




game operations | event staff
EVENT MANAGER
Casey Powell
COMMUNICATIONS
Conner Jensen, Joe Stuart, Kelly Bird
STATISTICS
Joe Miglioretto
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Ericson Teller
VIDEO WEBCASTS
Joe Stuart, Brian Kice, Ethan Kline, Levi Jones, Joel Nelson
GAME PROGRAM
Kelly Bird, Conner Jensen, Felipe Unker
We’re tough where it counts. From dominating wild trails to maneuvering rushing streams, roaming vast canyons and tackling remote peaks, our trucks prove their rugged capability over and over.
Roy Helser Field, together with Jim Wright Stadium, has developed from a belowaverage facility to a jewel among Northwest small colleges.
First put into use in 1970, the facility has served as designated host of the 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014 NCAA Division III regional playoffs.
One important addition was construction of a partially enclosed and fully covered batting practice structure, called “Carney’s Cages” in honor of longtime baseball coach Scott Carnahan. In 2024, a project was completed that added a dedicated baseball
weight room adjoining the batting cages.
A major change took place in 2008 when the grass infield was replaced with a FieldTurf artificial playing surface. Drainage was improved and construction of covered, enclosed batting cages on the venue site was undertaken. Prior to the 2013 season, the dirt pitching mound was also replaced with artificial turf to match the infield surface.
In 2000, outdoor lighting was added to the field. Musco lighting systems were installed in the fall of 2000 to give more flexibility in scheduling while enhancing the facilities and allowing for NCAA post-season
competition. Outdoor lighting provides additional opportunities for McMinnville-area youth teams during the summer.
Wright Stadium was added to Helser Field in 1990, replacing portable aluminum bleachers and a chainlink backstop.
On May 25, 1991, Linfield dedicated its newly completed baseball stadium at Roy Helser Field in honor of Jim Wright, his wife, Sondra, and parents Edith (Hall) Wright of McMinnville and the late Neale Wright, class of 1929. Jim Wright, a retired Portland businessman, provided a large portion of the funding for the new stadium.
After years of competing for workout space with other athletic teams and the general student population inside the HHPA Complex, the Linfield baseball program now enjoys its own weight training space at Roy Helser Field. Contributions directed to the baseball program through the TopCat Club provided the needed funding for an extension onto the batting cages structure.
The location of the baseball-only weight facility allows for greater efficiency during practices and hitting times, as players can rotate
times in the batting cages, weight room, clubhouse and on the field surface. The indoor space can also be used for team meetings.
The structure includes rubberized flooring, ample lighting and a large garage-style door opening to right field to allow fresh air inside. The weight training equipment, including squat racks, barbells and dumbbells, was also donated.
One bonus benefit of the new addition is a concrete patio facing the field, providing a potential space for alumni gatherings during home games.
Dan Spencer is in his sixth year of leading the Linfield baseball program. During his third season at the helm, he guided the Wildcats to a share of the Northwest Conference championship and a berth in the NWC Tournament.
Hired in 2019, Spencer is just the sixth coach to lead the baseball program over the last 71 seasons. Since recording its first Northwest Conference baseball championship in 1923, Linfield has won three national championships (two as part of the NAIA and one in the NCAA), along with 41 additional conference titles.
Spencer became the first non-Linfield graduate to lead the program since 1949. He has strong ties to the Pacific Northwest and brings with him 28 years of coaching experience, including 22 at the Division I level with stops at Washington State, New Mexico, Oregon State and Texas Tech.
He coached at Washington State for three seasons, serving as the Cougars associate head coach, pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.
Before Washington State, Spencer was an assistant for three years at New Mexico (2013-15), where he helped the Lobos reach the title game of the Mountain West Conference Tournament.
He spent a total of 11 years as a member of the Oregon State coaching staff, first as an assistant (1997-2003) and then as associate head coach under Pat Casey (2004-07). While in Corvallis, the Beavers won back-to-back national titles and appeared in three straight College World Series (2005-07).
Spencer spent five seasons at Texas Tech, one as associate head coach and four more as head coach. He was the first Red Raiders head coach to win at least 25 games in each of his first four seasons and his teams defeated 32 nationally ranked opponents.
Spencer began his head coaching career at Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash., where he was the head coach from 1992-96. He also spent one season as an assistant at Tacoma Community College.
A native of Vancouver, Wash., Spencer completed his bachelor’s degree in history from Portland State University in 1990. He and his wife, Susie, have three children: Wade, 26, Logan, 23, and Elizabeth, 16.
