Get ready for the Salem Marion Berries this summer at Willamette University’s John Lewis Field at Spec Keene Stadium. The Oregon-based ball club will be the 17th member of the summer collegiate West Coast League.
The name comes from the marionberry that was developed nearby in 1956. It was the result of cross-breeding between the Chehalem and Olallie blackberries. It hails exclusively from Oregon and earned its name after its namesake Marion County. Oregon produces 28 to 33 million pounds of marionberries annually and is the most common blackberry in the state.
The logo features two ripe, purple marionberries sitting on a crate, one grinning wearing sunglasses and a backward cap with the letter “B” on it. Pat Zajac, the team’s general manager, told the Salem Reporter that they have an “avenue to have some fun and play off the mascot that they created with the logo.
“Marionberries themselves kind of go through a changing of colors when they get ripe, from green to red, to that deep purple. Like, do we want to have two or three mascots? One of each of those shades to create a little berry family?”
The team branding will focus on the distinct marionberry. Team management has taken suggestions for concession items featuring the berry that will also include marionberry pie and themed drinks. Zajac added that the team will take input from fans for suggestions on jerseys, entertainment, and fun food ideas. I have a few suggestions of my own.
Marionberry barbecue sauce for chicken fingers
Purple colored ketchup
Marionberry and bacon jam topping for a burger
Marionberry milkshakes
Fried marionberry pies
Pie eating contests
Team jerseys that ripple like marionberry: monochrome green, red, and deep purple sets throughout the summer.
Staff tosses out purple-colored balls to fans
Nicknames for the ballpark: “The Berry Patch” or “The Berry Bowl”
The Berries ballpark, built in 1989, has planned improvements that include installing synthetic turf, new field lights, an altered entryway, and field netting. Zajac added that there will be concrete poured in certain areas to create new concession stands and hospitality areas. The upgrades will be paid for with support from a $3 million state grant to money contributed by the university and Salem Baseball LLC.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
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