Categories6ACentral Valley Conference

McKay High School

McKay High School is a member of the 6A Central Valley Conference (CVC), which features six Salem-Keizer programs: McKay, McNary, North Salem, South Salem, Sprague, and West Salem. The conference features one of the more varied collections of ballparks in the area, ranging from expansive outfields at McNary and West Salem to the compact dimensions of South Salem and McKay and the unique short right-field porch at Sprague. Understanding each park can play an important role in game preparation and strategy.

Field Location: 2440 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR 97305

Left Field 306 ft.

Right Field 310 ft.

Center Field 320 ft.

Backstop 50 ft.

Strategy: Pitching & Defense Focus

  • Keep the ball down in the zone. With just 306 feet to left, 310 to right, and 320 to center, elevated mistakes can become extra-base hits quickly.
  • Pitchers should prioritize ground balls and weak contact rather than challenging hitters up in the zone.
  • Avoid falling into predictable fastball counts, especially against hitters with pull-side power.
  • Outfielders can play somewhat shallower than at larger parks, but must be prepared for balls to reach the fence quickly.
  • Corner outfielders should protect the lines. A ball into either corner can create an immediate extra-base opportunity.
  • With a 50-foot backstop, catchers need to react aggressively to passed balls and wild pitches. Runners may have more opportunity to advance than at fields with tighter backstops.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Take advantage of the compact dimensions. Well-struck fly balls and line drives have a legitimate chance to reach or clear the fence.
  • Hitters should look to drive pitches in their preferred zones rather than simply trying to manufacture contact.
  • Gap-to-gap line drives can become extra-base hits quickly because of the short distance to the outfield fence.
  • Right-handed hitters can attack the 306-foot left field side, while left-handed hitters have just 310 feet to right.
  • Stay aggressive but controlled. The dimensions reward hard contact without requiring hitters to overswing.
  • Base runners should be somewhat conservative going first-to-third because the shallow outfield allows defenders to get the ball back to the infield quickly.

To see how North Salem compares to other fields in their conference, visit the CVC Quick Field Guide.

Categories6ACentral Valley Conference

North Salem High School

North Salem High School is a member of the 6A Central Valley Conference (CVC), which features six Salem-Keizer programs: McKay, McNary, North Salem, South Salem, Sprague, and West Salem. The conference features one of the more varied collections of ballparks in the area, ranging from expansive outfields at McNary and West Salem to the compact dimensions of South Salem and McKay and the unique short right-field porch at Sprague. Understanding each park can play an important role in game preparation and strategy.

Field Location: 1401 Pearl St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Left Field 315 ft.

Right Field 309 ft.

Center Field 340 ft.

Backstop 43 ft.

Strategy: Pitching & Defense Focus

  • Keep the ball away from the short left- and right-field lines. At 315 feet to left and just 309 to right, pull-side mistakes can be costly.
  • Pitchers should work down in the zone and try to force hitters toward the larger portion of the field rather than allowing easy pull-side elevation.
  • Center field at 340 feet provides more room than the corners, making contact toward the middle of the field generally more manageable defensively.
  • Corner outfielders should protect the lines while the center fielder can play slightly deeper and be prepared to cover the alleys.
  • Outfield communication is especially important on balls hit into the gaps because of the difference between the short corners and deeper center field.
  • The 43-foot backstop limits some opportunities for runners to advance on pitches that get away. Catchers should pursue quickly, with pitchers prepared to cover home on potential plays at the plate.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Pull-side power can play especially well at Barrick Field. Right-handed hitters have 315 feet to left and left-handed hitters have only 309 feet to right.
  • Look for pitches that can be driven in the air to the corners rather than challenging the deeper part of center field unnecessarily.
  • Gap hitters should attack the left-center and right-center alleys. Balls splitting the outfielders can still produce doubles despite the relatively compact dimensions.
  • Use the entire field. Hitters who can drive outside pitches the opposite way can take advantage of the short foul-line distances.
  • Hard line drives should be the priority. The dimensions provide enough reward for solid contact without forcing hitters to sell out for home runs.
  • Do not rely heavily on advancing on passed balls or wild pitches. The 43-foot backstop gives the defense a better chance to recover quickly.

