The Springfield Drifters are a collegiate summer baseball team in the West Coast League.
The Drifters have struggled to find success during their existence. The team is one of three to never clinch a winning record and one of two to never clinch a playoff berth.
History The Drifters were announced as the 16th team of the WCL on April 16, 2021 by the league. The Drifters announced that their playfield would be located in a new stadium in the complex of Hamlin Middle School.
The Drifters played their first game on May 31, 2022 on the road defeating the Bellingham Bells 4-2. Their first home game was played on June 3 with the Drifters falling to the Cowlitz Black Bears 11-6.
2024 On June 24, Kyle Larsen was named the league's pitcher of the week after throwing a five hit shutout in the Drifters' win against Corvallis the previous Tuesday.https://westcoastleague.com/giesegh-and-larsen-earn-wcls-moss-adams-weekly-honors/
On July 9, Kendren Kenzie and Dane Woodcook were selected to represent the Drifters in the 2024 All Star Game in Bellingham.https://westcoastleague.com/wcl-all-star-game-rosters-announced/
The Drifters once again failed to qualify for the playoffs. The Drifters are one of two franchises to never make the postseason, along with the Nanaimo NightOwls.
2025 On July 8, Cooper Mullens (Michigan) and Isaiah Ibarra (USC) were selected to represent the Drifters at the All Star Game in Bellingham.https://westcoastleague.com/2025-wcl-all-stars-announced/
The Drifters improved on their 20-34 record from the previous season. The Drifters went 22-32 and finished seventh in the South Division.https://baseball.pointstreak.com/standings.html?leagueid=145&seasonid=34070 Cesar Chavez (Cal State Los Angeles) finished with a .341 batting average.https://baseball.pointstreak.com/leaders.html?leagueid=145&seasonid=34070 12,115 total fans attended the Drifters' twenty-six home games for an average of 466 fans per game.https://baseball.pointstreak.com/attendance.html?leagueid=145&seasonid=34070
The Drifters were eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight season. The Drifters are one of three teams in the WCL to never clinch a playoff berth and one of four teams to never finish with a winning record.
2026 Tristan Ledbetter was named pitcher of the week by the league on June 8th.https://westcoastleague.com/weekly-awards-june-8/
Former Drifter Ryan Cooney participated in the 2026 MLB Draft Combine.https://westcoastleague.com/wcl-alumni-showcased-at-mlb-marquee-event/
Results by Season
SeasonLeagueDivisionFinishWinsLossesWin%GBPostseasonManager 2022WCLSouth8th17370.31522Did Not QualifyTommy Richards2023WCLSouth6th2232.40717Did Not QualifyTommy Richards2024WCLSouth8th2034.37021Did Not QualifyAlan Embree2025WCLSouth7th2232.40721Did Not QualifyJeff Lyle2026WCLSouth5th2429.4526.5Did Not QualifyJeff Lyle
Division champions League champions Playoff Team
Playoff Appearances The Drifters are one of two teams in the West Coast League to never qualify for the postseason.
References