The Ridgefield Raptors have been on a winning streak, with a 20-7 first-half record in the West Coast League. Players credit their host families and coaches for building instant bonds that have contributed to their success.
Host Families Play Key Role
Host families, such as Jody and Tony Rayburn, have been instrumental in creating a sense of community and camaraderie among the players. The Rayburns have been hosting players for years and have seen the positive impact it has on the team’s dynamics.
Joseph Jasso, who has been with the Raptors for a few years, said that the host families and coaches set the tone for the type of energy and how everything is run. He, along with Jackson Weber and Justin Brown, are staying with the Rayburns and have formed strong bonds with them.
Chemistry Key to Success
The chemistry among the players has been key to their success. Brown, a Michigan native, said that everyone wants what is best for the team and is willing to play their roles to help the team win. The transition from coming from different parts of the country to playing in Ridgefield has been made easier with the help of host families.
The community has also taken pride in the Raptors, with everyone showing up to support the team. The Raptors’ coach, Chris Cota, has been in baseball for decades and understands the importance of not getting too high or too low during the season.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.