What’s the next big dill in town? It’s the Portland Pickles baseball team, of course, and we heard all about it from Pickles President/CEO Ken Wilson.
The team is part of the Great West League that features some of the best college players in the country. The Pickles will play a 33-game season with home games at renovated Walker Stadium, which is located in Lents Park. “It’s run just like a minor league ball club,” Wilson said. “We got the best college players and took a 1950’s ball park that was really run down and now is in beautiful shape.” (Game Schedule)
Wilson invested some $400,000 in the 1,577 capacity Walker Stadium, then sold half the team to help pay for it. “Now we’re still $135,000 in the hole with no way to pay for it so we’re hoping for a successful season,” he added. Wilson, who is also president of the Great West League, emphasized that this is not only an opportunity for the whole family to see good baseball, but more importantly to just have fun without having to spend a lot of money. The Pickles have an energetic mascot and numerous promotions planned. The club also offers groups the opportunity to raise money through joint ticket sales. Saying he is fortunate to have been involved with sports his entire life and is “one of the luckiest guys ever,” Wilson recounted his experience as a big league baseball and hockey broadcaster. He worked alongside the legendary Dave Niehaus with the Mariners starting in 1977 and has also called games for the White Sox, Reds, Cardinals, Angels and A’s. He was also the TV voice of the Chicago Black Hawks and St. Louis Blues. Visit their website at: Pickles
