O
O
HistóriaBASEBALL: Olympic CrossCutters bring organized ball to the North Olympic Peninsula
Sequim’s Olympic CrossCutters have put another set of bases down on the North Olympic Peninsula, opening a new avenue for local players to sharpen skills and stay on the field close to home [1].Led by coach John Qualls, the club emphasizes player development and building the area’s baseball pipeline, adding a much‑needed option for families across the Peninsula [1][2]. The CrossCutters’ community-first approach aims to expand opportunities and introduce a fresh brand of organized ball to Sequim and beyond [1].Launched in 2015, the Sequim-based program continues to broaden access to the sport for North Olympic Peninsula ballplayers [1].
O
HistóriaOlympic Crosscutters launch puts Peninsula’s Legion-age talent under one banner
The Crosscutters opened as a North Olympic Peninsula program in 2015, representing communities across Clallam and Jefferson counties in an American Legion–affiliated setup for players from incoming freshmen through rising seniors. John Qualls, then a Sequim High assistant, was named manager, with Buck Gieseke and Darrin Dotson on staff. Team colors were black and yellow with a bear-and-saw logo, and most home dates were slated for Civic Field, with additional games at Sequim High and Bob Bates Field. [1][2]Tryouts were held at Civic Field, with a target roster of about 25 players and an 18-man travel squad. Funding was anchored by Gabe Rygaard’s Ryfield Properties and supported by local sponsors including All Weather Heating and Cooling and American Legion Post 62 in Sequim. [1]A busy first-summer slate called for roughly 47–50 games: an opener at the Kennewick Dusters Memorial Day Weekend Tournament (May 23–25), a mid-July run at the GSL College Showcase (July 8–12), and hosting duties for the eight-team American Legion District 2 Tournament (July 17–19). The club directed families to olympiccrosscutters.com for schedules and updates. [1]
O
HistóriaCrossCutters forge a summer baseball path on the North Olympic Peninsula
Since 2015, the Olympic CrossCutters have offered a Sequim‑based summer travel route for high‑school‑age players on the North Olympic Peninsula, lining up regional tournaments and showcases while using local fields in Sequim and Port Angeles [1]. Home dates and practices have centered at Sequim High School and Civic Field, with Bob Bates Field also part of the mix [1].The select model took shape with local tryouts and a June–September slate. A 2017 call for 12–15‑year‑olds set tryouts at Carrie Blake Park, targeted roughly 8–10 tournaments and outlined estimated player fees around $1,000 [2][3].In 2019 the CrossCutters linked with Wilder Baseball Club, co‑hosting tryouts to build a Single‑A roster in Sequim (7th–9th grade) alongside Wilder’s Double‑AA, eyeing about 35–40 games with regular work at the Sequim High School fields [4]. Leaders emphasized more innings and development for local players [4].Across the summers, the CrossCutters’ footprint has stretched through Clallam and Jefferson counties, giving Peninsula ballplayers added exposure close to home [1][4].
O
HistóriaCrossCutters host Sequim tryouts for travel teams
The CrossCutters are inviting local players to Sequim for team tryouts as they shape rosters for the travel season. Recent notices placed sessions in town, including at Carrie Blake Park, with openings for high‑school‑age athletes from across the Peninsula [1][2].Built in Sequim to give prep players more reps and college‑exposure opportunities, the program mixes home dates at Port Angeles’ Civic Field and the Sequim High diamond with a full summer schedule on the road [3].In recent cycles the club has targeted players roughly 12–15 and high‑school ages, paired with offseason training and clinics — including work with 360 Sports Performance — before ramping up team practices in late fall [2][3].Coaches have mapped out 8–10 tournaments from June through September, largely around Western Washington, with seasonal player fees set after teams are formed and historically around the $1,000 range [2].Manager John Qualls has steered the effort alongside longtime local coaches, emphasizing fundamentals, sportsmanship, and player development as the core of the CrossCutters’ identity [2][3].
O
HistóriaBASEBALL: Crosscutters sweep Gig Harbor; club sets 2016 tryouts at Civic Field
The Crosscutters broke open a June 12, 2015 twin bill at Sequim High, winning 12-2 and 12-10 behind relentless base running and timely hitting. Gavin Velarde starred in the opener, going 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs, three runs and four steals as the hosts overran Gig Harbor. [1]Looking ahead to the following summer, the club announced two-day tryouts at Civic Field (Saturday 9 a.m.–noon; Sunday 1–4 p.m.) and planned two squads: a 19U showcase/college-exposure team and a 17U American Legion development team. Head coach John Qualls tabbed assistants Darrin Dotson, Wayne Daman, Andrew Neisenger and Cameron Leduke; the player fee was set at $500, with roster sizes of roughly 12 (showcase) and 18 (17U). [2]
O
HistóriaCrosscutters, Wilder team up on American Legion summer baseball; tryout set at Civic Field
The Crosscutters and Wilder Baseball Club moved in step for the 2019 American Legion summer, coordinating efforts while remaining separate organizations. A joint tryout was set for 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at Civic Field in Port Angeles to organize rosters for the season [1].The plan stationed the Crosscutters’ Single‑A group (7th–9th graders) in Sequim at Sequim High School with a 35–40 game slate, while Wilder’s Junior and Senior teams worked under their coaches at Volunteer and Civic fields in Port Angeles [1]. The emphasis was widening opportunities for ballplayers from the Hood Canal Bridge to Forks, and the program circulated contact details for coach John Qualls to families preparing for summer baseball [1][2].
O
HistóriaCrosscutters add 11U travel team; tryouts set for Carrie Blake Park
The Crosscutters widened their footprint in spring 2017 by adding an 11U travel team, staging tryouts on April 29 with a second session May 7 at the Carrie Blake Park ball fields. The new group targeted eight tournaments between June and August, tapping talent from Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks, Port Townsend and Chimacum [1].Coaches for the 11U side were named as Justin Giles (Sequim), Adam Johnson (Port Angeles) and Dan Anderson (Jefferson County), with program director John Qualls outlining a development-first plan and travel along the I‑5 corridor to events in Seattle, Tacoma, Lacey, Yakima and Spokane [1]. Fees were about $600 per player, covering three uniforms and tournament entries, and the club pursued hosting events in Sequim. A youth‑travel directory also lists the Crosscutters program [1][2].
O
HistóriaOlympic Crosscutters bring a new ballgame to the North Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Crosscutters planted their flag in May 2015, unveiling a summer program for North Olympic Peninsula high‑school players built around a roughly 47–50 game schedule with regional tournaments and plans to host a District American Legion event. Tryouts were set at Port Angeles’ Civic Field, with most home dates there and additional games at Sequim High School [1].The launch named John Qualls as manager, with assistants Buck Gieseke and Darrin Dotson, and the club adopted the Crosscutters nickname in black and yellow [1]. Public listings tie the organization to a Sequim address at 15 Mockingbird Ln [2], and a Yelp entry for the club is marked closed [3].