Stompers complete spring training exhibition games

Returner Zach Wendorf throws a pitch at Petersen Field in Sonoma during Sonoma Stompers spring training. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club faced the newly-minted Napa Silverados for the first time in exhibition games last week and ended preseason play against the San Rafael Pacifics on Sunday.

“Spring training is going great. I feel like we have a good group of guys.” said Stompers manager Zack Pace. “They can definitely play some ball and I’m really excited to get the year going.”

The Stompers avoided a loss to their new rivals, ending Game 1 with a 2-2 draw and taking Game 2 4-1. The streak ended against a more familiar foe, as the team fell 4-2 and 9-2 against the Pacifics.

The Stompers’ spring training squad featured newcomers as well as several returners, including right-hander Juan Espinosa, infielders Eddie Mora-Loera, Daniel Baptista and Daniel Comstock, and outfielder Marcus Bradley.

“It’s great to see the camaraderie among the players already. I think it shows we’ve been successful in recruiting high-character guys,” said Stompers general manager Brett Creamer. “I’m looking forward to seeing them interact with the community this summer and can’t wait for opening day.”

The Stompers will face the Silverados again on June 5, the first game of the season in Sonoma. The Pacific Association season officially begins on May 31, when the Stompers take on the Martinez Clippers in Martinez.

“I’m most looking forward to starting the grind and trying to get better each day,” Pace said.

ABOUT THE STOMPERS

Established in 2014, the Stompers have three Pacific Association Championship appearances and one title. In addition to being featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame several times, the Stompers were the subject of New York Times Bestseller "The Only Rule is it Has To Work" by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller.

STOMPERS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

The Stompers home opener is June 5! To purchase tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

Red Grape returns as official restaurant of Stompers spring training

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is proud to announce it’s second consecutive year of partnership with the Red Grape, the official restaurant of Stompers spring training.

The Red Grape, which will provide post-game meals for Stompers players on select spring training days, is known for their delicious thin-crust pizza. Owners Carol and Sam Morphy offer their guests a relaxed dining environment just off the Sonoma Plaza complete with a classic brick oven and a large patio.

“The support of the Red Grape during our spring training is invaluable to us,” said Stompers General Manager Brett Creamer. “Their food is incredible, and I know our team appreciates the hospitality during their first few days back in town.”

Spring training officially begins on Tuesday, when the Stompers face each other in an intersquad game at Peterson Field in Sonoma. On Wednesday, the team is set to play its first exhibition game against the Napa Silverados at 1 p.m. at Seawolf Diamond at Sonoma State.

Fans can see several returners on new manager Zack Pace’s spring training squad, including championship game starter Ty’Relle Harris and stalwart right-hander Juan Espinosa. Fan favorites and Bay Area natives Eddie Mora-Loera, Daniel Baptista and Daniel Comstock also return.

The Stompers home opener is slated for June 5 at Palooza Park at Arnold Field. To purchase Stompers tickets, visit stompersbaseball.com, call (707) 938-7277 or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Palooza partners with Sonoma Stompers to bring gastropub-style cuisine to Arnold Field

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is proud to bring top-quality cuisine from Palooza Brewery and Gastropub to the ballpark in 2018. To reflect the partnership, the Stompers home field will go by a new moniker for the season–”Palooza Park at Arnold Field.”

“I’m thrilled to have Palooza at the park this year,” said Stompers General Manager Brett Creamer. “We’re located in an area that is one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. Sonoma Stompers concessions should reflect that, and now they do.”

Fans can now take in Stompers baseball while enjoying Palooza’s fresh lobster rolls, garlic fries and brussels sprouts as well as lighter fare, like hummus and pita. Specializing in creating dishes with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, Palooza uses the highest quality meats and makes all of their sauces, pickles and dressings in-house.

“The thing I’m most looking forward to is bringing the community together and having a Sonoma County-worthy experience at the ballpark. It’s going to be a great time,” said Palooza owner Jeff Tyler.

