Successful Black Individuals Who Left a Lasting Impact with the Dust Devils 

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or leave a lasting impact on the baseball community.

While some of these standout performers went on to have successful Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers, careers in other professional sports, or in some cases left a positive impact on the local baseball community.

Here is a look at five successful Black individuals who left a lasting impact on the Tri-City Dust Devils and the Tri-City community as a whole.

CJ Mitchell:

CJ Mitchell was an amateur baseball umpire whose career started in the early 70’s. He worked for 35 years in both the PAC-8 and PAC-10 conferences. He worked six American Legion World Series Tournaments, 10 NAIA World Series Tournaments; he was a four time NCAA Division-1 College World Series Umpire in Omaha, Neb. (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981) and was selected to work exhibition games for the U.S. Olympic team in 1984 and 1988. He was a family man who left a lasting impact on the community, not only for his work in sports, but also from being a genuinely good person. He has been inducted into no less than six sports hall of fames across Washington State. CJ passed in 2016, but he is remembered every day at Gesa Stadium with the CJ Mitchell Memorial Umpires Room.

Stu Cole:

Stu Cole was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 3rd round of the 1987 draft. His playing career spanned from 1987 to 1995 in both the Royals and Colorado Rockies organizations. He began coaching in 1995 within the Rockies organization. In 2001 Stu Cole became the first manager in Dust Devils franchise history. He led the Dust Devils to a 39-36 record and finished second in the North Division. He later managed Double-A Tulsa from 2006 to 2009 and the Pacific Coast League’s Colorado Springs Sky Sox from 2010 to 2012. In 2012 Stu was named the 3rd Base Coach for the Colorado Rockies where he still is today!

Russell Wilson:

Out of High School, Wilson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 41st round of the 2007 MLB draft. Wilson elected to continue his education and attended NC State from 2008 to 2010. During his collegiate career, Wilson hit .282/.384/.415 with five home runs and 30 RBI’s. On June 8th 2010, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round. He made his professional debut with the Tri-City Dust Devils where he finished the season batting .230 with 2 home runs and 11 RBI’s. On June 27, 2011 it was announced that Wilson had committed to Wisconsin to continue his football career. In the 2012 NFL Draft, Wilson was selected in the 3rd round by the Seattle Seahawks. His rookie year he led the Seahawks to the post season and was selected as an alternate for the 2013 Pro Bowl. In the 2013-2014 season, Wilson led the Seahawks to a 13-3 record and their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Wilson became just the second black starting Quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Wilson has amassed a number of awards during his time in Seattle, with eight Pro Bowl Selections, three Steve Largent Awards, the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and the 2022 Bart Starr Award.

Anthony Sanders:

Anthony Sanders was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 7th round of the 1992 MLB Amateur Draft out of Santa Rita High School in Tucson, Arizona. Sanders made his Major League debut for the Blue Jays April 26, 1999. As a member of the United States National Baseball Team, Sanders won a gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. After his playing career, Sanders joined the Colorado Rockies organization as the hitting coach for the Tri-City Dust Devils from 2007 to 2012. He was promoted in 2013 to manager of the Grand Junction Rockies. He spent 2013 through 2015 in Grand Junction and was named the 2014 Pioneer League Manager of the Year. He spent 2016 and 2017 as the Class A Advanced Development Supervisor before serving as the Rockies outfield and base running coach in 2018 and 2019. Sanders is currently the Baltimore Orioles First Base Coach.

Brendon Davis:

Brendon Davis was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 5th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Lakewood High School in Lakewood, CA. He entered the 2015 draft as the Baseball America’s No. 51 ranked High School prospect. He was selected by the Los Angeles Angels on December 10, 2020 int he Rule 5 Minor League Draft. In 2021, Brendon Davis made 63 appearances with the Tri-City Dust Devils, batting .280 with 40 RBI’s and 14 home runs. He was promoted to Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas and soon thereafter Triple-A Salt Lake Bee’s where he finished the season. In 31 games with the Bee’s, Davis batted .333 with 25 RBI’s and 8 home runs. He won two High-A West Offensive Player of the Week awards with the Dust Devils and is currently listed as a member of the Angels 40 Man Roster.

AquaSox To Host Job Fair – February 25th & 26th

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EVERETT, WA: The Everett AquaSox will be hosting a job fair for prospective employees on Friday, February 25th, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday, February 26th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We are looking for game day team members of all ages to fill a wide variety of positions at Funko Field for the 2022 season. Candidates must be trustworthy, outgoing, reliable, and enthusiastic.

