The Ems Tip Their Cap to the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Baseball League

 

This season the Eugene Emeralds were set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Negro Baseball League at PK Park. This league was known for spotlighting some great sportsmanship. Although the pandemic has stopped the Emeralds season, we will move forward with recognizing some of the great players who played in the Negro Baseball Leagues.

Baseball had a prominent standing in African American society since the mid to late 1800s. Racist norms of the day prevented teams with black players from joining the Association of Amateur Baseball Players and this segregation was codified in the 1890’s by a “gentlemen’s agreement” among National League owners. Banned from the major leagues, black athletes and teams barnstormed in the US, competing against anyone who would play them.

In 1920, Andrew “Rube” Foster, the managers of one of these teams and a former pitcher, met with 7 of the owners of similar teams in Kansas City, MO and created the Negro National League, comprised of eight teams from the Northeast and Midwest. This Negro National League is generally recognized as the first of the Negro Leagues, and it provided a spotlight on some of the best baseball players of the era.

From the beginning the league had many hardships. In addition to racism, Jim Crow laws, and tough economic conditions, most teams played in ballparks owned by white teams which were only available when the white team was out of town. Games were sometimes cancelled when a profitable exhibition against a white team became available. Wide disparity in the quality of teams exasperated financial woes and led to a number of team failures which, in turn, led to league failures. Despite the hardships, the decades between 1920 and 1950 always included at least one active league.

World War II led to an improvement in the economic situation of many African Americans, which in turn lead to a great improvement in the leagues. Similar to MLB, many teams lost players to the armed forces, but the leagues continued to put a quality product on the field. Teams became a linchpin for economic development in black communities. Games drew crowds of over 5,000 and black business men and women started to build their businesses around the game of baseball. They saw the chance to offer goods, services and entertainment to the players as they would come through town for games. Cities began to see hotels, restaurants, night clubs, barbershops and barrooms being created to cater to players and their crowds.

The integration of Major League Baseball that started in 1947 with Negro League alumnus Jackie Robinson led to a slow but irreversible gutting of talent of the Negro Leagues. Teams were not able to compete financially and did not want to stand in the way of African Americans playing in the Majors. Quality of play declined and finances suffered. Teams tried to stay relevant by signing white players as well as women, but it wasn’t enough and the last one folded in the 1960’s.

Many outstanding players started their playing careers in the Negro League and the Eugene Emeralds will be highlighting some of the players over the next week. Be sure to watch the Emeralds Facebook page as we learn more about founder Rube Foster, Josh Gibson, James Bell and Toni Stone. You can also visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum e-museum (http://www.nlbemuseum.com/ to find out more about the League and its players. Please join us as we tip our cap to honor the Negro Leagues in its centennial year.

Emeralds and Kendall to Host Be a Hero Drive

 

On Wednesday, August 19th the Eugene Emeralds and Kendall Toyota are inviting the Eugene/Springfield community to become superheroes through their Be a Hero Drive. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. community members will be able to donate blood, join the bone marrow registry and learn about organ donation. They will be joined by members from American Red Cross, Be the Match and Donate Life NW at Kendall Toyota of Eugene.

The American Red Cross Blood Mobile will be on site to collect blood donation. Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant. Additionally, the Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The Red Cross has added safety precautions to the drive to ensure the health and safety of all who attend. This will include a temperature screening, enhanced disinfecting of areas and social distancing wherever possible. They are also asking donors to sign up for a pre-scheduled appointment at redcrossblood.org/give, instead of walking in, as to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. All blood types are needed, and people who have never donated before are encouraged to donate. Donors must be 17 years old or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.

Seventy percent of blood cancer patients requiring a marrow transplant are waiting for a match through the Bone Marrow Registry. It is normally 1 in 300 of those who register will be matched with those in need. Be the Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, manages the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. They will be on site collecting volunteers to be listed as a potential blood stem cell donor, ready to save the life of any patient in need of a transplant through a quick cheek swab.

Another way members can Be a Hero is to register to be an organ donor through Donate Life NW. Of the almost 120,000 Americans waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, more than 3,000 live in the Pacific Northwest.

“This was an event we had planned for one of our games this summer,” said Anne Culhane, Director of Community Relations. “These are three amazing, lifesaving programs that rely on volunteers so we wanted to move forward with this drive.”

