ZACK PACE: FIELD MANAGER
Entering his seventh season at the helm, Pace continues to be a cornerstone of the Sonoma Stompers organization. A veteran of independent baseball, he enjoyed an impressive 11-year playing career, including five seasons with the San Rafael Pacifics, where he won three Pacific Association Championships. Since taking over as the Stompers’ manager in 2018, Pace has led the team to consistent success, culminating in a CCL North Championship appearance last season. His leadership and commitment to player development have been instrumental in the team’s ability to produce top talent, with 10 players transferring to higher-level programs after last season and two earning All-League honors.
mike nunes: pitching coach
Mike Nunes will return as the team’s pitching coach for the upcoming season. A former Sonoma State pitcher, Nunes played for the Seawolves in 2004 before serving as a graduate assistant in 2005, the same year current Stompers manager Zack Pace joined the program. His playing career included time with the Mesa Miners of the Golden Baseball League and two seasons with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association. Since joining the Stompers’ coaching staff, Nunes has helped develop one of the league’s strongest pitching rotations, including a 4.00 team ERA last season.
casey gilroy: bench coach
Casey Gilroy returns as the team’s bench coach for the upcoming season. A former San Francisco State player, Gilroy brings years of coaching experience, including nine seasons at Sonoma State University. In 2018, he led the Petaluma Leghorns American Legion team to their first-ever 30-win season, coming just one victory short of a trip to the American Legion World Series. Since joining the Stompers in 2020, Gilroy’s fiery personality and leadership have added a spark to the dugout, making him a key part of the coaching staff as the team looks to build on last season’s success.
Paul Maytorena: Hitting coach
This will be Paul Maytorena’s first year as third base coach for the Stompers. Maytorena grew up in the South Bay Area. He played D1 at Colorado State before transitioning to D2 at Sonoma State. A local coach having led his teams to a .750 winning percentage, eight Sonoma County League championships, and six North Coast Section. Maytorena’s impressive high school coaching career, helping produce four current/ex MLB players, ended after 23 years with his retirement in 2017. He is a proud father of two daughters, one of whom plays college softball at University of Nevada, Reno. We’re so excited to see “Coach Mayo” help develop our players, and see what he adds as a new member of the Stompers family!
Dave hoch: Third Base Coach
Hoch is entering his second season with the Sonoma Stompers coaching staff. A resident of Sebastopol, and Sonoma County for 6 decades. Hoch has spent his entire life on the ball field, formerly a coach at Sonoma State University and El Molino HS(Forestville). Before retiring from his day to day job, Hoch was the proprietor of Bavarian Performance, an auto-repair servicing business. This summer you can catch Hoch rounding Stompers players home for the win!
Jacoby Hyer: First Base Coach
The Stompers are excited to welcome back Jacoby Hyer for his third summer coaching first base. Wrapping up his sophomore year at SRHS, Hyer is not only a dedicated coach but also a ballplayer himself. His passion for the game and on-field experience make him a valuable asset to the team!
Kenny Meimerstorf: Assistant Coach
He's back! The Stompers are thrilled to welcome back Kenny Meimerstorf, former standout and 2018 Rookie of the Year. After a stellar collegiate career at the University of Arizona, College of Southern Nevada, and Florida International University, Meimerstorf made an immediate impact in professional baseball. Now serving as General Manager of Inspire Baseball Academy and coaching at Arbor View High School, he continues to shape the next generation of athletes. The Stompers are proud to have him back, bringing his passion and expertise to the team once again!