WCL Corvallis Knights

Corvallis Knights E-News

Published on March 15, 2017 under West Coast League (WCL)
Corvallis Knights News Release


Are you ready for some baseball?

It is now less than three months until Opening Day 2017, when the Knights begin their 11th season at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field.

Your defending West Coast League champions kick-off their campaign on Wednesday, June 7th, with a 10 a.m. non-league game against the Portland Sea Dogs. It's our sixth annual Science, Engineering & Art Day event at Goss Stadium.

Season tickets are on sale now. Reserve your seat for all 32 home dates and all three Fireworks Nights, set for June 24, July 3 and August 5,.

For a direct link to our complete 2017 schedule, please click here.

We have 12 players returning from our 2016 title team. You can check out our entire 2017 roster.

Knights seek part-time staff for 2017 season

The Knights are now hiring part-time staff for the 2017 season. Available roles include mascot performer and food & beverage staff. To apply, please visit corvallisknights.com/jobs.

Big West Conference honors alum Cole Kreuter of UC Irvine

Alum Cole Kreuter (2015-16) of UC Irvine was named the Big West Conference Player of the Week for March 5-11 after leading the Anteaters to a series win over No. 1 TCU. Cole hit .375 (6-for-16) with five runs scored and five RBIs to lead the Anteaters to a 3-1 week. He added a double and home run for a .625 slugging percentage.

Also, UC Riverside pitcher Hazahel Quijada (2016) was nominated for BWC Pitcher of the Week honors, but was not selected. For more on both players, please click here.

Daimler Trucks North America signs on as new Oregon All-Star Series title sponsor

The Daimler All-Star Series, featuring the state's top senior 6A/5A high school baseball players in a three-game showcase series, is set for June 24-25 at Goss Stadium (read more).

Alum Matt Boyd eager to start season with Tigers

Alum Matt Boyd often stops to take a look around and appreciate what he has while standing on the pitching mound at Comerica Park, Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park or whatever venue the former Knights' standout finds himself working in that day.

"I do [take stock] every time I go out there," said Boyd, a 26-year-old left-handed pitcher from Bellevue, Wash., who played for the Knights in 2010 following his frosh season at Oregon State.

"That's me being grateful that I get to live out my childhood dream. I'm very blessed that God has given me this opportunity and I don't want to take it for granted.

"Every day I say, 'Thank you.' It is special to look up the stands and see 50,000 people all wearing the same jersey you are. It is cool."

Matt is now in spring training with the Tigers, For more on his story, please click here.

Five alums on MLB.com's top-30 organizational prospect list

Five Knights' alums made MLB.com's annual list of the top 30 prospects in their respective major league organizations.

The Knights on the rise are Seattle outfielder Mitch Hainger (2010); San Francisco pitcher Chase Johnson (2011); Cleveland catcher Logan Ice (2014); Boston pitcher Stephen Nogosek (2013), and Arizona pitcher Jimmie Sherfly (2011).

Haniger has already played in the majors, with Arizona in 2016. For complete details on Mitch and the other prospects, please click here.

Alums Nick Torres, Korrin Torres introduce The Baseball Gypsy

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a professional baseball player? If so, you will for sure want to follow Knights alum Nick Torres (2012) of the San Diego Padres as he begins his 2017 journey with his wife Korrin Torres, also know as The Baseball Gypsy, by his side.

A former Knights intern, Korrin Torres will document the newlywed's season from beginning to end. It should be an interesting ride, and unique glimpse into the lifestyle of a minor league player from a perspective that's behind the scenes and captured by an enthusiastic and supportive spouse.

Nick was returned to minor-league camp on March 11. He most likely will start the season at El Paso in the triple-A Pacific Coast League.

Check out our interview with Nick and Korrin.

Walker named to Stopper of the Year Watch List

Alum Ryan Walker (2015), a junior right-handed pitcher at Washington State, has been named to the 60-man watch list for the 13th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award. It goes to the top relief pitcher In NCAA Division I baseball.

Walker was 4-2, 3.89 in 10 total appearances in 2015, with a save and 35 strikeouts in 34.2 innings. He saved the WCL All-Star game for the South Division with an inning of scoreless relief, and was named the WCL's No. 7 pro prospect by Baseball America and the No. 11 pro prospect by Perfect Game.

Walker earned all-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2016 after posting the league's sixth-lowest ERA (2.66) and batting average against (.212) in conference games. He led the Cougars with a 6-3 record, with saves, a 2.40 ERA, a .210 batting average against and 50 strikeouts in 63.2 innings in 18 games. His six relief wins tied for the second-most relief wins in school single-season history.

Madrigal, Harrison on Golden Spikes Award Watch List

Alums Nick Madrigal (2015) and KJ Harrison (2015) of #1 ranked Oregon State are on the initial watch list for the 2017 Golden Spikes Award. The infielders helped comprise the list of 55 players from across the country. The Golden Spikes Award is given annually to the nation's top amateur player.

A midseason watch list will be released April 12; semifinalists will be named on May 31. Finalists will then be announced June 14 with the trophy presentation scheduled for June 29.

Alumni watch:

The Los Angeles Angels have returned lefty Greg Mahle to their minor-league camp. Our 2012 MVP lost 35 pounds in the offseason. The San Francisco Giants returned righty Chase Johnson (2011) to their minor-league camp. He had a 0.00 ERA in two spring training games. The Arizona Diamondbacks returned righty Jimmie Sherfy (2011) to their minor-league camp. He had two saves in three spring training games. Miami Marlins have returned pitcher Ben Wetzler (2011) to their minor-league camp. Catchers Chris Rabago (2012-13) and Rocky Gale (2007, 2009) were invited to major-league camp by Colorado and San DIego, respectively. Pitcher Sam Gaviglio (2009) is playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. 8 West Coast League alums are participating in the WBC. Pitcher Tyler Anderson, Gaviglio's teammate on the 2009 Knights, has signed a one-year contract with Colorado. The former Oregon left-handed pitcher was the first Corvallis Knight to be selected in the first round of the MLB draft (2011). Kansas City returned catcher Nate Esposito (2012) to minor-league camp. Tampa Bay returned outfielder Cade Gotta (2011) to minor-league camp. Texas returned utility Alex Burg, our 2008 MVP, to minor-league camp. Catcher Nick Kahle (2016) of Washington will play for La Crosse (Wis.) and outfielder Cody Hawken (2016) of Portland will play for Battle Creek (Mich.) in the Northwoods League this summer.

Follow the Knights

The Corvallis Knights e-newsletter is powered by PEAK Internet - a proud sponsor of the Knights. K eep up with the Corvallis Knights by checking out team Director of Media Relations Brooks Hatch's blog.

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West Coast League Stories from March 15, 2017


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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