SONOMA, Calif- The Sonoma Stompers are excited to announce that former outfielder Dondrei Hubbard has signed with the San Diego Padres. “It all started with you guys taking a chance on me, “ said Hubbard. The former Mayville State alumnus started his professional career in 2019 with the Stompers.
With Sonoma, Hubbard led the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs with a .364 batting average, 16 home runs, 55 RBIs and 11 doubles before leaving to finish the season with the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League. “ We’re thrilled for Dondrei, and I’m excited someone so deserving is getting this opportunity,” said General Manager Brett Creamer.
In spring training, Hubbard originally was on the Stompers depth chart as a catcher. Manager Zack Pace and coaching staff made the change of sending Hubbard to center field where he could showcase his athleticism. Hubbard would go on to win the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs Gilded Glove at the center fielder position. The 24-year old would homer in his first three games for the Stompers. On July 19th vs. the Vallejo Admirals, Hubbard would drive in a career best five RBIs in a 14-6 victory. In college, Hubbard played both football and baseball at Mayville State. In the fall, he was the teams starting running back and punter.
“Dondrei’s dedication to his craft was second to none. Regardless of how his game went, he would still stay late in the cages after perfecting his technique,” said former Stompers player and current Assistant General Manager Eddie Mora-Loera. Hubbard is the seventh Stomper to sign a affiliated contract and 21st in the Pacific Association since the 2014 season.