INCLUDES PICKLES VIDEO | Yes, the Portland Pickles are once again playing in Lents Park this summer. Check out why you’ll find more than just a great sporting event when you go for a game. They’re playing sizzling hot home games through July 8 …
Because many of these fans have purchased their tickets online, these game-goers will pass right through the gate and into Walker Stadium, to watch the Portland Pickles take on the Ridgefield Raptors – while they party on.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Who needs to “hop” clear across town for live summertime baseball, when outer East Portland’s own team provides a fun evening of sports?
For the ninth season, the Portland Pickles baseball is rocking Charles Walker Stadium, in the Lents neighborhood.
After arriving early to be first in line, it’s the Velazquez family from Gresham – being welcomed by team mascot Dillon T. Pickle.
“As always, we’re offering our guests a very good ‘fan experience’ by having a lot of fun at the ballpark – which includes watching the Portland Pickles play other strong teams in their league,” team co-owner John Ryan told East Portland News on opening day, May 31.
Ready for another great season, here is Portland Pickles co-owner John Ryan.
“It’s like people come here for the party – and stay for the baseball,” Ryan observed. “Every game, there’s a different party theme; as you know we have a ton of promotions – almost one every time we’re playing here at Walker Stadium.”
What’s it like to attend a Portland Pickles game? Take a look, right here:
As is typical at their home games, a line outside the stadium was extending north for the length of the ballpark – almost to SE Holgate Boulevard – folks waiting to be admitted into the stadium.
Before the game starts, toasting with brews, on the berm, are fans Tatum Lohman and Matt Jacobson.
It’s Jacque Madruga, serving up another slice of Portland Pickle Party Pizza made and offered exclusively by Atlas Pizza on Foster Road. (If you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it!)
Once inside the stadium, many patrons lined up for souvenirs at their merchandise booth, others for beer, and yet others for slices of Atlas Pizza’s “Pickle Pizza” – which is surprisingly delicious!
Due to the constraints of the urban ballpark, the layout for the games is pretty similar to what it has been for years, Ryan said.
Many new picnic tables have been added this season for those who’d prefer it to seating on the berm.
“Although one thing that is new is that around the outfield we have a lot more picnic tables to accommodate families and parties,” he informed. “The outfield has become a high priority area for fans – they want more seating!
Pickles outfielder Tony Otis slides in to home base, scoring another run for the team.
Infielder Chipper Beck trots to first base, to load up the bases for the Pickles.
“While it’s ‘the best party in town’, there’s still a really good, high-quality baseball game going on in the background,” Ryan pointed out. “Again, both our team and the visiting teams here have top-quality athletes who take the game seriously, and give it all they’ve got!”
In their opening stand of the new season, the Portland Pickles surged ahead with four wins and no losses.
Subsequently, so far this season they’ve come in with 14 wins and 7 losses. “We are expecting to go to the championship this year,” predicted Ryan. “We have a really, really good team this year; come support your local Pickles and cheer them on!”
As the sun descends towards the horizon in the west, the party – and the baseball game – are underway.
They’re partying all week, July 2nd through July 8!
“For the first week of July we are throwing a rager at Walker Stadium every day of the week,” Ryan noted. “The weather is fantastic, we have beer bats waiting for you, so let’s play the greatest sport in the world,” he enthused. Most notably …
Independence Day Extravaganza Double Header
Thursday, July 4th
Happy Birthday America! The best way we’ve found to celebrate are ‘Double Headers” at Walker Stadium! Come get your fill of hotdogs, home runs, and crazy mascot antics hosted by America’s favorite mascot, Dillon T. Pickle! Bring your family, friends, neighbors, grandparents, co-workers, besties… you get the picture. It’s the 4th of July featuring a special laser show at the end of the night. Games at 3:30 PM and 7:05 PM.
And, for information about their entire season, including how to see Portland Pickles games streamed live on YouTube – see their official website: CLICK HERE.
© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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