Comstock Homers in Hard-Fought Loss, Stompers' Streak Ends

Sonoma Stompers catcher Daniel Comstock hit his first professional home run in Thursday's 6-8 loss to the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, took a hard-fought 6-8 loss to the Vallejo Admirals Thursday night as they fell one win short of matching the 2015 Stompers’ record 6-0 start.

Sonoma won the series 2-1 for its second series victory in a row, but the Admirals refused to go down with their ship. To win Thursday took some grit as the lead changed six times on a damp, cloud-covered night at Wilson Park in Vallejo. A two-out, three-run wave of Admirals runs in the seventh inning proved to be the difference.

“We kept stringing good at bats together, we kept fighting and I think that says a lot about our team,” said catcher Daniel Comstock. “We kept falling, but we kept getting back up.”

Despite the loss, the Stompers still sit at the top of the Pacific Association at 5-1.  

After retiring the first five hitters of the game in order, Admirals starter David Dinelli walked two then gave up a three-run home run in the second to Comstock, putting Sonoma up 3-1. The shot was Comstock’s first home run as a professional.

“I didn’t know it was going to go out and I started running and then the right fielder stopped running,” Comstock said. “Rounding the bases never gets old. It’s kind of an indescribable feeling.” 

Despite the towering shot, a rocky start on the mound for Juan Espinosa allowed Vallejo to shake seven hits out of him and flip the lead on the Stompers 5-4.

The waters calmed a bit when DJ Sharabi took the mound in relief, retiring six batters at the start of his outing. Sharabi’s cool performance doused an Admirals offense that was on fire through four innings, giving the Stompers an opportunity to tie the game again on two wild pitches.

“He kept us alive,” said Stompers Manager Takashi Miyoshi.

The stillness didn’t last as Sharabi and Adam Ogburn combined to allow the five straight base hits in the seventh that put the score at 8-5 Admirals.

Sonoma has expertly taken advantage of opportunities to score without hits so far this season, drawing 45 walks and stealing 18 bases to score 48 runs through six games.

“I like to keep pushing to score one more run to change the momentum toward us,” Miyoshi said.

Despite the loss, the Stompers still sit at the top of the Pacific Association at 5-1. Their next challenge will be a series on the road against the San Rafael Pacifics (1-3), beginning Friday at 7:05 p.m. at Albert Park.

STOMPERS HOME OPENER
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Remain Undefeated Behind Ty'Relle Harris' Solid Debut

Ty'Relle Harris struck out nine and allowed just one run in his Sonoma Stompers debut Wednesday at Wilson Park. Sonoma won 4-1 over the Vallejo Admirals, remaining undefeated. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, remain undefeated after Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over the Vallejo Admirals.

Sonoma now owns a 5-0 record on the season after erupting for 38 runs in their first four games.

“That’s baseball for you,” said Stompers starter Ty’Relle Harris. “You can score 40 runs in two or three games, come out and score one the next game.”

Harris, in his ninth season of professional baseball, made his Stompers debut Wednesday, allowing only one run while striking out nine in his seven-inning performance.

“The first inning I kind of overthrowing a little bit, I was real excited to be a Stomper and come out here and show my stuff. Once I settled in and got my fastball through the knees, we were able to go cutter off the same plane,” Harris said. “It all starts with fastball command. If you can go through the knees, you make guys’ days a lot tougher.”

Harris and Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi both spent time with the American Association’s Grand Prairie Air Dogs in 2014.  

“Nothing surprised me,” Miyoshi said. “We are just lucky to have him.” 

Harris set the tone for his stellar night early. The veteran gave up a single to start the first, but struck out Gerald Bautista with runners on the corners to end the inning. Bautista went into the matchup hitting a Pacific Association-leading .556 and coming off a 3-3 performance.

The Sonoma defense was impenetrable in the matchup as the Stompers ended three innings on double plays.

“Double plays were huge, I was kind of in little jams,” Harris said. “Once you can get two outs on one pitch, you kind of trust it more and say 'hey, here, hit the ball, I got my guys behind me.' I appreciate those fellas and looking forward to getting out there next week and doing it again.”

 Two out of five Stompers hits came off the bat of rookie Matt LoCoco Wednesday. LoCoco continued a streak of prowess at the plate, smacking his second triple in two days to put Sonoma up 2-0 in the fifth. 

Despite two hits through seven (both from LoCoco), the Stompers wrangled a 3-0 lead in that span. Centerfielder Matt Hibbert also surpassed catcher Isaac Wenrich for the team lead in stolen bases, collecting three Wednesday as the team collected nine total.  

