Russo hit the first of the Pippins’ 32 home runs in the team’s 11-4 win over Victoria on June 3. But he was sidelined shortly thereafter by a bicep injury.

“He gave our fans a taste of what he’s capable of,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “He’s a left-handed power bat with multiple years experience at the Division I level, a very seasoned offensive player and outfielder that we’re excited to have back.”

The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder from La Crescenta, Calif., who’s playing college ball at Cal St. Northridge, finished 2-for-4 in two games with the Pippins.

“He really enjoyed his short time in Yakima and jumped at the opportunity to put on a Pippins uniform again,” McKimmy said. “We’re really happy he’s a year older, a year more mature, and back at 100 percent.”

Russo and All-WCL reliever Connor White are the first two players named to the Pippins’ 2018 roster.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced in late October, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

With another successful season wrapped up, we want to hear about your experiences at The Orchard this summer.

Fans who complete the survey and provide contact information will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Pippins Gift Card.

The survey will close Oct. 15, 2017, with the winner selected the following week.

The survey can be accessed here.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Two pitchers and two infielders from Yakima Valley have been named West Coast League first-team all-league selections, and the Pippins captured a league-leading four spots on the 16-man team announced today by the league.

Starting pitcher Taylor Dollard, relief pitcher Connor White, first baseman Lucas Denney and second baseman Brad Beesley all earned first-team recognition at their respective positions, as voted on by coaches in the 11-team league. Third baseman Mitch Ellis earned second-team honors for the Pippins.

“What makes the All-WCL team special is that it reflects the views and feedback from opposing teams and coaches,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “It’s an incredible achievement to be recognized for their on-field accomplishments throughout the summer. Each of our players is deserving of what they earned. I’m extremely proud of that.”

Dollard, a freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo from Sherman Oaks, Calif., was the Pippins’ ace, compiling a 7-0 record with a 2.35 ERA in 38 1/3 innings pitched during the season and postseason, including earning the team’s first-ever playoff victory. The 6-foot-2 right-hander struck out 27 and walked just six batters.

White, a 6-2 right-handed junior from Woodinville headed to the University of Portland, struck out 32 and walked 14 in 24 innings of work, compiling a 1.12 ERA and earning a league-leading 11 saves during the regular season.

Denney, a redshirt senior at Seattle University from Goldendale, led the Pippins with a .338 batting average, 54 hits, 15 doubles, eight home runs, and 34 RBI during the regular season. The left-handed batter also reached base getting hit by a pitch a team-high 12 times. He also hit .364 during the playoffs.

Beesley, a sophomore-to-be at Cal Poly SLO from San Leandro, Calif., hit .300 with 45 hits, seven doubles, a triple and seven home runs this summer. In three playoff games, Beesley hit .417 (5 for 12) with two RBI.

Ellis, the switch-hitting senior-to-be at Western Illinois from Diamond Creek, Australia, hit .289 during the regular season with 11 doubles and 31 RBI.

Denney, Ellis and White also were chosen as South Division All-Stars during the season.

The four Pippins on this year’s first team is the most since the Pippins joined the WCL in 2014. Yakima Valley had three players on the 2016 first team, one in 2015 and two in 2014.

Between the first and second teams, Yakima Valley tied with Victoria for the most players named to the squads, with five each. Only three other teams in the league had more than one player named to the first team.

Seven Pippins earned honorable mention honors: Dillon Plew (Washington State), Jonny DeLuca (Oregon), Tora Otsuka (San Diego), Steven Sordahl (St. Martin’s), AJ Landis (Colorado Mesa), Joshua Tedeschi (Utah) and Dustin Yates (WSU).

The full list of All-WCL teams and players can be read at www.westcoastleague.com.

Season tickets for the 2018 season are already on sale at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, or by calling 509-575-4487. The Pippins will play 32 home games during the 2018 season, which begins in early June.