California Winter League back in Palm Springs for 15th year
Baseball is returning to Palm Springs Stadium with the 15th annual California Winter League where teams and players from around the world compete in a month-long baseball tournament.
The CWL isn’t only a spectacle for the fans to watch either, as if offers a platform for almost 200 athletes to put their talents on display. Over 850 players have been offered professional contracts from this tournament and the number should only grow.
Who’s competing?
Almost 200 players from 7 different countries that include the United States, Canada, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, are split between 8 teams. The American Division features the Palm Springs Chill, Palm Springs Power, Oregon Jacks, and the Washington Blue Sox, while the International Division trots out the Canada A’s, British Columbia Bombers, Alberta Grizzle, and the MLB Development Center China.
The MLBDC China team comes as a group funded by the MLB and features some of the best players from China and their manager Ray Chang played for Team China in the World Baseball Classic in 2023.
While there are no famous players competing in the CWL this year, some former professionals will be managing the teams. Former Seattle Mariners manager John McLaren is managing the Palm Springs Power. On top of managing the Power, he’s also scouting for Baseball United, a new professional league based in Dubai with teams in the Middle East and India.
Former Angels catcher Stan Cliburn manages the Palm Springs Chill, former Cubs infielder Paul Noce manages the Canada A’s, and former Rockies hitting coach Jimmy Johnson manages the Blue Sox.
When will this take place?
The event takes place from today until Feb. 17 with games starting anywhere from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. The championship game will take place on Feb. 18 at noon. Fans will also get to participate in promotional days throughout the tournament which consist of Margarita Mondays which will feature $4 Spicy Watermelon Margaritas, 2 for Tuesday which is 2 for 1 admission into the stadium, Wednesday is Locals Day where locals can get in for $5, Thursday is Out of towners Day where people from out of the desert get in for $5, and Friday is Canada Day where Canadians get in for $5.
There will be promotions on the weekend as well, such as Saturday being Discount Draft Day where draft beer is $3, and Sunday being Family Day where all kids get in for free and adults are $5.
General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children 12 and under.
Where will this take place?
Games will be played at Palm Springs Stadium located at 1901 East Baristo Road in Palm Springs. Contests will be played in the actual stadium as well as at the Auxiliary Field next to the stadium. Fans will be able to park in the parking lot between the stadium and the Palm Springs Library, the Palm Springs Pavilion parking lot, and street parking on East Baristo Road.
For more information you can visit www.CaliforniaWinterLeague.com