“In pro ball, sometimes you just can’t hit because you’re facing all good pitchers,” Miyoshi said. “We’re the type of team, we see a little thing and take advantage of it. Even without hitting, I’m the type of manager who can score.”

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.  

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers Bolster Pitching Staff, Sign Right-Hander Ty'Relle Harris

Ty'Relle Harris takes the mound for the Sonoma Stompers in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Vallejo Admirals. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, signed right-handed pitcher Ty’Relle Harris Tuesday, bolstering an already strong Sonoma pitching staff.  

Harris joins an undefeated 2017 Stompers team and is expected to be the starter in Wednesday’s matchup on the road against the Vallejo Admirals.

Harris, a resident of Fairfield, played college baseball at Sacramento City College and the University of Tennessee. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2009, eventually making as high as Triple A in the Chicago Cubs organization.

Last season as a member of the York Revolution in the Atlantic League, Harris won the 2016 Revs Corey Thurman Community Player of the Year award, and has made more than 500 community appearances in his career in independent baseball.

“We’re really excited to have someone of Ty’Relle’s experience and character join our organization,” said Stompers General Manager Theo Fightmaster.

Now in his ninth season as a professional and fifth in independent ball, Harris owns a career ERA of 3.14 and has 514 career strikeouts. 

Harris will be reunited with Stompers Manager Takashi Miyoshi. The two were both in Grand Prairie with the American Association’s Air Hogs in 2014. Harris credited Yoshi’s presence as a major reason for signing with Sonoma.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers' Home Opener Tuesday Set to Celebrate Champions, Support Community and Showcase New Ballpark Features

The Sonoma Stompers line up for the National Anthem at Wilson Park before Tuesday's 11-4 victory over the Vallejo Admirals. (James W. Toy / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, is hoping for a hero's welcome when they take the field at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field Tuesday, June 13 against the Vallejo Admirals. The homestand goes until Thursday, June 15 and first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. all three nights.  

The Stompers went 41-31 on their way to a Pacific Association championship in 2016, and return to Sonoma after a nine-game road trip to start the 2017 season. The Stompers are 4-0 on the season after a 11-4 victory in Vallejo Tuesday.

Sonoma is returning many from its title team, including 2016 Pacific Association MVP Joel Carranza, Pacific Association Manager of the Year Takashi Miyoshi, right-handed ace Mike Jackson Jr., four-year Stomper Matt Hibbert and fan favorite Yuki Yasuda.  

NEW AT PEOPLE’S HOME EQUITY BALLPARK AT ARNOLD FIELD FOR 2017

The Stompers are Sonoma

Each Stompers home series in 2017 will benefit a local non-profit organization or cause. The opening homestand will honor longtime Sonoma Valley High School Varsity Baseball Coach and English Professor, Don Lyons, for his dedication to Sonoma Valley youth sports and education. A portion of the proceeds will be made in his name to the El Verano School’s After School Program. The Stompers will also be accepting donations on his behalf.

 When you support the Stompers, you support Sonoma. 

Mary’s Slice Shack at Arnold Field

Mary’s Pizza Shack and Slice Shack, a founding partner of Stompers Baseball since its  inaugural 2014 season, has stepped up to the plate again with the Mary’s Slice Shack at Arnold Field. Located on the first-base side right at the main gate, fans can grab a Mary’s Pizza slice and a fresh salad, along with premium draft beers, local wine, soft drinks and snacks.

The Beer Garden is BACK!

Thanks to our friends at 3 Badge Beverage Corp., we’re excited to introduce the Gus The Bus Beer Garden, located in the grass down the left field line. The Gus The Bus Garden will feature ice cold beer, premium wines from Virginia Dare and Lesse-Fitch, as well as a casual atmosphere perfect for all ages. The Gus The Bus Beer Garden is also available for private events, be it company BBQs, family reunions, or picnics. Corn hole and baseball are calling your name. Call us at 707-938-7277 for information, pricing, catering menus and reservations.

The Stompers are also proud to announce new beverage offerings and new value pricing for the 2017 season, courtesy our partners at Columbia Distributing and Lagunitas. Coors Light is just $5 on draft, and Lagunitas, and other premium drafts are only $6 for 14 ounces. New to the ballpark this summer is Blue Moon on draft and in 16 oz. aluminium bottles, Coors Light in 16 oz. aluminium bottles, Modelo Especial in a thirst-quenching 24 oz. can and 16 ounces of Gus the Bus American IPA in a 16 oz. can, perfect for a Sonoma summer night.

