PHOTOS: Baseball returns to Keizer with Volcanoes’ first game of 2021
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes took on the Portland Mavericks during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Over the past year, Volcanoes Stadium has hosted fireworks shows and a Halloween celebration, but there’s been no baseball since the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 season.
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes also lost their Major League Baseball affiliation with the San Francisco Giants in late 2020 and subsequently announced the formation of the Mavericks Independent League, with four teams. Thursday’s game against the Portland Mavericks began the league’s first season, with the Mavericks clinching a 4-2 win.
Volcanoes’ pitcher Logan Dubbe throws to a Portland Mavericks player during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Balls for the ceremonial first pitches during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Members of the Keizer Cal Ripken Warriors little league team joke around with Salem-Keizer Volcanoes players during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
A sign advertises the return of baseball through the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
A Portland Mavericks player heads back to the dugout after hitting a home run during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Volcanoes center fielder CJ Epperson hands back a signed baseball to Dallas Arronte, 10, during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Spectators sit along the concourse during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
A Volcanoes player runs home during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
A Volcanoes player runs home during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Tristan Karlen, 2, of Stayton, takes in the game with family during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Portland Mavericks players warm up prior to their game against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Spectators watch the Portland Mavericks and the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes during the inaugural game of the Mavericks Independent Baseball League at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Portland Mavericks players warm up prior to their game against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes at Volcanoes Stadium on Thursday, May 13. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
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