Honolulu, Hawaii / Mid-Pacific Institute
Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lake Oswego
23 Aidan Sullivan OF R/R 6-0 205 Sr./Sr. Glendale, Arizona / Sandra Day O’Conner
Ryan Spero OF R/R 5-9 190
El Dorado Hills, Calif. / Oak Ridge 25 Ethan Rattie P R/R 6-1 195 Jr./Jr. Renton, Wash. / Liberty
26 Harley Eschliman P 6- 175 Mill Valley, Calif. / Tamalpais
27 Nathan Blocher OF 5-10 160 Fullerton, Calif. / Orange Lutheran
28 Zach Robman C/P R/R 6-0 215 Jr./Jr. San Ramone, Calif. / Calif.
29 Ethan Nakamura INF R/R 5-8 165 So./So. Honolulu, Hawaii / Iolani
31 Cody Hirano OF 5-8 160 Waipahu, Hawaii / Punahou
33 Jonny Howton OF R/R 5-10 175 Jr./Jr. Windsor, Colo. / Windsor
34 Charlie Decker P L/L 5-9 145 So./So. Thousand Oaks, Calif. / Chaminade Prep
35 Travis Ujimori OF L/L 5-9 170 So./So. Honolulu, Hawaii / Iolani
36 Cal Johnson P R/R 6-2 215 Jr./Jr. Danville, Calif. / San Ramon Valley
37 Boston Latter P R/R 5-8 180 Fr./Fr. San Clemente, Calif. / Jserra Catholic
40 Braden Blackwell P R/R 5-11 165 So./So. Honolulu, Hawaii / Punahou
41 Mitchell Holliday P R/R 5-9 185 So./Fr Spokane, Wash. / Mead Senior
42 Gavin George OF R/R 6-0 180 Fr./Fr. Canyon Century, Calif. / Sierra Canyon
43 Armand Lettiere OF R/R 6-0 175 So./Fr Portland, Ore. / Central Catholic
44 Jonah Velasco INF L/R 5-9 160 Jr./Jr. Kaneohe, Hawaii / Iolani
45 Evan Batalucco P R/R 6-6 225 So./So. Kaloa, Hawaii / Kauai 46 Michael Moriarty P R/R 6-3 185 So./So. Cupertino, Calif. / Bellarmine College Prep
47 Jayden Mizuno P 5-7 160 Fr./Fr. Pearl City, Hawaii / Pearl City
50 Brock Makishima C R/R 5-8 170 So./So. Honolulu, Hawaii / Iolani
51 Ryan Tobler INF/OF L/R 6-0 190 Fr./Fr. Sammamish, Wash. / Skyline
52 Leyton Pfingston P R/R 5-11 175 Jr./So. Tacoma, Wash. / Centralia College
55 Andy Moon INF R/R 6-1 185 Fr./Fr. Moraga, Calif. / Campolindo
HEAD COACH: Jeff Halstead (eighth year)
ASSISTANT COACHES: AJ Morioka, Bob Walz, Michael Johnson, Bryce McCulloch
THE RECORDS
Linfield looks to separate itself from the pack as the Wildcats find themselves in sixth place in the Northwest Conference sit only three games out of first place with plenty of games left to play. Linfield looks to climb up the rankings this weekend with a home series against Whitworth (17-10, 8-7 NWC). The Pirates sit one spot above the Wildcats in the conference standings in fifth place.
LINFIELD AT A GLANCE
The Wildcats (14-11, 6-6 NWC) are led by pitcher Jake Swenson on the mound who recently broke the program record for strikeouts in a game when he tossed 17 in a win over Pacific Lutheran and boasts a 4-2 record as the starter. Colton Oulette has been a revelation for Linfield as the primary closer, already racking up four saves to place second in the NWC. At the plate, Luke Porter and Hunter Klingelhoffer remain the heavy hitters, each registering six home runs on the season. Trent Wainfeld comes in as the most consistent batter with a .316 batting average and 12 RBI. The Wildcats have cleaned up their defense as of late, logging just one error over the past five games.
WHITWORTH AT A GLANCE
The Pirates have shown to be one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the conference, holding the top spot in batting average with .332. They also top the NWC charts in runs (259), hits (302) and home runs (34). Caleb Gray leads the way with 43 hits and an impressive 11 home runs. Whitworth has two high-level starters on the mound with AJ Woodward logging a 3.74 ERA and a 4-1 record while Quentin O’Connor holds a 5-2 record with 36 strikeouts.
SERIES HISTORY
Linfield dominates the all-time series against Whitworth with a 9860 record. The Wildcats look to end a four-game losing streak to the Pirates and build on their 54-26 home record.
