2025 Emeralds Win First Ever 60+ Rainier Division Title in Puget Sound Senior Baseball League
Puget Sound Senior Baseball League, 60+ Rainier Division
Rainier Emeralds 7, Rainier Pilots 3
Submitted by Carl Gleason, Puget Sound Hall of Fame member
Seattle, WA – September 20, 2025 – The Rainier Emeralds made franchise history this season, capturing their first-ever Rainier Championship by defeating the four-time defending champions, the Rainier Pilots. After heartbreaking losses in the 2023 and 2024 final games, the Emeralds fulfilled their season-long goal to “End the Streak” in a dominant playoff performance.
The Emeralds secured the title by defeating the Pilots 7-3 in the final championship game. This victory was the culmination of an extraordinary playoff run that required the Emeralds to beat the dominant Pilots twice, first in a 6-4 victory and then in the decisive 7-3 final, showcasing the depth and resilience of the squad.
The team, built under the vision of General Manager Greg Bradford to specifically challenge the Pilots’ dynasty, delivered an all-around effort, but was anchored by several outstanding individual performances. Slugger Brian Thorngate led the charge, earning the Rainier MVP award with staggering numbers, including a .574 batting average, a .652 on-base percentage, 31 hits, and 23 RBIs.
On the mound, Jess Sanders proved to be the ace of the Emerald’s staff, finishing the season with an impressive 8-1 record, highlighted by wins in both crucial playoff matchups against the Pilots. The pitching rotation received further strength from Brian Pattillo (5-1 record) and Greg Werre (3-0 record), who also successfully closed out several late-game situations.
“This was truly an all-around team effort, driven by a goal we set at the start of the season: to ‘End the Streak,” said GM Greg Bradford. “The dedication and talent of every single player came together at the perfect time. We proved we could knock off a phenomenal, dominant team. Now, the focus shifts to starting our own streak.”
The Emeralds celebrated their victory, marking a new era in Rainier baseball as they look ahead to defending their title next year.