Claudia Collins
I came to Portland, Oregon on vacation…not on assignment. But baseball has a funny way of reminding you that the sports world is a small one.
Just 25 minutes from my Airbnb sits the home of the Hillsboro Hops, the High-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As a minor league baseball fan it was a no-brainer to catch a game with my husband, two daughters and my parents.
I was browsing the team shop while bouncing my 8-month-old in her carrier when I spotted a familiar face flipping through some baseball caps.
It was Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez.
As any Arizona sports reporter would do in this situation, I reintroduced myself and asked if he had a minute to chat.
As a special assistant with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Gonzalez spends time with prospects throughout the organization, serving as a resource as they chase their big league dreams.
“I go around all our minor league facilities and visit a bunch of players while I’m out here,” Gonzalez said. “I enjoy doing this. I enjoy coming out to see some of our young kids because hopefully they’re our future major leaguers.”
A New Home For Diamondbacks Superfans
Arizona fans who make the trip are not just watching minor league baseball, they’re getting a glimpse of the next wave of Dbacks talent. Many of the organization’s top prospects will spend time with the Hillsboro Hops before eventually debuting at Chase Field.
The Hillsboro Hops recently opened a brand-new ballpark where players get a state-of-the-art home and fans get a unique experience. I would describe the minor league baseball experience to be very similar to the feel of spring training for fans…it’s family friendly, intimate and full of personality.
I’ve spent a lot of time in minor league ballparks and the Hops stadium ranks among the best I’ve visited. The only stadium I’ve been to that can even compete is the Triple-A stadium in Nashville.
“This is a beautiful facility,” Gonzalez said. “You fly into the Portland airport. Probably a 20-minute drive to Hillsboro. You’ve got great malls, a great area close to Portland and the ballpark is fantastic.”
This first-class field is a great place for young prospects to grow.
“It’s the first year for this stadium, so it’s really nice for our younger players and they get a great crowd out here all the time.”
Chasing the Big Leagues
While fans casually enjoy a summer night at the ballpark, the players on the field are chasing big dreams.
For many prospects, Hillsboro is one of the first stops on a long road to becoming a major leaguer. While developing their baseball skills they’re still adjusting to the daily routine, travel and everything in between.
“They’re all good, young, exciting players,” Gonzalez said. “I mean, this is still lower level. Guys are still learning and they’re learning how to adapt to the lifestyle but it’s fun to see how excited and energetic they are when we come into town.”
Gonzo on the energy of minor league baseball. pic.twitter.com/X3H7AnFOj8
— Claudia Collins (@ClaudiafCollins) July 4, 2026
This visibility is important to Gonzalez as he remembers what it was like to be in their shoes.
“We were one of those players at one time in our career too so I think it’s important to come here and be a part of this. I love it.”
“We were one of those players at one time in our career too…”
Diamondbacks legend and special assistant Luis Gonzalez talking about working with young prospects in the @Dbacks farm system. pic.twitter.com/GiKHC1tgvO
— Claudia Collins (@ClaudiafCollins) July 4, 2026
A Taste of the PNW
The experience also gives fans a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. Portland specifically has a national reputation for craft beer (hence the team name). Beer isn’t my thing, but my German dad is always hunting for a good IPA and my husband is always down for an ice cold beer too.
Instead of your standard stadium selections, fans can sample craft beers from a wide variety of local and regional breweries. In a way it really gives fans, especially out-of-towners, a unique PNW experience.
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And for those of us skipping the beer…the chicken sandwich and root beer I had hit the spot.
I think it would be easy to plan a trip around a visit to the Hops for a home series. If you’re looking to escape Arizona’s summer heat then the Portland area serves as a welcome change.
For Dbacks fans looking for a summer getaway, Portland (Hillsboro) offers more than just cooler temperatures. It’s a chance to see the future of the Diamondbacks, all while enjoying one of the more scenic settings in Minor League Baseball.
I guess sometimes Arizona sports stories aren’t just found in Arizona, you can find them on vacation too.
Came to Portland, Oregon on vacation….
accidentally found an Arizona Sports story.
Went to a @HillsboroHops game with my family last night to enjoy some baseball and ran into @Luisgonzo20 at the team shop.@Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/tzOvCDco7I
— Claudia Collins (@ClaudiafCollins) July 4, 2026