KRAVE Klub Upgrade

Now with new chairs and improved sight lines, the KRAVE Klub, presented by our partners at KRAVE Jerky, is one of the best venues to watch the game. Available for single-game purchases or group events, the KRAVE Klub will leave you wanting more Stompers baseball.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street, in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, starting 30 minutes prior to the game. Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers Best Vallejo 11-4, Score 38 Runs in First Four Games

Right fielder Matt LoCoco hit the first triple of his professional career to put the Sonoma Stompers up 7-0 in the fourth inning of Tuesday's 11-4 victory over the Vallejo Admirals. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

VALLEJO, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, continued its reign of Pacific Association dominance with a 11-4 victory over the Vallejo Admirals Tuesday. Sonoma is undefeated in its first four games of the season and has scored 38 runs in that span.

Center fielder Matt Hibbert, who recorded two hits, runs and runs batted in Tuesday, was a member of the 2015 team that started the season 6-0 en route to an 18-3 start.

“I see the similarities as far as how deep of a team we have and the momentum that we carry on to each game,” Hibbert said. “There’s no break in our lineup. Pitchers are really having to give all that they got.”

Eddie Mora-Loera also came through for the Stompers Tuesday, knocking in the first Sonoma run of the game in the second. The big moment was one of a handful for Mora-Loera this season, as he went into the Admirals series batting .556.

“We have so many good players,” said Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi. “Everyone knows what they have to do. It depends on the situation, it depends on the out, it depends on how many runs and they’re just executing right now.”

The Stompers went on to score three runs in the second as Isaac Wenrich picked up two RBIs of his own. The six-foot-two, 230-pound catcher also stole two bases Tuesday night.

Vallejo starter Marquis Hutchinson won last year’s Pacific Association Rookie of the Year award, but struggled through much of his five and two-thirds inning performance as  Sonoma continued its offensive outburst.

In the fourth, a Hibbert double followed by a Matt LoCoco triple, the first of his professional career, yielded two runs apiece and put the Stompers up 7-0.

Two more runs in each of the sixth and eighth innings kept the Admirals at bay despite Vallejo managing four runs in the later innings, three off of otherwise dominant Stompers starter Scott Plaza.

“The first couple innings, the Vallejo hitters’ timing was really off because he hides the ball really well and he executed,” Miyoshi said. “Scott did a great job and I’m just really happy for him because he’s coming back from injury… Last year trying to rehab and then coming back to this game means a lot.”

The Stompers will look to remain undefeated as they take on the Admirals in Game 2 of the series Wednesday at 6:35 at Wilson Park in Vallejo.

“It’s definitely a good start to kind of piggyback off how we finished last year,” Hibbert said. “But we still have to stay humble and play every game the same way.”

STOMPERS TICKETS
The Stompers home opener is June 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, starting 30 minutes prior to the game.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers Crush Diamonds, Sweep First Series of 2017 Season

Center fielder Matt Hibbert went 3-6 in the Sonoma Stompers’ 13-1 rout of the Pittsburg Diamonds Sunday, scoring two runs and driving in three. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

PITTSBURG, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, completed a sweep of the Pittsburg Diamonds with a dominant 13-1 victory Sunday.

The last time the Stompers started the season 3-0, they went 6-0 in 2015 en route to an 18-3 start.

A two-out, eighth inning double from Marcus Bradley sparked one of two five-run innings for Sonoma Sunday. A walk and four straight hits followed Bradley’s knock, putting the Stompers up by 12 runs to keep the Diamonds out of striking distance.

Right-hander Tyler Garkow got the start in his debut for the Stompers and found himself with runners on base through much of his five and two-thirds innings performance. Despite nine Pittsburg hits in that span, two from offensive threat Vinny Guglietti, Garkow allowed just one run.

Garkow’s effort and that of the Stompers’ bullpen paved the way for the Sonoma offense to flourish, recording 18 hits as seven different Stompers drove in runs in Sunday’s game.

After coming up clutch in each of the Stompers’ first two games of the season, Eddie Mora-Loera continued his hot streak Sunday, going 3-5 and recording two RBIs. Center fielder Matt Hibbert had a big afternoon as well, notching three hits and driving in three runs.

Third baseman Scott David and reigning Pacific Association Most Valuable Player Joel Carranza also contributed two RBIs. David reached base each time he stepped up to the plate, collecting three hits and two walks.

Despite the offensive breakthrough in the later innings, both teams struggled to drive runners in early in the game. Sonoma left six runners on base through the first three innings while the Diamonds left eight through the first five.

The Stompers will be back in action Tuesday at 6:35 against the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Park in Vallejo. The Admirals are 2-1 on the season and finished fourth in the Pacific Association last year at 32-46.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street. Tickets are also available at the box office on game day.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.

