The CCL Standard: By the Numbers -- Orange County Riptide
Founded in 2015 and entering the California Collegiate League in 2016, the Orange County Riptide quickly established themselves as a competitive force — capturing a CCL championship in 2017 and consistently advancing deep into postseason play while developing future professional talent.
February 20, 2026
The Orange County Riptide are a collegiate summer baseball team competing in the California Collegiate League (CCL) South Division. Founded in 2015, the Riptide entered the CCL in 2016 with a clear mission: to provide a high-level summer wood-bat experience for top college players while delivering affordable, family-friendly baseball for the Orange County community.
By the Numbers
Founded: 2015
Home Field: Championship Stadium at the Great Park (Irvine)
Competitive Record: Playoffs in 7 of last 8 seasons; CCL Champions in 2017
Notable Alumni: Caleb Killian, Dominic Fletcher
Fun Fact: The Riptide have a very unique bat girl -- an adorable golden retriever named Omaha! (pictured right)
Quick Success and Continued Competitiveness
Shortly after joining the CCL, the Riptide captured their first league championship in 2017, just two years after inception, establishing the program as a contender in Southern California.
Since then, OC has consistently been competitive — qualifying for the CCL playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons. In the 2025 season, the Riptide finished with a strong 23–14 record and competed deep into the summer standings, showcasing elite collegiate talent against South Division rivals.
Player Development and Exposure
Development is a core focus of the Riptide organization. Each summer, the roster includes primarily NCAA Division I players — with contributions from Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college standouts — all seeking to improve their game using wood bats and gain exposure to professional scouts. Recent seasons have seen over 35 Riptide players drafted or signed to professional contracts, including MLB alumni such as Caleb Kilian (Cubs), Dominic Fletcher (Diamondbacks), Trey Lipscomb (Nationals), Hunter Bigge (Cubs), and Eric Wagaman (Angels).
Community and Game-Day Experience
Playing at Championship Stadium at the Great Park in Irvine, California, the Riptide deliver a compelling summer entertainment option with theme nights, giveaways, and access to future professional talent. The organization also maintains strong ties to local host families who support out-of-state players, creating meaningful community bonds throughout the season.
As the Riptide continue to build their presence in Orange County, they represent a blend of competitive summer baseball, player development, and community engagement that is synonymous with the spirit of the California Collegiate League.