Hops Unpacked
A comprehensive guide to the Hillsboro Hops, exploring their journey from inception to championship success in Minor League Baseball.
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Team Overview
Location & Affiliation
The Hillsboro Hops are a professional Minor League Baseball team based in Hillsboro, Oregon, situated within the Portland metropolitan area. They compete in the Northwest League at the High-A classification. Since their inception, the Hops have been the High-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Foundation & League
Established in 2013, the Hillsboro Hops joined the Northwest League. Prior to their move to Hillsboro, the franchise operated as the Yakima Bears. The team plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Hillsboro Ballpark, which opened concurrently with the team's debut.
Championship Pedigree
The Hops have achieved significant success in their relatively short history. They have secured three Northwest League titles, winning championships in 2014, 2015, and 2019. This consistent performance underscores their competitive strength within the league.
Team History
Relocation and Establishment
The franchise's origins trace back to the Yakima Bears, who explored relocation options due to inadequate facilities and economic conditions in Yakima, Washington. In June 2012, an agreement was reached to move the team to Hillsboro, Oregon, with play commencing in 2013. The city council approved the deal, followed by league and Major League Baseball approvals. Groundbreaking for the new 4,500-seat stadium occurred in September 2012, and the team's name, "Hillsboro Hops," was announced in October 2012, referencing both local hop production and baseball terminology.
Inaugural Season and Early Success
The Hillsboro Hops played their inaugural game on June 14, 2013, against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. The home opener at Hillsboro Ballpark, on June 18, 2013, was a sellout crowd of 4,710, witnessing history with the team's first home run. The team's mascot, Barley, was introduced shortly thereafter. The Hops quickly established a strong presence, setting a franchise attendance record in 2014 with 138,732 attendees. That same year, they achieved their first division title and clinched the league championship, defeating the Vancouver Canadians in the finals.
Continued Dominance and Recognition
The Hops continued their success into 2015, setting another attendance record and winning their second consecutive league title. They hosted the Northwest League All-Star Game in 2017. In 2019, the team broke the Northwest League record for consecutive playoff appearances, reaching the postseason for the sixth straight year. They went on to win their third league title, triumphing over the Tri-City Dust Devils in a hard-fought championship series. Following the pandemic-induced cancellation of the 2020 season, the Hops transitioned to High-A West in 2021, later reverting to the historical Northwest League name in 2022.
Ballpark
Hillsboro Ballpark
The Hillsboro Hops play their home games at Hillsboro Ballpark, a modern facility designed to accommodate 4,500 spectators. Originally known as Ron Tonkin Field, the ballpark underwent a naming rights deal change in March 2024, officially becoming Hillsboro Ballpark. The venue has been the team's home since its inception in 2013 and has hosted significant events, including the Northwest League All-Star Game in 2017. The stadium's scoreboard has been noted as a visual element of the ballpark's presentation.
Radio Broadcasts
Play-by-Play Coverage
Rich Burk has served as the team's radio announcer, providing play-by-play coverage for the Hillsboro Hops. His broadcasts were initially carried on KPOJ (620 AM), ensuring fans could follow the team's games through audio commentary.
Current Roster
Player and Staff Information
The Hillsboro Hops roster comprises players and coaching staff affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. The roster is dynamic, reflecting player development and team assignments. Key personnel include the manager, pitching coaches, hitting coaches, and players across various positions.
Season Records
Performance Through the Years
The Hillsboro Hops have demonstrated consistent competitiveness since their establishment in 2013. They have achieved multiple division titles and league championships, reflecting a strong organizational performance. The table below details their season-by-season records, including wins, losses, winning percentage, playoff appearances, and attendance figures.
Branding & Identity
Name and Logo Origins
The team's name, "Hillsboro Hops," is a multifaceted reference. It directly honors the significant hop production in Oregon, a key state for brewing ingredients. Additionally, the name cleverly incorporates several baseball terms, including "short hop," "bad hop," and "crow hop," adding a layer of baseball vernacular. This unique branding was recognized by Ballpark Digest as the best in Minor League Baseball for 2013. The team's logo features a hop cone adorned with a baseball cap, set against a backdrop of evergreen trees and Mount Hood, symbolizing the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage.
Mascot and Colors
The team's official mascot is Barley, a character designed to complement the hop theme, as barley is another essential grain in beer brewing. Barley is depicted as green with a blue baseball cap. The team's primary colors are navy blue, green, and light blue, accented with white, reflecting the natural and athletic elements of their identity.
Notable Alumni
Players Who Advanced
The Hillsboro Hops have served as a crucial developmental ground for numerous players who have gone on to achieve success at higher levels, including Major League Baseball. The following is a list of notable alumni who played for the Hops:
- Sergio Alcรกntara, infielder
- Corbin Carroll, outfielder
- Jhoan Durรกn, pitcher
- Jake McCarthy, outfielder
- Geraldo Perdomo, infielder
- Dansby Swanson, infielder
- Daulton Varsho, outfielder and catcher
Affiliations
Major League Partnership
The Hillsboro Hops are the High-A minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. This affiliation signifies a direct pipeline for player development, where prospects from the Diamondbacks' system gain experience and refine their skills with the Hops before potentially advancing to Double-A, Triple-A, and ultimately, Major League Baseball.
Minor League System
The Arizona Diamondbacks maintain a comprehensive minor league system designed to nurture talent at various levels. The Hillsboro Hops represent a key component of this system, serving as the High-A team. Other affiliates within the Diamondbacks' organization include the Reno Aces (Triple-A), Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A), Visalia Rawhide (Single-A), and various rookie-level teams.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or all nuances of the subject matter.
This is not professional sports or business advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sports management, player development, or business operations. Always refer to official team resources and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.