Our goal is to provide affordable family entertainment and excellent customer service to every guest who walks through our gates. Do you have what it takes to help create the best fan experience in baseball?

We have a wide variety of positions available such as ticket takers, promotions team, concessions, mascot, ushers and more. Each team member is critical in providing the best experience to our guests. All those interested in working with the AquaSox this season must be at least 15 years old and able to work the majority of the AquaSox’ 66 home games.

Job seekers are encouraged to fill out an application prior to the AquaSox Job Fair, which can be found by clicking HERE, however, applications will be available on the day of the Job Fair if needed.

All interviews will take place at the AquaSox Front Office located at 3802 Broadway. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] or call (425) 258-3673.

Hillsboro Hops Announce Dream Big Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors

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HILLSBORO, OR (February 7, 2022) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) announced details of their Dream Big Scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

What: Dream Big Scholarship – $1000.00 grants for five graduating high school seniors

Who: First-generation college students who are planning on attending an Oregon university. Current high school seniors in the Greater Portland Metro & SW Washington area are eligible.

Apply:: Applications open on Monday, February 7th and will be accepted until Sunday, March 6th. Apply online at https://milb.com/hillsboro/community/scholarship

To be considered, applicants will be asked to submit three short essay responses in addition to their application. Essays will be reviewed anonymously by a committee consisting of community members, Hops staff and Hops Fund donors. Additional criteria can be found on the application page.

“We are excited to offer our Dream Big Scholarship again this year, which will prove to be one of our signature gives from the Hillsboro Hops Fund,” said Jen Anderson, Hillsboro Hops VP of People & Culture. “Last year’s initial launch was a huge success and we only hope to build upon that year after year. There are so many talented students who must weigh their next steps due to financial burdens. This scholarship was made to bridge the gap and help make dreams a reality.”

Hillsboro Hops To Host Job Fair at Ron Tonkin Field on February 12 

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HILLSBORO, OR (February 4, 2022) –The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops), will be hosting a Casting Call for prospective employees of the team’s “HOPSpitality Team” on Saturday, February 12 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Ron Tonkin Field. All applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

The Hops will be processing employment applications and accepting resumes for part-time game day positions. Applicants who attend will be given on the spot interviews with members of the Hops front office staff. Overall, about 150 positions will be available for the season, including roles in Food & Beverage, Guest Services, Ticket Operations, Merchandise, Ballpark Operations, Production and more. Job applications are available at www.hillsborohops.com

“Our mission to provide a first-class, memorable experience, is brought to life by the extraordinary talent we find every year to make up our HOPSpitality Team,” said Jen Anderson, Hillsboro Hops VP, People & Culture. “This event is a chance for outgoing, friendly people to interview and become part of the fun and welcoming environment of a Hillsboro Hops game.”

Once applicants arrive at Ron Tonkin Field, they should park at Gate B and follow signage to the interview sites.

If applicants are unable to attend the Job Fair, applications are being accepted at the Hillsboro Hops Front Office, online at hillsborohops.com and can be emailed to [email protected], Additional open interviews will be scheduled at a later date.

For more information on current opportunities, contact Jen Anderson, [email protected]

MiLB adds to inclusion efforts with ‘The Nine’

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Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine will connect MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. The new inclusion initiative follows MiLB’s Copa de la Diversión — the Latino fan engagement platform introduced in 2017 that included 76 MiLB teams in 2021.

The Nine will recognize and honor numerous Black pioneers and trailblazing civil rights leaders in all 120 MiLB communities, ensuring the heroes of the past and their contributions continue to be celebrated through ceremonies and events at MiLB ballparks and in the community. Recent tributes and celebrations have included Negro Leagues commemorative games honoring the Austin Black Senators in Round Rock (TX), the Bradenton (FL) Nine Devils, and Page Fence Giants near Lansing (MI). Additional tribute games are being planned for the 2022 season and beyond.

“The Nine will shine bright spotlights on these successful initiatives and transform them into national campaigns reaching more fans and communities, further showcasing our teams’ commitment to representing, honoring, and welcoming all fans to MiLB’s unique brand of fun,” said Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “The Nine is just the latest example of MiLB teams being true community champions.”

