Portland Pickles

Portland Pickles

Logo
Information
LeagueWest Coast League (2018–present)
LocationPortland, Oregon
BallparkCharles B. Walker Stadium at Lents Park
Founded2015
NicknamePicks
League championships1 (2024)
Division championships2 (2024, 2025)
Former league(s)Great West League (2016–2017)
Wild Wild West League (2020)
ColorsNavy Blue, Green and White
     
MascotDillon T. Pickle
OwnershipCOLLiDE Sport
General managerCourtney Schmidt
ManagerMark Magdaleno
Websitewww.portlandpicklesbaseball.com

The Portland Pickles are a collegiate summer baseball wooden bat team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the South Division of the West Coast League, a premier collegiate summer baseball league based in the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and Alberta. The Pickles play their home games at Walker Stadium in Portland's Lents Park.

History

Team founding and naming (2015)

Original logo (2015–2023)

In 2010, the Portland Beavers minor league baseball club left Portland, leaving the city without a team.[1] On March 11, 2015, it was announced that baseball would return to Portland with the establishment of a new collegiate wood-bat team. The as-yet-unnamed team would be owned and operated by Rose City Baseball LLC, in partnership with the city of Portland, and would play its games at Charles B. Walker Stadium in Lents Park.[2]

On April 21, 2015, team officials announced the team's name at Woodstock Elementary School in Southeast Portland. The name was selected by online voting from six candidates. In order of vote, Pickles was followed by Mud Hounds, Red Dogs, Posse, Pliers, and Pixels.[3] In August, J.J. Altobelli was named as the team's first manager.[4] The team introduced its mascot, Dillon the pickle, in October.[5]

Great West League (2015–2017)

The Pickles were charter members of the Great West League, having been founded by GWL commissioner Ken Wilson.[6] The Pickles (claimed to have) played before 16 sell-outs and to 99% of capacity in their inaugural 2016 season (announced figures).

On April 5, 2017, it was announced that Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan and marketing entrepreneur Alan Miller would become part of the Pickles ownership group, along with members from Rose City Baseball LLC.[7] Former Major League Baseball pitcher and Oregon-native Jeff Lahti took over the managerial role for the 2017 season,[8] leading the Pickles to their first playoff berth.[9] They were eliminated from the Great West League playoffs by the Medford Rogues in the semifinals.[10]

West Coast League (2018–2019)

On October 24, 2017, the Pickles announced that they were leaving the GWL and joining the West Coast League.[11][12] Prior to the 2018 season, Gresham GreyWolves head coach Justin Barchus replaced Lahti as manager.[13]

The Pickles won the South Division in the first half of the season with a 17–9 record, securing them a playoff spot in their first year.[14] Portland went on to claim the best record in the WCL by going 37–17 overall, but could not get past the Corvallis Knights in the first round of playoffs.[15] Justin Barchus went on to win WCL Coach of the Year along with Kelowna Falcons manager Bryan Donohue.[16]

In February 2019, Miller and Ryan took over full ownership of the team.[17] On May 15, the Pickles announced a two-year partnership with CBD company Lazarus Naturals, the first of its kind in baseball history. Lazarus Naturals sponsored a concert series at the stadium and provided luxury box seating for selected veterans.[18]

In December, it was announced that Rose City Baseball would operate a farm team called the Portland Gherkins for the 2020 season. The Gherkins would play games against the Pickles, WCL opponents, and other independent teams.[19]

Wild Wild West League (2020)

Portland Pickles banner at Walker Stadium, Lents Park, 2020

On June 5, 2020, the West Coast League board of directors voted to cancel the 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic.[20] The Pickles organization founded the Wild Wild West League in response, playing in Bob Brack Stadium at North Marion High School in Aurora, Oregon.[21] The league consisted of four teams: the Pickles, Portland Gherkins, Gresham GreyWolves, and West Linn Knights.[22]

A limited number of fans were permitted to attend, and games were broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.[23] Games ran from July to August.[24] The West Linn Knights beat the Pickles in the championship series.[21]

West Coast League (2021–present)

