Marionberry Magic: Salem's New Summer Baseball Team Brings Fruity Flair to the Field

Salem, Oregon is set to welcome a new summer collegiate baseball team, the Marion Berries, to its sports landscape. The team will make its debut at Willamette University's baseball field, bordering the picturesque Bush's Pasture Park, in June 2025. The Marion Berries' arrival promises to infuse the city with a delightful blend of America's pastime and the region's renowned marionberry heritage.

Bringing Berries and Baseball Together in the Willamette Valley

A Unique Team Name and Mascot

The Marion Berries' name was a natural choice, reflecting the team's connection to Marion County, where the beloved marionberry was developed. The team's general manager, Pat Zajac, noted that the berry's versatility as a marketing tool made it an ideal fit for the new franchise. Other options, such as the Salemanders and Lumberjacks, simply didn't have the same appeal as the Marion Berries.The team's logo features two ripe, purple marionberries sitting in a crate, with one grinning and wearing a baseball cap. Zajac is excited about the potential to have fun with the mascot, exploring ideas like a "berry family" with different-colored mascots representing the various stages of the fruit's ripening process.

Renovating the Ballpark for a Memorable Experience

The Marion Berries will call Willamette University's John Lewis Field their home, and the facility is set to undergo a significant renovation starting in late November. Upgrades will include new turf, lighting, and the addition of modern amenities such as concession stands and hospitality areas. Zajac envisions the ballpark becoming a premier destination for the West Coast League, providing a great experience for both players and fans.The renovation project has garnered support from the Salem-Keizer School District and local nonprofit leaders, who see the potential for the upgraded field to be used year-round for youth sports. However, the plans have also faced some opposition from neighbors concerned about parking, noise, and the potential impact on the character of Bush's Pasture Park.

Engaging the Community and Embracing the Marionberry

The Marion Berries are eager to engage with the community and incorporate the marionberry into the team's identity. Zajac has called for ideas from the public on team jerseys, food, entertainment, and anything else related to the beloved fruit.Fans can expect to find plenty of marionberry-themed offerings at the ballpark, including pies and specialty drinks. The team is also seeking mascot ideas, and Zajac encourages anyone interested in becoming a mascot to reach out directly.The Marion Berries' debut season is set to coincide with the height of the marionberry season, when families across the region will be busy filling crates with the juicy berries to make jams and other local delicacies. This timing promises to create a unique and celebratory atmosphere around the team's inaugural games.As the Marion Berries prepare to take the field, the city of Salem and the surrounding Willamette Valley eagerly await the arrival of this new summer collegiate baseball team that promises to blend the region's rich agricultural heritage with the excitement of America's favorite pastime.