INDIANS FEATURES

Not every ballplayer takes a linear developmental path. There can be fits and starts along the way. Some sort of explode onto the scene. And still others, it takes a little time before an exponential jump.

The Colorado Rockies assigned 30 players to the Spokane Indians’ roster on Monday for the start of the 2025 Northwest League season, which opens Friday against the Everett AquaSox at Avista Stadium.

It has taken several years, and a lot of maneuvering, but the MLB-mandated improvements to 67-year old Avista Stadium are complete.

Occasionally, two players from the same college end up as teammates in professional baseball. It’s uncommon, however, when two players who played at the same college at the same time end up on the same pro team.

Connor Staine is just 23 years old but seems mature beyond his years.

Watching him retrieve baseballs on the infield following batting practice, Charlie Condon fits right in with his Spokane Indians teammates, participating in a ritual as old as the game itself.

Unless you were listening to radio broadcasts of the Spokane Indians in the early 1980s, you might not recognize Paul Olden by name. But you would probably recognize his voice.

Over the past 10 years, the quality of college players – especially hitters – selected at the top of the MLB draft has risen dramatically. Every season, sluggers seem more prepared to jump right into the professional ranks and keep raking.

For baseball fans of a certain age, the name Rollie Fingers conjures a specific image of excellence and flair rarely matched in the game. The Hall of Fame closer – with his trademark handlebar mustache – redefined the role of relievers and helped the Oakland Athletics of the early ’70s win three consecutive World Series championships.

Chase Dollander’s confidence is building each time he takes the mound, and with good reason.

Ron Cey is a busy guy. Maybe not quite as busy as he was when he was part of “the best infield in baseball,” but at 76, the man affectionately known as “Penguin” during his playing days isn’t slowing down.