Marion Berries Are Newest Semi-Pro Team in Salem
Salem is about to add another semi-pro team to the fold when the Marion Berries make their debut next summer.
The Marion Berries are the latest expansion team for the West Coast League (WCL), a summer collegiate wooden-bat league with teams based in Oregon, Washington and Canada.
They are the 17th team to join the league, forming a natural rivalry with the Portland Pickles, Corvallis Knights and Springfield Drifters.
“We wanted to create a deep connection to Salem and the community we serve,” Owner and President of the Marion Berries Luke Emanuel said in a press release. “That started with step one: the team’s name and logo. We believe we’ve created something that is true to Salem and true to this county.”
The team will play their home games at Spec Keene Stadium at Bush’s Pasture Park, home of the Willamette University baseball team. Located in the heart of downtown Salem and partnering with Willamette, the team will be able to give opportunities to players with local ties to the community.
“Like the Willamette Valley is for marionberries, our partnership with Willamette University and the renovation of Willamette’s ballpark will create the perfect conditions for top collegiate student-athletes from around the country to come grow and thrive as baseball players and young men,” Emanuel said. “We will offer a high caliber of play and a high level of entertainment for our community.”
The name of the ball club coincides with the unique tie between the Willamette Valley and Marion Berries. They were first developed and grown in Marion County in 1956 and continue being a key part of the berry market in the state.
“This is a community that is authentic and true to who they are,” General Manager Pat Zajac said. “We wanted to have a team name and brand that stayed true to the region, while also evoking that fun and excitement of summer baseball that is so unique to the sport. Having something that’s just plain cool is an added bonus.”
The team has created a logo, which features an “Oregon farmstand” concept with deep purple and red hues of color with the marionberries having a juicy and standalone look.
The team is looking for fan input on future decisions including food options, design ideas, entertainment, etc.
“We need the fans’ input to bring this team to life,” Zajac said. “We need jersey ideas, entertainment ideas, fun food ideas, you name it. We want to hear from you. And yes, there will be plenty of marionberry pie and marionberry themed drinks at the ballpark.”
Fans can begin putting down a deposit for season tickets for all 27 home games. The deposit is fully refundable.
“When you think of Salem and you think of the Willamette Valley, you think of those summer traditions like going berry picking at a local farm with your family,” Zajac said. “We’ve got the best berries you’ll find anywhere in our backyard. Let’s celebrate that.”