Stompers Secure Victory in First Series of Season

Brennan Metzger (left) hit a home run in the eighth inning of Saturday night's 7-5 win over the Pittsburg Diamonds, securing the Sonoma Stompers' first series victory of the season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

PITTSBURG, Calif.– A four-run seventh inning proved to be the difference for the defending Pacific Association champion Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, in Saturday’s 7-5 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds.

After all but quieting the Sonoma offense and defending a 3-0 lead through six innings, Diamonds starter Tyler Stirewalt gave the Stompers two free baserunners with a walk and hit batsman in the seventh. Pittsburg first baseman Vinny Guglietti then gave Sonoma another free pass, letting a grounder slip under his glove as Scott David scored. 

 knocked the two-run single Saturday to tie the game at three after a heroic effort in Friday night’s game in which he came up with a pinch-hit double to drive in the winning runs for Sonoma.

With Mora-Loera on first, Yuki Yasuda collected an RBI double for his first hit of the season to give the Stompers a one-run lead. Brennan Metzger all but sealed the fate of the Diamonds with a two-run shot in the eighth to put Sonoma up 6-3. 

Stompers starter Juan Espinosa got into a pair of jams early in the game Friday, loading the bases in the second, then giving up a single to give the Diamonds an early lead. Espinosa limited the damage to one run as the Diamonds left the bases loaded. 

Espinosa ran into more trouble in the third. Former Stomper Caleb Bryson hit a two-run shot in that frame, putting the Diamonds up 3-0. The score stayed at 3-0 until the seventh with Stirewalt limiting the Stompers to just two hits, back-to-back singles from David and Metzger. 

Espinosa picked up the win Saturday, with Stirewalt taking the loss. 

The Diamonds cut the lead to two in the bottom of the ninth against John Kovalik, but the Stompers hung on for the 7-5 win.

Pittsburg falls to 0-2 on the season with the loss while Sonoma remains undefeated. Starter Tyler Garkow is scheduled to make his Stompers debut in the last game of the series at Winter Chevrolet Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online, at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street or at the box office on game day. 

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.

Stompers Defeat Diamonds in Dramatic Fashion in First Game of Season

Sonoma Stompers catcher Issac Wenrich hits a home run against the Pittsburg Diamonds Friday to tie the Pacific Association season-opening game at three. Sonoma would go on to win 7-5 in the 11th. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

PITTSBURG, Calif.– The 2016 Pacific Association champion Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, opened the 2017 season with a hard-fought road victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds 7-5 Friday.

“To me, this is not only a one-game win,” said Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi. “Opening day’s game, to win, it means a lot. I feel like I won ten games.”

The Stompers were down to their last three outs when catcher Isaac Wenrich sent a ball over the fence in right to tie the game at three.

“Earlier on in the game I was kind of struggling against that lefty, he had my number the whole night,” Wenrich said. “I thought to myself, just keep (my hands) inside… I just got lucky I didn’t miss it.”

The game went to the tenth inning, causing the Pacific Association’s new tie-breaker rule to apply. The Stompers began the frame with runners on first and second as Matt LoCoco laid down a sac bunt to set up a two-RBI double from Matt Hibbert.

Pittsburg responded with a two-RBI triple of their own before righty Adam Ogburn struck out two Diamonds to end the 10th.

“To give up a triple like that, it’s easy to get deflated and I actually saw him gain more confidence,” Wenrich said.

With the bases loaded in the top of the 11th, Eddie Mora-Loera sent a ball to the left field corner to give the Stompers another two-run lead, which proved to be the difference in the game.

“Bases loaded situation, pitcher’s got to come to me. I really was just trying to put a good swing on it and let the ball fall where it falls,” Mora-Loera said.  

Prior to Wenrich’s shot, Diamonds pitching had all but silenced the Stompers’ bats since the fifth. The Stompers responded with their own solid performances on the mound. Righties Jacob Cox and Ryan Richardson kept the Diamonds off the board as well in that span.

“We probably have the best bullpen in the league, and it showed tonight,” Wenrich said.

Wenrich ignited the Stompers in the first two innings of the game, throwing out a runner to end the first, then flipping a bloop single to left and stealing a base in the top of the second. Wenrich also scored the Stompers’ first run of the season as second baseman Kevin Farley knocked him in and collected his first professional hit and run batted in.

Mike Jackson Jr. started for the Stompers Friday and relied on solid Stompers defense early.

“He didn’t have his best stuff but he’s a bulldog, he battled through it,” Wenrich said.

Pittsburg went 36-42 last season, finishing third in the Pacific Association. Right-hander Juan Espinosa is scheduled to start the second game of the series at Winter Chevrolet Stadium Saturday at 5 p.m.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online, at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street or at the box office on game day.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.