HITTING AVG. AB RUNS HITS RBI
Kyle Memarian (Whitworth) .407 108 27 44 22
Nate Hamburger (Willamette) 398 108 29 43 18
Trent Wainfeld (Linfield) .398 88 20 35 24
Caleb Gray (Whitworth) .390 123 35 48 39
Preston Lau (Willamette) .388 98 13 38 22
Garrett Strube (G. Fox) .382 110 21 42 16
Michael Aikawa (L&C) .379 116 26 44 27
Kevin Corder (Whitworth) .377 77 24 29 8
Luke Piazza (Willamette) .373 102 18 38 27
Evan Balingit (G. Fox) .364 129 23 47 23
Will Heron (L&C) .342 114 31
Chance
Caden
Brett
Dylan
As of April 21
The Linfield Sports Network continues to bring fans live action of all home Linfield baseball games in 2025. Fans can enjoy live video webcasts and play-by-play commentary on their computer, tablet, mobile device or Smart TV.
Live coverage begins 10 minutes prior to the start of each match. Broadcasts include a complete postgame wrap-up with analysis and statistical breakdown.
LSN broadcasts are under the direction of the athletic department’s Broadcast Operations Coordinator, Joe Stuart. In his fifth year in the position, Stuart oversees all technical production and management of LSN broadcasts as well as providing play-by-play commentary on football, basketball, baseball and softball webcasting in addition to assisting with other athletics communications needs.
A trio of Linfield students will all contribute to the on-air production. Junior Brian Kice returns for his third year behind the microphone. He began as a baseball color commentator in 2023 and expanded his outreach to include volleyball playby-play duties later that fall. Sophomore Levi Jones, a one-time competitor with the Linfield cross country team, is in his first season as part of the baseball announcing crew. He also provided play-by-play during soccer and lacrosse games. Junior Ethan Kline joins the broadcast crew for
Macy & Son is in the business of helping people and meeting the individual needs of McMinnville area families for five generations.
The Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame, sponsored by Pacific Office Automation, was established in 1998 as an avenue to honor former athletes, coaches, staff and contributors and to preserve the memory of their past achievements.
A new class of inductees is honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet each fall. Inductees are chosen from a list of submitted nominations and voted upon by the Hall of Fame Executive and Selection Committees. The 20-member panel is made up of current and former staff members, past inductees, a member of the media, and a former athlete representing each of the preceding six decades.
Nominations must be submitted in writing using an official nomination form. Hall of Fame nominations are considered in any one of six categories: Athlete, Coach, Team, Athletics Staff, and Meritorious Service.
PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS
Trent Wainfeld, one of the hottest hitters in the NWC, is named Offensive Student Athlete of the Week
Trent Wainfeld has been named Northwest Conference Student-Athlete of the Week following a stellar four-game stretch that helped Linfield sweep Whitman on the road and extend its win streak to five. The junior from Los Angeles batted .611 over four games, driving in 11 runs, scoring nine times, and tallying three doubles and a home run.
Wainfeld’s week reached a peak in Friday’s series opener at Whitman, where he erupted for five hits in five at-bats, clubbed a home run, two doubles, and drove in six runs while scoring six of his own. Wainfeld now leads Linfield with a .398 batting average and is second on the team in on base percentage at .491. His consistency has been a driving force behind the Wildcats’ lateseason surge.
The Granada Hills Charter School product is a finance major at Linfield and is the son of Gabe and Suzanne Wainfeld.
Ad Rutschman 21-14 1st 1977 Ad Rutschman 15-11 3rd 1978 Ad Rutschman 16-13 4th 1979 Ad Rutschman 17-18 1st (tie) 1980 Ad Rutschman 18-18 2nd 1981 Ad Rutschman 12-18 4th 1982 Ad Rutschman 16-17 1st
1983 Ad Rutschman 18-15 2nd 1984 Scott Carnahan 16-15 2nd 12-6 1985 Scott Carnahan 16-22 1st 11-4 1986 Scott Carnahan 13-22 2nd 12-4 1987 Scott Carnahan 17-23 2nd 10-4
1988 Scott Carnahan 26-16 1st 12-4
1989 Scott Carnahan 30-14 1st 15-3
1990 Scott Carnahan 26-17 3rd 12-6
1991 Scott Carnahan 19-19 2nd 13-5
1992 Scott Carnahan 24-14 1st 13-2
1993
17-7-1 1st
15-7 1st
17-10 1st
1st
1st
2nd
2nd
13-8-1 2nd
15-14-1 1st
1st 1st
Ad Rutschman 20-18 1st
The Linfield University TopCat Club serves as a support organization to the 21 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams and the more than 500 students who participate in athletics each year. Each year, support from the TopCat Club is essential to maintaining and expanding each of these programs.
The mission of the TopCat Club is to provide students with an outstanding athletic and academic experience and to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the overall Linfield athletics program.
At Linfield, we continually strive to improve programs and facilities so that our teams may compete at the highest level. Roughly 75 percent of the athletic department’s annual operating budget comes from the university’s general fund. The remainder is generated through a wide variety of external sources, including annual gifts to the Linfield TopCat Club.
To learn more about giving opportunities, please visit the TopCat Club website at www.linfieldtopcat.com