Thank You For Supporting The Stompers In 2016

The Stompers stormed to the mound on Friday August 26 after clinching their first ever Pacific Association Championship at Albert Park in San Rafael. James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

The Stompers stormed to the mound on Friday August 26 after clinching their first ever Pacific Association Championship at Albert Park in San Rafael. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Theo Fightmaster, Vice President & General Manager

 

Dear Sonoma Stompers Faithful,


After three seasons, a couple near misses, and more memories and incredible opportunities than we very likely deserve, the Sonoma Stompers are Pacific Association Champions!
The 2016 Stompers season was a roaring success.

We captured the franchise’s first title with a mark of 47-31, 16 games above 500, and six games better than league stalwarts, the San Rafael Pacifics. As an organization, we won our second and third League Half-Season titles – and let me remind you we’ve only played six half seasons in our existence. Our 47 wins were most in franchise history, and when Jose Flores struck out Brent Gillespie for the final out on Friday, Aug. 26, it marked the earliest a team had ever clinched the Pacific Association crown outright. But the success went beyond the box scores.

Thanks to Francis Ford Coppola, his extraordinary team at Virginia Dare Winery, and veteran broadcaster and baseball expert, Joe Castellano, the Stompers made national headlines (again) for the signing of Kelsie Whitmore, Stacy Piagno and Anna Kimbrell. The trio of women performed admirably while helping the Stompers become the first professional baseball team with multiple women on the roster since the Negro Leagues in the 1950s.


And of course, there was the great core of players who day in, day out simply outperformed the competition.


Charter members of the 2014 Stompers team; Matt Hibbert, Mike Jackson Jr., Joel Carranza, Derrick Fox and Erik Gonsalves were integral to this championship, and I’m thrilled that they played the role they did in bringing a title to Sonoma. Carranza led the Pacific Association in hitting, boasting a .316 batting average, and slugged 15 home runs (second most in the league), despite not joining the team until June 7.


2015 standouts Daniel Baptista, Gregory Paulino, Mark Hurley and Yuki Yasuda, along with newcomers like Flores, Taylor Thurber, Jose Flores, Mason Morioka, Juan Espinosa, Randy Santiestiban, Oliver Garcia, Chaz Meadows, Eddie More-Loera, and Caleb Bryson helped fortify a core of the most complete team we’ve had here in three years.   


And thanks to the incredible dedication of Manager Takashi Miyoshi, Bench Coach Chris Matthews and Assistant G.M. of Baseball Operations, and Play-by-play man extraordinaire – Sonoma’s own Tim Livingston – we only got stronger in the season’s final weeks. The additions of Ryan Richardson, Randy Keen and Adam Ogburn bolstered our pitching staff. And late-season acquisition, Scott David, was the bolt of lightning that helped our lineup surge to the finish line.


Our ballpark staff was also in championship form this summer. In my estimation, we delivered the best fan experience in our three years. Our game day staff was courteous and hardworking, our concessions were made hot and fresh, with only the best ingredients we could find, thanks to our partners at Sonoma Market.


At the end of every season, we get to look in the mirror and say “that was the best summer of our lives,” but you should know that without your support – be it the season tickets you bought, the sponsorship you spend your hard-earned marketing dollars toward, the player (or players) you warmly hosted – this simply can’t happen.


A team like the Sonoma Stompers exist only because a community like you supports it. And we hope to continue to earn your support for many more seasons.


Sincerely,
Theo Fightmaster
Vice President, General Manager

Stompers Conclude 2016 Campaign Sunday Against Pacifcs

Pat Lemmo went seven innings strong in the Stompers 3-2 loss to the Pacfics Sunday. Lemmo allowed 2 runs on six hits and struck out one.James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Pat Lemmo went seven innings strong in the Stompers 3-2 loss to the Pacfics Sunday. Lemmo allowed 2 runs on six hits and struck out one.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistan

After three months and 78 games of grinding, the 2016 season came to an end Sunday afternoon at Albert Park. This game had a much different feel than most games do as pitchers had the opportunity to get at bats on both sides. Players playing in their final games as professionals like Pacifics centerfielder Zack Pace also got a proper send off in their final game. The result on the field did not go the Stompers way in a 3-2 loss to the Pacifics, but it takes nothing away from the fabulous journey that this team went on. 