To see how North Salem compares to other fields in their conference, visit the CVC Quick Field Guide.

Categories6AMt. Hood Conference

Gresham High School

Gresham High School is a part of the Mt. Hood Conference. The Mt. Hood Conference is a competitive and geographically diverse league, featuring a mix of turf and grass fields that create unique strategic challenges. From the short corners at Gresham and Nelson to the deep outfields at Reynolds and Sandy, each ballpark requires tailored game plans and sharp execution. Teams must be versatile—able to play fast on turf, smart on slower grass surfaces, and opportunistic with backstops that range from tight to expansive. Whether facing power-hitting threats or relying on small-ball tactics, coaches and players must adapt quickly to succeed across this varied landscape.

Field Location: 1200 N Main St Gresham, OR 97030

Left Field 286 ft.

Right Field 294 ft.

Center Field 388 ft.

Backstop 35 ft.

Strategy: Defend the Gaps, Guard the Lines

  • Deep CF, but very short lines—corner OF must play tight.
  • Gap defense is crucial—misreads become easy doubles.
  • Moderate backstop gives catchers a fighting chance.
  • Right-side INF must be ready for the turf chop and hard bouncers down RF line.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Target corner gaps—extra-base hits come quickly.
  • Pull-side hitters (especially righties) can attack LF line.
  • Speed kills here—use turf and short alleys for quick base gain.

Here’s how Gresham compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Gresham compares to other fields in the Mt. Hood Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Mt. Hood Conference Field Guide

Categories6AMt. Hood Conference

Reynolds High School

Reynolds High School is a part of the Mt. Hood Conference. The Mt. Hood Conference is a competitive and geographically diverse league, featuring a mix of turf and grass fields that create unique strategic challenges. From the short corners at Gresham and Nelson to the deep outfields at Reynolds and Sandy, each ballpark requires tailored game plans and sharp execution. Teams must be versatile—able to play fast on turf, smart on slower grass surfaces, and opportunistic with backstops that range from tight to expansive. Whether facing power-hitting threats or relying on small-ball tactics, coaches and players must adapt quickly to succeed across this varied landscape.

Field Location: (Reynolds Middle School) 1200 NE 201st Ave, Fairview, OR 97024

Left Field 335 ft.

Right Field 287 ft.

Center Field 379 ft.

Backstop 46 ft.

Strategy: Defend the Extremes

  • Huge CF and LF—outfield needs range and strong arms.
  • RF is extremely shallow—adjust for lefties who can pull.
  • Big backstop creates extra base opportunities on miscues.
  • 3B/SS must protect against the push bunt due to grass drag and long OF.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Lefty hitters should feast—RF is ripe for extra-base hits.
  • Balls to left-center will run—push for extra bases.
  • Smart runners can exploit wild pitches and lazy throws.

Here’s how Reynolds compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Reynolds compares to other fields in the Mt. Hood Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Mt. Hood Conference Field Guide

Categories6AMt. Hood Conference

Nelson High School

Nelson High School is a part of the Mt. Hood Conference. The Mt. Hood Conference is a competitive and geographically diverse league, featuring a mix of turf and grass fields that create unique strategic challenges. From the short corners at Gresham and Nelson to the deep outfields at Reynolds and Sandy, each ballpark requires tailored game plans and sharp execution. Teams must be versatile—able to play fast on turf, smart on slower grass surfaces, and opportunistic with backstops that range from tight to expansive. Whether facing power-hitting threats or relying on small-ball tactics, coaches and players must adapt quickly to succeed across this varied landscape.

