SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers have now had four players this off season promoted to higher levels of Independent League baseball. During the course of their 57-23 record breaking season, the Stompers promoted catcher of the year Daniel Comstock, outfielder Miles Williams, and pitcher Dominic Toopozian.
This off season, rookie of the year winner Kenny Meimerstorf has signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association. Meimerstorf had a rookie best 23 home runs and 74 runs batted in to compliment his .283 batting average.
Reliever of the year Jacob Cox has signed with the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League. In 2018, Cox set the league record in saves with 26 and tied his career high in strikeouts with 37.
Pitcher Kenny Mathews has also signed with the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League. The former Indians farmhand dazzled all season with a 4-2 record while holding a 3.86 ERA. Mathews also had a career high 52 strikeouts. “Mathews was a vital member of our rotation this season, and contributed in many ways,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. Also joining the Thunderbolts was late season addition Niko Pacheco. After finishing his 2018 senior season at Loyola Marymount University the Stompers signed Pacheco for their playoff run. In 12 games, Pacheco had his first two professional home runs and provided depth at the catcher and first base position.
Niko Pacheco hitting a home run against the San Rafael Pacifics, 2018 in Sonoma, Calif. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)
Sonoma Stompers catcher of the year Daniel Comstock has also been signed by Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks of the American Association. Former Stompers Brennan Metzger, Derrick Fox, and 2014 league MVP Jayce Ray are also currently listed on their roster as well.
The Stompers will be attending the California Winter League showcase held in Palm Springs this February. “Baseball season is right around the corner. Pace, Eddie, and myself are ready to recruit to try and find the best players possible to represent the Stompers,” said Creamer. Stompers management and staff will also be attending the Western League tryout in February. The tryouts will be held at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.