You can still hear a noise whistling its way through Goss stadium, but it’s not the Beavers, it’s a new team conquering the field until August.
The Corvallis Knights are a collegiate summer team who are located in the West Coast League providing competition for top young college baseball players. Their first game of the season is May 24, vs. NW Star Academy.
In an interview with Mike Parker, announcer for the Knights, he provided insight into the culture and the fan experience offered at Goss over the summer.
“Summer baseball has really grown in its importance over the last couple of decades in terms of player development,” Parker said.
This came true and in the 2008 season former Knights Josh Osich and Taylor Starr helped the Knights win their first championship, and in the next spring, they helped the Beavers win the College World Series.
Knights CEO Dan Segal built a relationship with Pat Casey to allow the Knights to play at Goss. Additionally, the hiring of head coach Brooke Knight with his coaching crew has provided a new aspect of winning and development.
“Knights are one of the best examples in the country in developing a winning culture and a commitment to get better in terms of learning the game,” Parker said.
This reputation isn’t only on the field but in the stands, “If the Beavers disappeared off the face of the Earth the Knights have established themselves as a tremendous gathering point in the beautiful summers of Corvallis almost in perspective as to what the Beavers do,” Parker said.
With the winning culture and the fan base to back it up, the highly anticipated games bring crowds averaging 46,586, according to Ballpark Digest.
With the environment being unmatched, the Corvallis Knights also offer internship programs for students led by Derek Buchheit. Knights are committed to creating excellence on and off the field by developing future professionals on the diamond as well as in the office.
Interns provide another ingredient to the atmosphere and are responsible for the events that occur to keep fan engagement high.
With the Corvallis Knights coming off their eighth straight West Coast League Championship with 10 total championships. The Knights look to add a ninth straight championship as their season approaches.
