Mavericks Independent Baseball League set to debut this May

 

Salem-Keizer, Oregon - 

There will be baseball this year at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer after all, thanks to the formation of the brand-new Mavericks Independent Baseball League.

The league, comprised of four non-affiliated teams, will take the place of the short-season Northwest League, which moved up to the High-A West designation for 2021, following the expiration of the long-standing agreement between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball, which expired following the conclusion of the 2020 baseball season.

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes will spearhead the new league, which will also include the rebirth of the iconic independent franchise known as the Portland Mavericks, along with the reborn Salem Senators and the Campesinos de Salem-Keizer.

The Volcanoes, members of the short-A Northwest League from 1997 to 2020 as affiliates of the San Francisco Giants, won 7 division titles and 5 league championships. Of the 112 players who passed through Salem-Keizer on their way to the major leagues, were such familiar names as Buster Posey, Tim Lincecum, Pablo Sandoval, Brandon Crawford, Joe Nathan, Joe Panik, Sergio Romo and Ryan Vogelsong. The Volcanoes, helmed by Jerry, Lisa and Mickey Walker, were named America's best short-season A club in 2001, 2007's National Team of The Year and saw 2017's "Eclipse Game" as that season's best promotion. The Volcanoes held first place for four straight seasons, 2006 to 2009 and set league winning percentage records in 2006, then besting that mark in 2007. The July 4th, 2006 Patriotic Tribute game attracted the largest crown in Salem-Keizer sporting history, at 5,627.

The iconic Portland Mavericks played in the Northwest League from 1973 to 1977, playing for the league title each year from 1975 to 1977. The team, featured in the highly successful documentary "The Battered Bastards of Baseball," were owned by longtime Hollywood character actor Bing Russell. Among the players who donned the red uniforms of the Mavs, were Bing's son and Hollywood mega-star Kurt Russell, Reggie Thomas, player-manager Frank "The Flake" Peters, Dick Rusteck, Rob Nelson and former Yankee Jim Bouton, who returned to the big leagues after his stint in Portland. And batboy Todd Field went on to become a three-time Academy Award nominated writer and director.

The Salem Senators first took the field in 1940, playing in Waters Field and attracted a crowd of 4,865 to their very first game. The Sens, later rebranded as the Dodgers and then again as the Angels, played in Class A, Class B, the Northwest League and Western International League. Making the way into Salem were such names as Bobby Cox, Mike Piazza, Kirk McCaskill, Dante Bichette, Jack Howell, Ray Chadwick and Joe Maddon. Salem professional baseball was also played at Holland Youth Park and Chemeketa Community College.

Also joining the new Mavericks Independent League this season, will be the Campesinos de Salem-Keizer. The Campesinos, featured during 2019's "Copa de la Diversion" or "Fun Cup" initiative in minor league baseball. The name Campesinos pays tribute to the efforts of farm workers that helped establish the state of Oregon as one of the leading agricultural regions in the United States.

The Volcanoes, along with the other three teams, will call Volcanoes Stadium home for 2021, with each team playing a 48 game schedule, for a league total of 96 games. Single games will be played on Thursday and Friday evenings at 6:35pm, with classic day/night doubleheaders making a return Saturdays and Sundays at 1:05pm and 6:35pm. Regular season play is set to begin on May 13th.

For ticket packages, call the Volcanoes at 503-390-2225 or email mavericksleague2021@gmail.com. Those seeking business opportunities, such as advertising, or sponsorship of a team or player, can contact Mickey Walker at 503-779-3389 or email m.walker@volcanoes.com. Players who wish to be considered for a spot in the league, may inquire at mavericksleague2021@gmail.com.