SPRINGFIELD – Saturday evening, fans packed the stands like sardines to see Springfield take on the Portland Pickles. Despite the 19-4 loss, fans stayed until the end to witness a fireworks show worth the price of admission. The Springfield crowd of nearly 1,000 helped bring spirits to the team during a tough outing.
“We love having the support and people in the seats. It’s a lot more fun to play with people backing you and cheering you on, so that’s huge for us,” Drifters assistant coach Matt Hubbs said.
The cheering only increased after the game subsided as fans spilled onto Hamlin field to watch the fireworks. As the show illuminated the night sky with a dancing array of explosions, kids ran and played as their parents looked up in awe.
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“It was certainly better than most Fourth of July shows (we’ve) been to,” a pair of jubilant Drifters fans said. “I haven’t been before, but I would definitely go again.”
The celebration was a reminder of the team’s philosophy for the season, winning isn’t everything. While the team wants to win games — especially for their fans — it’s just as important to them that their fans and players alike get something good out of their time with the team.
Although the team doesn’t emphasize winning very often, they emphasize the value of hard work consistently.
“Every day we show up to the yard early. We get team defense working on things that didn’t work well for us the night before,” Hubbs said. “We’ve gotta work on throwing strikes, first pitch strikes as well, just being competitive in the zone. On the defensive side, not moving the ball around, (we need to) make the plays we want to make.”
JOSIE HEACOCK / THE CHRONICLE
As Springfield continues to put in that hard work, it prepares for its first major road trip of the season. First, with a trip to Corvallis on Monday, then to Bend to play three games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The Drifters have only left home once this season, on an earlier two-game-trip to Corvallis.
“It’s just a different routine because we’re not here at our own field getting that early work in. But (it’s about) just showing up to the yard prepared. Even if we’re on the bus, finding ways to be mentally ready when we jump in the field,” Hubbs said.
DRIFTERS DATA CENTER
RESULTS
Thursday, June 12
Corvallis 5, Drifters 3
Friday, June 13
Portland 9, Drifters 2
Saturday, June 14
Portland 19, Drifters 4
Sunday, June 15
Portland 13, Drifters 4
Monday, June 16
Drifters x, Corvallis x
SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 19
Drifters at Bend, 6:35 p.m.
Friday, June 20
Drifters vs Cowlitz, 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 21
Drifters vs Cowlitz, 6:35 p.m.
Sunday, June 22
Drifters vs Cowlitz, 4:05 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24
Drifters at Ridgefield, 6:35 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25
Drifters at Ridgefield, 6:35 p.m.
