It’s the last new-ballpark opening of the 2013 season, as the Hillsboro Hops (short season A; Northwest League) are set to launch Hillsboro Ballpark tonight.
It’s been a long journey for the Hops, who have been playing as the Yakima Bears for many years. The Bears ownership worked for years on a new-ballpark solution in Yakima, but sought a new market only after efforts there failed. The move to Hillsboro means a return to pro baseball to the greater Portland area as well.
The game is a sellout, by the way.
Nice story on the Hops ownership here.
Image courtesy of the Hillsboro Hops.
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