Individuals not feeling well or who are exhibiting any symptoms, which include fever, tiredness and dry cough should stay home. Donors will be asked to wear a mask while attending this event.

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to provide final opportunity for high school seniors to PLAY BALL

 

KEIZER, OR. — 108 High School seniors, representing 48 different schools from across the State of Oregon, will be converging on Volcanoes Stadium the weekend of July 31, August 1, and August 2 – to play baseball!

“One of the most cherished events in High School baseball is Senior Day at the field. It’s usually the last home game of the season and provides a final recognition for the Senior players and their parents who have supported their efforts for so many years,” said Mickey Walker, CEO for the Volcanoes. “Covid-19 destroyed this emotional opportunity, along with all High School games, this year. We wanted to do something for the Seniors and providing them an opportunity to take the field again seemed to be the Perfect scenario,” concluded Walker.

“We feel a special attachment to High School players as we have hosted the OSAA State Baseball Championships, Spring Break Baseball Tournaments and Futures Game for many years at Volcanoes Stadium,” said Jerry Howard, the Senior Market Representative for the Volcanoes. “This is an opportunity to bid them farewell in an appropriate manner.”

> Game schedule and rosters

The 108 players have been divided into 8 teams and each will play 2 games over the course of the weekend. Game times will be 4pm and 7pm on Friday, July 31. 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm on Saturday, August 1 and 11am and 2pm on Sunday, August 2nd.

Social distancing and Covid-19 protocols will be followed including limiting the number in attendance at each game.

Fans are encouraged to pre-purchase game tickets by going to: http://le1.glitnirticketing.com/leticket/web/ev_list.php

ROSTERS

Team Willie Mays Saturday 1:00 Sunday 11:00: Bruce Beyer Kennedy AJ Deardorff Molalla Damian Pingo Molalla Carson Donaldson Molalla Cooper Roberts Pendleton Derek Homer Hood River Sean Wilbur Burns Shane Curry Pleasant Hill Sam Baker Pleasant Hill Logan Francis Pleasant Hill Hayden Pierce Mt. View Conner Nipp Newberg Coach Kevin Moffatt Kennedy Coach Troy Donaldson Molalla

Team Buster Posey Saturday 1:00 Sunday 2:00: Ethan VanDelinder South Albany Caleb Hennessee Siuslaw Isacc DeLeon Jefferson Nathan Hagel Estacada Daniel Hunt Estacada Ian Lawson Century Brandon Struckman Century Cooper Koelbl Century Barry Sherill Century Cooper Hewett Century Clayton Hamrick Century Luke Miller Salem Academy

Team Joey Bart Saturday 4:00 Sunday 11:00: Alex Reid Aloha Brody Weitzel Aloha Diego Robison Aloha Drew Fritz Aloha Gryphn McGurll Aloha Kieran McCalpin Aloha Dylan Day Central Linn Tanner Reister Central Linn Lane Jeppsen Central Linn Dawson Evenson Clatskanie John Oleson Beaverton Chance Dalton North Eugene Coach Jason Fritz Aloha

Team Pablo Sandoval Friday 7:00 Saturday 4:00: Carson Moffett Clackamas Brody Upton Clackamas Tanner Drog Putnam Nick Geertsen Putnam KJ Ruffo Putnam John Irish Putnam Jackson Hald St. Helens Spencer Gore Lakeridge Owen Brown Lakeridge Brian Hamlin Lakeridge AJ Dix McMinnville Max Egli McMinnville Nick Cargni – Putnam Jordan Proudfoot – Putnam

Team Brandon Crawford Friday 4:00 Saturday 7:00: Ethan Jerome Reynolds Travis Jackson Estacada Jesse Hill Estacada Kaden Settle Estacada Jackson Nees Regis Noah Wierstra North Marion Hunter Wierstra North Marion Brady Hansen North Marion Ryan Olson North Marion Cole Runion Silverton Gage Mack Silverton Zach Gerhards Silverton Greyson Hanowell South Salem Coach Jeremiah Runyon Silverton Coach Chris Brown Cascade

