Hertz set to lead RiverHawks
Former Gonzaga University baseball coach Steve Hertz couldn’t stay away from the diamond.
Three years after resigning following 24 years as GU’s coach, Hertz, the director of athletic relations for GU, is also now manager of the Spokane RiverHawks, a West Coast Collegiate Baseball League team.
“I’m really fortunate to be able to get back into it,” Hertz said. “I miss working with college players that have that dream and drive of becoming a major league player.”
While this is Hertz’s first season with the RiverHawks, the team is entering its fourth year in the league.
Hertz enters at a good time. After playing three seasons at Spokane Falls Community College, the RiverHawks will play their home games at the Spokane Indians’ ballpark, Avista Stadium.
“Our owner, Bill Hogeboom, has really stepped up in every area with enhancing the RiverHawks program,” Hertz said of the home-field upgrade.
Hertz and assistants Keith Snyder and Barry Matthews got their first look at the players during a practice Tuesday. Once on the other end – assigning his GU players out during the summer to help them develop – Hertz is now taking on the summer ball players.
The RiverHawks roster was built much the same way as a collegiate team. Hertz recruited by calling other programs and coaches, and watching players in action. He recruited players from junior colleges and players already at the four-year level.
“The position players are really hand-picked. I know all those guys,” Hertz said.
The position players include GU’s all-conference Darin Holcomb, whom Hertz believes is one of the best third basemen in the country, and Whitworth’s infielder Nick Froman, who led the Pirates in hitting.
Hertz is also pleased with his pitchers. The bullpen includes GU’s Josh Monroe, who is a nine-game winner, and Lewis-Clark State College closer Dustin Willis.
“They want to learn and they’re open,” Hertz said. “It’s a great combination.”
The Indians will host the RiverHawks in a seven-inning exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. today at Avista Stadium. All tickets will be general admission for $3. The proceeds will benefit the YMCA.
“Regardless of the score, that really doesn’t matter,” Hertz said, “What matters is the competition of it and how it’s set up.”
The RiverHawks will open their season on the road Friday against the Kelowna (British Columbia) Falcons, and will then travel to Bremerton, Wash., for a three-game series against the Kitsap BlueJackets on Monday. The home opener will be against the Bend (Ore.) Elks on June 24.
RiverHawks tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for seniors, active military and children.
The WCCBL has franchises in Bellingham, Bremerton, Kelowna, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Bend and Portland. Last season the RiverHawks finished sixth in the league with a 12-24 record. Wenatchee won the league with a 29-7 mark.
“This is a very good college league,” Hertz said. “I don’t see any teams that are going to be any easy wins.”