Kirkland Kodiaks wind up for inaugural 'semi-pro' baseball season

KIRKLAND — The cropped grass smells fresh, the foul lines look sharp, the dugouts and outfield fences are new. The players are athletic, spit tobacco and are hoping to catch the eye of a scout. There will even be hot dogs.

Peter Kirk Park feels a little like Safeco Field these days as crews prepare the turf for today's debut of the Kirkland Kodiaks.

Many residents are excited about the high level of play they expect to see from the new "semi-pro" team, made up mainly of amateur college players hoping to break into the game's professional ranks.

"Kirkland is a baseball town," said Marco Speer, owner of the Kirkland Sports Cards store.

"I've heard people interested in (the Kodiaks). There is some buzz about it."

The 28 players come from the Eastside, Seattle and around the country.

Owned by Kenmore businessman Arnie Anderson, the Kodiaks will play against 10 other teams from the Puget Sound area, Oregon and British Columbia in the nonprofit Pacific International League.

Pitcher Rob Sine, 23, moved from St. Louis, Mo., last week to stay with a Kirkland host family over the summer.

The 6-foot-7-inch player said he and his teammates practice for hours each day, motivated by love for the game.

"It's pure, it's competition, it's you versus the other guy," Sine said. "Pitching is very mental. You have to out-think the hitter."

Players said several people stopped to talk to the players when the team had its first practice last Saturday.

But the team's arrival has caused some ripples among the children and teenage leagues, which also use the park and which have cut back on games to accommodate the Kodiaks.

Some fans may also be surprised tonight to find a new gate fee — adults will pay $5.50 for doubleheaders and $3.50 for regular games.

"We have done our best to accommodate everyone," said City Manager Dave Ramsay. "Scheduling is always tricky at such a highly desirable field."

Ramsay said the city is paying for the upgrades at the park, which were needed anyway.

Coach Levi Lacey said he knows the team's arrival might take some playing time away from high school kids, but he thinks most residents are supportive.

He points out that any one of his players has a realistic chance of making it to the professional ranks.

Players often join the league because college-league rules prevent them from competing with their schools during summer. Nick Perry: 206-515-5639 or nperry@seattletimes.com