“Mr. Baseball” Rocky Benevento, (1897-1969) 
the legendary Portland Beaver groundskeeper, was the glue that held Beaver Baseball together for almost four decades through five ownership changes and 30 different managers. From 1927 to 1966, his love of baseball fueled fans’ support for the game and admiration and respect for Rocky. Rocky never missed hospital visits (fans and players) and made sure new players had a place to stay, even if it was in his own home.
The Vaughn Street ballpark was far from fancy, all wood and room for 12,000 to sit somewhat comfortably on benches. But it was an oasis for Portland fans who turned out even as the on-field fortunes of the Beavers (the team also played under other names along the way) rose and fell. Rocky also found a way to keep the grass green and the basepaths even without much of a budget. He was known for bringing in youngsters to help with all those chores in exchange for free tickets, making fans for life.
Rocky Benevento represents an era: capacity crowds at Vaughn Street, push lawn mowers, and roasted peanuts. Rocky died in 1969 but through his good citizenship and love for baseball still lives in the memories of thousands of baseball fans.
Rockey retired in 1966 and was presented with a new car. When he passed away three years later, an overflow crowd turned out including Governor Tom McCall. In his obituary, the Oregonian wrote "He adored kids, he loved baseball and, most of all, he loved people." There is still a plaque at the site of Vaughn ballpark bearing his name and a luxury apartment building on NW 23rd Street was named "The Benevento" in 2013.