Ridgefield baseball team also still hoping to make the playoffs
The Ridgefield Raptors are celebrating their fans this weekend, and still hoping to play beyond the regular season.
The Raptors are hosting Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Saturday and Sunday are the final home games of the 2021 regular season.
“The season has been fantastic. The reunion with the fans has been more than welcoming,” said Gus Farah, general manager of the Raptors. “We’ll average around 1,000 fans per game.”
That is saying something, he said, considering no one knew how the COVID restrictions and state protocols were going to affect attendance when the season started.
Fans, however, came back right away. A big crowd for opening night in early June. Then the Raptors maintained strong showings throughout the summer. Farah said the last wave of home games has had tremendous crowds.
The team will have giveaways and other specials for fans on Saturday. Also, the team will honor the host families, who allow players to live in their homes during the summer season. Those families will be introduced to all of the fans.
While showing their appreciation, the Raptors will also be trying to stay in the playoff race in the West Coast League.
And here, it gets a little confusing.
The West Coast League splits its regular season into halves. The first-half winner in each division is assured a playoff spot, and so is the second-half winner. Corvallis won the first half, and Corvallis holds a four-game lead over second-place Ridgefield in the second half, with six games remaining. Interestingly, the two teams play each other in the next three games. Friday’s game is in Corvallis, while Saturday and Sunday are in Ridgefield.
There is a way for the Raptors to make the playoffs even if they do not catch the Knights for the second-half crown. If the same team wins the first and second half — and Corvallis is in position to do just that — the second playoff team from the South Division will go to the team with the best overall league record.
With six games to play, the Portland Pickles and Raptors are tied for second place, each at 24-18.
If the Raptors make the playoffs, they will be assured of at least one more home game. Notes: Saturday’s game is 6:35 p.m. Sunday’s game is 1:05 p.m. For tickets, go to https://ridgefieldraptors.com/
