Tag: Mavericks Independent League

Jack Cain Named Commissioner of Mavericks Independent Baseball League

Long-time baseball executive Jack Cain has been named as Commissioner of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League. Cain has spent over 4 decades in baseball serving as Team Owner, Senior Advisor, General Manager and League President. 1981 marked Cain’s entry in baseball as owner of the Central Oregon Phillies and, prior to the season, renamed the team the Bend Phillies. The team became the Bend Bucks in 1987 and eventually the Bend Rockies in 1992 a name they held until the franchise moved and became the Portland Rockies in 1995. Cain had phenomenal success in Portland drawing nearly ¼ million fans in each of his first two seasons in the Rose City and set an all-time attendance record for Class A short season baseball.
Success was not limited to the gate as his teams won the Northwest League Championship in 1997 and Division Championship in 1999. Jack’s success in Portland was the catapult for AAA baseball’s return to Portland that ultimately led to ending Cain’s ownership tenure. The AAA Portland Beavers were quick to add Cain as their Senior Advisor and Special Assistant and he twice served as the interim General Manager for the Beavers. For his efforts, Jack was named Northwest League Executive of the Year on three different occasions and was elected as Northwest League President, a position he held from 1985-1990. In addition, Cain won the
prestigious Baseball America’s Bob Freitas Award in 1999 for operational excellence and Sporting News’ Executive of the Year honors in 1995. In 2002, Jack and his wife, Mary, were honored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Portland Rose Festival for their exemplary dedication and commitment to children, family and community. Jack has always been an active part of the community, having served on the boards of Portland Youth for Christ, Salvation Army, Portland Rotary and on the Executive Board of the Old Timers Baseball Association of Portland. Many area sports fans know him best for his work on the local
gridirons, where he was a high school football official for over 30 years. “I’ve known Jack since my entry into baseball back in 1989 and a finer gentleman would be hard to find. He has earned the respect of many in the game and his vast network of relationships he has built over the years will help jump start the Mavericks League,” said long-time Volcanoes’ team owner Jerry Walker. “We couldn’t be happier to have Jack as the first Mavericks League Commissioner.”

Photography by Craig Mitchelldyer http://www.craigmitchelldyer.com 503.513.0550

For information about the Mavericks League: https://www.milb.com/salem-
keizer/news/volcanoes-announce-creation-of-new-independent-baseball-league

Press Release: Volcanoes Announce Creation of New Independent Baseball League

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes have announced the creation of a new Independent Baseball League to begin play this spring at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer.  The Mavericks Independent Baseball League will feature top level non-drafted and released players who hope to someday reach the Major Leagues. The 4-Team League will feature the return of the Portland Mavericks, a notorious and iconic team from the 1970’s.  In addition to the Portland Mavericks, the League will be highlighted with the return of the Salem Senators a historic and legendary team that originally began play in 1940.  The Volcanoes and Campesinos de Salem-Keizer, will also become founding members of the new League. “We have an unique opportunity to bring baseball back the way it used to be,” said Volcanoes CEO Mickey Walker.  “Kind of like the old glory barnstorming days of baseball – except rather than traveling around the country, all the games will be played at Volcanoes Stadium.  Many fans remember the Portland Mavericks with great fondness – this League will have that type of popularity.  We’ll have open tryouts and select the best players from across the country. This will also provide a place for local athletes to aspire to play someday.”  said Walker. The League will begin play on Thursday, May 13th when the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes will be challenged by the Portland Mavericks – game time is set for 6:35pm.  Games will be played every Thursday (6:35pm), Friday (6:35pm), Saturday (1:05pm and 6:35pm) and Sunday (1:05pm and 6:35pm) for 16 consecutive weeks concluding Sunday, August 29th, with playoffs to follow.  “We’re even bringing back afternoon baseball,” added Walker.  “This will allow even more fans to enjoy the fun.”  Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now – please email mavericksleague2021@gmail.com  or call 503-390-2225. “Businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor a team and/or sponsor an individual player(s).  Fans will have the real chance to get to know the players as they will be very accessible, sign autographs and will become a part of the community,” noted Walker.    Players who would like to be considered for the League and be added to the ‘player watch list’ should e-mail their information to mavericksleague2021@gmail.com. All other inquiries should be directed to Mickey Walker at m.walker@volcanoesbaseball.com Additional information about the Mavericks League, the complete Maverick League 2021 Schedule, Managers and Coaches will be announced in the coming weeks.  Businesses that would like to have first opportunity to sponsor a team and/or sponsor an individual player(s) should call Mickey Walker at 503-779-3389. Mavericks Independent Baseball League www.mavericksindependentleague.com   503-390-225 mavericksleague2021@gmail.com. Great Fun, Great Friends, Great Baseball