Springfield Drifters host FanFest ahead of opening game

Shaina Haxby held her 4-year-old son, Bennett, Wednesday evening while a Springfield Drifters baseball player signed the boy’s hat. 

Haxby, a 31-year-old Springfield resident, also brought her 7-year-old son, Brooks, to the Drifters FanFest at Hamlin Sports Complex. They were among a small crowd of people who greeted the summer collegiate wood-bat baseball team. 

“They both love baseball,” Haxby said. “They wake up and turn baseball on. We’re really happy to have this team at home.”

The family hopes to attend as many of the team’s 32 home games as possible, especially the ones with fireworks, said Brooks, as a player walked up to high-five the boy. 

The free event on Wednesday included player introductions, a short team workout on the field and time for fans to take photos with the players. Country music played from loudspeakers while participants enjoyed free hot dogs off the grill. 

Christian Soto, 31, of Springfield, attended the festivities with his parents. 

“It’s just good cheap fun and they’re a good team to watch,” Soto said after shaking the hand of one of the players. “It’s entertaining.”

About the Drifters

The Drifters’ opening game is Friday, May 30, against the Walla Walla Sweets of Washington. Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon will throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the game, which will begin at 6:35 p.m.

This will be the Drifters’ fourth season in the West Coast League, which comprises 17 teams from Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alberta. According to the league’s website, member teams recruit players nationwide and are committed to developing aspiring pros.

General admission tickets start at $8 and reserved seats cost $12. Children 12 and under receive free general admission with a paid adult in attendance. For opening night, all Willamette Valley Babe Ruth players and coaches wearing their uniform or hat will receive free admission.

“We try to keep it affordable and family-friendly,” said Jasmine Williams, the team’s assistant general manager.

For a look at all promotions planned for the season, visit the Drifters’ web page. 

Williams said the team is made up of about 35 college-eligible players from around the country. Many stay with host families in the area while they’re here for the season. 

“We’re really lucky that there are a lot of nice people in our community that are willing to volunteer for this,” she said. Host families are unpaid but receive season tickets and some Drifters merchandise. 

Williams said last year’s fireworks night on the Fourth of July was so well-attended that the team plans three postgame fireworks shows for this season, on June 14, July 3 and July 26.

“We’re just excited to get going,” Williams said.

This is Jeff Lyle’s first season as head coach of the Drifters. Lyle is a Eugene native and former assistant baseball coach at Lane Community College. He is joined by pitching coach Dean Stiles and assistant coach Matt Hubbs. 

It is 19-year-old Caden Richardson’s first season playing with the Drifters. The Pleasant Hill resident just finished his first year at Linn-Benton Community College and was a starting pitcher for the Roadrunners. Richardson said it was a confidence boost when the Drifters reached out to his coach to recruit him. 

“I love the competition here,” he said. “It’ll be fun.”

The Drifters may in future years gain fans from Eugene. The city is likely to lose its minor league team, the Emeralds, after years of unsuccessfully working to secure a stadium that meets Major League Baseball requirements. 

If you go:

The Drifters play at the Hamlin Sports Complex, 326 Centennial Blvd. in Springfield.

Home games begin at 6:35 p.m. Monday-Saturday and at 4:05 p.m. Sundays.

Cost is $8-$12 per game.

For more information on the Drifters’ schedule, visit https://driftersbaseball.com/drifters-schedule/.