Pre-Season Stompers Community Events

STOMPERS TO HOST PRESEASON PUBLIC MEET-AND-GREET EVENTS AHEAD OF 2019 SEASON

SONOMA, Calif. – Before the Sonoma Stompers open their 2019 campaign in the Pacific Association, the organization’s sixth in the league, the team is excited to announce three meet-and-greet opportunities with players and staff before Opening Day.

On May 24th at 5-8pm, the Stompers will introduce the community to the team’s exclusive gym partner, SonomaFit, located at 19310 Sonoma Highway in Sonoma. Throughout the 2019 season, Stompers players will train at SonomaFit’s Sonoma and Petaluma locations as they look to capture their second Pacific Association title. The event is open to the public and will consist of a mechanical bull, kids pitching station, autograph station, music, and more. In attendance will be Stomper players, host families, SonomaFit members and the open public.

On May 25th at 5pm, the Stompers will hold another meet-and-greet at Palooza Brewery and Gastropub, located at 8910 Sonoma Highway in Kenwood. The event will serve as an opportunity to introduce fans to concession options for the 2019 season, which will once again be provided by Palooza. New stadium menu options will be available, as well as the menus for group events during the season. Come out and try Palooza’s newly featured milkshakes and play ping pong with our players!

Finally, on May 30th at 5:30-8:00pm, two days before Stompers Opening Night, the Stompers will attend Epicenter Sports and Entertainment at 3215 Coffey Lane in Santa Rosa. The North Bay’s largest all-in-one destination for...indoor sports, fitness center, sports bar and restaurant, upscale bowling lounge, trampoline park, arcade, advanced laser tag arena, multi-sensory adventure ride, interactive kids play area, and even its own Starbucks.

The Stompers encourage the public to come out to all three events and mingle with players, including former Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants prospects. Those interested in receiving free season tickets in exchange for hosting players during the season will have an opportunity to receive more information and meet the players as well.

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.

– STOMPERS BASEBALL –

STOMPERS SIGN TWO SONOMA STATE GRADS

STOMPERS SIGN TWO SONOMA STATE GRADS

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SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers have signed outfielder Bryce Nagata and resigned infielder Rayson Romero for the 2019 season.

Nagata and Romero finished their collegiate careers in 2018 at Sonoma State University, where they played under Sonoma State assistant coach and Stompers manager Zack Pace.

Romero immediately joined the Stompers after the college season came to an end. With the team last season, Romero finished with a .216 batting average and .660 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) hitting two home runs and 21 RBIs in the regular season.

“I feel like last season I was in pretty good shape but also had a full college season under my belt and went straight into the summer with the Stompers so I didn’t really have that recovery time,” Romero said. “This offseason I focused on mostly taking the appropriate amount of time (to recover) … but once that time period was up, getting my body back into form being stronger and functional.”

Defensively, the shortstop played in 73 games where he accumulated a .914 fielding percentage.

“My goals are more than just statistics. I have goals of being that type of player that can play day in and day out and can stay healthy on the field,” Romero said. “With the Stompers last season we had a great season and a great group of guys and I am looking forward to having another great group this year and hopefully we can get a ring. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Nagata also had hopes of playing professional ball right after but had issues with his arm and headed back home to Hawaii. There, he learned he had a torn labrum. Fully recovered now, he is ready to play with the Sonoma Stompers.

“I look forward to the opportunity to play again. I love this game and I just love meeting new people so I am looking forward to the opportunity,” Nagata said.

Nagata finished his senior season at Sonoma State University in 2018 with a .375 batting average with seven home runs and 21 RBIs. He ended his two-year career with Sonoma State with a fielding percent of .980.

“He’s just a really good athlete so he’s going to catch the ball, hit for average, hit for power (and) be a threat on the bases,” Pace said about Nagata. “So he has a lot of different things he can utilize daily to help us win ball games.”

Pace influenced Nagata greatly at Sonoma State and he looks forward to playing for him again.

“He’s such a great… we were able to create a strong relationship and get on a personal level so I am looking forward to that relationship again,” Nagata said. “I learned a lot (from Pace) He has a lot of pro experience. Everything he said or told me was pretty important to me because I wanted to get to that next level so everything he said I took it to heart.”