Pat Lemmo had his best outing in his third start pitching seven innings strong. Lemmo allowed two runs on six hits and walked only one batter in those innings. Evan Neiser came in to relive Lemmo and made one mistake to Chase Tucker in a tie game in the bottom of the ninth that lead to a walk off home run. The loss ended an eight game win streak against the Pacifics on the final day of the regular season. These two teams had their battles in 2016 but it was clear after the game that these two teams had a lot of respect for each other.

Both teams came on the field after the game greeted each other on the field. It did not matter that these two teams have played in so many battles over the year, they all came together united. They all had one thing in common after all, and that is their love for baseball. These players may not have multi-million dollar salaries but work hard every day playing the game they love. The Pacifics and Stompers came together as true professionals of the game of baseball. The actions of these players unite these Northern California communities and give them something they can all cheer about.

As this journey of the 2016 season comes to a close, it is a little hard to believe. It seems like Sean Conroy was just announced as the opening day starter for the game on May 31 in Vallejo. What a journey it was in 2016. It had a little bit of everything ranging from a 10 inning complete game, to an all female battery to shatter barriers in the game of baseball. No matter where the Stompers franchise goes from here, they will always have this season as a fond memory. It is not every day that a team can bring a community together on a championship drive. Every member of this team is now a member of the Stomper family and will be united as brothers and sisters on the diamond forever. The 2016 Stompers truly were the boys, and girls of summer in the wine country.

Box Score

 

 

Gonsalves Hits First Professional Home Run In 10-5 Win Over Pacifcs

Erik Gonsalves became the first Stomper to hit a home run, and win a game as pitcher in franchise history in the Stompers 10-5 win over the Pacifcs. James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Erik Gonsalves became the first Stomper to hit a home run, and win a game as pitcher in franchise history in the Stompers 10-5 win over the Pacifcs. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

 

With the Stompers having already clinched the Pacific Association title, there wasn’t a whole lot on the line in the game Saturday night at Albert Park. Many of the normal starters were not in the lineup and three pitchers took the field on defense.  Pitcher Erik Gonsalves also hit for himself in the lineup. The game Saturday was not played for records or championships, but for the pure love for the game of baseball that these players have. It showed on the field in a 10-5 win over the Pacifics

Starter Nick DeBarr entered the sixth inning with a three run lead. But the Stompers offense had another big rally in them to come roaring back. Six Stompers hitters in a row reached with the tying run coming in on an RBI single by Adam Ogburn. Erik Gonzalves came to the plate after Ogburn with two runners on. On the first pitch of the at bat, Gonzalves launched his first home run of the season over the left field wall to give his team a three run cushion. All of the pitchers had eight RBIs combined. Jose Flores also doubled into deep left center field in the ninth to add on three insurance runs. For one night this group of pitchers went out and just enjoyed themselves, and had fun playing the game they loved.

“That was one of the most fun I’ve had in my life. That’s what happens when a group of players have fun, good things happen,” said Gonsalves. “I took two steps out of the box and realized that it was going to go out. I will always remember the game tonight because I was able to hit my first home run as a professional.”

Gonzalves also picked up the win for the Stompers pitching seven innings allowing two earned runs. Gonzalves in the process became the first Stomper in the history of the franchise to hit a home run, and pick up a win as a pitcher in the same game. Evan Neiser and Sean Conroy pitched two shutout innings to close the door on the Pacifics with Conroy striking out the side to put a bow on the game in the ninth.

The Stompers (47-30, 24-14 second half) will take the field for the final time in 2016 Sunday afternoon at Albert Park in the series finale against the Pacifics (40-37 19-19 second half). Sonoma has won eight in a row against the Pacifics in the second half, and will go for their third straight series sweep of the Pacifics. Sonoma had won three games all season at Albert Park coming into the series. It will not be a game that features talk of a pennant race or second half records, but if it is anything like the game Saturday it sure will be entertaining. 

Box Score

Stompers Clinch First Ever Pacific Association Championship In 5-4 Win

The Stompers clinched the Pacific Association title Friday in a 5-4 win over the Pacifics. It was their first title as a franchise. James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

The Stompers clinched the Pacific Association title Friday in a 5-4 win over the Pacifics. It was their first title as a franchise. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Back and forth they went on a Friday night at Albert Park. There was no margin for error as the Stompers battled the Pacifics for their first ever Pacific Association championship. Friday’s battle was a fitting exclamation point to a record breaking season as the Stomper bullpen held the line in a 5-4 win over San Rafael to clinch the franchises’ first ever Pacific Association Championship. 