Palooza will also partner with the NorCal Beer Geeks to put on a beer festival at Palooza Park on Fourth of July. After the game, fans can stay to watch the world-famous Sonoma fireworks show from the outfield.

The Palooza partnership will exist alongside new and returning concessions partners including Mary's Slice Shack made-from-scratch pizza slices, Barking Dog Roasters coffee and local snack companies SmashMallow, Dang, KRAVE jerky, AQUAKOLA and U Gottabee Nutz. 

Fans may also enjoy enjoy catered service of delicious Palooza food and Leese-Fitch wine offerings in the Leese-Fitch Wine Lounge, the Stompers’ most luxury seating section.

The Stompers begin their home schedule at Palooza Park at Arnold Field on June 5. Palooza is located in Kenwood at 8910 Sonoma Highway.

ABOUT PALOOZA BREWERY AND GASTROPUB

Palooza Brewery and Gastropub is a neighborhood gathering place where thoughtfully-sourced food comes together with a friendly environment. Since 2014, Palooza has been serving artisan cocktails, house-brewed craft beer, wood-fired pizza, top-quality meats and house-made condiments.

ABOUT THE STOMPERS

Established in 2014, the Stompers have one Pacific Association championship under their belt as well as several historical moments. In addition to being featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame several times, the Stompers were the subject of New York Times Bestseller "The Only Rule is it Has To Work" by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller.

STOMPERS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Opening Day at home is June 5 at Palooza Park at Arnold Field. To purchase Stompers tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers pick up five players in offseason

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club selected three players in Saturday's Pacific Association tryout and league draft.

“With spring training around the corner, the league tryout gave us a glimpse of what this season has in store,” said Stompers general manager Brett Creamer. “It’s been amazing to work with our new manager, Zack Pace, to build this team.”

Spring training will begin May 21.

League Tryout Camp Draft Picks

1. Robert Maislin, RHP – Houston, TX

Maislin played at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.

2. Brennan Fischer - RHP/OF – Frisco, TX

"Brennan is so versatile. He can be successful on both sides of the ball. He's young, has a ton of upside and we think he'll be a great fit," Creamer said. "He checked all the boxes."

3. Daniel Bodishbaugh - RHP – Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Before playing at Academy of Art University, Bodisbaugh notched an 5-3 in his two years at Los Medanos College in Brentwood, Calif. During his freshman campaign, he posted a 2.31 ERA in 39 innings pitched.

WINTER LEAGUE

In addition to their league draft pickups, the Stompers collected two infielders from the California Winter League earlier this season.

1. Elijah Briseno – INF

Utility infielder Brienso tied for first for his team in Winter League runs batted in and impressed with his great glovework. Briseno spent 17 games with the Las Cruces Vaqueros of the Pecos League in 2015. In 72 plate appearances, he hit .295 with two home runs.

2. Christopher Scalisi – INF

In 51 games for the Pecos League's Hollywood Stars last year, Scalisi hit .300 with 18 RBIs and four home runs. Prior to independent ball, Scalisi posted a career average of .368 with 119 RBIs in four seasons at the University of the Redlands.

STOMPERS TICKETS

The Stompers home opener is June 5 at Arnold Field! Find schedule and ticket information at stompersbaseball.com. For more information or if you are interested in partnering with the Stompers, please to call us at (707) 938-7277.

Nicholas Badders to be the 2018 voice of the Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers are pleased to announce Nicholas Badders as the team’s new Broadcaster for the 2018 season. The Bay Area native is President of the Walter Cronkite Sports Network at Arizona State University, where he is studying sports journalism.

“I love calling games because every time I go on the air, there is a chance I have someone listening to the sport for the first time,” Badders said. “I have the opportunity to show someone the love I have for the sport.”