In addition to player- and team-related content, The Nine will focus heavily on creating new opportunities for youth participation among young Black boys and girls, particularly in communities where youth baseball and softball programming is either nonexistent or difficult to access.

Central to this youth-focused push is a planned expansion of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program throughout MiLB’s national footprint. New competitions in MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run and Junior Home Run Derby event series will also debut in MiLB markets beginning in 2022.

MiLB teams will continue to build relationships with local Black-owned and operated businesses, local artists and entertainers in an effort to embrace Black culture and make MiLB ballparks a hub for culturally relevant concerts, shows, and community events.

With several MiLB teams having a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in their community, opportunities will be provided for those schools to start internship and mentorship programs with their local team, creating opportunities for on-the-job experience for students prior to entering the job market. Additionally, MiLB recently partnered with TeamWork Online to create a more inclusive virtual job fair and ongoing talent pipeline that aims to recruit and position qualified and ready-for-hire candidates from across the country for potential management- and executive-level roles within MiLB team front offices.

Hillsboro Hops Announce 2022 Virtual Hops Fund Banquet

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HILLSBORO, OR (January 20, 2022) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) are pleased to announce their annual Hillsboro Hops Fund Banquet will be going virtual in 2022. A live stream of the event will take place from 6:30-8 PM on Wednesday, February 2nd. There is no cost to view.

The goal of the Hillsboro Hops Fund is to develop and establish a community benefits program, the purpose of which is to promote, foster and support education, health, culture and youth activities, including activities for underprivileged youth, in the Greater Hillsboro area.

The Hillsboro Hops Fund Banquet is a signature fundraising event for the Hillsboro Hops Fund. This year’s edition will feature an online silent auction, highlights from the Hops community efforts over the past year and feature conversations with current and former Hops players and staff.

This year’s special guests include 2021 Hops Manager, Vince Harrison, drafted in 2001 by the Rays, Harrison played in the Minor League System until signing on as a coach in 2013 with the Diamondbacks. Joining him is Ronnie Gajownik, Gajownik played college softball at the University of South Florida before making the United States Women’s National Baseball team, where she won Gold at the 2015 Pan-Am Games. She served as the Hops Video Coordinator in 2021 and has accepted a coaching position within the Diamondbacks organization for 2022.

Rounding out the panel, is Tristin English, who played collegiately at Georgia Tech before being drafted by the Diamondbacks in the third round in 2019. English was a position player for the Hops in 2019 and 2021.

What: Virtual 8th Annual Hops Fund Banquet

When: Wednesday, February 2nd 6:30-8:00 PM; Silent Auction open Friday January 28th at 12 PM through Friday February 4th at 11:59 PM PST

Where: Online; https://www.milb.com/hillsboro/community/banquet

Top 5 Black Players in Spokane Indians History

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Spokane Indians.

Tommy Davis

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Tommy Davis moved west with the Dodgers organization and reached Spokane in 1959. The sweet-swinging outfielder was an absolute wrecking ball for the Indians that year, finishing the season with a league-leading .345 average, 211 hits, 32 doubles, 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and more walks (40) than strikeouts (29). He had a cup of coffee with the Dodgers that season, striking out in his lone at-bat before joining the team full time in 1960. Davis captured back-to-back National League batting titles in 1962 (.346, league-leading 153 RBI) and 1963 (.326), helping the team to a World Series title in 1963. Injuries prevented Davis from continuing his Hall-of-Fame trajectory, but the Indians alum still finished his career with a pair of All-Star appearances, two batting titles, and more than 2,100 hits over 18 big league seasons.

Willie Davis

After signing as an 18-year-old out of Mineral Springs, AR, Davis quickly proved the minors were no match for his prowess at the plate and speed on the basepaths. He captured the California League MVP with the Reno Silver Sox in 1959 and earned a promotion to Spokane the following year. Davis showed his first season was no fluke, hitting .346 with 26 triples and 30 stolen bases for the Indians as he again captured the league MVP award. Still just 20, Davis earned a late-season call-up with the Dodgers and hit .318 in 22 games. He took over as the full-time centerfielder in 1961 and would remain a fixture there through the 1973 season, winning World Series titles in 1963 and 1965. Davis wrapped up his 18-year career with 398 stolen bases, 182 home runs, 1,053 RBIs, and over 2,500 hits, and still holds the Los Angeles Dodgers record for longest hit streak at 31 games.