The Stomper bullpen pitched 5 1/3 innings scoreless innings in relief of Oliver Garcia to set the tone for the Stompers victory. Ryan Richardson pitched 3 1/3 scoreless striking out three batters. Richardson allowed only one base runner and retired eight in a row during one stretch. Adam Ogburn and Jose Flores polished things off in the final two innings to give the Stompers the victory. Flores struck out Brent Gillespie to record the final out of the game.  Flores recorded the final out with the bases loaded.  It was a fitting exclamation point to a second half that saw Sonoma fight back from adversity.


Sonoma was once 7-10 in the second half and was searching for answers. Manager Takashi Miyoshi challenged the team when they fell to that mark in a team meeting. It was not a despite cry for them to play better, but a challenge to play the way he knew they were capable. 
“I never had a doubt about my 23 of my guys, and knew that they were focused on winning,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi. “Ever since we lost in the championship game last year I thought about bringing a championship back to Sonoma. Doing that would mean making history. I am so happy we made our fans happy, and this title means a lot to me.”


Miyoshi lead the Stompers to their first title in his first full season as manager. The Stompers have won a franchise record 46 games in their third season of action. Miyoshi also became the first manager to win both the first and second half titles in the history of the Pacific Association. 
The Stomper offense battled back from an early two run deficit in the third with a three run inning Friday. Scott David hit his fourth home run of the season to drive in two in the inning. David was 2 for 4 with four driven in on the night. 


The success of the offense was key to their second half run. The Stompers hold a 17-5 mark in the month of August and the offense has scored in double digits in seven of those contests. Sonoma also defeated the defending champion Pacifics seven straight times in the month of August. After three years, the Stompers were finally able to get over the hump.


“This is the most complete team we have had in Sonoma in the three years that we have been here. We have a core of players like Matt Hibbert, and Joel Carranza that have been here since the very beginning,” said General Manager Theo Fightmaster. “They had scar tissue from the near misses in years past and were galvanized that they would not leave anything to doubt this season. It is a really cool feeling to finally achieve the goal that we have been trying to get to for three years.”


When the final out was recorded Friday it was far from a silent at Albert Park as a large contingent of the Stompers faithful followed the team to San Rafael to witness the moment. The fans had supported this team through so much through the season, and were rewarded with a title Friday. “Our fans made more noise on the road in an echoing ballpark than the locals did tonight and that is just the passion they bring to our ballpark every night,” said Fightmaster.  


After the lights went out Friday the celebration had just begun and for good reason as they have made their mark on not only the franchise, but on the entire Sonoma community. The Stompers (46-30, 23-14 second half) have two games remaining in this magical season at Albert Park. 

Box Score

Keen Leads Stompers Past Admirals In Complete Game Gem

Randy Keen made a name for himself in his Stomper debut throwing a complete game in the Stompers 6-1 victory of the Admirals Thursday. Keen struck out nine and allowed only four hits.James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Randy Keen made a name for himself in his Stomper debut throwing a complete game in the Stompers 6-1 victory of the Admirals Thursday. Keen struck out nine and allowed only four hits.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

 

The Stompers entered the rubber match of the series against the Admirals with a little bit of uncertainty as starting pitcher Randy Keen made his Stompers debut on the mound Thursday for the Stompers. Not only was it Keen’s debut, but it came in a huge spot with the Stompers in the middle of a pennant race in the second half in the Pacific Association. But Keen proved that he was up to the challenge in a magnificent performance on the mound in the 6-1 win over the Admirals Thursday night at People’s Home Equity Ballpark.
 
Keen went the distance in his first start with the Stompers allowing only one run on four hits. Keen allowed a solo home run and two singles in the first inning. But after that point Keen slammed the door shut on the Admirals allowing only one more hit in the final eight innings.

 Keen overwhelmed the Admirals by keeping the ball down and in the zone. Keen threw 74 of 107 pitches for strikes and struck out nine batters on the night. Even though Keen was making his debut, he and catcher Mason Morioka made it seem as though they had been working together for a while longer. Keen a native of Napa was able to put on a show in front of a lot of family and friends that were in attendance.