Badders works for Pac-12 Plus network, where he lends his voice to play-by-play of digital streams of ASU baseball, softball, and soccer games. He is also a part of Blaze Radio, Arizona State’s student radio station where play-by-play broadcasting of hockey, softball, and baseball takes place.

“The chance to join the Sonoma Stompers organization is one I am incredibly excited for, with the high level of play they put on the field every single season and the impact they make not only on the local community, but the national baseball community as well,” Badders said.

“There’s no place I would rather spend my summer, I’m very excited for the season to start.”

STOMPERS TICKETS

The 2018 season of Stompers baseball is approaching! Find our schedule and buy tickets online at stompersbaseball.com. For more information or if you are interested in partnering with the Stompers, please to call us at (707) 938-7277.

Two-Time Pitcher of the Year Patrick Conroy to Join Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers are proud to welcome two-time Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year Patrick Conroy to the team for 2018. He will bolster the Stompers pitching staff as well as serve as pitching coach under manager Zack Pace. 

Conroy spent two years in the Kansas City Royals organization before earning his league honors with the San Rafael Pacifics, where he has played since 2014. 

“The awards themselves were definitely an honor. I think it's a reflection of what I've learned from the Pacifics and my teammates,” Conroy said. "I think I learned just as much, maybe even more after the Royals. It's definitely a reflection on the quality of coaching and baseball that we have in this league."

The San Rafael native is also the pitching coach at College of Marin and previously held the same position at Terra Linda High School.

“Patrick has great knowledge of the game from his experience playing and coaching at high school and junior college,” Pace said. “He is a huge asset to the organization as a coach and as a player. I feel confident having Patrick lead our pitching staff to be successful.”

Pace, who Conroy calls a “great baseball mind and person,” was teammates with Conroy on the Pacifics from 2014 to 2016. The Pacifics won two championships in that span. 

Conroy says there “will be emotion there” when he faces the Pacifics in a Stompers uniform, but he’ll treat it like any other game. Instead, he wants to focus on his performance on the mound and helping his teammates. 

“Playing against the Stompers in the past, I've had the utmost respect for everybody and I thought the community was great,” Conroy said. “We were rivals, but being a Stomper now, I'm excited for my coaching and pitching career.”

STOMPERS TICKETS

The 2018 season of Stompers baseball is here! Tickets are available now at stompersbaseball.com. For more information or if you are interested in partnering with the Stompers, please to call us at (707) 938-7277.

Joel Carranza, Ryan Richardson sign with Japanese independent team

Photo via Kagawa Olive Guyners on Twitter

SONOMA, Calif.– Former Sonoma Stompers star Joel Carranza will spend the 2018 season with the Kagawa Olive Guyners, an independent team in the Shikoku Island League. Carranza joins former teammate Ryan Richardson, who ascended from the Stompers to the Olive Guyners in mid-2017.

Carranza won the Pacific Association Most Valuable Player award in 2016, slugging 15 home runs in 78 games and leading the league with a .316 average. Carranza’s play helped earn the Stompers their first-ever Pacific Association championship.

“We’re thrilled to send players from our organization to higher levels of baseball,” said Stompers General Manager Brett Creamer. “They’ll be missed in Sonoma, but I’m excited for the opportunity Ryan and Joel have been given.”

In 2017, Richardson notched a 3.46 ERA in 26 innings. He also contributed to the 2016 championship team, throwing a scoreless outing in eight of nine appearances.

Established in 2005, the Olive Guyners and have won five Shikoku Island League Championships, most recently in 2012.

STOMPERS TICKETS

The 2018 season of Stompers baseball is approaching! Find schedule updates, season ticket and flex plan information at stompersbaseball.com. For more information or if you are interested in partnering with the Stompers, please to call us at (707) 938-7277.

Sonoma Stompers name Zack Pace as new manager

Zack Pace settles into the dugout at Arnold Field, where he'll spend 2018 managing the Sonoma Stompers. 

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is proud to announce Zack Pace as the team’s new field manager. Pace, a Sonoma State alumnus and Bay Area native, brings 11 seasons of independent baseball experience to his new role.