Team Tim Lincecum Friday 7:00 Saturday 7:00: Kobe Dyer Santiam Riley Rothrock Santiam Ethan Patterson McNary Jamison Martin McNary Alex Tavera McNary Alex Simpson McNary Danny Okada McNary Ben Anicker Scappoose Matthew Wallin Scappoose Mason Deverna Newberg Kyler Erion Newberg Julius Scott South Salem Jackson Scott South Salem Coach Larry Keeker McNary Coach Cameron Webb Scappoose

Team Joe Nathan Saturday 10:00 Sunday 2:00: Alex Ramos Oakland Brody Hiner Philomath Brian McClelland Philomath Brandon Alexander West Linn Walker Fetters West Linn Jacob Chaney Reedsport Dallas McGill Reedsport Tyler Thornton Reedsport Jake Hoskins Liberty Kyle Perkins Liberty Avery Jensen South Salem Coach Ryan Raagas Liberty Coach Joe Monahan West Linn

Team Ryan Vogelsong Friday 4:00 Saturday 10:00: TJ Crawford St. Paul Bryce Campbell Regis Nick Cooper Milwaukie Greyson Pihas Horizon Christian Ricky Taylor Central Luke Johnston Amity Brody Roberts Amity Russell Brown Amity Dylan Nyseth Amity Gavin Parker Elmira Sam McCauley Baker Spencer Smith Baker Spencer Shirtcliff Baker Cole Kleckner Wilsonville Coach Kyle Baker Regis Coach Tim Smith Baker

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to continue tradition of honoring military 

 

SOLD OUT! SOLD OUT! SOLD OUT! KEIZER, OR — The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ long-standing tradition of “Thanking, Honoring and Saluting” members of the military is set for July 4, 2020.

This year’s event will be, as in prior years, held at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. Unlike each of the prior tributes, there will not be a Volcanoes baseball game held in conjunction with the evening. Due to COVID-19, the Patriotic Tribute will be a drive-in type of event in the stadium’s parking lot. It will still feature recognition of our military heroes, swearing-in of members to the armed services, a Fallen Warrior memorial and many tributes to those who have defended our country with multiple deployments.

The Volcanoes have become known throughout the region and country for their patriotic tributes. In 2019, the Volcanoes’ Jerry Howard won the National Charles K. Murphy Award for the best Patriotic Tribute in the Nation.

Drive-In 4**th** of July Protocol

Vehicle spaces are limited and separated by at least one parking stall width. Staff will direct parking – vehicle parking will be staggered to allow best visibility.

Taller Vehicles (Trucks, Vans, RV’s) that would limit site lines of lower vehicles will be parked towards the back of the parking lot to assure viewing for all

Event Rules: NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS

  • Maximum Parking Lot Speed 5 MPH
  • Vehicle must stay in assigned parking spot.
  • Unless needing to use restrooms or to visit concession stand, guests must stay within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
  • Encouraged to wear facemask if visiting restroom or concession stand. Minimum 6’ Social Distancing to be observed at all times.
  • Guests may not place any object outside of a vehicle that may obstruct the view of other guests
  • Headlights, parking lights, and interior lights must remain off while parked
  • No excessive noise allowed that would impair the hearing of other guest
  • Drugs, Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking or vaping of any substance is prohibited
  • Personal food and drink is allowed
  • Guests must take all trash with them
  • No exit and return to event is allowed
  • Sale of goods or services by guests is prohibited
  • Cooking, grilling, or other food preparation is prohibited
  • Pets not permitted (services animals allowed – but must remain inside vehicle)
  • Should this event be canceled for any reason – there are no refunds.

Failure to follow Event Rules or staff instructions will be cause for removal from event or police action.

Admission ticket is good for a passenger vehicle with up to eight (8) people. Additional ticket(s) need to be purchased for vehicles with more than 8 people.

Attendees voluntarily assumes all risks and dangers of personal injury as a result of attending the event.

Concession Stand Opens 6:00pm – Beer Sales end 9:15pm – Concessions Close 9:45pm

Menu: Hot Dogs $4. Hamburgers $5. Cheeseburgers $6. Nachos $4. Large Popcorn $5. Candy $2. Red Ropes $3. Canned pop or DASANI water $3. Canned or draft beer $6. Large $8.