After 2020, the Pickles returned to the West Coast League for the 2021 season. The Wild Wild West League continued and added the Portland Rosebuds and Willamette Wild Bills, two new teams that were also owned by Rose City Baseball.[25]

On June 8, 2021, the Pickles promoted manager Justin Barchus to Director of Player Personnel/Operations and made Mark Magdaleno the new manager.[26][27] In November 2021, the Pickles opened The Pickle Jar, a retail store and community space in downtown Portland.[28]

On July 18, 2022, intern Emily Paulson became the first woman to play for the Pickles.[29] That year, the Pickles were crowned the Southern Division champions, ending a four-year playoff drought.[30] The team was ultimately swept in the first round by the Ridgefield Raptors.[31]

In 2023, the Pickles swept the Ridgefield Raptors in the first round of the playoffs to face the Corvallis Knights in the Divisional Championship game.[32] The Pickles lost the game 4–1 and were eliminated from the playoffs.[33]

2024

In March 2024, Rose City Baseball opened the Portland Pickles Public House, a Portland Pickles-themed sports bar on Mississippi Avenue.[34][35]

On July 9, Tanner Griffith, Patrick Keighran, Freddie Rodriguez, and Shay Timmer were selected to represent the Pickles in the 2024 all star game in Bellingham.[36]

The Pickles qualified for the playoffs for the third straight season and clinched the South Division Second Half Championship. The Pickles swept the Elks 2–0 in the Divisional Series and upset the seven time defending WCL Champion Knights in Corvallis to win their first South Division Championship in franchise history. The Pickles hosted the AppleSox in the WCL Championship Game.[37]

Going into the bottom of the ninth inning of a close game, the Pickles found themselves down 4–5. With the bases loaded, Diego Castellanos walked to force home the tying run. On the very next pitch, Conner Stewart hit a hard ground ball that wasn't fielded cleanly, and Tanner Griffith scored to give the Pickles the walkoff win and their first WCL Championship. Commissioner Rob Neyer was unable to award the Pickles the trophy for a long period of time due to fans streaming onto the field.[38]

The Pickles released a feature length documentary titled Pickles, Pickles, Pickles[39] on MLB Network, February 15, 2025. Documenting their story and run to their Championship, the 47 min feature is available on MLB.TV.

2025

On June 2, Ryder Edwards (George Fox) was named pitcher of the week by the league.[40] One week later, Josh Schleichardt (Vanguard) was named the league's player of the week on June 9.[41]

The Pickles clinched the South Division First Half Title and their fourth straight playoff berth on June 25.[42]

On July 8, it was announced that Edwards, Schleichardt, Kyle McDaniel and Petey Soho, Jr. (Utah Tech), Aiden Taurek (Saint Mary's), Zachary Fechtel (Texas Tech) and Dylan Smith (Northern Colorado) were selected to represent the Pickles at the All-Star Game in Bellingham. With six total, the Pickles had the most all stars among the League's 17 teams.[43]

The Pickles improved on their 40–14 record from the previous season. The Pickles set the record for most wins in a season with a 43–11 record and finished first in the South Division.[44] Schleichardt lead the league with eighteen home runs and sixty-four runs batted in. Joey Wright (California Davis) and Tony Otis (William Jessup) finished with batting averages of .364 and .333 respectively with Wright finishing second in the league in batting averages. Bryson Glassco (Oregon State) was second in the league with fifty home runs. Ari Kligman (Sacramento State) and Edwards finished tied for second with five pitching wins.[45] The Pickles finished second in the WCL in attendance, as 99,787 total fans attended the team's twenty-eight home games for an average of 3,564 per game.[46]

The Pickles swept the Marion Berries in the South Divisional Series and defeated the Knights in the South Division Championship Game 6–5 to advance to their second consecutive WCL Championship Game. The Pickles hosted the Bellingham Bells, to whom they lost 2-1 in the championship game.[47]

2026

Former Pickles Cashel Dugger, Kenny Ishikawa, and Alex Overbay participated in the 2026 MLB Draft Combine.[48]