"I love the grind," Pace said. "You have to go out there every day and give it your best shot and try to get better that day."

After playing in independent leagues all over the Midwest, including one that played all 96 games on the road, Pace returned to Northern California in 2012 and became one of the first players signed to the San Rafael Pacifics. Now, his focus is on the Stompers organization.

“Zack and I share the same vision for the Stompers,” said Stompers General Manager Brett Creamer. “I know Zack will recruit a competitive team that is eager to compete day-in and day-out for a Pacific Association championship.”

“I want to be a class-act team and do things the right way. Not everything is going to go exactly how we want, but let’s create a positive atmosphere.”

— Pace

Pace is no stranger to championships. He won three Pacific Association Championships with the Pacifics, hitting .321 in 74 games en route to their 2014 title. Before that, his high school team won the North Coast Section CIF Championships in 2002 and got to dogpile at the Oakland Coliseum. 

“I know the competitive edge he brings to the Stompers, and that will take us a long way.  His positive mentality and eager work ethic consistently impress me,” Creamer said. 

After retiring in 2016, Pace began coaching at his alma mater under legendary head coach John Goelz. His love of the game is what drives Pace, and informs his coaching philosophies. 

"You're constantly learning. And when you have to teach the game, I think you have to learn a little bit more,” Pace said. "I love coaching. I just love seeing the improvement and I love seeing guys get it.”

He cherishes the relationships he’s built over the course of his career, and says being part of a team means "attacking the everyday struggles in life–facing other teams, in a sense–with your family."

"I want to be a class-act team and do things the right way. Not everything is going to go exactly how we want, but let's create a positive atmosphere," Pace said.

Former manager Takashi Miyoshi left the Stompers to coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. 

The Stompers begin the 2018 season in Martinez on May 31. A league-wide open tryout will be held in San Rafael on April 21. 

STOMPERS TICKETS

The 2018 season of Stompers baseball is approaching! Find schedule updates, season tickets and flex plans online at stompersbaseball.com. For more information or if you are interested in partnering with the Stompers, please call us at (707) 938-7277.
 

Takashi Miyoshi Advances to Affiliated Ball to Coach in Minnesota Twins Organization

SONOMA, Calif.–  Former Sonoma Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi is headed to affiliated ball. Miyoshi, who lead the Stompers to a Pacific Association all-time best 52-26 record last season, will spend 2018 coaching in the Minnesota Twins organization.

“I’m officially with the Minnesota Twins organization now, but I will always have a special place in my heart for the Stompers. I wish them the best of luck and will always be rooting for the Stompers wherever I am,” Miyoshi said.

The Tokyo native will join the Elizabethton Twins, Minnesota’s rookie-ball affiliate in the Appalachian League in Tennessee. During his Stompers tenure, "Yoshi" lead his team to three first-half titles and two Championship games, taking the trophy home outright in 2016.

“Yoshi has had an enormous impact on the Sonoma Stompers and the Pacific Association. His advancement to affiliated baseball is exactly what this league is all about,” said Stompers General Manager Brett Creamer. “His professionalism and attitude is second to none. Sonoma wishes him nothing but the best as he continues to pursue his dreams in affiliated baseball with the Elizabethton Twins.”

Miyoshi’s record-setting 2017 season was just one of his career milestones in Sonoma. He reached his 100th managerial win in July, after taking the helm midway through the 2015 season. When he took over as manager, he became one of the first Japanese-born managers in professional baseball. 

“I’m trying to get better, just like the players. I’m trying to prepare every day that I can. I’m not a ‘great’ yet, but I’m just trying to be,” Miyoshi said after clinching the first-half title last season.

Miyoshi also earned consecutive Manager of the Year recognitions in 2016 and 2017 for his leadership. He said he was proud to spend every day working towards a Championship in the Stompers uniform.