“I had a good feel of all my pitches and I knew I could put it wherever I wanted to. Morioka always knew the right pitch to call and we were on the same page all night,” said Keen. “I just wanted to come out here to help this team in any way I could. To pitch the way I did in front of family and friends was unbelievable. I feel numb right now; I can’t put into words how amazing of a moment this is for me.”

Sonoma’s offense provided more than enough help for Keen highlighted by a three hit night for Joel Carranza. Carranza was 3 for 5 with 3 driven in. Carranza gave the Stompers the lead in the third on a three run blast into right center field. It was Carranza’s fifteenth home run of the season which is tied for the most in the Pacific Association. Carranza also singled home a run in the seventh to extend the Stompers lead. 

The Stompers (45-30, 22-14 second half) did not gain a game on the the San Rafael Pacifics (40-35, 19-17 second half) as they won in Pittsburg by a score of 10-3. That means the second half champion will be crowned in a weekend battle in San Rafael beginning Friday. If the Stompers win one of the final three games of the regular season at Albert Park, they will be champions of the Pacific Association for the first time in franchise history.

Box Score

Host Family Appreciation Ceremony To Take Place Thursday Night

There will be a special ceremony honoring all of our host families before the final home game of the regular season Thursday at People's Home Equity Ballpark.Geoff Safford/Sonoma Stompers

There will be a special ceremony honoring all of our host families before the final home game of the regular season Thursday at People's Home Equity Ballpark.

Geoff Safford/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

There are great plays made on the field by Stompers players during many summer nights in Sonoma. They play the game they love at a professional level something very few can say they have done. But none of the home runs, strikeouts, or diving catches made in the field by Stompers players would be possible without the help of our host familes. Our host familes open the door to their homes every summer  to players and coaches and provide much more than just a place to lay their head at night. They form a true bond with Stompers players and a place they can call home. 


Before the final home game at People's Home Equity Ballpark Thursday night the Stompers will invite host family members onto the field for a special host family appreciation ceremony. Host family members will have an opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the game and deserve recognition for the great things they have done for the Stompers organization. They will always be members of the Stomper Family.

Seventh Inning Home Run The Difference In 8-5 Loss To Admirals

Derrick Fox was on base four times in the 8-5 loss to the Admirals Wednesday. Fox was 2 for 3 with two walks and a run scored in the game. James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Derrick Fox was on base four times in the 8-5 loss to the Admirals Wednesday. Fox was 2 for 3 with two walks and a run scored in the game. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Sometimes a few mistakes can be all the difference between a win, and a loss in a game of baseball. The Stompers entered the second game of the series against the Admirals with a ton of confidence having won five straight contests. But two powerful swings off the bat by Vallejo ended the streak in an 8-5 loss to the Admirals Wednesday. 


Possibly the biggest swing of the night came in the seventh for Vallejo when Joe Hicks launched a three run home run to extend the lead to 8-2. Sonoma rallied for three runs in the bottom half of the seventh but the three run shot by Hicks proved to be the difference in the game. The home run by Hicks was also in a two strike count with two outs off of Jose Flores. The Admirals second home run came in the third on a two run blast by Patrick Moriarty in a three run inning for the Admirals off Juan Espinosa. The home run by Moriarty was also on a two strike pitch. Espinosa did not have his best stuff Wednesday allowing four runs and four walks in 5 2/3 innings. 


Despite Vallejo’s good night at the plate, the Stomper offense missed a few opportunities to score more runs than they did. Marquis Hutchinson allowed four runs on six hits and six walks in six innings. But two double play balls killed off Stomper rallies in huge moments to thwart possible rally opportunities. The Stompers also stranded ten runners on base in the game. Derrick Fox and Mark Hurley were the only Stomper hitters to finish with multiple hits. Hurley was 2 for 4, and Fox was 2 for 3 with 2 walks.


For the second consecutive night the Stompers (44-30, 21-14 second half) got a huge lift from the Pittsburg Diamonds as they defeated the San Rafael Pacifics (39-35, 18-17 second half) 4-3. That meant the Stompers retained their three game lead in the second half standings in the Pacific Association. Sonoma would clinch the title tomorrow night with a win, and a San Rafael loss. If the Pacifics win, the champion of the second half will be decided over the weekend when the Stompers take on the Pacifics in a three game series at Albert Park.