Bangers FC and Cherry Bombs FC

On January 21, 2025, the team's ownership group COLLiDE Sport announced the formation of a new pre-professional men's soccer team, later named Portland Bangers FC, that would play in USL League Two's Northwest Division.[49][50]

On November 4, 2025, the ownership group announced the formation of a new pre-professional women's soccer team, Portland Cherry Bombs FC, that would play in USL W League.[51]

Relationship with Mazatlan

The Portland Pickles have a special relationship with Venados de Mazatlan of the Mexican Pacific League. In June 2019, the Pickles held Venados Night, where the team wore Mazatlan jerseys.[52][53] In October, the Pickles traveled to Mexico and played against Venados de Mazatlan in a friendly exhibition game in front of 16,000 people. In the lead up to the game, the Pickles held tryouts amongst fans in Portland for the chance to travel with the team to Mexico and play in the game.[54][55]

In September 2021, the Pickles returned to Mexico for another series against Venados de Mazatlan.[56][57] USA Baseball's Kelsie Whitmore joined the Pickles and threw five scoreless innings in game two.[58][59]

Controversies

The Pickles hosted a "mascot takeover" on their X account in January 2022. The Pickles posted an image of their mascot Dillon T. Pickle in a way that it looked like the mascot was flashing himself. The team would defend the post as Dillon flashing a thumbs-up.[60]

In May 2025, The Pickles filed a lawsuit against Pixar regarding potential copyright infringement over the similarities between the team's likeness in the series Win or Lose. Both parties reached an undisclosed settlement shortly after.[61]

On July 14, 2026, the Pickles hosted a Heated Rivalry themed night that involved two players kissing. The stunt was lambasted by conservative outlet OutKick.[62]

Results by season

Year League Division Finish W L Win % GB Postseason Manager
2016 GWL 3rd 32 25 .561 8 Did Not Qualify J.J. Altobelli
2017 GWL 4th 31 29 .517 9 Lost Semifinal (Rogues) Jeff Lahti
2018 WCL South 1st 37 17 .685 -- Lost Division Series 0–2 (Knights) Justin Barchus
2019 WCL South 4th 24 29 .453 17.5 Did Not Qualify Justin Barchus
2020 WWWL[nb 1] 2nd 8 8 .500 Won Semifinal (GreyWolves)
Lost Championship (Knights)		 Justin Barchus
2021 WCL South 3rd 26 22 .542 11 Did Not Qualify Justin Barchus (Until June 8), Mark Magdaleno
2022 WCL South 2nd 36 16 .692 2 Lost South Divisional Series 0–2 (Raptors) Mark Magdaleno
2023 WCL South 4th 28 26 .519 11 Won South Divisional Series 2–0 (Raptors)
Lost South Division Championship Game 1–4 (at Knights)		 Mark Magdaleno
2024 WCL South 2nd 44 14 .759 1 Won South Divisional Series 2–0 (Elks)
Won South Division Championship Game 4–1 (at Knights)
Won WCL Championship Game 6–5 (AppleSox)		 Mark Magdaleno
2025 WCL South 1st 43 11 .796 – Won South Divisional Series 2–0 (Berries)
Won South Division Championship Game 6–5 (Knights)
Lost WCL Championship Game 1–2 (Bells)		 Mark Magdaleno
2026 WCL South 4th 29 25 .537 2 Lost South Division Series 1-2 (Ridgefield) Jim Hoppel
League champions Division champions Playoff Team

All-Star Game selections

Year Players Ref
2018Zander Clarke, Joey Cooper, Gio Diaz, Brad McVay, Michael Newstrom, Connor Pellerin[64]
2019Titus Groeneweg, Conner Thurman[65]
20202020 WCL Season cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic
2024Tanner Griffith, Patrick Keighran, Freddie Rodriguez, Shay Timmer
2025Ryder Edwards, Zachary Fechtel, Kyle McDaniel, Josh Schleichardt, Dylan Smith Petey Soho, Jr., Aiden Taurek

Hall of Fame

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Due to the cancellation of 2020 West Coast League season, the Pickles founded and played in the Wild Wild West League during 2020[63]

