SPRINGFIELD – The Drifters wrapped up their third season this week, and coach Alan Embree said the team sought to improve until the very end. While the team can’t improve on its win total from last season, Embree said his focus was on finishing strong. “I think you’ve gotta take[Read More…]
Author: Seth Thompson
Drifters look to end on a high note
SPRINGFIELD – Entering July, the Springfield Drifters were 11-15 overall, riding a 9-6 stretch in their last 15 games. Hopes were high, and the team was optimistic about reaching their first playoff berth. As the month comes to a close, that hopeful outlook has dimmed, thanks in large measure to[Read More…]
Hometown hopes and dreams: Ferrari goes from Colts to Drifters
SPRINGFIELD – Representing your hometown is always an honor in sports – and when it comes to Thurston graduate and Drifters assistant coach Rocco Ferrari, Springfield is just in his DNA. “It’s a really cool thing in my opinion to have a team here. And to be able to be[Read More…]
Drifters having a blast on, off field
SPRINGFIELD – Fireworks? You want fireworks? The Springfield Drifters delivered on and off the field July 4 with an 18-4 victory over a college all-star team at Hamlin Sports Complex in front of the largest crowd in team history – 1,326. “This is the coolest – the atmosphere was great.[Read More…]
Youth movement: Drifters treat youth leagues, provide support to Kidsports
SPRINGFIELD – Many kids grow up with the desire to play sports. No matter what the sport is, the opportunity to compete is something no child should be denied. Recently, the Springfield Drifters partnered with Kidsports – a nonprofit that focuses on equal opportunities for children in sports – for[Read More…]
‘Embree Era’ underway: Franchise’s 2nd head coach stresses timely hitting
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Drifters wrapped up their first home stretch in the 2024 West Coast League season on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Bend, putting them at 3-6 on the season. Now going into their away series against the Elks, head coach Alan Embree is focused on one[Read More…]
Embree takes control of Drifters in Year 3
SPRINGFIELD – Just before the Springlfield Drifters held their media day on Monday at Hamlin Sports Complex, season-altering news was released by the team. Tommy Richards, the Drifters’ head coach since their inception, unexpectedly stepped down and was replaced by assistant coach Alan Embree – a World Series champion with[Read More…]
Billies baseball advances to first state semi since ’19
PLEASANT HILL – After losing in the quarterfinals the past two years, the Pleasant Hill Billies were facing a familiar foe Friday – fifth-ranked Sisters – and ended up winning 4-1 and advancing to the state semifinals for the first time since 2019. “That was a big hump to get[Read More…]
Hanmadang Expo: Greathouse world record attempt falls just short
SPRINGFIELD – As another successful year of Hanmadang wraps up, organizer Tim Greathouse is thankful for the new light the event shines on martial arts. “Part of our purpose has been to educate western society that this exists – martial arts for fun, martial arts for lifestyle, martial arts for[Read More…]
Creswell, Pleasant Hill boys volleyball ‘emerging’ as competitive, good time
PLEASANT HILL – Anna Baltrusch, one of the most-decorated high school girls volleyball coaches in Oregon during her tenure at Creswell High School, said she was often beset with one question from boys. “Boys forever would ask me, ‘Why can’t we play volleyball? Why isn’t there a league for us?’”[Read More…]
