FORMER STOMPERS MANAGER GETS FIRST MANAGERIAL ROLE WITH TWINS

SONOMA, Calif-  The Minnesota Twins announced that former Sonoma Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi will be managing the Rookie-Level Gulf Coast League Twins for the 2020 season. Miyoshi will be entering his third season with the Twins organization, first as manager.

Miyoshi spent three seasons with the Stompers, and took over managerial duties midway through the 2015 season. Over his three seasons, Miyoshi and the Stompers won the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs championship in 2016.

Miyoshi was the first Japanese-born manager in the United States to manage professional baseball during his time with the Sonoma Stompers. “We’re excited for him, he’ll always be part of the Stompers family,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. “He ran a very professional team on-and-off the field, I have know doubt that he will continue to do great things for the Twins organization, “ Creamer said.

In 2019, Miyoshi spent time with the Elizabethton Twins in the Appalachian League. “ He made a impact on the Sonoma community during his time here and helped give me my first professional opportunity,” said former Stompers player and current Assistant General Manager Eddie Mora-Loera.

Former Manager Takoshi Miyoshi during a game in 2016 vs. the Pittburg Diamonds. Photo by: JW Toy III

DONDREI HUBBARD SIGNS WITH SAN DIEGO PADRES!

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.

STOMPERS HOST TWO CLINICS TO KICKOFF NEW YEAR

SONOMA, Calif- The Sonoma Stompers are excited to announce they have put on two local instructional events to kick-off the New Year. They hosted their second annual Sonoma Little League (SLL) coaches clinic and hosted a local kids camp in the middle of January.

Stompers Front Office with Sonoma Little League coaches and board members.

The kids camp featured Stompers manager Zack Pace, bench coach Casey Gilroy and former player/ current Assistant General Manager Eddie Mora-Loera. Over two separate weeks, hosted at Sonoma State University the Stompers saw attendees from all surrounding cities. The camp provided kids the opportunity to work with professional athletes and coaches.

The camp featured on leadership, confidence in-between the lines, baseball fundamentals and how to be an overall better teammate and player. “The professional training and University exposure these kids are receiving at this young age is something I wish I had the opportunity of when I was at their age,” said AGM Eddie Mora-Loera.

This past weekend the Sonoma Stompers and Sonoma Little League held a coaches clinic. For the second consecutive season, General Manager Brett Creamer and Mora-Loera shared their 30+ years of combined baseball experience and knowledge to the 35 plus coaches in attendance.  The Stompers went over practice schemes, breakdowns by position and techniques. Sonoma Little League board members and president Mike Brown were also in attendance. “This is what the Stompers are about, we are here for the community and to spread knowledge about the game we all love and cherish. If one piece of knowledge was learned today, I would still consider it a huge success,” said GM Brett Creamer.

Bownet equipment used during coaches clinic.

The Stompers donated Bownet equipment to the Sonoma Little League for their upcoming season “With a newly renovated field, we are excited to contribute to the youth of Sonoma. This is the same equipment our professional players use to train with as well”, said Brett Creamer.

The Sonoma Stompers will be holding another kids camp March 22nd at Epicenter Sports and Entertainment in Santa Rosa. Special guests, players and coaches will be in attendance.

2020 SEASON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

SONOMA, Calif-  The Sonoma Stompers have announced that 2020 season tickets are now available! In 2019, the Stompers finished with a Pacific Association league best 45-19 record. The phenomenal season featured players getting promoted to affiliated rosters and foreign leagues all across the country.

The Sonoma Stompers also partnered with over a 20 non-profits 501(c)3 organizations, that included raffle giveaways and ticketing fundraisers.

In 2020, the Stompers will be hosting games against the Napa Silverados, Vallejo Admirals and new expansion club California Dogecoin, which will be based out of Fairfield. 2020 will mark the seventh season of professional baseball in Sonoma. “It’s great to bring the community together and present a opportunity for players, staff members, interns, etc. from all across the country,” said General Manager Brett Creamer.

The Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs (PAPBC) has currently been announcing Gilded Glove and League Awards this past month. The PAPBC is planning to have the league schedule finalized by the end of February with the first week of play to start in late May. “ I am excited to continue the tradition of professional baseball for a community that loves baseball.. I am looking forward to seeing all the families, players and food that really brings a community together, “ said former Stompers player and current Assistant General Manager Eddie Mora-Loera.

The Stompers will plan to be hosting 40 home games. Season tickets and Flex Plans are now available for sale. Flex Plans are available for families and individuals who are interested in attending games at their own convenience.

Seating sections will include of Wine Lounge, Grandstand Reserve, Diamond Level and General Admission for the 2020 season. For more information on our seats, please click here . For general questions and inquires please email us at eddie@stompersbaseball.com or call us at 707-938-7277.

FOUR STOMPERS WIN GILDED GLOVE AWARDS

SONOMA, Calif-  The Sonoma Stompers are excited to announce that four players have been recognized as Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs Gilded Glove winners for the 2019 season.

PITCHER - NICK BARNESE

First, is standout pitcher and former Tampa Bay Ryas 2007 third round draft pick Nick Barnese. Barnese has played nine years of professional baseball and one with the Sonoma Stompers. In 2019, the Semi Valley native provided veteran leadership among the pitching staff and entire ball club. Barense held a 7-1 win-loss record for the Stompers while also recording 73 strikeouts in 63.2 innings pitched. “He was a great competitor with great stuff. He works hard at his craft, he’s the guy you wanted with the ball during big games,” said Manager Zack Pace.

Sonoma Stompers second baseman Nick Gotta fielding a ground ball against the Napa Silverados. Photo - JW TOY III

SECOND BASE - NICK GOTTA

Second baseman Nick Gotta set a Pacific Association record with a .544 On-base percentage. His 84 walks tied former San Rafael Pacifics center fielder and current Sonoma Stompers manager Zack Pace with another Pacific Association record. “Gotta has determination and girt, one of the best seasons I’ve seen a lead-off hitter have, “ said Manager Zack Pace. The left handed hitter held a impressive .362 batting average and scored a Pacific Association best 71 runs.

THIRD BASE - CHRIS KWITZER

New York native Chris Kwitzer was named Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs Gilded Glove winner. In 58 games, Kwitzer held a .309 average with nine home runs and 56 runs batted in. “He’s a professional in-and-out, who works hard and has a great mindset,” said Manager Zack Pace. The left handed hitter also scored 50 runs and recorded 14 doubles. After spending the 2018 season with four teams in three different Independent leagues, the University of Buffalo alumnus fit right in with the Sonoma Stompers during the 2019 season.

CENTER FIELD - DONDREI HUBBARD

Mayville State University alumnus Dondrei Hubbard has been named Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs Gilded Glove center fielder of the year. Hubbard turned many heads when he homered in his first three professional games as a Sonoma Stomper. “ His athleticism and determination to work hard is what continues to make him great,” said Manager Zack Pace. Before joining the Lake Erie Crushers in late July, Hubbard was leading the Pacific Association with a batting average .364, home runs (16) and RBIs (55). “During spring training, he went from our back-up catcher to a platoon outfielder. By the start of the season, he was our starting center fielder. “His durability and power showed right away,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. “He continued to improve his craft and grow his mindset at the plate, which showed,” said Creamer. Hubbard, who was a two-sport athlete at Mayville State played both baseball and football. Hubbard split time as the teams starting punter and running back.

THANK YOU!

SONOMA, Calif-  In early September the Sonoma Stompers completed their sixth season in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs. After falling short in the championship game, there was still many accomplishments to reflect on during the 2019 season.

Pitcher Cole Watts signing with the Kansas City Royals

In early June, Stompers reliever Cole Watts was signed by the Idaho Falls Chukars, Kansas City Royals Rookie Ball affiliate. Watts, who was fourth on the team in strikeouts would later win the 2019 Pioneer League championship with the Chukars. Among Watts, a total of eight Sonoma Stompers were promoted throughout the season, setting a Pacific Association record. The team didn’t miss a beat, going 45-19 including another regular season title.

Manager Zack Pace posing with a few fans during a community event this past Summer.