Help our MiLB CommUNITY

 

The Eugene Emeralds are proud to be a part of the MiLB CommUNITY First Initiative for the month of May. This national initiative was developed in conjunction with Feeding America, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emeralds fans are encouraged to visit the CommUNITY First website through May 31st to help MiLB, and the participating teams, raise money for local food banks. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Emeralds as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Oregon Food Bank and FOOD for Lane County. By selected the Emeralds for the donation, you will ensure that the money will go to support local food banks. If a team is not selected, funds will go to the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund which is providing food assistance and supplies to communities most affected by the pandemic.

Ten dollars provides access to 30 meals to families and individuals in need. With school closures and rising unemployment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, FOOD for Lane County has seen a noticeable increase in the number of people seeking help with food for the first time. With the suspension of food rescue and food drives, the food supply for FOOD for Lane County has been drastically disrupted. The donations will go towards purchasing local food so they can offer a variety of food choices to the community.

Since April, the Emeralds front office has been volunteering with FOOD for Lane County once a week, stocking and creating produce bags for one of the four emergency mobile pantries the nonprofit has set up. By supporting the CommUNITY First Initiative, the Emeralds hope to help families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic by making sure they are fed and cared for during these uncertain times.

In addition, for every $10 donation, the Emeralds will donate one ticket to a home game for either the 2020 or 2021 season to a local hero of the pandemic. Fans are invited to join the national campaign by donating and selecting the Eugene Emeralds at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Season In Review | Ems Go Above And Beyond To Benefit Local Community

 

With another season of Emeralds baseball now officially in the rear-view mirror, we’re taking a look back at some of the special moments and memories created during the 2019 season. Today, we reflect on all the good that the Emeralds imparted throughout the Eugene/Springfield community.

Over the past decade, the Ems have made a concerted effort to ingrain the organization within the fabric of Eugene/Springfield through countless community efforts and initiatives. With almost too many donations, drives and events to keep track of, let’s go by the numbers to see exactly how the Emeralds made a positive impact in Lane County during the past season.

$7,451: Dollars raised to benefit local nonprofits through Good Karma Monday.

Good Karma Monday, presented by Yogi, is a weekly ticket promotion created in recent years with the goal of supporting local nonprofit organizations and initiatives. During every Good Karma Monday throughout the 2019 season, fans were able to purchase discounted box seat tickets ($10) with 50% of ticket sales directly benefitting a local nonprofit organization. All told, the Ems raised a combined $7,451 that together benefitted the Pearl Buck Center, Relief Nursery, A Family For Every Child, and Womenspace.

7: Community focus nights.

The Ems aim to use their influence to shine light on causes and efforts that are near and dear to the organization. During the 2019 season, a total of seven (7) different home games were used to highlight important (local) causes, efforts, and personalities: PRIDE, Climate Change, First Responders Appreciation, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), League Of Her Own (Lois Youngen – former AAGPBL Player), Suicide Prevention, and Military Appreciation.

5: Community events.

Even when there aren’t ballgames happening at PK Park, the Emeralds are often still playing their part in helping support the local community. All told, the Emeralds hosted five (5) separate non-gameday events during the 2019 season to support local nonprofits and organizations: American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Eugene Police’s National Night Out, Eugene Food Truck Fest benefitting Eugene Mission, Wham Bam Kendall Jam Car Show benefitting Relief Nursery, and the Boys and Girls Club‘s Field of Dreams.

$3,500: Dollars raised through specialty jersey sales during the 2019 season.

Every year, the Emeralds front office collaborates to design one-of-a-kind, specialty jerseys to be worn on a select night during the season. During each specialty jersey game, fans in attendance can bid on the game-worn jerseys via a silent auction, and the auction winners receive their jersey directly from the corresponding player immediately following the game.

Below, you can find the corresponding nonprofit beneficiary for each specialty jersey worn by the Ems this past season.

PRIDE – HIV Alliance

Climate Change – Our Children’s Trust

Star Wars – Children’s Miracle Network

Black Panther – Ems Community Fund

3: Collection drives hosted to benefit nonprofit organizations.

The Emeralds hosted three separate community collection drives during the past season: a book drive benefitting United Way, a cat/dog items drive benefitting Greenhill Humane Society, and a new socks/underwear drive benefitting Eugene Mission.