Dave Henderson

A first-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in the 1977 draft, Henderson reached Spokane in 1980 and held his own as a 21-year-old, slashing .279/.366/.422 with seven home runs and 50 RBIs in 109 games. He returned to Spokane in 1981 and improved his power and plate discipline (.279/.385/.504) to earn a promotion to Seattle. Hendu was a solid performer for the Mariners over the next 4.5 seasons before being traded to Boston in 1986, where his performance in that year’s World Series (.400, 6 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI) nearly led the Red Sox to their first championship since 1918. Henderson split the following season with Boston and San Francisco before breaking out with Oakland (.304, 24 HR, 94 RBIs) as a 30-year-old in 1988. He would remain in the Bay Area through 1993, helping the A’s to a World Series title in 1989 and earning an All-Star appearance in 1991. Hendu retired following the 1994 season with 197 home runs, 1,324 hits, and a career WAR of 27.6.

Don Newcombe

Newcombe spent two years with the Negro League’s Newark Eagles before embarking on an historic MLB career with the Dodgers, Reds, and Indians. The towering right-hander was named Rookie of the Year for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949 after finishing 17-8 with a 3.17 ERA and league-leading five shutouts, also becoming the first black pitcher to start a World Series game that same year. He earned All-Star nods the next two seasons (leading the league in strikeouts in 1951) before serving in the Korean War from 1952-53. He struggled in his return to Brooklyn the following season but rebounded with 20 wins and a World Series title in 1955. Newcombe had a season for the ages in 1956, posting a 0.989 WHIP and winning 27 games to earn league MVP and baseball’s first-ever Cy Young Award (which was awarded to only one pitcher in all of baseball at the time). “Newk” spent two more seasons with the Dodgers before finishing out his big league career with the Reds (1958-60) and Indians (1960). He signed with the Dodgers and attempted an MLB comeback with the Spokane Indians in 1961 (where he was teammates with fellow Negro League alum Curt Roberts) but struggled to a 4.96 ERA over 25 games. Newcombe, always a good hitter for a pitcher, wrapped up his playing career as a first baseman/outfielder alongside Larry Doby for Japan’s Chunichi Dragons in 1962.

Maury Wills

The speedy infielder from Washington, DC, spent seven seasons in the minors before reaching Spokane in 1958, where Indians manager Bobby Bragan convinced a struggling Wills to pick up switch-hitting. That decision changed the course of Wills’ career, as he would go on to become one of the most decorated MLB players in Spokane history. Wills hit .253 with 21 stolen bases in first season in Spokane before improving to .313 in 1959 to earn a late-season promotion to the Dodgers. He became a full-time player in 1960 and led the National League in stolen bases for the next six years, highlighted by an MLB record 104 in 1962 as he captured the NL MVP award. Wills won World Series titles with Los Angeles in 1959, 1963, and 1965 while also earning five All-Star appearances and a pair of Gold Glove awards. He retired following the 1972 season with a .281 career average, 2,134 hits, and 586 stolen bases. Wills would later become just the third Black manager in MLB history, following Frank Robinson and Larry Doby, when he helmed the Mariners in 1980-81. His son, Bump Wills, graduated from Spokane’s Central Valley High School and spent six years in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.

Honorable Mention

Curtis Terry: “Big Rig” spent time with Spokane in 2016-17 before a breakout season in 2018 (.337, 15 HR, 60 RBIs) earned him the Northwest League MVP award. Terry reached the majors with the Texas Rangers in 2021 and signed with the Minnesota Twins in the off-season.

Jay Gainer: A 24th-round pick by the San Diego Padres, Gainer captured the league batting title in 1990 (.356, 10 HR, 54 RBIs) and helped lead the Indians to their fourth consecutive NWL championship. He reached the majors with Colorado in 1993 and homered on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues. Gainer later managed the Yakima Bears and currently serves as head coach at Davis HS in Yakima.

Dee Brown: The 14th-overall pick in the 1996 draft by the Kansas City Royals, Brown captured the NWL MVP award as a 19-year-old in 1997 after slashing .326/.404/.564 with 13 HR, 73 RBI, and 17 SB. He spent part of eight seasons in the majors and played for more years in Japan before embarking on a career as a coach.

