Ed Willson has been a long-time fan of the minor league baseball team the Emeralds in Eugene, Oregon. When their home stadium, Civic Stadium, burned down in 2015, he collected dirt from the pitcher’s mound to give the team when they built a new stadium. However, nine years later, the dirt sits on his desk as the team still does not have a permanent home. The team, known for their Sasquatch mascot Sluggo, is at risk of leaving town altogether after 69 seasons.
The Emeralds have faced numerous challenges, including wildfires, losing seasons, and the impact of the Covid pandemic. Major League Baseball’s new guidelines for minor league stadiums have added to the financial strain, with costly upgrades required. Fans have consistently filled the stands at PK Park, the University of Oregon’s baseball stadium where the team has been playing temporarily. However, the team is facing fundraising deadlines and is far short of the $90 million estimated to build a permanent home.
The Emeralds have a rich history in Eugene, with notable players like Mike Schmidt and Jim Bunning spending time with the team. Despite the changing landscape of the city, the Emeralds have remained affordable, fan-focused, and quirky. They host events like Grateful Dead Night and embrace Pride colors on their jerseys. The team also announced an alternate identity as the Exploding Whales, a nod to a local viral event from 1970.
Minor league baseball offers a more affordable option for families compared to major league games, which can cost hundreds of dollars for a family outing. Players, however, have faced challenges with low pay and basic facilities. The Emeralds’ general manager, Allan Benavides, is advocating for a new stadium at the Lane County Fairgrounds, which could benefit the community economically. Opposition to the stadium from groups like Taxpayers for Transparency could hinder the team’s efforts to secure funding.
The proposed stadium at the fairgrounds complex has sparked debate in the community, with supporters seeing it as a chance to revitalize the area and bring more people to the neighborhood. Critics argue that public funds should not be used for a for-profit entity like Elmore Sports, the owner of the Emeralds. As the team faces uncertainty about its future, fans like Ed Willson continue to hope for a positive outcome. With funding challenges and red tape ahead, the Emeralds’ fate remains uncertain, but supporters remain hopeful that a solution can be found to keep the team in Eugene.