References

  1. ↑ Fentress, Aaron (August 22, 2010). "Three strikes and the Portland Beavers are out". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Baseball is Coming Back to Portland in 2016". Portland.gov. March 11, 2015. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  3. ↑ Brandon, Steve (April 21, 2015). "Name that team: Portland Pickles is the winner". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  4. ↑ "PORTLAND PICKLES NAME FIRST MANAGER". Great West League. August 17, 2015. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016.
  5. ↑ "PORTLAND PICKLES BRANDING UNVEILED". Great West League. October 7, 2015. Archived from the original on July 21, 2016.
  6. ↑ "2016 GREAT WEST LEAGUE SCHEDULE RELEASED". Great West League. September 28, 2015. Archived from the original on March 25, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Pickles Add To Ownership Group". lincolnpotters.com. April 4, 2017. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Former MLB hurler Lahti takes Pickles reins; Winterhawks' Glass named WHL player of the week". Portland Tribune. October 10, 2016. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Pickles clinch playoff berth". Portland Tribune. July 29, 2017. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Rogues Weather Storm, Take Game Three". medfordrogues.com. August 10, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Pickles Join the West Coast League". PORTLAND PICKLES BASEBALL. Archived from the original on October 25, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Pickles join the West Coast League". The Oregonian. October 25, 2017. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Pickles pick manager for 2018". Portland Tribune. December 1, 2017. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  14. ↑ Johnson, Braden (July 6, 2018). "Pickles relish playoff spot". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Knights Oust Pickles 4–1 in 11 Innings, Advance to WCL Finals". Corvallis Knights Baseball. August 12, 2018. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  16. ↑ "All-WCL Teams and Awards Announced". West Coast League. August 22, 2018. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  17. ↑ Ligori, Crystal (August 2, 2019). "The Pickles Have Captured Portland's Hearts (And Tattooed Their Arms)". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  18. ↑ Brown, Maury (May 16, 2019). "West Coast League's Portland Pickles Unveil First-Ever CBD Sponsorship In Baseball". Forbes. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  19. ↑ Odom, Joel (December 10, 2019). "Portland Pickles to add a farm team, and of course it's called the Portland Gherkins". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  20. ↑ "WCL Cancels 2020 Season". West Coast League. June 5, 2020. Archived from the original on September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  21. 1 2 Martinez, Tim (March 22, 2024). "Local players relish getting to play baseball in Wild Wild West League". The Columbian. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  22. ↑ Humburg, JD (June 14, 2020). "Baseball in 2020: Portland Pickles announce formation of Wild Wild West League". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  23. ↑ Weseman, Alli (September 10, 2020). "How the Portland Pickles Pulled Off a Summer Baseball Season". Portland Monthly. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  24. ↑ Schlegel, Zack (June 11, 2020). "Portland Pickles: Introducing the Wild Wild West League". 750 The Game. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  25. ↑ Martinez, Tim (March 20, 2024). "Wild Wild West League will return for second summer of baseball". The Columbian. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Portland Pickles". Twitter. June 8, 2021. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  27. ↑ Rice, Micah (June 10, 2021). "Raptors rally from big deficit to beat Pickles in 13 innings". The Columbian. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  28. ↑ Yohannes, Aron (November 15, 2021). "Portland Pickles opening 'The Pickle Jar' clubhouse, retail store downtown". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  29. ↑ Brood, Dan (July 27, 2022). "'It's something I'll never forget.' Tigard alum Emily Paulson makes history as first woman to play for Portland Pickles baseball team". Sports Illustrated High School. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  30. ↑ "Portland Pickles going to West Coast League playoffs, first time in 4 years". KPTV. August 9, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  31. ↑ Denner, Will (August 11, 2022). "Ridgefield Raptors finish series sweep of Portland Pickles in hostile road environment". The Columbian. Archived from the original on March 27, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  32. ↑ King, Chris (August 11, 2023). "Four Teams Advance to Saturday's Divisional Championship Games". West Coast League. Archived from the original on March 27, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  33. ↑ "Knights continue run to title game by ousting Portland 4–1". Corvallis Knights Baseball. August 13, 2023. Archived from the original on March 27, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  34. ↑ "The Portland Pickles Pub to Open Massive Sports Bar". PORTLAND PICKLES BASEBALL. March 20, 2024. