Portland shares an exceptional bond with the Portland Sea Dogs, reflecting the unique kinship between the city and the entire region. Two notions spring to the fore. Firstly, it’s apparent that Portland’s unerring connection with its local baseball team represents a quintessential example for others to follow. The players of the Sea Dogs quickly understand the synergy between the city and the team.
Catcher Drew Ehrhard, who entered Portland’s squad last July, recounted his surprise at how deeply ingrained this baseball organization is in the local community. He pointed out that matches often pull in large crowds, demonstrating the cities dedication. Furthermore, his experiences with signing autographs highlighted the personal investment locals hold for each player, noting their keen knowledge and attention towards the team.
The second thought provoking notion is, why has this not caught anyone’s attention before now? Grass Routes, an initiative from Mayo and his wife Sara Stock Mayo, arose from their book project that studies the association of minor league teams and the art communities of small towns. The book, tentatively titled ‘Something Worth Saving: Finding America’s Soul in Small Cities and Towns’, explores this very concept.
Portland was among the first places they considered. Therefore, Mayo and his team from MLB Network orchestrated a visit to Portland in the preceding summer, just as the city hosted a game between the Sea Dogs and the Altoona Curve.
In the previous autumn, Portland was distinctly recognized as the leading minor league sports market, as per the Sports Business Journal. Apart from a dynamic food and beer culture, the city is also teeming with a lively arts scene that further enhances its charm.
Marcelo Mayer, who spent a sizable portion of the previous season with the Sea Dogs in Portland, also features in the Grass Routes project. As it delves deeper into the essence of the relationship, it presents conversations with fans both within the bustling Old Port and inside the ballpark.
Additional interviews feature Roman Anthony, whose major portion of the 2024 season with the Red Sox system was in Portland. Mayer acknowledged that no player wants to extend their tenure in the minor leagues, but once there, Portland becomes a favourable destination.
While residing at the High Roller Lobster Company, Mayer emphasized this strong connection with locals, noting how easily one could spot a Sea Dogs fan in the vicinity. His sentiments undeniably express gratitude for the privilege of playing for a supportive community like Portland.
Grass Routes also underscores a touching aspect of this relationship – the Sea Dogs’ association with the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Emotionally stirring images of Slugger, the beloved baseball team’s mascot, visiting young oncology patients, highlights another dimension of the bond between the community and the team.
Parallel to its focus on baseball, the book also offers glimpses into Portland’s vibrant arts scene. It delves into the world of Mayo Street Arts and captures the spirit of the Guster on the Ocean music festival.
An interview with Brian Rosenworcel, drummer of Guster, offers an interesting comparison. He observes that the relationship between minor league baseball teams and their fans mirrors that of a band and its fandom, necessitating the same give-and-take dynamic.
Brian believes that minor league baseball needs to cherish this relationship; a notion that star power alone cannot achieve fan engagement. The sustenance of a passionate fan base requires a special bond, much like the one Portland shares with the Sea Dogs.
Outfielder Caden Rose, who hails from Alabama, has found Portland to be a completely novel experience during his inaugural season. However, he has quickly realized that it’s an ideal location to progress his baseball career.
Rose expressed his initial surprise that, despite drastic temperature drops, the dedicated fan base doesn’t miss a beat. He emphasizes their unwavering presence, even late into freezing cold games. He too, acknowledged the gratifying experience of representing a city so rooted in its support.
In light of these testimonies and observations, there is no denying the exceptional bond between Portland and the Sea Dogs. It indeed goes beyond sport, establishing a strong, community-oriented culture engrained in the heart of the city.