Pippins Add Trio of Washington Natives
YAKIMA, Wash. — More in-state talent will be joining Yakima Valley this summer as the Pippins add a pair of outfielders, Aidan Dougherty from Snoqualmie and Seth Ryberg from Seattle, and right-handed pitcher Riley Whelan from Spokane.
Dougherty is the only player on the roster that will attend Oregon State University in the fall, as the soon-to-be high school graduate looks to provide an instant impact for the Beavers and the Pippins.
“When you see him on the field, he is a big-bodied young man who carries explosive movements. Running, bat speed, routes to the ball, and selflessness to help the team win are all very noticeable,” said OSU head coach Mitch Canham about Dougherty, who was on the Perfect Game Preseason All-Region team.
Ryberg looks to bring a spark to the Pippins as well. The former Walla Walla Sweets infielder/outfielder played 44 games in the WCL last year and has helped his Point Loma Sea Lions to the No. 3 spot in the NCWBA DII rankings.
“Super excited for Seth,” said Pippins skipper Kyle Krustangel. “A versatile player, very toolsy offensively and defensively. I try to build a club that is primarily old, so for us to have another guy that’s played a full season in the West Coast League is good experience for our nucleus.”
Ryberg was ranked the 16th-best second baseman in Washington for his 2019 class, and is hitting .313 in his sophomore year with Point Loma.
On the mound for the Pippins, Whelan carries over experience from his two years at Spokane Falls CC and this season at Whitworth University. The junior righty has eight appearances and 11.1 innings pitched entering the final month of the regular season.
“Riley’s a guy with a 3/4 arm slot, he’s got a rubber arm and can throw multiple games in a series, but a guy that will frustrate hitters and bridge the gaps between starters and closers,” said Krustangel.
Opening day for the Pippins is June 3 at Yakima County Stadium against the Corvallis Knights. Tickets for that WCL Championship rematch, all six fireworks nights, including Opening Night, Fan Appreciation Night, Celebrate America Night and Military Appreciation Night, are available at PippinsTickets.com.
By Zach McKinstry
April 1, 2022