Over the Stompers six year tenure, the team now has a career record of 287-168 with a win % of .630. Reigning Pacific Association Manager of the Year Zack Pace collected his 100th professional managerial win this season, now having a career record of 102-42.

For the first time in team history, the Sonoma Stompers broadcasted 40 home games on local channel 27 and Sonoma Stompers YouTube. Partnering with KSVY Sonoma TV gave players from all teams within the league the opportunity to capture live game film for their playing resume. Team Broadcaster Forrest Hunt also spent his first season with the Sonoma Stompers, a Senior at Dominican College.

Sluggers Jacob Barfield and Dondrei Hubbard taking a photo with a fan

The Stompers also hosted their annual youth kids camp where over 30 participants were in attendance. The three day camp focused on leadership, fundamentals, and teamwork. The camp was led by Stompers players and coaches.

This season the Stompers hosted interns from all across the country. Including Washington, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, and California. “That’s what the Sonoma Stompers is all about. We present the opportunity for students and people from all across the county to gain experience first hand in the sports management and business field,” said General Manager Brett Creamer.

Former player and current Assistant General Manager Eddie Mora-Loera completed his first season in the Front Office. “2019 was a great success on and off the field. I’m looking forward to going into my second season with Brett and the rest of the team,” said Mora-Loera. Eddie led the organization in sales, community affairs, marketing and more.

In the fall of 2019, the team will be on the lookout for Pacific Association end of season awards which will be announced in the following months.

The Sonoma Stompers will now focusing on their fundraising efforts for the 2020 season while the league looks to put a schedule out by the end of the year.

STOMPERS HOLD ON TO EDGE OUT SAN RAFAEL 5-4 TO FORCE A WINNER-TAKE-ALL GAME 2

SAN RAFAEL, Calif- The Sonoma Stompers traveled to San Rafael Saturday night in desperate need of a win as they trailed the best of 3 series 1-0. It was Nick Barnese and clutch hitting that forced a winner-take-all game 3 on Sunday night.

The Stompers offense was clicking right out of the gate against San Rafael starter Johnny Morell (2-2). With 1 out, Jacob Barfield lined a base hit to left-center field to get things started. Pedro Barrios followed with a base hit up the middle and Brent Gillespie walked to load the bases. Chris Kwitzer delivered with an RBI single to left-center to give the Stompers the first lead 1-0. 

The offense went back to work in the top of the 4th inning when Bronson Butcher worked a leadoff walk and Rob De Angelis doubled off the center field wall to knock Morell out of the game after just 3 innings. Jorge Gonzalez (0-1) entered the game to try and hold the Stompers. With 1 out in the inning, Barfield hit a sacrifice fly to right-center field to bring De Angelis home and extend the lead 2-0. 

In the bottom half of the 4th inning San Rafael answered. A 1 out single off Nick Barnese (7-1) put Corey Dempster on base. With 2 outs, Mike Annone hit his second home run of the postseason, tying the game 2-2.

The Stompers chased Gonzalez from the game in the top of the 6th inning after Butcher walked and De Angelis singled with 1 out. Michael Klein came out of the bullpen for San Rafael to face Rayson Romero.  On a 1-2 pitch, Romero launched a no-doubt blast to left field to out the Stompers out in front 5-2. 

Barnese tossed 5 innings while allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and he struck out 9. 

Konner Arnold (7-5) was first out of the bullpen for manager Zack Pace. Arnold pitched a tremendous 3 innings in relief, allowing just 3 baserunners on 1 hit, bridging the cap to the 9th. 

Ryan Richardson (2-0) came in to attempt his 9th save of the year. Richardson had been lights out, not allowing an earned runs since when he gave up a home run in San Rafael on June 30th. in the bottom of the 9th, Montelongo singled to put a runner on trailing by 3. With 1 out, Raul Navarro hit a TaylorMade double play ball to Romero at shortstop which hit the lip and went over his head, resulting in a double and putting runners at 2nd and 3rd. Peguero then double to right field to bring both runners home to make it a 1-run game, 5-4 but Peguero rounded first too far and was thrown out by Butcher for the second out. Richardson struck out Axel Johnson to secure his 9thsave and send us to a winner-take-all game 3 on Sunday at 6:05 at Palooza Park at Arnold Field. 