The rubber match of the series against the Admirals Thursday will feature a start from Oliver Garcia. Garcia has been effective in his last two starts going 2-0 with 14 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched. They will face Roman Gomez a pitcher the Stompers haven’t faced since July 15. Gomez and Garcia faced off on opening day in Sonoma on June 7 and will go against each other once more in the final game of the regular season at People’s Home Equity Ballpark.

 
Tickets for the final home game of 2016 are still available on StompersBaseball.com. It will be the finale of Fan Appreciation week, and the Stompers will be giving away big prizes to a few lucky fans in attendance thanks to our friends at Krug Family Hotels. All ticketed fans in the ballpark are eligible to win one of six staycation getaways, three at Sonoma Valley Inn and three at Dry Creek Inn. Each hotel is providing a one night Getaway, a two night Getaway and a three night Getaway at these beautiful wine country properties. Use them yourself, or use them for family members who are coming to visit the area.  One Getaway will be drawn each inning for the first six innings. Don't forget to put your name in the drawing box when you enter the ballpark. 


Box Score

 

First 150 Fans Receive 2016 Stompers Team Photo Wednesday Night

The 2016 Stompers team photo will be given out to first 150 fans in attendance courtesy of our friends at Rick Bolen Photography and Copy Store & More LLC.

The 2016 Stompers team photo will be given out to first 150 fans in attendance courtesy of our friends at Rick Bolen Photography and Copy Store & More LLC.

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

You will want to get the the ballpark early Wednesday August 24 when the Stompers face off against the Admirals because the first 150 fans through the gate will get a free copy of the 2016 Stompers team Photo courtesy of Rick Bolen Photography and Copy Store & More. The Stompers have enjoyed a lot of success this season, and this photo will be a great way to remember the team that has brought so much joy to the city of Sonoma. It is also Fan Apprication Week at People's Home Equity Ballpark and a few lucky fans will also receive prizes courtesy of the Sonoma Stompers. 


Tickets for the game are still available on StompersBaseball.com. There are only two games left in the regular season so don't miss your chance to see your 2016 Stompers before its to late. Get all of your Stompers gear inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers Win Fifth Straight 6-0 Over Admirals

Taylor Thurber pitched six shutout innings in the Stompers 6-0 win over the Admirals Tuesday. Thurber allowed only four hits and struck out five to earn his seventh win of the season.James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Taylor Thurber pitched six shutout innings in the Stompers 6-0 win over the Admirals Tuesday. Thurber allowed only four hits and struck out five to earn his seventh win of the season.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

 

The Stompers entered the final week of the regular season in a great position having taken a two game lead in the second half standings in the Pacific Association. They had also won four straight coming into Tuesday’s game against the Vallejo Admirals. The ace of the pitching staff Taylor Thurber was on the mound Tuesday looking to bounce back from a rough outing in his last start on August 17 in Vallejo. Thurber did so in a big way, and the offense kept on rolling in a 6-0 victory at People’s Home Equity Ballpark. 

Thurber pitched 6 shutout innings to earn his seventh victory of the season. Thurber now leads the staff in wins, and is 6-2 overall as a starter. Thurber limited the Admirals to four hits and struck out five. Kida De La Cruz picked up the loss for the Admirals. 

The Stompers got their offense going in the third inning with two extra base hits. Randy Santiesteban hit a solo shot into left center field to get the Stompers on the board. Later in the inning, Scott David launched a double into left center field to score Matt Hibbert to give the Stompers a 2-0 advantage. David kept his hot streak alive with a 3 for 5 night at the plate. David has at least one single in all five games he played in with Sonoma. Santiesteban was also 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 driven in. 

Ryan Richardson, and Sean Conroy finished things off with three scoreless innings out of the pen. Richardson has been a solid addition since joining the team on August 5 and has only allowed 3 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings pitched. Conroy also appeared for the second time since he was activated from the inactive list on August 17 and pitched a scoreless ninth getting a strikeout to end the game on a nasty slider.

The Stompers (44-29, 20-13 second half) got a little bit of help from the Pittsburg Diamonds as they defeated the San Rafael Pacifics (39-34, 18-16 second half) 6-3 at City Park Field Tuesday night. That San Rafael loss combined with the Game 1 victory gives Sonoma a three game lead in the second half standings over the Pacifcs with only five games to play in the regular season. 

