Sonoma’s Jayce Ray, seen sliding safely into home plate during a Stompers 2014 home game at Arnold Field, has had his contract acquired by the Boston Red Sox.
Staff Photo/Sonoma Stompers
Theo Fightmaster, General Manager
The contract of former Sonoma Stompers outfielder and Sonoma Valley High graduate, Jayce Ray, has been purchased by the Boston Red Sox organization, the American Association announced on Tuesday.
In 2015, his first season with the independent American Association’s Wichita Wingnuts, Ray led his team with a .310 average and 17 stolen bases, to go along with 15 doubles, 35 RBI and 57 runs scored as the Wingnuts won their fifth consecutive division championship.
In 2014, Ray was an instrumental part of the Stompers inaugural season, where he was named the Pacific Association’s MVP, as well as winning the league’s batting championship. Ray hit .355 with 44 RBI in 64 games for Sonoma. He also belted eight homers, scored 62, and had 27 extra-base hits, while drawing 46 walks with 23 stolen bases.
He joined Windy City of the Frontier League in 2013 after playing collegiately at the University of Washington, where he earned honorable mention all-Pac-12 honors after leading the Huskies in hits, at bats, triples, and stolen bases in his junior year.
"This is a big step for Jayce, who I couldn't more happier for, and who I'm incredibly proud of," Stompers VP and GM, Theo Fightmaster said. "It's also a great sign that our league has been signing and developing legitimate ballplayers. I hope more guys can follow in Jayce's footsteps."