Field Location: 14897 SE Parklane Dr Clackamas, OR 97015

Left Field 300 ft.

Right Field 318 ft.

Center Field 336 ft.

Backstop 25 ft.

Strategy: Control the Chaos

  • One of the smallest outfields in the league—play shallow with fast, alert OFs.
  • Quick turf makes bunt coverage essential.
  • Backstop is extremely tight—no room for passed-ball mistakes.
  • Games can turn into slugfests—pitchers must hit spots and limit big innings.

Offensive Game Plan

  • High-scoring potential—short fences reward hard contact.
  • Small ball might be neutralized due to short backstop.
  • Best approach is gap drives and pressure on OFs.

Here’s how Nelson compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Nelson compares to other fields in the Mt. Hood Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Mt. Hood Conference Field Guide

Categories6AMt. Hood Conference

Barlow High School

Barlow High School is a part of the Mt. Hood Conference. The Mt. Hood Conference is a competitive and geographically diverse league, featuring a mix of turf and grass fields that create unique strategic challenges. From the short corners at Gresham and Nelson to the deep outfields at Reynolds and Sandy, each ballpark requires tailored game plans and sharp execution. Teams must be versatile—able to play fast on turf, smart on slower grass surfaces, and opportunistic with backstops that range from tight to expansive. Whether facing power-hitting threats or relying on small-ball tactics, coaches and players must adapt quickly to succeed across this varied landscape.

Field Location: 5105 SE 302nd Ave Gresham, OR 97080

Left Field 300 ft.

Right Field 328 ft.

Center Field 366 ft.

Backstop 45 ft.

Strategy: Watch the Corners

  • LF is short—pitch away from righty power.
  • Outfield spacing is tight in RF—play to prevent the double.
  • Larger backstop = wild pitch awareness; catchers must stay active.
  • Turf makes the middle game fast—middle INF must turn two efficiently.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Lefty power can feast in RF—aim for the short alley.
  • Push dirt ball reads and aggressive steals with big backstop.
  • Pull approach works well for middle-of-lineup hitters.

Here’s how Barlow compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Barlow compares to other fields in the Mt. Hood Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Mt. Hood Conference Field Guide

Categories6AMt. Hood Conference

Sandy High School

Sandy High School is a part of the Mt. Hood Conference. The Mt. Hood Conference is a competitive and geographically diverse league, featuring a mix of turf and grass fields that create unique strategic challenges. From the short corners at Gresham and Nelson to the deep outfields at Reynolds and Sandy, each ballpark requires tailored game plans and sharp execution. Teams must be versatile—able to play fast on turf, smart on slower grass surfaces, and opportunistic with backstops that range from tight to expansive. Whether facing power-hitting threats or relying on small-ball tactics, coaches and players must adapt quickly to succeed across this varied landscape.

Field Location: 37400 Bell St Sandy, OR 97055

Left Field 328 ft.

Right Field 320 ft.

Center Field 356 ft.

Backstop 36 ft.

Strategy: Stay Disciplined, Stay Sharp

  • One of the wider LF lines in the conference—shade to opposite gap.
  • Clean turf allows aggressive INF play and fast ball movement.
  • Balanced CF depth makes this a fairly neutral park for defense.
  • Catcher-Pitcher communication is critical to controlling tempo in a clean, fast-paced environment.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Hitters should go gap-to-gap—line drives can roll.
  • Turf enables fast base turns—emphasize hustle and reads.
  • Lefty hitters can take advantage of shallow RF on mishits.

Here’s how Sandy compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Sandy compares to other fields in the Mt. Hood Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Mt. Hood Conference Field Guide

Categories6AMt. Hood Conference

Clackamas High School

Clackamas High School is a part of the Mt. Hood Conference. The Mt. Hood Conference is a competitive and geographically diverse league, featuring a mix of turf and grass fields that create unique strategic challenges. From the short corners at Gresham and Nelson to the deep outfields at Reynolds and Sandy, each ballpark requires tailored game plans and sharp execution. Teams must be versatile—able to play fast on turf, smart on slower grass surfaces, and opportunistic with backstops that range from tight to expansive. Whether facing power-hitting threats or relying on small-ball tactics, coaches and players must adapt quickly to succeed across this varied landscape.