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.

– STOMPERS BASEBALL –

STOMPERS ANNOUNCE TELEVISION DEAL FOR 2019 SEASON

SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers are proud to announce the Pacific Association’s first-of-its-kind television deal for the 2019 season. The Stompers will partner with KSVY/SVT to produce a live television broadcast for all 40 home games.

Every Stompers home game will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 27 to over 10,000 homes from Kenwood to San Pablo Bay. For those out of range, the broadcasts will also be available live and on-demand on the KSVY and Stompers YouTube accounts.

Every game will feature a score bug brand new to Sonoma TV, as well as seven camera angles that will give fans views from all around the field. Palooza Park at Arnold Field’s new lights and playing surface will be on display when the Stompers open up the season against the league’s newest team, the Salina Stockade, on June 1 at 7:05 p.m.

Businesses interested in supporting Sonoma’s local professional team and securing sponsorship spots on the broadcast should contact assistant general manager Eddie Mora-Loera at Eddie@stompersbaseball.com.

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.

Palooza Brewery and Gastropub back for the 2019 season!

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is excited to announce that Palooza Brewery and Gastropub will be back for their second season in 2019. To reflect the partnership, the Stompers home field will once again go by –”Palooza Park at Arnold Field.”

“Palooza helped elevate our overall fan experience at the ballpark,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. “2018 was a very special season and we hope to duplicate that again this season, with Palooza.”

The menu will feature items such as wood fired pizzas, lobster rolls, burgers and a newly featured milkshake bar.

The Stompers begin their home schedule at Palooza Park at Arnold Field on June 1 vs. the Salina Stockade. 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. In 2018, the Sonoma Stompers won a league record 57 games and made their fourth championship appearance.

STOMPERS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Opening Day at home is June 1 at Palooza Park at Arnold Field. TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE 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.

STOMPERS INK FORMER TAMPA BAY 3RD ROUNDER NICK BARNESE

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers announced the signing of pitcher Nick Barnese. The former 3rd round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays will be entering his ninth season of professional baseball.

“Nick will add leadership and depth to our pitching staff,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. “We know with his talent and experience he will compete at a high level for us.”

The Simi Valley native spent six years in the Tampa Bay Rays organization where he started 93 games and had a won loss record of 31-23 in 478.1 innings pitched with 409 strikeouts and ERA of 3.37. Barnese spent the 2011 and 2012 season with Double-A Montgomery Biscuits of the Rays organization where he held a 9-9 record in 174 innings pitched and ERA of 4.40.

Barnese entered the Independent Baseball world in 2014 when he played for the well known St. Paul Saints of the American Association. The righty led the pitching staff with 98 strikeouts and was second in innings pitched with 121.2. Barnese tied the team lead in wins with six while holding a 3.85 ERA.

In 2018, for the Pittsburg Diamonds of the Pacific Association, Barnese excelled as a reliever for the first time in his career with a 2-3 record with a 4.67 ERA and six saves.

FORMER ROCKIES PROSPECT JOINS STOMPERS

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers announced the signing of pitcher Brian Browning. The former Colorado Rockies pitcher enters his third season in professional baseball, and second in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs. “I hope to join the Stompers this season and contribute to their continued success in the Pacific Association! I will be happy getting back on the mound be it starting or relief, and I can't wait to live in the beautiful town of Sonoma!” said Browning.

In 2017, Browning played for Boise Hawks of the Northwest League (A-) for the Colorado Rockies affiliate. In 11 games pitched, Browning compiled a 1-2 won loss record in 15.2 innings while striking out 12. “My host family was wonderful and I am still in contact with them today! I played in the Northwest League and was able to travel to beautiful places like Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, Canada!” Browning said. Previous to signing with Colorado, Browning played three levels of college baseball.

The lefty started his collegiate career at the Junior College level at Northwest Florida State College. “My favorite baseball memory would be winning the Junior College World Series my sophomore year. I helped our team by throwing a complete game shutout, day two of the tournament against Iowa Western, putting a stop to their 36 game win streak,” said Browning. With the Raiders he held a 14-4 won loss record in 134 innings pitched with 108 strikeouts.

