Photo Designed Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Several summer collegiate baseball clubs on the West Coast will compete in the Pacific Empire League this summer. The new league will feature a 25-game schedule, culminating in a best-of-3 championship series in late July/early August. Teams will also be allowed to schedule games with nearby teams at home that won't count in the PEL standings.
The Healdsburg Prune Packers, Lincoln Potters, Humboldt Crabs, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats, and the West Coast Kings will be the six teams that will comprise PEL for the inaugural 2024 season.
The league will offer a high-tech partnership with Trackman Baseball and Synergy Sports. It will provide data for college coaches on the analytical side, including exit velocities, spin rate, and pitch speed. Six cameras will be linked to allow college coaches to track their players.
The six pre-existing franchises have played in various summer collegiate leagues in the Bay Area and Southern Oregon. The opportunity to compete in the new league with well-established clubs was a pull factor for Prune Packers GM/Head Coach Joe Gomes.
“The Pacific Empire League checks all the boxes as a topnotch collegiate baseball league, featuring historic teams with devoted fanbases, and strong ties to college coaches and scouts. Our integrated tech further enhances player exposure and development.”
Healdsburg Prune Packers operated in the California Collegiate League for six seasons and won the last three league championships. Their home ballpark is Prune Packers Stadium.
Lincoln Potters operated in the California Collegiate League and has produced seven winning baseball seasons. Their home ballpark is McBean Stadium.
Humboldt Crabs is the oldest continually-operated summer collegiate baseball in the nation. The Crabs began operations in 1945. Their home ballpark is Arcata Ball Park.
Medford Rogues has been in business since 2013, attracting big crowds to Harry & David Field.
Solano Mudcats have been in business since 1990 and play at Vanden High School baseball field.
West Coast Kings captured the 2021 and 2023 West Coast World Series. The ball club plays at Solano Community College.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com