6,500: Tickets donated to local elementary school students and teachers through Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge, presented by Oregon Medical Group and Wildish.

Year after year, Sluggo and the Emeralds staff spend the spring visiting countless Lane County schools in an effort to encourage reading among children. Participating schools and teachers decide on a reasonable reading goal for their students’ respective reading levels. Once the individual goal is reached by a student, they automatically receive two free tickets to one of the Emeralds Reading Program Redemption games.

This year, the Emeralds hosted a total of eleven (11) Reading Program Nights with more than 6,500 total tickets donated to local elementary school students and teachers.

6: Monarcas games at PK Park this past season.

Starting in 2018, the Emeralds proudly joined “Copa de la Diversión,” or “Fun Cup,” a season-long event series specifically designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities. As such, the Emeralds created their own unique identity as Los Monarcas de Eugene, using the Monarch butterfly as a subtle and beautiful symbol for the migrant community. Every Sunday home game, the Emeralds transformed into los Monarcas by donning specially designed uniforms while also incorporating Latin-themed food, music, and decorations all throughout PK Park.

$6,850: Dollars raised through the 50/50 raffle for Eugene Little League and Boys & Girls Club.

25: Emeralds player outings and efforts within the community totaling more than 175 hours of volunteer work.

5: Days Emeralds players hosted baseball clinics during the season.

1: Guide dogs that the Emeralds helped train this season.

Last but not least, fans at PK Park likely noticed a new four-legged friend roaming the concourse during the 2019 season. Vegas, the Emeralds service dog in-training, joined the organization earlier this year under the direction of Anne Culhane, the team’s Director of Community Relations. Since his arrival, Vegas has been a (rapidly growing) staple at the Ems office and at PK Park, and thanks to Culhane’s guidance he’s also continued to take major steps towards his goal of one day becoming a service dog.

To learn more about The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs visit joydogs.org.

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

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Volcanoes to honor Sprague Little League Sept. 2

KEIZER – It seems only fitting as the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes get ready to start the South Division playoffs that the team is honoring the Sprague Little League team recently home from the 2019 Little League World Series.

This is a very special and important event for both the Volcanoes and the entire community,” said Mitche Graf, Volcanoes President. “It wasn’t all that long ago that professional baseball players were Little League athletes dreaming of getting drafted someday. Come to Volcanoes Stadium on September 2 and share this wonderful fabric of the journey in baseball. If there is one game you want to see before the Northwest League playoffs – this is it.”

https://www.milb.com/salem-keizer/tickets/single-game-tickets

Click above and enter “FAMILY” to get a $5 GA tickets. All kids 12 and under are FREE!

Don’t miss the fun as the Volcanoes honor Sprague Little League with special offers as they take on Eugene. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Emeralds To Host UnderAWARE Drive In Support Of Eugene Mission

Universally, socks and underwear are the most needed clothing item for emergency shelters across our nation but one of the least donated items. This month the Eugene Emeralds are hosting an UnderAWARE Drive to help provide the Eugene Mission with new underwear and socks for those they serve. From August 11th to the 22nd the Emeralds hope fans will bring in new socks and underwear for men, women and children.

Statistically, the Eugene Mission sees 700 people a day and allows them access to their free clothing rooms stocked with essential clothing. Over the last five months, they’ve distributed over 8,400 items, including over 1,000 pairs of underwear.

“Having a clean pair of underwear is something so simple we don’t really think much about it,” said Anne Culhane, Director of Community Relations. “It really is something that brings comfort and dignity to a person.”

Fans can drop their donations off at the Ticket Office or inside the ballpark at the Information Booth. To thank fans for their donations, the Emeralds will provide each donor with one coupon good for 20% off their next team store purchase.

“The Eugene Mission does amazing things for our community, we are just happy to be able to help them out with this collection drive,” said Culhane.

The Eugene Missions works to compassionately provide emergency services and long-time solutions to help our homeless neighbors transitioning back into the community with gainful employment, sustainable income and stable housing. The Emeralds hope fans will be able to help support the Eugene Mission.