Ken Harvey: A first-team All-American with Nebraska in 1999, Harvey was drafted in the 5th round of that year’s draft by the Royals and won the NWL batting title with Spokane that season with an eye-popping .397 average. Harvey spent just four years in the majors, but earned an All-Star appearance in 2004, and currently works as a coach in Kansas.

Carl Edwards Jr.: A lowly 48th-round pick out of Prosperity, SC, the “String Bean Slinger” was absolutely electric for the Spokane Indians in 2012, striking out 60 over 47 innings with a 2.11 ERA and 0.957 WHIP. Edwards went on to win a World Series title with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and has posted a career 3.77 ERA in 206 big league appearances.

About the Spokane Indians

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane, Washington. Avista Stadium is home to the $5 Kids Bench Seat courtesy of MultiCare. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians office and team store hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Hillsboro Hops and OHSU Health Hillsboro Medical Center Team Up to Provide Youth Vaccine Clinics

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Hillsboro, OR. (December 8, 2021) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and OHSU Health Hillsboro Medical Center (@HillsboroMedCtr) today announced that they will be teaming up to provide the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to youth ages 5-18 this Sunday, December 12, at Ron Tonkin Field. Second doses will be given at a follow-up event on January 9, 2022. Both events will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

200 doses will be available at each vaccine clinic and appointments are required.

As part of the trip to Ron Tonkin Field, youth receiving the vaccine will get to visit the Hillsboro Hops clubhouse and they will also be treated to ice cream and a goodie bag once they have received the vaccine.

“It’s important to be leaders in our community both on and off the field and getting our youngest fans vaccinated will make a tremendous impact for public health,” said Jen Anderson, Hillsboro Hops VP of People & Culture. “We’re excited to partner with OHSU Health at Hillsboro Medical Center to provide a unique and positive experience for our community’s kids.”

“We’re thrilled to help improve the safety and health of our local community by providing pediatric vaccines in partnership with the Hillsboro Hops,” said Lori James-Nielsen, Hillsboro Medical Center President & CEO. “Hillsboro Medical Center hopes all eligible children get vaccinated, and we’re looking forward to protecting some of our young community members in a place kids associate with fun, healthy activities.”

You can view appointment availability at this link (availability is limited):

https://washingtoncountycovidvaccine.as.me/RonTonkin

Hillsboro Hops Partner with Intel to Support STEM Education in Oregon as Part of Strikeouts for STEM Program

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HILLSBORO, OR (August 27, 2021) – As part of a partnership between the Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and Intel, the Oregon-based, microprocessor manufacturer is donating a total of $50,000 to fund future STEM opportunities for the children of Hillsboro in support of the Hillsboro Schools Foundations new Imagina tu Aventura program.

Intel committed to donate $10 for every strikeout by a Hops pitcher this season. Hops pitchers have delivered 918 strikeouts so far in 2021 totaling $9,180.00. Intel is rounding their donation up to $50,000

Intel has called Oregon home for 47 years and provides jobs for over 20,000 employees. Since 2016, Intel, the Intel Foundation and Intel employees gave over $55 million in grants, donations, and in-kind gifts to local Oregon schools and non-profit organizations.

“HSF’s Elementary School program ‘Imagina tu Adventure’ will bring bilingual, bicultural career exploration kits and programs to all kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms,” said Aron Carleson, HSF Executive Director. “Intel’s contribution assures we can begin with STEM career education for all students. We are thankful for Intel’s strong community support.”

“We’re proud of our ongoing partnership with the Hillsboro Hops Strikeouts for STEM program and the Hillsboro Schools Foundation to inspire the future generation of STEM professionals,” said Courtney Martin, Intel Oregon Public Affairs Director. “This year’s program will support students and educators through the Hillsboro School’s Foundation Imagina tu Aventura program, providing bicultural career exploration tools about careers and higher education.”

“We are so proud to partner with Intel for the Strike Outs for STEM promotion”, said Hillsboro Hops President KL Wombacher. “They are a tremendous community asset that is extremely generous with their community support. We can’t thank Intel enough for their partnership and generous donation to the Hillsboro Schools Foundation.”

About Hillsboro Schools Foundation:

The Hillsboro Schools Foundation is dedicated to cultivating community engagement and funding to inspire excellence in Hillsboro Schools. HSF’s Middle School STEM labs are bringing back yesterday’s shop classes and tomorrow’s technology to prepare students for careers in a global economy. For more information, visit www.hsfonline.org

About Hillsboro Hops:

The 2014, 2015 & 2019 Champion Hillsboro Hops are the Single-A Advanced baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. The team’s season runs from April to early September. The franchise relocated to Hillsboro in 2012 and began play in 2013 in a new state-of-the-art 4,500 capacity ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field. Follow the Hops on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillsboroHops and on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @HillsboroHops.

