Matt Hibbert is heading back to Sonoma for his third season with the team. The popular center fielder is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner in the Pacific Association.
James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers
Theo Fightmaster, General Manager
In the first trade of the early season the Sonoma Stompers Baseball Club has acquired fan-favorite Matt Hibbert, of the Gary SouthShore Railcats of the American Association, in exchange for outfielder Matt Patrone.
Hibbert was a late-season acquisition by the Railcats last August, and has been fantastic in his time with the Stompers. A .306 hitter with a .418 OBP (on-base percentage), Hibbert batted primarily leadoff, and scored 64 runs in 68 games last season in Sonoma. He stole 32 bases in 40 attempts, and was voted defensive player of the year for his sterling work in the outfield. The hard-nosed Hibbert also lead the team by getting plunked by 18 pitches – a franchise record.
“It’s bitter sweet when a player like Matt returns,” Stompers GM Theo Fightmaster said. “He’s been a first class player and person in his time in Sonoma. He’s going to make our team better, and hopefully prove that he can play at the next level.”
Hibbert, 27, is in his eighth season of pro baseball after playing at Long Beach State University. He’s a career .289 hitter, with a .401 lifetime OBP, and a .770 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage). Defensively, Hibbert has made only seven errors in 434 chances in his pro career, en route to multiple defensive honors in the Pacific Association.
The Stompers open a home stretch June 14, where they play 5 of 6 at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field in Sonoma. The first-place Stompers (7-5) host the San Rafael Pacifics (5-7) Tuesday and Wednesday, then welcome back the Vallejo Admirals (6-6) for a weekend series beginning Friday at 6 p.m. Weekday home games begin at 6 p.m., and first pitch is 5 p.m. on weekends.
Full Season tickets, mini-plans and partial season tickets are on sale on our website, www.stompersbaseball.com, or at the Stompers Fan Shop, located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. Group events and Group Tickets are also available now. Please email jack@stompersbaseball.com, or call 707.938.7277 for questions and more information.