Extensive Array Of New Markets Available

West Coast League owners are eyeing at least six new markets that the league plans to expand into over the next few years. Expansion was the main topic at the owners winter meetings in San Diego. "We have some extremely attractive markets available and we're going to intensify our efforts to match investors with these fabulous opportunities," said WCL Vice President Bobby Brett, owner of the Bellingham Bells. Two markets previously mentioned as expansion targets are Longview/Kelso, Washington and Klamath Falls, Oregon. "We're focusing our efforts on completing stadium arrangements and finalizing ownership packages," said WCL President Ken Wilson. "These are markets that are perfectly suited for summer college baseball". Wilson noted that the markets are located in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. Interested parties can contact the West Coast League at (503) 764-9510.

Opportunity Arrives!

Rarely has our country faced such great opportunity. This is the time to commit to a great future! Everyday we hear about the businesses that were born during the recessions and difficult times of the 1970s and 1980s. Folks took advantage of opportunity! Opportunities exist today. And, where better to connect with these opportunities than in baseball. And where better to grab onto a great future than with the West Coast League. Few industries flourish in challenging times like baseball. And, affordable baseball resonates with Main Street America.

With families staying home more and traveling less, they're all looking for affordable entertainment near their home. What an opportunity to get these families out to a West Coast League ballpark. American businesses have a golden opportunity to reach challenged Americans through the WCL. The time to advertise and connect with customers is when your competition is in the dugout. Without spending money your customer base will dwindle. The perfect opportunity to see your customer base expand exists today. Take advantage of this opportunity. Let the West Coast League assist in growing your business.

The West is the Land of Opportunity. The West Coast League has a number of markets in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California thirsty for the great brand of affordable entertainment provided by the WCL. The opportunity is now for investors to become part of the growing summer college baseball industry. This is the time for a new hope and a new beginning. This is baseball. Opportunity has never been greater for fans, sponsors and investors. Act now!

Former Knights Star Is Arizona Fall League MVP

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson (Riverside CC) is the first hurler to be named the Arizona Fall League MVP. Hanson, who was the 2005 WCCBL Pitcher of the Year pitching for the then Aloha Knights, dominated the prestigius prospect league leading the AFL in wins (5), ERA (0.63) and strikeouts (49). Baseball America also named the Redlands, California native the #2 prospect in the AFL. Ex-Knights' pitcher Bud Norris (Cal Poly) of the Houston Astros was named the AFL's #6 prospect. Hanson was also named the Atlanta Braves 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

Bend Names New Coach

Scott Anderson, who pitched in the Montreal Expos and Cleveland Indians organizations, is the new head coach of the Bend Elks. Anderson had served as the Elks' pitching coach the last three seasons. The Portland, Oregon native starred at Oregon State University in football and baseball and was drafted in the fourth round of the 1977 draft by Montreal. Anderson later scouted for Cleveland, Tampa and Baltimore.

WCL Launches New League In Portland

A new four-team summer collegiate league in Portland, Oregon will open play June 9, 2009. The new league will be called WCL Portland and play a 30-game schedule. The WCL Portland is hoping to emulate the old Northwest Collegiate Baseball League (NCBL) that existed in the 1990s and produced a number of college coaches and five major league players. Click here for more info.

WCL Portland Seeking Players

The WCL Portland commissioner Dale Stebbins has announced that the new league is now seeking players. The league has four teams and expects to select 88 players. Find out more by clicking here.

WCL Tri-State Names Commissioner

Roger Lorenzetti, a member of the Humboldt Crabs volunteer board, is the first commissioner of the new WCL Tri-State. Lorenzetti, a long-time educator, will also serve on the new league's board of directors. Read more by clicking here.