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  35. ↑ Wong, Janey (March 22, 2024). "The Portland Pickles Opened a Sports Bar on North Mississippi Yesterday". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on March 22, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  36. ↑ King, Chris (July 9, 2024). "WCL All-Star Game Rosters Announced". West Coast League. Archived from the original on November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  37. ↑ "West Coast League – Playoffs 2024 Schedule". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Archived from the original on April 27, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  38. ↑ King, Chris (August 17, 2024). "Portland Pickles Win 2024 WCL Championship". West Coast League. Archived from the original on January 18, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  39. ↑ "Pickles, Pickles, Pickles". YouTube. Archived from the original on February 28, 2025. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  40. ↑ Lawson, Craig (June 2, 2025). "Bean and Edwards Receive WCL Weekly Awards". Archived from the original on June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  41. ↑ Lawson, Craig (June 16, 2025). "Hogan and Schleichardt Receive Weekly Honors". Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Photo". Facebook. Portland Pickles Baseball. June 25, 2025.
  43. ↑ Lawson, Craig (July 8, 2025). "2025 WCL All-Stars Announced". Archived from the original on July 12, 2025. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  44. ↑ "West Coast League – standings". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Archived from the original on June 3, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  45. ↑ "West Coast League – leaders". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Archived from the original on June 3, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  46. ↑ "West Coast League – attendance". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Archived from the original on June 9, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  47. ↑ Lawson, Craig (August 15, 2025). "Bells Win West Coast League Championship". West Coast League. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  48. ↑ Lawson, Craig (June 23, 2026). "WCL Alumni Showcased at MLB Marquee Event". West Coast League. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  49. ↑ Odom, Joel (January 21, 2025). "Portland Pickles adding USL2 soccer team". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  50. ↑ Streeter, Isaac (February 5, 2025). "'A new way of doing things:' Introducing the Bangers, Portland's newest soccer team". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on March 11, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  51. ↑ Swindler, Samantha (November 5, 2025). "Portland's newest sports team is named after a punk rock anthem from the '70s". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  52. ↑ Brandon, Steve (June 14, 2019). "Pickles pitch Venados Night to baseball fans". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  53. ↑ Garcia, Kyle (June 15, 2019). "Pickles honor Mazatlan Venados, but drop game to Elks". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  54. ↑ "Portland Pickles open tryouts to the public before game in Mexico". KATU. August 21, 2019. Archived from the original on May 27, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  55. ↑ Marshall, Paul (August 2, 2020). "Portland's baseball dreamer". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  56. ↑ Madsen, Sheila (July 6, 2021). "The Revenge of the Pickles". mazatlanlife.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  57. ↑ "The Portland Pickles return to Mexico, celebrating the unifying spirit of sports". Village Portland. September 29, 2021. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  58. ↑ Arden, Amanda (October 20, 2021). "First female player joins Portland Pickles baseball team". KOIN. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  59. ↑ Raineri, J. P. (October 8, 2021). "Temecula's Kelsie Whitmore becomes first female baseball player for Portland Pickles". Valley News. Archived from the original on March 26, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  60. ↑ Yohannes, Aron (January 13, 2022). "Portland Pickles end mascot takeover after posting disturbing image on Twitter". The Oregonian. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  61. ↑ Pettigrew, Jashayla (February 26, 2025). "Logo featured in Pixar, Disney+ series appears to resemble Portland Pickles". KOIN. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  62. ↑ Kinsey, Joe (July 15, 2026). "Portland being Portland: Baseball team stops game for pitcher & hitter to make out on 'Heated Rivalry' night". Fox News. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  63. ↑ "WCL Cancels 2020 Season". June 5, 2020. Archived from the original on September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  64. ↑ "WCL Announces All-Star Game Rosters". West Coast League. July 10, 2018. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  65. ↑ "WCL All-Star Game Rosters Announced". West Coast League. July 22, 2019. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  66. 1 2 @picklesbaseball; (June 8, 2025). ""2025 Hall of Famers"" – via Instagram.
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