STOMPERS DROP GAME 1 OF CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES TO SAN RAFAEL 8-5

SONOMA, Calif- The Sonoma Stompers awaited their opponent for the championship series on Friday night and for the 4th time in the last 5 years, it was San Rafael. The Pacifics have beaten the Stompers in 2 of the last 3 playoff meetings. 

Both starters looked unhittable through the first 3 innings, or was it the sputtering offenses. San Rafael jumped out to an early lead in the top of the 4th inning. After Vijay Patel (7-1) got a quick first out, he walked Yeiler Peguero and hit Axel Johnson. With 2 outs, Zane Gelphman drove in the pair with a single, putting San Rafael out in front 2-0. Another hit and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases and knocked Patel out of the game. 

Marshall Shill (1-0) was the first out of the bullpen for manager Zack Pace. Shill hit Montelongo with the bases loaded to bring in a 3rdrun in the inning and give the Pacifics a 3-0 lead. 

The Stompers responded in the bottom of the 5th inning against Justin Watland (3-0). A Bronson Butcher leadoff single and a 1-out walk by Nick Gotta brought they tying run to the plate. On a 1-0 pitch, Jacob Barfield launched a laser home run to left-center field, tying the game 3-3. 

After a clean inning from Jacob Cox (3-0), Lenny Gwizdala (0-2) came into the game in the 7th. After striking the first man out, Gwizdala got Peguero to pop up in between the mound and home plate. Miscommunication between Gwizdala and Butcher resulted in an error and Peguero reaching first base. Johnson then drove him in with a base hit to give the Pacifics a 4-3 lead. Gelphman added to the wound with a 2-run bomb to extend the San Rafael lead to 6-3. 

The Stompers answered right back with 2 in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI double by Brent Gillespie to score Pedro Barrios. Gillespie later scored on a bases loaded walk by Rayson Romero, inching the Stompers closer, 6-5.

In the top of the 9th inning San Rafael scored twice more with the help of 2 Stomper errors, extending the lead back out to 8-5.

The Stompers failed to make a comeback as they drop game 1 while stranding 13 baserunners.

Game 2 is at Albert Park in San Rafael on Saturday, August 31 at 5:00.

STOMPERS THUMP ADMIRALS IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE, 19-6

SONOMA, Calif- The Sonoma Stompers hosted the Vallejo Admirals on Monday night, a make-up game, as well as the final game of the regular season. The offense did not disappoint, putting 19 runs on the board in a one-sided victory to close out the year. 

Vallejo did strike first in the ballgame in the top of the 1st inning. against Ethan Gibbons (3-4), Vallejo designated hitter O’Koyae Dickson walked and Montrell Marshall doubled with 2 out to put 2 men in scoring position. Vlad Gomez singled them both home to give the Admirals and early 2-0 lead. 

The Stompers offense exploded in the bottom of the 2nd inning against Vallejo starter Harold Myles (1-0). Brent Gillespie opened the inning with a base hit. Miles Williams was hit by a pitch and Chris Kwitzer walked to load the bases. Bronson Butcher then drew an RBI walk to put the Stompers on the board 2-1. Rob DeAngelis then collected an RBI hit to tie the game 2-2. With 1 out, Nick Gotta hit a sacrifice fly to center to give the Stompers their first lead, 3-2. Jacob Barfield followed with a walk to load the bases again and Pedro Barrios was hit to bring in another run, making it 4-2. In Gillespie’s second plate appearance in the inning he walked to bring in a run and the fin al run of the inning scored on a wild pitch, capping off the 6-run 3rd inning to give the Stompers a 6-2 lead. 

In the bottom of the 3rd inning Bitcher worked his second walk of the game and DeAngelis immediately reached on catcher’s interference. With first and second, Rayson Romero lined a base hit into right-center to score Butcher as DeAngelis went to third, extending the lead 7-2. With runners at the corners and 1 out, Myles picked over to first base and the throw got passed Marshall, allowing DeAngelis to score and Romero to go all the way to third. Romero later scored on a passes ball as the Stompers led 9-2 after 3 innings of play. 

