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Sonoma baseball tryouts a hit

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Sonoma Valley Sun

The Pacific Association of Professional Baseball announced the signing of 19 players to professional contracts following the league-wide open tryout on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16, at Peterson Field in Sonoma, Calif.

Sonoma_Stompers_logo_2014_zps0951629fThe San Rafael Pacifics and Sonoma Stompers Baseball Clubs hosted and operated the tryout, with representatives from the Vallejo Admirals and new Pittsburg ballclub in attendance. According to event officials, a Pacific Association record 85 players registered for the tryout.

“This was a tremendous success,” said Pacifics President and General Manager Mike Shapiro. “I think the kids who tried out had a good experience, and that bodes well for the entire league and the level of talent that will be coming to the league in the future.”

The Pacifics inked contracts with four players, while the Stompers signed two over the two days. The second-year Vallejo Admirals have invited eight players to future workouts and spring training, and the soon-to-be-named Pittsburg franchise came away with five signed players.

The tryouts where held on two afternoons at Peterson Field in downtown Sonoma that gave the opportunity for the local neighbors and community members to see professional baseball for the first time in their own backyard.

“For our first real baseball-like function in Sonoma,” said Stompers manager, Casey Dill. “It was great to see the people come out from the community.”

“I got the chance to meet a few fans that were jazzed about us. It was a positive energy; business owners, parents, fans, it was all great to see.”

Mayor Pro Tem, David Cook, who said he came out to experience the baseball first hand, validated the excitement on Monday night during a city council meeting. It is that impact, Shapiro says, that will help the Stompers in their quest to make Sonoma their home.

“You want to give the people who are now getting their own team, and who havenʼt see Pacific Association baseball in the past, an opportunity to product sample a little bit,” Shapiro said. “It gives them an opportunity to wet their appetite for something that is going to be coming when the games get underway.”




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