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.