Good Sports: Visalia Rawhide

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- After two years of falling short in the California League playoffs, the Visalia Rawhide are hoping the third time is the charm. In 2013 the Rawhide reached the semifinals and last season fell in the championship round but from the very beginning of this season players and coaches knew there was something special about this squad.

"Day 1, we had Spring Training, we were really good, playing everybody, when that final roster came out, we were stacked," said 1st baseman/outfielder Daniel Palka.

Rawhide Manager and 2015 California League Manager of the Year J.R. House agrees, "At spring when they were putting the teams together, I knew on paper we had a lot of potential and ultimately we could have a good season. But it wasn't until the first couple of series, when the guys just came in and instant chemistry."

Chemistry translated into victories on the field, with the Rawhide winning both the first half and second half of the California League, support from the home crowd doesn't hurt.

"We call it arena ball because they are so close to you and they are right there and it's good to see," said House.

Now as the schedule shifts from the regular season to the postseason, the run at the ring is all that matters.

"I want these players to experience winning it all. It's something that hasn't happened since 1978, it's been 37 years since a Visalia team has won the California League title," said Donny Baarns, Rawhide Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations.

House added, "That's been the focus of our staff and the players, they've come inspired everyday and motivated to play but the focus is to win the whole thing."