Century-Long Romance in Oregon State Baseball
In the world of baseball, there’s a team with a legacy that has reached the hearts of many: The Beavers. From Portland, Oregon, this team’s history spans over a hundred years, featuring unforgettable moments, exceptional players, and a deep connection to their home city.
The Beavers: A Tale of Triumph and Tenacity
The Beavers entered the baseball scene in 1906 when the owners of the Portland Giants, Walter H. McCreadie and his uncle, Judge William Walter McCreadie, joined the Pacific Coast League (PCL). Their team was renamed The Beavers, a name chosen from a newspaper contest, and they kicked off their new identity with a bang by winning the pennant that year.
Golden Era of Baseball: The Beavers in the 1900s
In 1912, the team moved to Vaughn Street Park, a new 12,000-seat stadium in Northwest Portland. The team not only advanced in league classifications but also fostered legendary talent. The 1915 team included the future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Stan Coveleski, a name that would later echo through baseball history. The Beavers’ journey was not without its challenges. They had to withdraw from the PCL during World War I due to travel restrictions but rejoined in 1919 with renewed vigor.
Time Pass
The Portland Beavers have played in several stadiums over the years. In 1912, the Beavers moved to Vaughn Street Park, a 12,000-seat stadium in Northwest Portland. In 1956, the team moved to Multnomah Stadium, which was a 28,870-seat football venue that had been renovated to accommodate baseball. The capacity of Multnomah Stadium, which was renamed Civic Stadium in 1967, varied over the years. In 2001, the team returned to the same stadium, which had been renamed PGE Park. The team played at PGE Park until 2010 when the stadium began to be transformed into a soccer and football stadium in anticipation of a Portland Major League Soccer expansion team.
Legendary Players and Unforgettable Moments
The Beavers’ roster boasted names that left indelible marks in baseball history. In 1922, Olympic gold-medal winner Jim Thorpe graced the field as an outfielder for the team. Later, in 1924, the team saw future Hall of Fame catcher Mickey Cochrane join their ranks, adding to their growing legend.
The Beavers were also a team of firsts, becoming the third PCL team to integrate and the first to sign Latino players. In 1949, they signed shortstop Frank Austin and outfielder Luis Marquez, marking a significant milestone in the sport.
A Community Team: The Beavers in the Heart of Portland
The Beavers also developed a unique bond with their community. In 1954, 2,400 community members became part-owners of the team, showing their immense support and love for The Beavers.
Memorable Victories and Unforeseen Challenges
Despite challenges, The Beavers continued to shine on the field. In 1965, they won the division title, and in 1983, they won another pennant under the affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies. Yet, the team faced several relocations and changes over the years, reflecting the volatile nature of minor league baseball.
Legacy of The Beavers: Players Who Made History
Throughout their storied history, The Beavers hosted six players who were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame: Dave Bancroft, Mickey Cochrane, Stan Coveleski, Harry Heilmann, Heinie Manush, and Satchel Paige. These players not only left their marks on The Beavers’ history but also on baseball as a whole, reminding us of the rich legacy that this team carries forward.
More Than Just a Game
Baseball is more than just a game for the city of Portland and The Beavers. It’s a shared love, a shared history, and a bond that has endured over a century. Every hit, every pitch, and every catch is a story of the city, the team, and the community. From triumphs to trials, The Beavers’ story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering love for the game. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of players and fans alike, reminding us all that baseball is more than just a game—it’s a lifelong journey
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References
Oregon State Beavers baseball – Wikipedia
Oregon State University Athletics – Official Athletics Website (osubeavers.com)