Tickets to Emeralds home games are on sale now 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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Emeralds Set to Hit a Home Run in Reading

The Eugene Emeralds are excited to announce they are once again partnering with Oregon Medical Group and Wildish for Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge. Starting this week, the program is designed to motivate students to become better readers by completing reading assignments to earn free Ems tickets!

Last year, 56 schools signed up for the Reading Challenge and a record 11,528 completed the program. “The growth of the Reading Program over the 10 years here at PK Park has been incredible,” said Ems Assistant General Manager Matt Dompe. “It is one of our biggest community outreach programs year after year, and it’s a great way to kick off the Emeralds season with games filled with kids that completed the reading challenge.”

For 2019, the new and improved Reading Challenge assembly will take on a Super Hero theme as Sluggo travels faster than a speeding green bear all over Lane County to spread the joy of reading. At the end of the assembly, teachers will give their students a 10-task reading goal, which students will track with a Sluggo-themed bookmark.

Students who complete their bookmarks receive two free tickets to a Eugene Emeralds baseball game this summer. In addition to the tickets, students will be invited to go down onto the field at PK Park and have a chance to meet some of the 2019 Emeralds players!

“We are committed to helping build healthier communities, and the connection between literacy and health is strong. Oregon Medical Group is excited to once again be part of Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge. It motivates kids to read, and it gets them out to a ballgame – that’s a pretty healthy combination.” says Josh Cox, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

The Emeralds and OMG will be updating the progress of Sluggo’s Home Run Reading Challenge through social media posts all spring so be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hillsboro Hops Contribute $300,000 to Fund State-Of-The-Art Turf Field for Boys Baseball & Girls Softball

July 3, 2017; Hillsboro, OR, USA; Hillsboro Hops vs Everett Aquasox at Ron Tonkin Field. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Hillsboro Hops (Craig Mitchelldyer, Craig Mitchelldyer/Hillsboro Hops)

The Hillsboro Hops @Hillsborohops announced a major gift of $300,000 to the Hillsboro School District that will fund a new state-of-the-art Hillsboro Hops Youth Field. The Hillsboro Hops Youth Field will be used for boys baseball and girls softball and is part of Glencoe High School’s new multi-use turf field funded by the Hillsboro Bond.

There was a groundbreaking ceremony this morning with dignitaries including Mike McMurray (Chairman & Co-Owner, Hillsboro Hops), K.L. Wombacher (President & General Manager, Hillsboro Hops), Mike Scott (Superintendent, Hillsboro School District), Rian Petrick (Director of Extracurricular Programs & Community Outreach, Hillsboro School District), Steve Callaway (Hillsboro Mayor) and Jerry Willey (Washington County Commissioner-elect) to officially commence the construction of the field, which will be made of FieldTurf.

“We are excited about this collaboration with the Hillsboro School District to develop a high-quality year-round youth field,” said Hillsboro Hops President & GM KL Wombacher. “Over the last three years, youth baseball has seen an average yearly growth of 14.3%, which is exciting. Softball participation is also growing. To accommodate this growth and inspire more kids to play in the future locally, we need more fields, especially high-quality fields. We are very motivated to help accomplish that and expect this field to be a great starting point.”

“The Hillsboro Hops and Hillsboro School District share common goals with this collaboration,” Hillsboro School District Superintendent Mike Scott stated. “It’s about supporting our youth and helping them develop and grow, not just in sports, but in life. It’s about connecting them with teammates, caring adults, and their community to foster their future success. The Hillsboro Hops Youth Field provides the foundation for those goals.”

The field is expected to be completed by late August or early September 2018.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Local Pro Sports Teams Combining Efforts on Disaster Relief and Recovery in Oregon and Around the Country

PORTLAND, Ore. (September 5, 2017) – With disaster response and relief efforts happening in their own communities and across the country, the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), Portland Thorns FC (NWSL), Portland Winterhawks (Western Hockey League) and Hillsboro Hops (Northwest League) will band together to raise much-needed funds and blood donations to channel through the American Red Cross. This is the first joint-philanthropic initiative among the five local professional franchises focusing on a specific cause – to bring aid to victims of Oregon’s wildfires; Hurricane Harvey in Texas; and the potential impact of Hurricane Irma in Florida.