The Series against the Admirals continues Wednesday with Juan Espinosa facing off against Marquis Hutchinson. Hutchinson got knocked around in his last start on August 17 against the Stompers as ten runs (five earned) crossed the plate in five innings of work. It was the second largest run total Hutchinson had allowed this season. It will be a tough task to slow down the Stomper offense as they have averaged over eleven runs a game over their five game winning streak.

Tickets for the final two games of the regular season are available on StompersBaseball.com. Tickets and fan merchandise are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score 

It's Rawhide's Favorite Day Of The Season: Bark In The Park!

Rawhide is telling everyone about Bark In The Park on Tuesday, August 23, which will be presented by Pets Lifeline. It was Pets Lifeline who helped Rawhide find a new home in Sonoma.Julie Leitzel/@Move2Marin, Twitter

Rawhide is telling everyone about Bark In The Park on Tuesday, August 23, which will be presented by Pets Lifeline. It was Pets Lifeline who helped Rawhide find a new home in Sonoma.

Julie Leitzel/@Move2Marin, Twitter

Two years have passed since the Sonoma Stompers’ beloved mascot, Rawhide, has joined the team and both parties could not be happier. For those who don’t remember, Rawhide did not always call Arnold Field his home. His roots trace back to the Cow Palace, where he was the mascot of the short-lived San Francisco Bulls hockey team, until the Pets Lifeline shelter rescued him in 2014. He was then moved from his temporary home to a permanent one with the Stompers before the 2014 season began. The two will partner up once again on Aug. 23 for the Sonoma Stompers Third-Annual Bark in the Park Night.

Since Rawhide’s arrival to Sonoma, the transition couldn’t have gone smoother. Rawhide can be spotted on the field or around the dugout at almost any point during the game having fun with fans, stirring up trouble with rival players, or even getting down to some ballpark tunes.

With his humble beginnings, Rawhide could not express more gratitude towards his new home, “After leaving the Bulls a little over two years ago, I was so nervous about my new home,” Rawhide said through a Bull-to-English interrupter. “The kind people at Pets Lifeline were contacted by the Stompers in the spring of 2014 and I have been so grateful to find such a nice community as the Stompers to call my ‘forever home.’”

Since his adoption, Rawhide has fit in perfectly with the team. Whether it be leading the Y-M-C-A dance or officiating a race around the bases, it’s nearly impossible to miss Rawhide’s role on the Stompers. Rawhide has been a huge hit with young and old fans alike, never leaving a fan’s high five hanging or turning down a photo opportunity.

“Rawhide has been a key member of our team for last couple of seasons,” general manager Theo Fightmaster said. “It’s hard to think of the Stompers without him coming to mind.”

Fightmaster and Pets Lifeline Executive Director, Nancy King, were key members in Rawhide’s adoption, watching him turn from a shy bull in the Pets Lifeline shelter to an integral member of the organization today.

Rawhide can be seen at many Stomper events around The Historic Sonoma Plaza, and elsewhere, going virtually everywhere the team does.

“I just want to do my part in helping the Stompers win as many games as they can this year,” the Bull said. 

The Stompers have won the first half of this season, and look to win the league by either winning the second half, or the championship game to be played at the end of the season.

Look out for Rawhide at all the Stompers’ home games this season. He can be seen dancing around and having fun during the game, or leading the crowd as the rally leader between innings. So one things for sure, it isn’t a Stompers game without Rawhide!

ABOUT PETS LIFELINE
Before 1982 there were no local animal shelters or resources available to help the
Sonoma Community cope with the problem of stray and abandoned animals. This lack
of animal services motivated a handful of dedicated animal lovers to join together to
create a local animal welfare organization. Thanks to the support and dedication of this
unique community, the shelter property on Eighth Street East was purchased, and Pets
Lifeline was established.

During its first years of growth, animals were housed in makeshift quarters or placed in
temporary foster care. Our main effort was to find new homes for stray dogs and cats
(those not lucky enough to be reunited with their owners). Adoptions were scheduled
"by appointment only" because of limited resources.

The Shelter as we know it today was built and opened in 1987 to accommodate 12 dogs
and 20 to 30 cats. With the help of foster care volunteers we are able to help many
more animals than our licensed capacity allows. Visitors are encouraged to come to the
Shelter to see our dogs and to socialize with the cats and kittens in our two-community
cat’s rooms.

For more information, visit www.Petslifeline.org.