2017 Opening Day Roster Announced: League Champions Return MVP, Defensive Standouts & Familiar Faces

2016 Pacific Association Most Valuable Player Joel Carranza will be returning to the Stompers in 2017 along with other stars from last season's championship team. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, begins its 2016 Pacific Association Championship defense with the 2017 season opener on the road Friday against the Pittsburg Diamonds at Winter Chevrolet Stadium. 

The Stompers will feature 14 returning players from 2016 on their Opening Day roster, including the league’s 2016 Most Valuable Player Joel Carranza and 2015 Defensive Player of the Year Yuki Yasuda. 

Mike Jackson Jr., who received the second-most votes for 2016 Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year, will also be returning to the mound for the Stompers, and is scheduled to get the start on Friday.

The 2017 roster also features Kelsie Whitmore and Stacy Piagno, who became the first women to play co-ed professional baseball since the 1950’s as Stompers last season.

The 2017 Stompers will be led by 2016 Manager of the Year Takashi Miyoshi, who’s been at the helm in Sonoma since 2015. Miyoshi has designated Carranza to serve as the team’s hitting instructor and Jackson Jr. to be the team’s pitching coach. Even Neiser, who pitched for the Stompers in 2016 will serve as the club’s bench coach.

2017 OPENING DAY ROSTER

CATCHERS

Isaac Wenrich**

Daniel Comstock

INFIELDERS

Joel Carranza*

Scott David*

Yuki Yasuda*

Kevin Farley

Eddie Mora-Loera*

Masa Miyadera

OUTFIELDERS

Matt Hibbert*

Brennan Metzger**

Matt Lococo

Marcus Bradley

Kelsie Whitmore*

PITCHERS

Mike Jackson, Jr., RHP*

Juan Espinosa, RHP*

Tyler Garkow, RHP

Scott Plaza, RHP

Pat Lemmo, RHP*

Adam Ogburn, RHP*

Ryan Richardson, RHP*

Jacob Cox, RHP*

Andy De La Cruz, LHP

John Kovalik, RHP

DJ Sharabi, RHP

Stacy Piagno, RHP*

*Denotes returning from 2016 team

**Denotes returning from 2015 team

STOMPERS TICKETS

Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online, at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street or at the box office on game day. 

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.

Stompers visit San Quentin Giants, come away with change in perspective

Members of the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club staff and team gather outside of San Quentin State Prison Saturday. 

Hayley M. Slye / Media and Communications Intern

SAN QUENTIN, Calif.–The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, played an exhibition game against the San Quentin Giants Saturday.

Manager Takashi Miyoshi had a spot in his own lineup, going 3-5 in addition to a few pitching performances from position players as the Stompers won the game 10-4. Still, those weren’t the most out of the ordinary elements of the experience. The San Quentin Giants are a team made up of prison inmates from San Quentin State Prison.

It was outfielder Matt Hibbert’s second time visiting the prison to play ball, so he had an idea of what to expect.

“It’s not about us playing, it’s more about them,” Hibbert said. “You just see how their faces light up when they get a chance to compete.”

It took the team at least 40 minutes to get to the field as the guards carefully inspected the players’ gloves and IDs, Stompers utility infielder Kevin Farley said. Farley said the team also had to pass through the holding cell, where the bars “clanked behind” them.

Once they got there, players said the yard bubbled with energy.

“The most surprising thing for me was how in good spirits all the guys were,” Farley said. “It felt like little league again because the other team was just pumped the entire game.”

The field was surrounded by an audience of other inmates and flanked by athletic activity on all sides.

“There were very few times when I was there where I would stop and think ‘what’s this guy in here for,’” Farley said. “There wasn’t anything tipping you off”

“To invite us in there and allow us to really see the way they live and how they got there, to tell us their stories, it’s kind of eye-opening because you understand that it does take one mistake,” said Stompers Catcher Isaac Wenrich.

The Giants also had some “trick plays,” Hibbert said.

“They kept on picking us off on base because we’d be in a conversation with them and they’d run a play and get us out,” Hibbert said. “It’s a great experience and I hope we can continue to go out there every year. It’s one of those moments that makes you really thankful and grateful for where you’re at.”

The defending Pacific Association champion Stompers will open the season on the road Friday against the Pittsburg Diamonds. 

“The smallest little things are things that we take for granted that they wish they could do,” Farley said. “Something as little as being able to come home and lay down on the couch and talk to their family is something they don’t get to do.”

STOMPERS TICKETS

Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online, at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street or at the box office on game day.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.