“The destruction we’ve seen from the Oregon wildfires and Hurricane Harvey is heartbreaking,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “The journey to recovery will be a long one for all impacted areas. The professional sports community here in Portland is rallying our respective fan bases, employees and partners to contribute resources to assist in the effort where it’s needed most.”

“Our hearts go out to the families and individuals affected by the devastating fires in Oregon and the communities in Southeast Texas as they begin the process to rebuild and heal,” said Mike Golub, President of Business for the Timbers and Thorns FC. “By working together with our local partners, we are able to maximize our collective impact in support of the communities affected by the devastation caused by these disasters.”

The first steps taken will be to hold individual blood drives starting tomorrow, with each team hosting its own specially-designated day at the headquarters for the Portland American Red Cross, located at 3131 North Vancouver Avenue. The need for blood is constant and the American Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to hospitals in the nation.

Fundraising efforts by each team will take place in the coming weeks and months at select home games and events to be announced soon. The Timbers, Thorns FC and Hops seasons are currently underway, with the Winterhawks and Trail Blazers beginning their 2017-18 seasons soon. Additional information will be posted on each team’s website and through their social media channels.

“We’re pleased to be involved with the team effort to raise funds and support the relief efforts locally and nationally,” said K.L. Wombacher, President and General Manager of the Hillsboro Hops. “Having two players on our roster that we care deeply about being from the Houston area, Hurricane Harvey hits home for us. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost so much over the last week. We hope to do everything we can to help them get their lives back.”

“Between the forest fires threatening the Northwest and the hurricanes causing catastrophic damage on the Gulf Coast, the resources of the American Red Cross are being stretched to the limits,” said Doug Piper, President of the Portland Winterhawks. “We are proud to stand with the Portland sports community and bring aid to those who so desperately need it.”

Red Cross blood donations can be conveniently scheduled online at www.redcrossblood.org for any of their blood drive locations throughout the region; or through the mobile app by texting BLOODAPP to 90999. Here is the schedule of upcoming blood drives hosted by each Portland-area pro sports team (**Note: Donors should use visitor parking for their vehicles, or dial (503) 528-5800 for parking guidance if visitor spaces are full):

• Wednesday, September 6 – Hillsboro Hops; 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Thursday, September 7 – Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC; 80 appointment slots from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Friday, September 8 – Portland Winterhawks; 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 9 – Portland Trail Blazers; 100 appointment slots from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

For financial donations, text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Donors must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates may apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full Terms and Privacy Policy: hmgf.org/t.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook at RedCrossCascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and find us on Instagram at @RedCrossCascades. ###

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Volcanoes Celebrate Cancer Awareness Weekend

KEIZER, Ore. – The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes kick started the team’s 16th annual Cancer Awareness Weekend on August 4 when they continued their four-game series against the Everett AquaSox at 6:35 p.m. at Volcanoes Stadium.

The Volcanoes held a pregame ceremony where several cancer survivors met the Volcanoes starters along the first base line and formed a semi-circle behind the pitcher’s mound.

Once everyone gathered around the bump, Dr. Bud Pierce of Hematology Oncology of Salem spoke on the field about the evening’s festivities and the state of cancer research.

On Thursday, Pierce, a founder of Cancer Awareness Weekend, said the partnership with the Volcanoes to establish the event has been quite beneficial for the Salem-Keizer community.

“Lisa [Walker] was a patient of ours and was the driver for this idea, and I thought it was a great idea so we partnered. … We together have created a special event for the Volcanoes, our community and our patients with their families,” Pierce said.

The Volcanoes will continue to celebrate and honor cancer survivors as well as those lives that were lost to the disease when the Volcanoes play the AquaSox this evening at 6:35 p.m. and tomorrow evening at 5:05 p.m.

At the conclusion of the fifth inning, everyone in attendance will to hold up “We Remember” cards, if they so choose, with a name or names of someone or multiple individuals who have been touched by cancer written on them.

Pierce said the goal of this weekend is to unite the community and celebrate life.

“It’s really about coming together and spending time together. Cancer is a fearsome disease in our time … and somehow stepping away from that intensity and coming together around the great American pastime just not only makes it more bearable, [but it also] makes life better.”

