The Yakima Valley Pippins (summer collegiate; West Coast League) will host the 2017 West Coast League (WCL) All-Star Game.
Set for the third week in July, the event will also bring the WCL’s home run derby and other All-Star Game festivities to Yakima County Stadium. Additional details, including the exact day of the game, will be announced this fall.
“The West Coast League is an incredible platform for some of the best and brightest collegiate players who aspire to play professional baseball,” Pippins general manager Jeff Garretson said. “The all-star game is a showcase for that talent, and we’re honored to be able to host the event for our fans and the entire Valley.”
The 2017 All-Star Game, which will be the league’s 10th, comes 80 years after the Yakima Valley’s first professional baseball team – also named the Pippins – started play in 1937. Garretson’s grandfather, Bob Garretson Sr., played first base for that team.
“This Valley has always had a rich baseball history,” Garretson said. “From professional franchises to World Series-winning American Legion teams to several high school state championships and many college and professional players, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more passionate, engaged fan base than here in Yakima.
“Through this event, we want to honor that strong baseball heritage here and continue to build upon it,” Garretson said. “We’re looking forward to working with local business partners to make this an unforgettable night.”