When the Hillsboro Hops begin their season on Fri., April 8, it will be the earliest the Minor League Baseball team has ever started in its nine-year history. Whether you are a diehard fan, or just enjoy being outside, catching a game is more fun than a home run — and, it’s only a 20-minute drive from Portland. Here’s a look at this season’s special promotions + things to know.
🍔 Eat
On top of the standard ballpark fare at Ron Tonkin Field, you’ll find elevated cuisine like woodfired pizza + BBQ platters. Food and beverage staff have also added more items, like salads and gluten-free options, using sustainable, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.
🍻 Drink
The beverage selection will make everyone … hoppy. There’s an extensive tap list courtesy of Deschutes Brewery, Migration Brewing, and Crux Fermentation Project. Wine, cocktails, and Portland Cider Co. are on hand as well.
✍️ Autograph Corner
Starting 50 minutes before every home game, kids 3-12 can come onto the field to have players sign memorabilia, jerseys, and more. Entrance is between Sections 4 + 5, and no adults are permitted on the field.
🏃 Run the Bases
After Saturday + Sunday home games, kids also have the opportunity to run around the bases, but they must be able to do so on their own. Parents should line up at the beginning of the ninth inning.
🧢 Family Berm
General admission to the grassy hill beyond left field is an excellent spot to bring a blanket and have a picnic. Pro tip: Bring a hat or sunglasses, as you’ll be facing west around sunset.
Mark your calendars
- Opening Night | Fri., April 8 | 6:35 p.m. | Tri-City Dust Devils | A pregame ceremony will honor Hillsboro native + former Hops coach Ben Petrick by retiring his jersey. Oh, and there will be fireworks.
- Youth Sports Weekend | Sun., May 15 | 1:05 p.m. | Spokane Indians | Local baseball and softball players are invited to attend. In total, the Hops have given $800,000+ back to community youth teams.
- Soñadores Night | Tues., June 21 | 7:05 p.m. | Vancouver Canadians | As a part of MiLB’s “Copa de la Diversion” program, the Hops will don their alternate identity, “Soñadores de Hillsboro” and special uniforms, with additional promotions geared toward the Latino + Spanish-speaking community.
- Star Wars Night | Fri., June 24 | 7:05 p.m. | Vancouver Canadians | Dress up as your favorite characters. We’re willing to bet Yoda would be good at baseball.
- Independence Day | Mon., July 4 | 7:05 p.m. | Eugene Emeralds | They do say it’s America’s game.
- Wine & Nine | Tues., Aug. 16 | 7:05 p.m. | Eugene Emeralds | Oregon pinot noir + ace pitching sounds like a good time.
- Back to School Day | Sun., Aug. 21 | 1:05 p.m. | Eugene Emeralds | One last game before trading in the baseball gloves for backpacks.
- Craft Beer Night | Thurs., Sept. 1 | 7:05 p.m. | Tri-City Dust Devils | Brews and baseball are a pour-fect combination.
Know the team
- From 2013-2019, the Hillsboro Hops had the best winning percentage in all of Minor League Baseball.
- In 2022, they will play 132 games, between now and September.
- Like ballpark nachos, there are layers to professional baseball. For example, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a Triple-A, a Double-A, and a High-A affiliate team — which is the Hillsboro Hops. This allows the D-backs to test out their players, and ultimately, gives them control over our local team’s roster.
Players to watch
- Blake Walston | Left-handed pitcher, drafted in the first round (26th overall) out of high school in North Carolina in 2019. He’s listed as the Diamondback’s No. 4 prospect.
- Ryan Bliss | Shortstop drafted in the second round (42nd overall) from Auburn University in 2021. He’s listed as the No. 16 prospect for the D-backs.
- Adrian Del Castillo | Catcher drafted in the second round (67th overall) in 2021 from the University of Miami. He’s the No. 17 prospect.
- AJ Vukovich | Third baseman drafted in the fourth round in 2020 out of high school in Wisconsin.
- Tim Tawa | The infielder/outfielder graduated in 2017 from West Linn High School, where he was the Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year in baseball and football. He then played at Stanford University.
Looking way ahead
“We’re heading into a pretty substantial renovation at the ballpark, going into the 2024 season — so about two years from now,” said Director of Marketing Casey Sawyer. “We’re looking at about a $100 million renovation project here, which will be outstanding. One of our goals is to have the largest tap offering of any park in the country. At that point we would look at doing 108 taps, or 150 taps, in one of the bars.”
