Founded in 1940, the Salem Senators were Oregon icons for over 25 years. They were so successful they became a farm team of the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Major League Baseball Hall of Famers Bobby Cox and Mike Piazza both cutting their teeth on Salem’s team.

Tragedy struck in 1966 when Waters Field was set on fire and the Salem Senators retired.

In 1977 the team returned to the Class A Northwestern League, and in 1981 they became the Salem Angels, managed for a season by future world series winner Joe Maddon. 1987 was the Angels last season in the Northwest League but that wasn’t the end for the Senators.

As of 2021 the Salem Senators are back and stronger than ever. They won the Mavericks League 2022 and 2023 seasons and aren’t letting the championship title go any time soon.