Woodpecker History

Woodpecker History

By Tony “Scooter” Gaetjens

Founded in 1983 by Harry Cartales, the Woodpeckers were originally in the Queen Anne league. In 1992, a master’s team was organized, in the Green Lake League. Both teams played until 1995, when the Queen Anne team disbanded. In 2004, the Peckers moved from the master’s division to an open league at Green Lake.

Woodpeckers have played in league tournaments roughly half of their seasons, and won the Green Lake masters league three times. The team has been to state championships five times, advancing to Sunday once. Peckers have won two open tournaments, and been in the hardware numerous other times.

The Queen Anne team frequented the Hilltop Tavern, now the Hilltop Ale House. The Green Lake squad has been regulars at Teddy’s since 1992.

The Beginning 1983-1984 … Featured players recruited through community center bulletin board postings.

The Christian Era 1985-1986 … Fellowship of Christian Athletes came to dominate the Peckers for some of the most successful on field seasons ever. In 1987, the FCA boys moved on to Bitter Lake.

The Docker Boys 1987-1992 … Intensity waned for a few years as the P’s recruited players who were more likely to talk about cheese in the dugout than throw it on the diamond.

Who’s Pounding the Peckers 1994-1996 … Sad masters teams at GreenLake featured recruiting of joggers to fill out the roster some nights.

Lincoln High School 1997-2003 … The addition of several baseball players from Lincoln High Teams of the early 1970s restored the Ps to glory in the GreenLake masters league.

2004-2008 … Looking to upgrade competition, the Peckers rejoined an open league in 2004. After learning the hard way that masters’ speed won’t cut it in an open league, they are restocking with young talent and looking forward to great things.

GreenLake Thursday nights – 2004-present … Looking to upgrade competition, the Peckers rejoined an open league in 2004. After learning the hard way that masters’ speed won’t cut it in an open league, Peckers restocked with young talent and looking forward to great things. Talent has been drawn from Oregon State, Illinois and Shoreline college programs, as well as an influx of athletes from O’Dea High. When needed, Senior World Series players are tapped to fill in the roster. Participation in league playoffs is the norm.

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