Portland Pickles ‘brine competition’ starting with season opener

INCLUDES PICKLES PARTY VIDEO | It’s a short season, so you don’t have many opportunities to see your trophy-winning Portland Pickles play home games in the Lents neighborhood. And here’s why you should get your tickets to see your ‘home team’ in action, at Walker Stadium, before they sell out …

Coming into Charles Walker Stadium to see the season opener of the Portland Pickles is fan Kevin Landers who poses for photos with team mascot, Dillon – the 7-foot tall “pickle with a big personality”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It’s true, East Portland News coverage of sports is slight. That is, with the exception to our local outer East Portland baseball team. It’s been our distinct pleasure to report on every season opening game of the Portland Pickles, who continue to draw crowds to see them play in Lents Park’s Charles Walker Stadium.

>> To read our article about their inaugural game a decade ago, CLICK HERE.

This year was no exception; we were there on June 3, as Walker Stadium was filling quickly for the first home game of the West Coast League Portland Pickles, starting off this year, against the Corvallis Knights.

Here’s the man who whips up local fans, Pickles Public Address Announcer Joe Simons.

“This is a special ‘season opener’ because it’s the 10th anniversary of the Portland Pickles, which is pretty special in its own right,” Public Address Announcer Joe Simons told East Portland News.

In our video, see highlights of the season opener of the Portland Pickles:

“But also, it’s also the unveiling of the 2024 championship banner,” Simons proclaimed. “And, we did this last year, playing against the team that won seven consecutive titles before the Pickles unseated them last year – which gives this victory some ‘extra juice’ you might say!

“Also tonight, we’re having our ‘ring ceremony’ – presenting a trophy ring to our champs – as well as unveiling the banner,” informed Simons.

Securing their place on top of the South Berm are fans Celene Mo and Colby Seyferth.

Getting their food and beverages, fans stop at the concession booths on the way to their seats.

As the “Ring Ceremony” concludes, Dillon shows off his giant size championship ring.

Many fans were lining up for beverages, burgers and brats; others were finding their reserved seats – or were securing their place on the berms and picnic tables.

“We’ve got a lot of ‘big kids’ that can hit the ball for a long way; as well as guys on the mound that can pitch the ball hard and fast,” Simons observed.

After his wind-up, it’s a fast pitch from Portland Pickles Ethan Thomas against the Corvallis Knights.

Infielder Kace Naone clubs the ball, good for a base hit!

That evening, the Portland Pickles won their opener by a score of 4 to 3 over the Corvallis Knights. The following evening they shut out the Knights, 5-0; and then, on June 5 they trounced the Corvallis team with a staggering shutout of 14-0.

It wasn’t so easy when the Pickles took on the Marion Berries on June 6, but the Briney Bunch won, with a score of two runs to one over the Berries.

Their strong season continues with the Pickles winning 18 of their first 20 games played so far.

Lots of entertainment, plus a baseball game
Each of their home games has a different entertainment theme. It’s been said when you go see the Portland Pickles, it’s a party – at which a baseball game takes place.

For example, on July 2nd you’ll enjoy “Pickles Magic Night”, presenting mind-blowing magic of All American Magic Theater. On July 16, it’s “Weiner Night, Celebrating National Hot Dog Day”. And, on August 1st, it’s “‘Bigfoot is Real and We Can Prove it’ Night”.

Additionally, at each game, there’s the “Hop-Scotch Pickle Juice Drinking Contest”, and other games between innings.

As the sun sets, this crowd settles in to watch their Portland Pickles win another game.

Their regular season ends on August 7!
So, don’t put off being part of what they call the “biggest party in town, where everyone’s invited”. For more information, or to get tickets online at the official website: CLICK HERE.

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