Springfield’s summer collegiate wood-bat baseball team kicks off its 2026 season Friday, May 29, with three road games against the Bend Elks.

The Drifters’ first home game is Tuesday against the Yakima Valley Pippins at Hamlin Sports Complex, 326 Centennial Blvd. Mayor Sean VanGordon will throw the ceremonial first pitch at 6:35 p.m.

It’s the Drifters’ fifth season, and runs through Aug. 5 with 30 home games. The team plays in the West Coast League against teams from Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alberta. The Drifters roster consists of 33 players from colleges throughout the country this year. According to the league’s website, teams recruit players nationwide and are committed to developing aspiring professionals.  

  • Atticus Painter, 10, bats at the Kid Zone during the Springfield Drifters Fan Fest at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, May 28, 2026. The Kid Zone is an added feature to the Drifters game day experience. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
  • Austin Takahashi, #13 of the Springfield Drifters, takes the field during Springfield Drifters Fan Fest at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, May 28, 2026. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
  • Rapid the Dog during Springfield Drifters Fan Fest at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, May 28, 2026. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
  • LJ Layhew #19, Aiden Gebhard #5 and Jaycob Villalpando #9 sit in the dugout during Springfield Drifters Fan Fest at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, May 28, 2026. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
  • Jonah Van Der Haeghen, 4, climbs out of a bouncy obstacle course in the Kid Zone during Springfield Drifters Fan Fest at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, May 28, 2026. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
  • Jacob Painter pitches the ball in the Kid Zone during the Springfield Drifters Fan Fest at Hamlin Sports Complex in Springfield, May 28, 2026. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA

The Drifters finished their 2025 season 22-32, finishing seventh in the South Division.

Kids ages 12 and under receive free general admission to Drifters games when accompanied by a paid adult — except for games with fireworks which are June 6, July 2 and Aug. 1. Ticket prices start at $9.

For the full 2026 schedule, visit the Drifters’ website. 

Parking is free for all Drifters home games at Hamlin Sports Complex, with overflow parking at Springfield High School.