Overview
- The Portland Pickles have officially signed ‘Dixie’ to a one-day contract that will take effect for their final regular-season game against the Corvallis Knights.
- Sports columnist Bill Oram and online sleuths confirmed that ‘Dixie’ is actually Eli Steinhaus, a Lewis & Clark College second baseman and Pickles intern.
- Manager Mark Magdaleno offered the contract after Steinhaus smashed a two-run homer during the Aug. 2 fan appreciation exhibition at Walker Stadium.
- Though Steinhaus will wear the Pickles uniform, his chances for an at-bat remain uncertain as Portland and Corvallis battle for the West Coast League’s best record.
- The fan appreciation home run occurred in a non-counting All-Stars vs Gherkins contest but still prompted the unprecedented roster move.