Salemite is going to the dogs—the Sea Dogs, that is

North Salem grad Kevyn Tibbot moves from Salem-Keizer to Portland… Maine

Kevyn Tibbot, his wife Nashae, and their three children, arrived at Kevyn’s new baseball job on Saturday—3 thousand 200 miles away.  The North Salem High graduate and long-time Oregon State University student moved his family clear across the country for what should be considered a major step up—going from the Mavericks League run by the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to the celebrated minor league AA team known as the Portland Sea Dogs.

Salem’s Kevyn Tibbot has arrived in Portland, Maine for his new job in pro baseball.

For Tibbot, the move culminates a journey that began shortly after he graduated from North High in 2010. Kevyn attended Oregon State University where he studied art, got involved in marketing with OSU athletics. That was followed by five years in the merchandizing of the OSU brand mixed in with some spot work with the Portland Timbers on an “as needed” basis. He also took graphic classes at Linn-Benton Community College, and worked in a sports management course through New York University to become certified in sports management.

That long list of education and work experience helped in get hired by the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, who were pushed out of minor league baseball by a national downsizing of the team numbers.  They set up their home four-team organization known as the Mavericks League, and Kevyn was brought on board in early 2021 as the merchandise manager. He also was given time to do some some graphic design work for items such as game jerseys for the four teams—including some “theme jerseys” that will debut during the 2023 season.  All of that work while still taking on duties such as delivering game balls to the umpires or finding folks to fill some game entertainment gigs.

Kevyn with former Mariner star pitcher Salem Jamie Moyer; Kevin at the 4th of July Fireworks at Volcanoes Stadium.

“Wherever I could give a helping hand I have assisted,” admits TIbbot.

The new job means a loss for the Volcanoes in their front office, but CEO Mickey Walker wished Tibbot nothing but good luck in his new job.  And Kevyn was also appreciative of the opportunities the Volcanos organization gave him during his two years with the organization.
With the Volcanoes in his rearview mirror, Kevyn now is focused on doing his job for the Sea Dogs, a position that just fell into his lap.  He applied for the job—as Merchandise Coordinator—shortly after it was posted last fall.  Tibbot heard nothing until around February tenth, when he abruptly received a phone call from the team.

“I was looking to stay fresh with interviews for practice’s sake,” admits Kevyn.

The Sea Dogs are under new ownership, and original team operator had focused much of his energy on merchandizing since the team began operations in 1994.

Tibbot says after a first interview, it sounded like he was a front runner, and might have 1-2 weeks before any potential offer could be made and a decision needed.  That timeline went out the window quickly.

Late in the evening that same day, Kevyn was called, asking if he could do his second interview with the team management the following day at 5 AM, Salem time.  The timeline sped up again when he was called back just two hours after that interview, asking permission to speak with his references.  In a matter of a few days, Tibbot was offered and accepted the full-time job of merchandizer for the Portland Sea Dogs. Quite the whirlwind of events for Tibbot and his entire family.

The opportunity is a huge one for Kevyn. There are 120 full-season minor league baseball teams across the United States and Canada, but none are more well-known than the Portland Sea Dogs.

“You can’t really ask to be a part of a better organization than one that’s affiliated with one of the greatest sports organizations in the US…the Boston Red Sox,” gushes an enthusiastic Kevyn.

The Sea Dogs have been a Red Sox affiliate since 2003, and Kevyn loves the challenge associated with that connection.

North Salem’s own Jed Lowrie—Former Portland Sea Dog.

“There will be plenty for me to do at the stadium and plenty of “merch” to expand and grow on, especially when you have 400,000 fans that come through the stadium (every season).”

Tibbot is not the first Salem resident to work for the Sea Dogs.  The first was a player. Jed Lowrie, formerly of North Salem High, played for the Sea Dogs in 2007, making the Eastern League all-star team. He was both the Sea Dogs and Red Sox minor league player of the year.  Jed moved up to the show with the Red Sox the following season in 2008. No pressure, Kevyn.

More than 3200 miles of travel over ten days for Kevyn Tibbot and his family—heading to Portland, Maine.

Tibbot and his family began their journey to Portland on February the second, and made it to Boise the first night.  It took ten full days before they finally arrived in Maine, and now will set up their new home there.  Kevyn reports to work on Tuesday with little lead time before the players take over the facilities at Hadlock Field.

The Eastern League baseball season starts on Thursday, April sixth—when the Sea Dogs host Binghamton, New York.

One has to think that Kevyn will be more than ready for opening day.