Field Location: 14486 SE 122nd Ave Clackamas, OR 97015

Left Field 310 ft.

Right Field 308 ft.

Center Field 367 ft.

Backstop 38 ft.

Strategy: Balance the Pace

  • Slightly deeper CF demands smart gap coverage and fast communication.
  • Grass outfield slows balls down—play deep enough to keep singles from becoming doubles.
  • Clean turf infield favors teams that execute small ball well.
  • Infielders must adjust to turf speed while outfielders prepare for dead bounces.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Bunt game thrives—predictable hops.
  • Encourage hitters to elevate—corners are short and tempting.
  • Capitalize on aggressive secondary leads on dirt balls.

Here’s how Clackamas compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Clackamas compares to other fields in the Mt. Hood Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Mt. Hood Conference Field Guide

Categories6AMt. Hood Conference

Central Catholic High School

Central Catholic High School is a part of the Mt. Hood Conference. The Mt. Hood Conference is a competitive and geographically diverse league, featuring a mix of turf and grass fields that create unique strategic challenges. From the short corners at Gresham and Nelson to the deep outfields at Reynolds and Sandy, each ballpark requires tailored game plans and sharp execution. Teams must be versatile—able to play fast on turf, smart on slower grass surfaces, and opportunistic with backstops that range from tight to expansive. Whether facing power-hitting threats or relying on small-ball tactics, coaches and players must adapt quickly to succeed across this varied landscape.

Field Location: (Walker Stadium) 4727 SE 92nd Ave #4601, Portland, OR 97266

Left Field 310 ft.

Right Field 308 ft.

Center Field 345 ft.

Backstop 31 ft.

Strategy: Play Tight, Play Quick

  • Small, symmetrical park—defensive alignment must be precise.
  • Short CF favors line-drive hitters; OFs must close gaps fast.
  • Backstop is tight—runners must be smart, not reckless.
  • INF must be alert on bunts and swinging bunts; little margin for error on misplays.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Great park for high-contact line drive and pull hitters.
  • Use early-inning pressure—short OF fences reward fast starts.
  • Push on shallow fly balls with aggressive baserunners.

Here’s how Central Catholic compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Central Catholic compares to other fields in the Mt. Hood Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Mt. Hood Conference Field Guide

Categories6APacific Conference

Liberty High School

Liberty High School is a part of the Pacific Conference. The Pacific Conference features a mix of expansive outfields, sharp corner angles, and mostly natural grass fields. It rewards teams who play clean baseball, communicate effectively, and understand situational nuance. While there’s no extreme outlier park like Jesuit in the Metro, each field presents its own quirks—whether it’s Century’s deep backstop or Sherwood’s cavernous CF.

Field Location: 7445 NE Wagon Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Left Field 320 ft.

Right Field 317 ft.

Center Field 350 ft.

Backstop 38 ft.

Strategy: All-Around Awareness

  • Well-balanced park—no obvious weak point, so play straight up and steady.
  • Infield must move quickly on bunts and slow rollers—shorter grass can speed things up.
  • Outfielders must hustle to the ball—CF is tight, but corners can produce doubles.
  • Backstop is medium depth—block and recover quickly.

Offensive Game Plan

  • Hitters should look to stay up the middle and drive the gaps.
  • Push the tempo on defense with early swings and aggressive base turns.
  • Good field for situational execution—productive outs move runners and create pressure.

Here’s how Liberty compares to other fields in their conference:

To see how Liberty compares to other fields in the Pacific Conference, download the Field Guide today.

Purchase the Pacific Conference Field Guide