Campesinos de Salem-Keizer

The Campesinos de Salem-Keizer are a baseball team located in Keizer, Oregon, who are charter members of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League, a four-team league entirely based in the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area and playing all their home games at Volcanoes Stadium.

Campesinos de Salem-Keizer
Information
LeagueMavericks Independent Baseball League (from 2021)
LocationKeizer, Oregon
BallparkVolcanoes Stadium (2021–present)
Founded2021
League championships2021

History

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The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in 2019 were selected by Minor League Baseball as one of 22 teams across the country to join their Copa de la Diversión program beginning with the 2020 season. The team was named the Campesinos de Salem-Keizer. The team was set to debut during Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversion in 2020 before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Campesinos (farm laborers) pay tribute to the contributions of farm workers in the Willamette Valley and embrace the culture and values that resonate in the Latino community.[1]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Minor League Baseball season was cancelled. Following the cancelled season, Major League Baseball took direct control of Minor League Baseball. The Northwest League was elevated to the High-A classification and contracted to six teams. The Volcanoes were not extended an invitation to continue as a franchise affiliated with a major league organization. The team, however, had plans to continue in some other form, such as collegiate summer baseball or independent baseball, in 2021.[2] And that they did.

On January 26, 2021, the team announced the formation of a new professional independent league called the Mavericks League. It is a four-team league consisting of the Volcanoes and Campesinos de Salem-Keiser (founding members), as well as two returning teams from the past, the Salem Senators (founded in the 1940's) and the Portland Mavericks (founded in the 1970's).[3]

References

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  1. ^ Ramirez, Luis (2021-01-26). "Volcanoes creating a new independent league in Salem-Keizer". Salem Statesman Journal. Retrieved 2021-01-30.
  2. ^ "MLB realignment eliminates short-season baseball, but Volcanoes will play in 2021". Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. Minor League Baseball. December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  3. ^ "Volcanoes announce creation of new independent baseball league". Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. Minor League Baseball. January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
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