Former Bend Elks Star Named Collegiate Outfielder Of The Decade. Oregon State Skipper Pat Casey Named College Coach Of The Decade

Baseball America selected Boston Red Sox rising star Jacoby Ellsbury as the #1 college outfielder of the just completed decade. Ellsbury, who led Oregon State to its first College World Series in 2005, played with the Bend Elks in 2002 and 2003. Meanwhile, Oregon State Beavers head coach Pat Casey was named the Coach Of The Decade. Casey, who sends many of his players to the West Coast League, led the Beavers to Omaha in 2005, and then won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. (read more)

Former WCL Stars Lead Top-Ranked UC Irvine

Three ex-West Coast League standouts are expected to play prominent roles this season for UC Irvine, one of the top ranked teams in the country and defending Big West champions. Senior LHP Daniel Bibona, an All-WCL Honorable Mention selection in 2007 with the Corvallis Knights and 2009 Big West Pitcher of the Year, is a pre-season All-American selection. The southpaw expects to be coach Mike Gillespie's ace again this spring. Sophomore D.J. Crumlich, who earned All-WCL Honorable Mention honors with the Wenatchee AppleSox last season, is projected to be the team's starting shortstop, while his Sox teammate sophomore Ronnie Shaeffer, 2009 first-team All-WCL catcher and freshman All-American, is expected to be UC Irvine's starting designated hitter. The Anteaters are ranked in the Top 10 in every pre-season poll.

WCL Sends More Than Players To The Major Leagues

The West Coast League focuses on developing players for pro ball, as well as delivering exciting and affordable family entertainment in its member communities. However, there's more. The league also develops young sports executives. Superstar Corvallis Knights intern Marisa Gorman is moving on to the Tampa Bay Rays to serve as a fan experience intern. A Portland, Oregon-native and recent Oregon State grad, Marisa spent the last two summers as an intern with the Knights. "The two seasons I interned with the Knights made me want to pursue a career in professional athletics, and helped me gain the experience and confidence I needed to take this next step," said Gorman.

Ex-WCL Star Gives Up Big League Chance For The Priesthood

Oakland A's prospect Grant Desme is ending his baseball career to enter the priesthood. Desme, who was All-WCL in 2006 with the Bend Elks, was the 2009 Arizona Fall League MVP. The outfielder was a 2nd round choice in the 2007 MLB June draft out of Cal-Poly.

Walla Walla Owners Make $5 Million Donation To Aid Haitian Victims

John Stanton and his Trilogy Partnership partners are majority owners of the West Coast League Walla Walla Sweets, and investors in the wireless industry in Haiti. The Bellevue, Washington group has donated $5 million to assist in rescue work in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in that country.

Justin Stottlemyre Elevated To Bellingham Bells General Manager Post

After working in operations and media relations with the Bellingham Bells, Justin Stottlemyre is the club's new general manager. Stottlemyre is a graduate of Bemidji State, where he majored in sports management and administration.

Arizona Fall League MVP Is Ex-West Coast League Star For Second Straight Season

The 2009 Arizona Fall League MVP is Grant Desme, the Oakland A's outfield prospect who starred in the West Coast League in 2006. Last year Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson won the AFL MVP award. Hanson was named WCL Pitcher of the Year in 2005 with the then Aloha Knights. Desme, was All-WCL in 2006 with the Bend Elks, hitting .381 with 3 HRs and 32 RBIs in 157 at bats.

Arizona Fall League Batting Champion Played With West Coast League Knights

Chicago White Sox farmhand Brent Morel won the Arizona Fall League batting title with a .435 average. Morel played with the then Aloha Knights in 2006, hitting .291 with 1 HR and 20 RBIs in 141 ABs. The Sox 2008 3rd round draft choice out of Cal Poly had a big 2009 season, batting .281 with 16 HRs and 79 RBIs in the Carolina League.

Jobs And Internships Available In The West Coast League

Looking for a job or internship in professional sports? West Coast League teams offer great jobs and internships that provide an opportunity to learn the professional baseball business. Click on About WCL and go to Job Opportunities to find the opportunity for you. The expansion Cowlitz Black Bears have posted opportunities that may be perfect for you!

West Coast League Signs Agreement With Pointstreak

Real-time scoring is coming to the West Coast League for the 2010 season. The WCL and Pointstreak.com, Inc. have reached a long-term agreement for Pointstreak to provide real-time scoring, official statistics, and league administration services to the league. "Partnering with Pointstreak gives our teams a fabulous real-time package, and our fans prompt and easy access to all our league games and the numbers that make summer college wood-bat baseball such a great attraction," said WCL president Ken Wilson.

West Coast League To Feature Nine Teams For 2010 Season

Two new Washington teams are in, and one existing Washington team looks to move to a new market, as the West Coast League prepares for the 2010 season as a nine-team league. Cowlitz and Walla Walla begin play next June, while longtime member Spokane will take a season off. The RiverHawks plan to move to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho as soon as 2011. An already announced expansion franchise in Klamath Falls, Oregon is expected to begin play in the WCL in 2011.

Catcher Andrew Susac of Oregon State Rated West Coast League's Top Pro Prospect

Corvallis Knights catcher Andrew Susac, a frosh-to-be at Oregon State, is rated the West Coast League's top prospect by both Baseball America and Perfect Game Crosschecker.

League Attendance Skyrockets For Fifth Straight Season

West Coast League attendance grew significantly for the fifth consecutive season. League attendance eclipsed 150,000 for the first time, increasing by 17%. Corvallis had the largest increase, up 78% over 2008.