In 2016, Browning then transferred to the University of Mississippi, members of the Southeastern Conference. Browning did not allow a run in three of his four appearances for the Rebels.

The Homewood, Alabama native spent his senior season at the Division-2 level for the University of West Florida Argonauts where he held a won loss record of 4-3 with a 3.78 ERA in 50 innings pitched and 41 strikeouts. “It was a challenging transition to be at three different cities and coaching staffs, while losing some school credits in the process... I was able to meet many good guys along the way and I wouldn't change it for anything,” said Browning. In 2017, Browning returned to West Florida to complete his degree in Communications.

In 2018, Browning joined the Pittsburg Diamonds of the Pacific Association where he held an impressive 1.64 ERA in 11 innings of work with 13 strikeouts. “He’ll be a versatile member of the pitching staff as he has started and relieved with equal success throughout his career,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. In four seasons of college baseball, Browning holds a 18-7 won loss record in 187.2 innings pitched with 151 strikeouts.

STOMPERS SIGN 2018 FIRST TEAM ALL SWAC 2B

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers announced the signing of infielder Gaudencio Lucca. The Texas Southern alumnus won 2018 first team all South Western Athletic Conference at the second base position. Over his three years as a Tiger, Lucca compiled a .344 batting average with 15 home runs, 27 doubles, 79 RBIs and was successful in all of his 36 steal attempts. “My primary goal for the season is to come in and play a leading role in helping the Stompers once again have the best record in the league and to finish the season with a title,” said Lucca.

Last March, the Mountain view native capped off a 5-for-5 day at the plate by hitting for the cycle against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. “Gaudencio excelled at the Division 1 college level,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. “ He’ll provide a boost in our infield as well as a threat at the plate.”

Lucca was a member of back-to-back SVAC conference championships in both 2017 and 2018 for Texas Southern. “They were very different moments, as we were underdogs my junior year and had more expectations on us as defending champs my senior year, but winning each championship was a moment with my brothers that I will never forget,” said Lucca.

After his senior season in 2018, Lucca joined the United Shore Professional Baseball League where he held a .265 average in 12 games for the Westside Woolly Mammoths.

In 2015, Lucca played junior college baseball at Cañada College located in Redwood City where the right handed hitter held a .286 average with 10 doubles and two home runs. “This off season I spent a season coaching for the first time, at Cañada College. The experience of coaching has provided me with valuable insights that have helped me improve my own game and has been a great compliment to my daily training,” Lucca said. 

Spring training for the Stompers will start on Wednesday May 22nd. After the conclusion of spring training, the Stompers will open up against the Salina Stockade on Saturday June 1st. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The Sonoma Stompers are members of the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs and play their home games at Arnold Field, Sonoma. For further information, call 707-938-7277 or visit www.stompersbaseball.com

Sonoma Stompers To Host Open Tryout

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers will be hosting an open tryout for the 2019 season. Below are the event details and registration link.

DATE: May 18, 2019

TIME: 9:30 a.m. registration/check-in, 10:00 a.m. tryouts begin.

REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

SPRING TRAINING CONTRACTS: A minimum of two players will be signed to spring training contracts.

LOCATION: 151 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476, Field of Dreams

The Sonoma Stompers are members of the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs and 2016 champions. In 2019, the Stompers will play against the San Rafael Pacifics, Napa Silverados, Vallejo Admirals and Salina Stockade. The league schedule will run from May 31 through early September.

The tryout will follow a full day of workouts and an inter squad game.  Advance registration is available here It is strongly advised to register in advance as the number of players participating in the tryout will be limited. Day of the event walk-up registration will begin at 9:30 AM with tryouts starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday May 18. Walk-up registration fee is $125.

As it is a full day camp, players will be participating in fielding and throwing drills for infielders, outfielders, and catchers, and batting practice for position players while pitchers will throw brief bullpens. All pitchers will throw against live hitters.

