The Portland Rockets are a semi-pro baseball team (age unlimited) located in Portland, Indiana. The club is the oldest continuing franchise of its sort in the state of Indiana.
The Rockets were founded in 1960 by Dick Runkle and have continued to offer opportunities for players to hone their skills ever since. Many Rockets have gone on to continue their life’s work in baseball as players, coaches and more. Many players have earned scholarships here. Several have been signed to play professionally. Ray Miller expanded the Rocket schedule in 1972 and the club still plays a 40-50 game wood bat schedule .
The team competes in the Fort Wayne Red Carrington League and in the Heartland Baseball League. The city owned ball park (address 515 Blaine Pike), our field of dreams is named Runkle-Miller field after the 2 impactful visionaries.
Their dream has expanded with a new netted backstop and fencing as well as seating. The park has served as host of many Stan Musial League based tournaments over the years. Now Portland hosts The World Baseball Congress Regional Tournament, this the 6th year. 3 years ago the tournament featured 8 teams from 5 states. Website for the WBC, theworldbaseballcongressbaseball @eteamz.com
2014 winner was the Fort Wayne Johns Jackers. The WBC tournament in 2015 will be held again at Runkle-Miller Field July 31, August 1, August 2. The Jackers and the Portland Rockets are members of the National Amatuer Baseball Federation,
Portland went to the World Series in Buffalo NY in 2012.
In 2014, the club went 27-16 advancing to the NABF semifinals in the Fort Wayne Regional. 2015 schedule is ongoing and should be up by May 1. Baseball in Portland usually runs late May to early August. Portland typically plays teams from Michigan City, South Bend, Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Lima, Celina and many more. Most players come from the area (Ohio and Indiana) and can afford a summer at home, and still play ball 2-3 times a week.
No practices just gameday workouts.