Hillsboro Hops Announce New “Community Champions” Program

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Hillsboro, OR. (July 7, 2021) –The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) in partnership with Lam Research (@LamResearch), today announced a new program that will recognize individuals who have stepped up to support others and make a difference in our community. These “Community Champions” show the true spirit of empathy and human kindness and we want to share their stories.

“There have been many challenges that have impacted our beloved communities this past year, but these challenges have also put the spotlight on the amazing individuals who have put others before themselves,” said Hillsboro Hops Senior Director, People and Culture Jen Anderson. “In partnership with Lam Research, the Hillsboro Hops wanted to develop a program that would allow us to share the work of these selfless people and remind everyone that there are ‘Champions’ among us”

The Hillsboro Hops are requesting nominations from to recognize community members including, but not limited to, medical staff, first responders, teachers, counselors, delivery drivers and more.

Nominations can be submitted via the following link: https://www.milb.com/hillsboro/community/champions

Champions will receive a digital baseball card that will be shared via the Hops’ social media platforms as well as tickets to a future Hops’ game where they will receive in-game recognition for their contributions.

The deadline for submissions is August 10, 2021 to allow for game selection.

Questions on submissions can be directed to the Hops’ Community Engagement Coordinator, Hannah August ([email protected]).

About Hillsboro Hops:
The 2014, 2015 & 2019 Champion Hillsboro Hops are the Single-A Advanced baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. The team’s season runs from April to early September. The franchise relocated to Hillsboro in 2012 and began play in 2013 in a new state-of-the-art 4,500 capacity ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field. Follow the Hops on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillsboroHops and on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @HillsboroHops.

Spokane Indians Team Up to Restore War Veterans Memorial Field in Wellpinit

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WELLPINIT, Wash. – The Spokane Indians front office once again teamed up with local community partners to make a big difference in our region. On Wednesday, June 16th the front office joined the Boys & Girls Club of Wellpinit, Spokane Tribe Fuels Department, Spokane Tribe Maintenance Department, Tribal Department of Natural Resources, Tribal Water Department, members of the Wellpinit High School girls softball team, and community members Gladys Rhoads and Billy Shawn Flett Jr. to restore War Veterans Memorial Field in Wellpinit, Washington.

The renovation had many areas of improvement, including the installation of four large autumn blaze maple trees for shade, new field bases & measurements, new dugouts, new player benches, new signage, new trash cans, and a new main water line. The complex also had its perimeter fence repaired, bleachers repaired and painted, and the installation of a new gravel pathway and entrance. In total, 120 bags of infield Turface mix, 25 yards of bark, and 12 tons of gravel were used in the refurbishment project of War Veterans Memorial Field. The project was made possible with the approval of the Spokane Tribe Business Council and by the contributions of materials from Wittkopf Landscape Supply, a SiteOne Company.

“We’ve obviously proud of our partnership with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and are always looking to do projects together,” explained Otto Klein, Senior Vice President of the Spokane Indians Baseball Team. “The field renovation project was a fun, collaborative effort to improve a youth sports facility in the heart of the reservation. We can’t wait to see the players’ reactions when they play their next game.”

The restoration and improvement project is an extension of the historic partnership with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Spokane Indians Baseball Team. It is also the second time the Indians front office has helped lead a field renovation project. In 2019, the front office helped refurbish Redband Field located in Spokane’s Peaceful Valley.

About the Spokane Indians

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane, Washington. Avista Stadium is home to the $5 Kids Bench Seat courtesy of MultiCare. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians Team Store is open M-F 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and 10:00 AM to the end of the game on all game days. Reserve your seats today.

Hillsboro Hops and MTI Team Up to “Shut Out Hunger” During 2021 Season 

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Hillsboro, OR. (June 22, 2021) – Two longtime Hillsboro organizations, MTI (Mobile Tech, Inc.), a global leader in asset protection, smart locks, tablet solutions, IoT, and global services, and the Hillsboro Hops, the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, announced that they have partnered on a new community campaign focused on fighting hunger in the Hillsboro and Washington County communities. This season-long endeavor called “Shut Out Hunger” will involve hundreds of volunteer hours by both organizations benefiting the Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton.