Field of Dreams is located in Sonoma, CA. If you’re flying in use either Oakland or San Francisco airports. There are many local hotels available.

For more information, please contact brett@stompersbaseball.com or office directly at 707-938-7277.

FORMER STOMPER RYAN RICHARDSON TO BECOME ALPINE COWBOYS MANAGER FOR 2019 SEASON

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers are excited to announce that former pitcher Ryan Richardson will become field manager of the Alpine Cowboys of the PECOS league for the 2019 season. Richardson played for the Cowboys from 2014-2016. “I’m really excited to see baseball from the other side of the ball, I’ve always been intrigued on how managers go about their grind everyday. It should be fun,” said Ryan Richardson.

The former Campbellsville University alumnus spent three seasons with the Sonoma Stompers from 2016-2018, including the 2016 championship season. “Being around two managers like Takashi Miyoshi and Zack Pace in Sonoma helped me see how a ball club should be run,” said Richardson. In 2018, Richardson was a key contributor in the Stompers bullpen contributing a 3-1 record with a 2.94 ERA in 30 appearances. More impressively was Richardson’s 43 to 6 strikeout to walk ratio.

Ryan Richardson celebrating for the Alpine Cowboys. Photo provided by Alpine Cowboys.

“Ryan is very deserving of his new position with Alpine. I’m excited for him, and know he’ll be a valuable asset to their organization,” said General Manager Brett Creamer.

Over Richardson’s six year professional career, he’s compiled a 12-9 record that includes a 3.17 ERA and 21 saves. The right-handed pitcher has thrown 221.1 innings while striking out 213 batters to just 48 walks.

The 2019 season will be Richardson’s first as a field manager. “I’ve always wanted to do something with baseball after I done throwing,” said Richardson. The 29-year-old has spent time in the Pecos and Frontier league before playing in the Pacific Association with the Sonoma Stompers. Richardson also spent a year in Japan for the Kagawa Olive Guyners of the Shikoku Island League in 2017-18.

The Alpine Cowboys are one of the three remaining charter organizations of the Pecos league and have a career record of 348-209 with a winning percentage of (.624%). The Cowboys are scheduled to play 64 regular season games that will run from May 30th to August 3rd. In 2018, Alpine held a 47-15 record which earned them first place in the Mountain division before being defeated in the championship to the Bakersfield Train Robbers.

STOMPERS TO HAVE FOUR PLAYERS PROMOTED THIS OFF SEASON

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers have now had four players this off season promoted to higher levels of Independent League baseball. During the course of their 57-23 record breaking season, the Stompers promoted catcher of the year Daniel Comstock, outfielder Miles Williams, and pitcher Dominic Toopozian.

This off season, rookie of the year winner Kenny Meimerstorf has signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association. Meimerstorf had a rookie best 23 home runs and 74 runs batted in to compliment his .283 batting average.

Reliever of the year Jacob Cox has signed with the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League. In 2018, Cox set the league record in saves with 26 and tied his career high in strikeouts with 37.

Pitcher Kenny Mathews has also signed with the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League. The former Indians farmhand dazzled all season with a 4-2 record while holding a 3.86 ERA. Mathews also had a career high 52 strikeouts. “Mathews was a vital member of our rotation this season, and contributed in many ways,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. Also joining the Thunderbolts was late season addition Niko Pacheco. After finishing his 2018 senior season at Loyola Marymount University the Stompers signed Pacheco for their playoff run. In 12 games, Pacheco had his first two professional home runs and provided depth at the catcher and first base position.

Niko Pacheco hitting a home run against the San Rafael Pacifics, 2018 in Sonoma, Calif. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Sonoma Stompers catcher of the year Daniel Comstock has also been signed by Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks of the American Association. Former Stompers Brennan Metzger, Derrick Fox, and 2014 league MVP Jayce Ray are also currently listed on their roster as well.

The Stompers will be attending the California Winter League showcase held in Palm Springs this February. “Baseball season is right around the corner. Pace, Eddie, and myself are ready to recruit to try and find the best players possible to represent the Stompers,” said Creamer. Stompers management and staff will also be attending the Western League tryout in February. The tryouts will be held at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.