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hops become first Anchor Sponsor for HSD

March 10, 2017, Hillsboro, OR -The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and Hillsboro School District (HSD) announced a new partnership today where the Hops will help fund athletics and activities at HSD’s four high schools: Century, Glencoe, Hilhi, and Liberty, through an Anchor Sponsor arrangement. The District will offer five Anchor Sponsor spots for local businesses who want to make a difference in the lives of students by providing them greater access to extracurricular athletics and activities.

There are approximately 3,500 students participating in athletics and activities at the four high schools. Recent budget cuts have made it a challenge for the high schools fully support these students in their extracurricular endeavors, and to expand offerings to other students.

“The Hillsboro School District is so grateful for our generous community partners, and in particular the Hillsboro Hops,” said Rian Petrick, director of extracurricular programming and community outreach. “Through their willingness to partner as an Anchor Sponsor, the Hops will generate $24,000 toward extracurricular activities in our district during the 2017-18 school year. Research shows that students who participate in athletics and activities for multiple years in high school achieve graduation rates exceeding 95%. This partnership will help us stabilize existing programs and expand opportunities to enhance student engagement with the goal of improving graduation rates.”

Petrick goes on to explain that a district committee composed of various school-based personnel will oversee the distribution of funds based on general budget information and data analysis.

Hops chairman Mike McMurray adds: “The ownership of the Hillsboro Hops is proud to partner with the Hillsboro School District to provide opportunities for a well-rounded educational experience to local students. The Hops’ president KL Wombacher has made support of school athletics a key element of the team’s operation from day one, and this is an important manifestation of that commitment to our community.”

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Missing Children Featured on Volcanoes Stadium Signs Found

KEIZER, Ore — The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Short Season-A Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce that all four children featured on the Missing Children Signs displayed at Volcanoes Stadium this past summer have been safely located and found.

In partnering with the BairFind Foundation, the Volcanoes featured Miranda Acosta, Lillian Lange, Valerie Miller, and Nakira Scott throughout Volcanoes Stadium during the 2016 season on BairFoundation Missing Children signs.

The BairFind Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing children confirmed in August that Miranda, Lillian, and Valerie had been located and just recently that Nakira had been found on November 21 in Portland, Oregon.

The Foundation would like to point out that the number one proven method to finding missing children is to have as many eyes as possible looking. If you or someone you know has any information on the whereabouts of a missing child, please call 1-800-THE-LOST.

The Volcanoes plan to continue their very successful partnership with the BairFoundation in 2017. “Whatever role we can play in helping reunite children with the families is very important to us,” said Volcanoes’ President of Business Operations Luke Emanuel. “We’re delighted with the success and look forward to providing assistance, as needed, in the future.”

The Volcanoes Stadium Box Office and Team Store are both open year-round on all business days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information regarding 2017 ticketing packages, and additional requests, call the Volcanoes Stadium Box Office at 503-390-2225 or visit volcanoesbaseball.com

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Hillsboro Hops and Barley Lead Anti-Bullying Campaign at Local Schools

“Strike Out Bullying” All-Stars to be Honored at Hops Home Games this Summer

Hillsboro, OR (March 27, 2014) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and their mascot Barley (@BarleytheHop) are leading an anti-bullying campaign in Hillsboro schools the team announced today. The program, titled, “Strike Out Bullying” with the tag line “I stand with Barley against Bullying” will launch this spring.

Currently there are 10 Hillsboro schools totaling over 5,000 students that have signed up to host anti-bullying assemblies with Barley. All students participating in the assemblies will receive a free ticket to a Hops game and a bumper sticker that says, “I Stand with Barley Against Bullying”.

The Hillsboro Hops will hold four anti-bullying games this summer (6/23, 7/14, 7/29, 8/20) and students participating in the “Strike Out Bullying” campaign will receive free tickets to one of the four games.

All students will have a chance to nominate an “All-Star” student – fellow students who stand up to a bully or perform an act of kindness. The Hops will collect “All-Star” nominations for each grade and will honor the recipients on the field at a Hops home game this season.

To register your school for a “Strike Out Bullying” campaign with Barley, call the Hillsboro Hops office at 503-640-0887 or email Ariel Wagner at arielw@hillsborohops.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hillsboro Hops. Click here to view the original story.