Starting June 28 to July 2, MTI will accept non-perishable food items and monetary donations at its offices located at 1050 NW 67th Avenue and 2345 NE Overlook Drive, Suite 250. During the June 29 through July 2 Hops homestand, MTI and Hops staff members will collect similar items at the Ron Tonkin Field entry gates. Volunteers from both companies will donate their time in July packing food at the Sunshine Pantry, and August will find them at Meals on Wheels in Hillsboro.

The Sunshine Pantry can accept cash or check donations, as well as pre-paid gift cards to specific grocery stores and gas stations in addition to food. The best non-perishable food items include, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, snacks, peanut butter, cooking oil, and rice.

“1 in 10 children in Washington Country are food insecure and go to bed hungry. The COVID-19 pandemic created a larger need with even more people struggling to pay bills and put food on the table,” said Mary Jesse, MTI CEO. “The Hillsboro Hops offer a great family experience, but they also offer community support in Hillsboro and Washington County. MTI’s headquarters have always been in Hillsboro. We look forward to working together to help those families and individuals who need assistance during these challenging times.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with MTI on the “Shut Out Hunger” program,” said Hops President and General Manager, KL Wombacher. “As we’re coming out of the pandemic, we know many in our community are struggling to put food on the table more than ever. We’re grateful to be in a position to help and to have a great, Hillsboro-based partner supporting the effort along with us.”

About Hillsboro Hops
The 2014, 2015 & 2019 Champion Hillsboro Hops are the Single-A Advanced baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. The team’s season runs from April to early September. The franchise relocated to Hillsboro in 2012 and began play in 2013 in a new state-of-the-art 4,500 capacity ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field. Follow the Hops on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillsboroHops and on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @HillsboroHops.

About MTI

MTI is a global solutions innovator in asset protection, smart locks, tablet solutions, and global services, serving the largest and most highly regarded global brands. MTI’s innovative design and production capabilities, along with our unmatched field technical services, ensure success for our customers in retail, healthcare, and hospitality. Our smart IoT platform drives superior operational efficiency, employee satisfaction and customer experiences. Our global services organization offers 24/7/365 field support in over 90 countries and resolves 98% of problems on the first visit. Headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon with offices in Hong Kong, Ireland, and London, MTI brings over 40 years of experience helping our customers meet their complex business needs.

PRIDE Night Returns To PK Park On June 25

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

PRIDE Night returns to PK Park on June 25 as the Emeralds celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community on a night that will include a PRIDE flag giveaway for fans and a game-worn Emeralds PRIDE jersey auction benefitting the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The special evening is proudly sponsored by our friends at Kendall Auto Group and KLCC NPR.

PRIDE Night is nothing new to PK Park. In 2019, the Emeralds became the first-ever affiliated Minor League Baseball organization to don PRIDE jerseys in-game**,** a landmark moment that hadn’t even occurred to Emeralds General Manager Allan Benavides at the time.

“We weren’t aware that we would be the first [affiliated] team,” he told MiLB.com. “It wasn’t a factor. We thought it was important that as an organization, we were committed to doing a PRIDE night. We had some people in the community give us some ideas on what we could do and how we should do it properly.”

The evening was also highlighted by a pregame Q&A panel with activist Candace Gingrich, a raffle of the game-worn jerseys that benefitted the HIV Alliance, and every Emeralds gameday employee decked out in PRIDE merchandise.

Asked to reflect back on that night in an interview with the Washington Post earlier this month, Benavides recalled, “there were a lot of people in the stadium who felt comfortable holding hands, hugging each other. A lot of people wearing PRIDE colors. Just very comfortable, and that continued. It wasn’t just that one game.”

On June 5, the San Francisco Giants, the Major League affiliate of the Eugene Emeralds, became the first-ever Major League franchise to sport PRIDE jerseys in-game.

This year’s PRIDE Night will be highlighted by an Emeralds PRIDE flag giveaway thanks to Kendall Auto Group. On June 25, the first 1,000 fans that enter the home plate gate at PK Park will receive a free Emeralds PRIDE flag.

 

Additionally, the Emeralds will once again don specially designed Emeralds PRIDE jerseys on June 25. The game-worn Emeralds PRIDE jerseys will be available for sale via online auction. Information regarding the online jersey auction will be available later in the week at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com.