“Sonoma is the best city I have ever been to, and where I’ve met best people I’ve ever known. It’s a beautiful city and I now consider it my second hometown," Miyoshi said. 

Miyoshi was featured in the New York Times bestseller "The Only Rule is it Has to Work" of which the Stompers were the subject. He was also manager of the Stompers during many of the team's history-making moments, including Stacy Piagno's seven-inning, one run start in 2017, which earned the Stompers a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame for the third year in a row. 

FULL STATEMENT FROM TAKASHI MIYOSHI

The last three years I’ve spent with the Stompers have been the best ones of my life. I have met great friends, made so many memories and am extremely grateful for everyone who supported me on and off the field.

Thank you to Jon and Carol Sebastiani, as well as Derek Rampone and Eric and Lani Gulotta for allowing me to manage the Stompers. Additionally, thank you to Theo Fightmaster. Without his courage and trust, I would not be where I am today.

Thank you to my coaches and players. I was proud to put on a Stompers uniform every day and work towards a Championship with you.

Thank you to the front office staff, the trainer, the clubhouse manager and every person who is involved with this great team. Every sponsor, fan and season-ticket holder allowed me to do what I love most on this planet.

I’m officially with the Minnesota Twins organization now, but I will always have a special place in my heart for the Stompers. I wish them the best of luck and will always be rooting for them wherever I am.

2018 SEASON

The 2018 season of Stompers baseball is approaching! Find schedule updates, season tickets and flex plans online at stompersbaseball.com. For more information or if you are interested in partnering with the Stompers, please call us at (707) 938-7277.

Sonoma Stompers' Top Five Baseball Moments of 2017

Now that the new year is upon us, we'd like to look back on 2017 and discuss our favorite moments. Feel free to share yours in the comments, or email us at info@stompersbaseball.com. Yours could be featured in a future post. 

5. Matt Hibbert's 10th inning Walk-Off homer

Trailing by two in the tenth inning, veteran Stompers center fielder Matt Hibbert stepped up to the plate. He crushed a three-run shot to start the Stompers' second half 6-0. 

“I just visualized myself doing it before I got up there and made it happen,” Hibbert said. 

4. Chris Matthews Award

2017 marked the debut of the organization's Chris Matthews Award. The award honors those in the clubhouse who exemplify the qualities of generosity, dedication to the team and leadership that Matthews showed with the 2016 Pacific Association championship team.  In addition to presenting the inaugural plaque to the honor's namesake, the team presented veteran right-hander Ty'Relle Harris with the 2017 award. 

“Baseball is a sport that revolves around failure. It's easy to stress out, but it's the right group of girls and guys in the clubhouse that allows you to have success,” Harris said.

3. First Half Win

Sonoma’s 28 first-half victories set both a league and franchise record. They would go on to set the league and franchise record for wins in a season, at 52-26. In the title game, a tenth inning double-steal play on with two outs gave Sonoma the 6-3 lead. Closer Jacob Cox secured the win in a game where the Stompers faced Pittsburg Diamonds starter and former Major Leaguer Travis Blackley. 

2. League Honors tyler Garkow

Garkow, the league leader in strikeouts (97) and ERA (2.56), received 25 more votes than the next-closest contender. In August, he left the Pacific Association to be called up to the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League. Garkow’s nearly-100 strikeouts came in just 13 starts for Sonoma. In that span, Garkow did not pitch less than five innings in a start. He recorded 10 or more strikeouts three times.

1. Stacy Piagno Gets the Win

In her first start of the season, Stacy Piagno faced the league's best offense and came out of it with a seven-inning, one run performance en route to the win. 

“It’s always a thought in your mind, especially in our situation coming in here as a female, can I really be successful? Can I go deep in the game? I’m not just out here for a hoax. It proves to myself that yes, all the hard work can pay off and yes, I can be successful out here,” Piagno said. 

In doing so, Piagno became one of just three women to pick up a "W" in a men's professional baseball league since the 1950's.