Gibbons only went 4 innings on 52 pitches while allowing just the 2 runs on 4 hits as he walked 1 and struck out 3. 

Konner Arnold (6-5) entered the game in the top of the 5th and Chevy Clarke rudely welcomed him with a solo homer, cutting into the lead 9-3. Later in the inning Tillman Pugh went deep to make it 9-4. 

The Stompers countered in the bottom half of the 5th inning with runs of their own. Gotta led off the inning with his 83rd walk of the season and with 1 out Barrios doubled to left center to put runners at second and third. Matt Hibbert, pinch hitting in Gillespie’s spot, tripled to left-center to clear the bases and extend the lead out to 11-4. With 2 outs Kwitzer tripled to right-center to bring Hibbert home and make it a 12-4 game. Kwitzer came in on an RBI single from DeAngelis, finishing the 4-run 5thto make the lead 13-4. 

Vallejo scored once in the top of the 6th on a Matt Eureste RBI hit to cut into the lead, 13-5. They also scored once more in the top of the 7th on a Ryan Cooper RBI walk to make it 13-6.

The Admirals, trailing by a bunch, sent outfielder Jacob Wark to the mound in the bottom of the 8th to save the bullpen for the playoffs as he made his first appearance of the season. Romero welcomed him with a no-doubt blast to left field, Romero’s 4thto make it 14-6. With 1 out Barfield walked, Barrios singled and Hibbert was plunked to load the bases. On a 1-0 pitch, Williams launched a no-doubt home run into the trees, his 15th, growing the lead to 18-6. The Stompers loaded the bases again in the inning, all on walks, and Gotta took his 84thwalk of the season to make it 19-6. With that walk, Gotta ties his manager Zack Pace for the most walks in a single season in the Pacific Association in 16 less games. 

The Stompers host game 1 of the Pacific Association Championship Series on Friday night at 6:05. 

NAPA WINS BACK-AND-FORTH CONTEST IN THE 9TH, 8-7

NAPA, Calif- The Sonoma Stompers traveled to Napa to play the Silverados for the final time of the 2019 regular season. Napa went up early but the Stompers led from the middle innings until Napa walked of in the bottom of the 9th.

Napa got on the board first against Stompers starter Nick Barnese( 7-1). With 1 out, Dakota Conners singled and Nico Toni singled to put 2 men on. Nick Ultsch delivered an RBI double to left to give Napa the first lead. Josh Montelongo drove in another run on an RBI groundout, extending the Napa lead to 2-0. 

The Stompers were held off the board until the top of the 5th when Napa brought in their 3rd pitcher, Andrew Fuentes. Pedro Barrios welcomed Fuentes into the game by singling on the first pitch he saw. Brent Gillespie and Miles Williams drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Fuentes got a pair of strikeouts before Rob DeAngelis singled to put the Stompers on the board, but still trailing 2-1.Rayson Romero then singled home a pair, giving the Stompers a 3-2 lead. The 4th run of the inning scored on a wild pitch as the Stompers led 4-2 halfway through the ballgame. 

Napa got one back in the bottom half of the inning on a sacrifice fly from Toni, cutting into the Stomper lead 4-3. 

The Stompers put a pair of runs on the board in the top of the 6th on a Chris Kwitzer 2-run bomb, snapping an 0-17 slump and extending the lead to 6-3. 

The Stompers extended the lead once more in the top of the 7th inning when Gillespie reached on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded to make it 7-3. 

In the bottom of the 7th inning Jacob Cox (3-0) came in to hold the lead. A pair of singles and a 2 out wild pitch strikeout loaded the bases for Montelongo who took Cox deep on the first pitch for a game-tying grand slam. 

With the game tied, Lenny Gwizdala entered the game to try and send it to extras. Napa loaded the bases on a hit and two walks. Austin Fitzpatrick ended the game on a pinch-hit walk-off single to left to lift the Silverados over the Stompers 8-7. 

The Stompers play their final regular-season game at home on Monday night against the Vallejo Admirals at 6:05.