Proceeds from the Emeralds PRIDE jersey auction will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the parents of the foundation’s namesake, Dennis and Judy Shepard.

The foundation was established following the death of Matthew Shepard who, as a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked and tied to a fence in a field where he was left to die. Matthew tragically succumbed to his wounds, but his memory lives on through the foundation his parents created using education, outreach, and advocacy programs to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people.

Tickets to Eugene Emeralds home games are available for purchase at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.

Stay up to date with the Emeralds by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Community Spotlight: Lyllye Reynolds-Parker

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Lyllye Reynolds-Parker was born at Sacred Heart hospital, in 1946. She is an elder in our community, and a child of Eugene.

In the 1940s, exclusionary laws prevented Black people from buying or renting within city limits. Because of this, her family lived in the “Ferry Street Village” community, near present-day Alton Baker Park. When she was three years old, the Lane County Commissioners ordered that the neighborhood where she and her family lived be bulldozed so that the Ferry Street Bridge could be placed there. Her family was displaced and lived many years out West 11th.

Redlining was alive and well in Oregon into the late 1970s. This racist practice created an inability for black people to access loans to buy a house, in order to purchase homes in an area where their home would increase in value and send their children to high quality school. Most importantly, this practice did not allow for Black families to build generational wealth that could be passed along through generations.

Ms. Lyllye worked for 17 years at the University of Oregon. She came into contact with countless students of color, and she helped them find comfort in a community and a system that wasn’t made for them. The Eugene Emeralds are thrilled to have Ms. Lyllye, and her family, join us at the ballpark on June 19th. Before the game, Ms. Lyllye will throw out a first pitch and receive a custom Emeralds jersey to thank her for her service to the community.

Ms. Lyllye has a dream of purchasing a home for her and her older sister to live in, and the community is determined to help her see that dream come true. To help raise funds for this dream, the Eugene Emeralds will be selling special Black empowerment shirts featuring Ms. Lyllye on the back with her message of unity. “I chose Unity because we are such a fractured society right now. I just want us to realize we are in this together, be it COVID, White Supremacists, gun violence, civil unrest around the world, whatever it may be, it affects us all. We must come together in unity. We may not agree on everything, and compromise can be painful, but we can do it.”

Fans can also donate at any Oregon Community Credit Union (OCCU) branch. If you wish to donate with a check, they can be written out to new house for Lyllye Parker and write “1316973” in the memo line. You can also donate using a PayPal Pool: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8xMymFhKhg.

Chris Singleton To Speak At PK Park On June 19

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

EUGENE, OR – The Eugene Emeralds are thrilled to welcome back to former player, motivational speaker, and child book author Chris Singleton who will be on-hand at PK Park on June 19 to speak with fans and share his message of love, inspiration, and unity.

For the past six years, Singleton has been living proof that love is stronger than hate. In 2015, Singleton lost his mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, an unthinkable tragedy that saw the lives of nine African Americans taken far, far too soon.

And yet, despite that tragedy, Singleton has refused to allow that dark moment define him or fill him with hatred and anger, instead choosing to forgive the shooter while inspiring thousands since with his message of resilience, forgiveness, and unity.

Prior to the Eugene Emeralds game on June 19, Singleton will be speaking with fans at PK Park to share that beautiful message with Emeralds fans, a message that ‘love is stronger than hate.’

Gates open at 6:00pm PST and fans are encouraged to arrive early to hear Singleton speak. Tickets are available at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com.

Also prior to the game, the Eugene Emeralds and Kendall Auto Group will be distributing copies of his book Different: A Story About Loving Your Neighbor to the first 500 children that enter PK Park. Different aims to teach children that differences – whether through race, nationality, gender or more – are something to accept and celebrate. Most of all, Different is a tribute to Singleton’s late mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton.

Different, the first of two books he has written, was a best-seller in its category and has been featured in numerous outlets, including by The Obama Foundation.

Fans can learn more about Chris, his two books – Different and Your Life Matters – and his inspirational message by visiting www.ChrisSingleton.com.

The Eugene Emeralds sincerely hope to see you at PK Park on June 19 for what will undoubtedly be a special night at the ballpark.

Information regarding tickets to Eugene Emeralds home games is available at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.

Stay up to date with the Emeralds by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.