Written by Raptors Broadcaster Hunter Shumake
June 1st marks the start of the 2023 season for the Ridgefield Raptors where the team will return to the
Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex for the first time since August 10th . The team will start with an
eight game home stand to start the season at the RORC before going on their first road trip to Walla
Walla on June 9th .
Led by Head Coach Chris Cota, the Raptors are coming off a successful season where the Raptors had a
record of 32-21 and made it to the WCL Playoffs for the second consecutive year. Last season, Ridgefield
lead the West Coast League in most offensive categories including batting average, slugging percentage,
and on-base percentage. After the robust offensive showcase last season, the Raptors look to continue
that trend into 2023.
The 2023 season will feature thirty one home games of a fifty eight regular season schedule. The first
opposition for the Raptors will be the Cowlitz Black Bears. Of the seven times that the two clubs met last
year, Ridgefield bested Cowlitz 4-3 and the Raptors collected the Columbia River Cup for the first time in
program history.
Even though Thursday’s game marks the start of the season for both clubs, it will be counted as a “non-
league match” and will have no impact on the post season standings; however, the two teams will play
each other six more times throughout the season to see determine the champion of the Columbia River.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:35PM PDT on June 1st. Tickets and live stream are available on
ridgefieldraptors.com. #GoRaps