Ridgefield Raptors scheduled to open 2021 season on June 2

The Ridgefield Raptors of the West Coast League will open their 2021 baseball season on June 2 with an exhibition against the Cowlitz Black Bears at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, the league announced Thursday.

WCL action begins for the Raptors on June 4 with a three-game home series against the Bend Elks. The Raptors will play 32 games at home and 27 road games. The regular season runs through Aug. 12.

After a successful inaugural season in 2019 only to have 2020 wiped out by the pandemic, the Raptors organization is more than ready to take the field again.

“We are optimistic about this coming summer and seeing our fans at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex,” said Raptors general manager Gus Farah in a statement. “Connecting with our community and offering a great fan experience this summer is our other top priority.”

Farah added that the Raptors have been following the state and local guidance for COVID and safety remains a top priority.

Players will be added to the roster in the coming months. Already, Camas High grad Grant Heiser, who plays catcher at Seattle University, has committed to playing in Ridgefield this summer.

The 59-game schedule features travel throughout the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Alberta. The WCL added three new teams for 2021 in Nanaimo (B.C.) NightOwls; Kamloops (B.C.) (NorthPaws) and Edmonton Riverhawks.

“Perhaps one of the greatest opportunities we provide to our players is the ability to experience the cities and towns that host West Coast League teams in a way very few others get to,” Farah said. “It truly becomes a life changing experience for our players and coaches, and one the League is proud to offer.”