If 2020 wasn’t tough enough for communities across the nation due to Covid 19, the city of Medford and surrounding areas was given a second blow on September 8th. The day after hosting one of the largest events in Harry and David Field history, a small brush fire started in Ashland Oregon, about 8 miles to the north of the Medford Rogues home. As winds reached over 40MPH it quickly grew out of control. Killing 3, destroying 2800 structures, and displacing thousands and thousands of people.
The fire finally came to a halt some 12 hours later nearly making its way to Harry and David field, stopping essentially on the doorstep of the field. Over the next few weeks the Medford Rogues set up a police headquarters in the parking lot. It was from that location that those who were evacuated could see their property. Many lost everything, some got lucky with a wind change, but everyone knows someone who was affected in a major way.
For the Rogues and the Medford community, like many communities across the nation, the 2021 baseball season will be a source of hope, joy and a promise of better things.
2021 Coach Staff
Head Coach- Bill Rowe. 2007 national champion at Oregon State. (Scored what was the winning run against UNC in game 3 of the series) Bill is entering his second year as the Head Coach.
Associate Head Coach- Parker Berberet. Also a former Oregon State Beaver. Spent 7 seasons in the Brewers organization reaching “AAA”. Parker controls the pitching staff and catchers.
Returning Players
The 2021 Rogues return 12 players from previous teams. Last years club went 22-8 in an entire home only schedule.
Key returners
Omar Ortiz- 3B- Vanguard U. Entering 3rd season with club. Been the starting 3B the previous two summers.
Drew Steelhammer- RF- Lower Columbia CC- Hit middle of the order last year
Alumni in the Pros
The Rogues have 3 alumni who recently have made MLB debuts. Seth Brown (Oakland A’s), Ramon Laureano (Oakland A’s), and David Peterson (SP- NY Mets). Dozens and dozens of players currently working their way up through the system including Spencer Steer who was just put on the twins 75 man spring training roster.
Rogues in the community
The Rogues are a vital part of the community not only on the field, but off the field as well. On the field the athletes give great entertainment to the baseball rich community. Creating great memories for all the future Rogues in the stands. Off the field the Rogues give back to the community in a number of ways. The athletes walk dogs for the humane society and read books to kids at a local library. The Rogues also provide stability and leadership in the local baseball community.
Home field atmosphere
The Rogues play their home games at Harry and David Field. The nearly 2200 seat stadium is owned by the City of Medford. In 2019 (pre-pandemic) the average attendance was 982. During the Covid season of 2020, Medford was allowed 250 spectators to be in attendance. 24 of the 30 home games sold out instantly. Games are family friendly entertainment and mirror the operation of a minor league baseball team.
Hopes and expectations for 2021
The hope and expectation for the 2021 season is to continue to put a great product on the field and hopeful more guests will have the ability to join us. Currently 46 games are scheduled this summer.