Hey Salem,

Sorry we are late this week. Quick story about the Marion Berries and then the list of all the great things happening this weekend in Salem.

written by Jacob Espinoza

The Marion Berries are 14-21 with nine home games left, and their coach will tell you the record isn't the reason to come. Tucker Brack is a North Marion kid running a team in his own hometown, and what he and owner Luke Emanuel are building at Chemeketa has less to do with this summer's standings than with how many local players and local coaches they can put on that field.

I talked to Brack by phone on July 9 while he sat at an airport waiting on a flight to Canada. Emanuel answered questions via text.

Quick catch-up: the Berries play at Chemeketa Community College in the West Coast League, second season. The Berries' players are college guys on break, borrowed from their schools for a few months and sent back in August. Nobody's getting paid. That structure explains everything that follows.

Brack went to North Marion High School. He coaches baseball there. He's also the athletic director there, which means his father, who just finished his 40th season coaching at North Marion and sits fourth or fifth all-time in Oregon in career wins, reports to his son.

"I get to tell him every day, well, I'm going to put that on your evaluation," Brack said. "We kind of have a joke back and forth."

He lives in Hubbard. He coached at Chemeketa for four years, which is where the Berries play. He played at Western Oregon.

Emanuel called on Labor Day two years ago with the job offer. Brack was on a golf course with his dad and figured it was about something else.

"I said, well, Luke, you're going to need to give me a few days, because I probably should check with my wife and my daughter," Brack said.

I asked Emanuel by text why Brack. His answer: "Tucker has decades of experience coaching high school and college baseball, and moreover, knows that our main focus on the Berries is developing our players to help them on their collegiate and professional journeys. He also sees the big picture of what we're trying to build as an organization here in Salem and Marion County, planting roots in the community and creating a team and atmosphere this town can be proud of."

These players aren't Berries property. They go back to their college programs in a few weeks. So the job, as Brack describes it, is to send them home better than they arrived, which makes the next group want to come.

"They understand that they're not our guys," Brack said of ownership.

Ask him about the standings and you get one sentence before he goes somewhere else:

"Yes, I'd like to win games and all those things. But the main goal is that all these guys go back and that we're sitting at home watching them on ESPN Plus when it's raining outside in Oregon and I can stay nice and warm and just watch those games and see that they're playing. That's what we're really trying to build for."

Three Berries made the July 15 All-Star Game, per the league's announcement — including Sawyer Nelson, a South Salem kid headed to Loyola Marymount who's already set the WCL single-season walks record.

Springfield is at Chemeketa tonight through Sunday. Bellingham comes July 28-30. Walla Walla closes it August 3-5.

At the end of the call, unprompted, Brack added the thing he wanted printed:

"The big sell is the amount of local guys we have. Being a local baseball guy myself, having played in the area, ending up going to Western Oregon — I think that's an important piece of what the organization has done. Created a place for all of our local players to come play, too."

And on Salem: "It's my home. So being in Salem is just — I don't take it lightly."

Nine games left. Go to one.

One of Salem's favorite summer traditions, the Salem Saturday Market features more than 200 vendors offering fresh produce, artisan foods, baked goods, handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, and more. 

Enjoy live music, food vendors, family activities, and a dog-friendly atmosphere while you shop.

Hunt for vintage finds, antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind treasures at the Fussy Flea Outdoor Market. It's a great stop for thrifters and anyone who loves discovering hidden gems.

Cherry City Flea returns to Salem Center Mall with hundreds of vendors selling vintage clothing, handmade goods, collectibles, home décor, original art, and more. Enjoy the mall’s AC while browsing the treasures.

Head to Xicha Brewing for an evening of local vendors, live DJs, dance lessons, a kids play area, and World Cup festivities. 

Grab dinner, shop local, and enjoy a fun summer night with the community.

The Marion Berries are back for another exciting weekend of hometown baseball featuring a first-ever postgame drone show, Healthcare Workers Appreciation Night, and Punx at the Park on Sunday.

Punx at the Park includes a youth resource fair, a free live concert from Over Thinking after the game, and free admission and a meal for youth ages 11–18.

Upcoming Games:

Fri, July 17 | 7:05PM
vs. Springfield Drifters
Post-Game Drone Show

Sat, July 18 | 6:35PM
Healthcare Workers Appreciation Night
vs. Springfield Drifters

Sun, July 19 | 5:05PM
Punx At The Park
vs. Springfield Drifters

Tickets starting at $10

If you missed National Hot Dog Day this past Wednesday, I won’t judge. You can still celebrate with a Roto-Rooter Park Hot Dog this weekend!

Upcoming Games:

Fri, July 17 | 6PM
Volcanoes vs. Campesinos
Roto-Rooter Park

Sat, July 18 | 6PM
Senators vs. Mavericks
Spec Keene Stadium

Tickets starting at $6

Get your blood pumping with Salem's monthly STRIDE run series. Choose a 5K or 10K, with walkers, runners, strollers, and leashed dogs all welcome.

Your favorite video games take the stage in this burlesque production inspired by iconic characters and worlds. Produced by Sinister and Sweet Productions, this adults-only show blends gaming nostalgia with dazzling performances.

Watch the biggest soccer match in the world with fellow fans at Salem's largest World Cup Final watch party.

Stay after the match for a community celebration featuring food, drinks, and a live performance from HAG Music.

Watch Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and the gang return to the big screen in the classic film that started it all. A perfect nostalgic outing for longtime fans and families alike.

Learn salsa, bachata, cumbia, and more during a beginner-friendly dance lesson followed by social dancing all night long. No experience or partner is required.

Enjoy an evening of live music while supporting youth in need. Featuring performances by Nathan Junior, The True North Duo, and Ashley Lute, proceeds benefit the creation of the Debby Lute Home for Healing.

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Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie