The Springfield Drifters enter their fourth season with an overhauled staff, a new team philosophy and, of course, some fresh faces on the diamond. With just under two weeks until the May 30 season opener, the new-look front office has been hard at work preparing for months. With loads of new promotional events — including three different fireworks shows — Drifters fans can expect Hamlin to be rocking this year.
New Staff
Barry Bokn: General Manager
Longtime Willamette High School athletic director, Barry Bokn joins the fray with years of experience with student athletes. Throughout his time coaching and developing players, one thing has remained constant: his desire to push those players to achieve their dreams. “If you don’t enjoy kids, and you don’t enjoy dreams and kids chasing their dreams, you’re probably in the wrong business,” Bokn said. Now with the Drifters, Bokn aims to foster a welcoming environment for players to hone their skills and push themselves to be the best they can.
Jeff Lyle: Head Coach
As Springfield’s third coach in four seasons, Jeff Lyle brings about a new era of Drifters baseball, one that’s sure to last a while. ““My whole intention is to be a coach that’s here for the long haul, and out in the community. Going to high school games, youth games, Babe Ruth games, Kidsports games, whatever it is, trying to help grow the game in any way possible,” Lyle said. Along with his commitment, Lyle also touts a level of prestige. From 2006-08 he scouted for the Atlanta Braves before coming back to Oregon to eventually win a Great West League championship in 2017.
Dean Stiles: Pitching Coach
With 17* pitchers rostered as of 5/20, the mound is set to be a major strength for Springfield this season. One of the main reasons behind that is Dean Stiles. With years of professional experience coaching with teams such as the Dodgers, Tigers and Cubs, Stiles offers a pedigree of excellence for this new era. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by really good teachers, so my goal is to take those things that I’ve learned and pass on what I can to these kids.”
Jasmine Williams: Assistant GM
After graduating from Linfield University in 2024, Jasmine joined the Drifters team on the game-day operations team. Now, transitioning into her new role as Assistant GM, Williams has been hard at work on the back end preparing all promotional events and going out into the community spreading word of the Drifters.
New Philosophy
While one would assume the primary goal of a sports organization would be to win as many games as possible, for the Springfield Drifters, that’s not necessarily the case. While winning games remains an objective for the organization, the Springfield Drifters are much more focused on developing their players to reach their full potential. “We want to win, but you’ll never hear us talking about it or emphasising it or really ever bringing it up because winning is a by-product of taking care of the little things,” Lyle said. “If we can help these guys establish and connect with the goals they have individually, we’re going to be very successful as a team.”
The Springfield Drifters’ coaching staff and front office put an emphasis on working with each player's collegiate program to develop the things they need for their individual careers. For Drifters — and Yakima Valley — pitcher Diego Carillo, the opportunity to continue developing as a player is priceless. “I’m just trying to take all the tools I can get from facing that higher level of competition,” Carillo said. “(I want to) get better and give myself a better opportunity at finding a four-year after my sophomore year.”
Promotions
Headlined by three fireworks shows across the season, the Springfield Drifters wish to make every night at Hamlin one to remember. “It definitely started with ‘okay, what did we do last year?’ And now, how do we build on that? Like maybe we have this event in place, but how can I make it a step up from last year? So, that’s been where a lot of my thoughts have come from,” Williams said.
5/30
Babe Ruth Night / Hat Giveaway
5/31
First Responders Appreciation / Touch a Truck - Springfield PD
6/4
Mini Bat Giveaway
6/5
Food for Lane County Night
6/6
Drifters Dog Days - Greenhill Humane Society
6/7
Rapid’s Surprise Birthday Party
6/14
Fireworks
6/15
Father’s Day
6/22
Military Appreciation Night
7/2
East Lane Little League Night
7/3
Fireworks
7/10
Anything but a Cup
7/11
Sandlot Movie Night
7/12
Knock Cancer out of the Park - American Cancer Society
7/15
Healthcare Appreciation Night
7/17
Christmas in July
7/26
Fireworks
7/27
Host Family Appreciation Night
8/1
Backpack Giveaway / Back to School Night - Hope Project
8/3
Fan Appreciation Night
Seth’s Take
It’s clear to me the Springfield Drifters are the most focused they’ve ever been as an organization. With all the new additions and focus on player development, I believe this franchise is headed in the right direction. Regardless of what their final record may be come August, if the team keeps its promise to be a developmental franchise focused on preparing collegiate athletes for their careers, the Drifters’ season will have been a rousing success.