Minor League Baseball is About to Start in the Pacific Northwest
Eugene Emeralds
Since 1955, the Emeralds have been affiliated with nine major league teams, several multiple times. At one point, the Emeralds had the longest drought of any minor league team without a league championship. From 1980 to 2016, the Emeralds struggled to make the playoffs (5 times in 36 years).
Eugene, like other Pacific Northwest teams, also played in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Hall-Of-Famer Mike Schmidt played for the Emeralds, as did Jim Bunning. One of the neatest historical events took place in Eugene at Bethel Park. Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson had his first professional hit and home run in this park.
Currently a Giants affiliate (this year), the Emeralds had previous agreements with the Cubs, Padres, Braves, Royals, Reds, Phillies, Cardinals, and White Sox. They were originally a Giants minor league team, so it has now come full circle.
Everett Aquasox
In 1984, the Everett Aquasox became a minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Bob Bavasi rescued the team from Walla Walla in 1983. Two years later, they changed affiliation to the Seattle Mariners.
While there is history with Everett (Ken Griffey Jr’s first professional home run was against the Everett Giants), it’s the current home for the Mariners High-A minor league team. Their roster will be the highlight to start this season. Featuring top prospects George Kirby, Juan Then, and Julio Rodriguez at some point this season, fans could also see Noelvi Marte and other future Seattle Mariners stars in Everett.
The Aquasox play their home games at Funko Field, which has been around since 1947, making it one of the older parks in America.