Healdsburg Prune Packers

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Healdsburg Prune Packers
Information
LeaguePacific Empire League (2024-present)[1]
LocationHealdsburg, California
BallparkRecreation Park
Founded1921
Nickname(s)Packers
League championships5 (Redwood Empire League: 1931, 1952)
(California Collegiate League: 2021, 2022, 2023)
Division championships0
Former league(s)Independent (1921)
Sonoma County League (1930)
Redwood Empire League (1931)
Redwood Empire Baseball League (1951-1962)
Sacramento Rural League (2012-2013)
California Collegiate League (2014–present)
ColorsBurgundy, Black, White
     
ManagerJoey Gomes
General ManagerRichard (Dick) Bugarske
Websitewww.prunepackers.org
Prune Packers logo at Recreation Park, Healdsburg, California

The Healdsburg Prune Packers are the collegiate level summer baseball team which has been playing at Recreation Park since 1921. Operating under various organizational structures over the years, the Packers became a part of the California Collegiate League in 2014. As of 2024, they became a charter team of the newly-formed Pacific Empire League.

History[edit]

Founding years[edit]

In February 1921, under the leadership of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, a new baseball team was organized.[2] The first game was played on 15 May 1921 with Red Corrick pitching.[3] The first year included 21 Sunday games against the Nucoa Butters, the Petaluma Leghorns, the Santa Rosa Rosebuds, the San Francisco Ninantic Parlor, the Vallejo Y.M.I., Oakland Maxwell Hardware, San Francisco M.J. B. Coffee Kids and the San Francisco Associated Terminals.[4]

In the first five years, the Prune Packers earned an enviable record: 1921 14 W, 9 L; 1922 20 W, 6 L; 1923 22 W, 4 L; 1924 20 W, 6 L; 1925 7 W, 2L.[5] In July 1925, the team was suddenly disbanded by the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and the baseball committee when the finances of the team proved untenable. At the time of the disbanding, the Santa Rosa and Petaluma teams had already folded and the St. Helena and Napa teams were expected to disband shortly.[6]

1930s[edit]

In 1930, the Prune Packers represented Healdsburg in the Sonoma County League.[7]

While the 1931 season was threatened with cancellation because of lack of local support,[8] the Prune Packers won the championship in the Redwood Empire League.[9]

In 1932, the Prune Packers attempted to operate as a non-league-affiliated team to play various local teams. Only one game appears to have been played, against Lakeport, which the Packers lost.[10]

A full 1933 season of 20 games was played, but the final game was canceled because of the approaching starts of colleges and high schools. The Prune Packers won 12 games and lost 8.[11]

In 1938, the I.O.O.F. sponsored Healdsburg baseball using the organization's three links as a logo and without using the Prune Packers name.[12]

While baseball continued in Healdsburg under the auspices of the Odd Fellows during the 1940s, the Prune Packers were not active.

In 1949, lights were added to Recreation Park.[13]

1951–1962[edit]

Healdsburg Prune Packers lined up for the National Anthem on 2 August 2021

In 1951, the Odd Fellows withdrew from supporting local baseball and the Healdsburg Lighting Committee took over local adult baseball and resurrected the team with a two night per week (Friday and Saturday) schedule. All local citizens were welcome to try out for the team.[14]

The Prune Packers maintained an active schedule through the 1950s including winning the Redwood Empire Baseball League championship in 1952.[15] In 1955, a high point was achieved when the Prune Packers beat the Seals.[13]

The Prune Packers suffered during the 1962 season with attempts at reorganizing the league and a final 1961–1962 record of 6–8.[16]

2011–present[edit]

Community volunteers and local fundraising enabled the Recreation Park grandstands to be restored in 2011. This was the first major restoration since the grandstands were brought from the Cotati Speedway in 1923.[17]

After a 50-year lapse, in 2012, the Prune Packers returned to play 48 games including 16 games in the Sacramento Rural League.[18]

In 2013, the Prune Packers had a 31 W, 25 L record in the Sacramento Rural League.

For 2014, president Riley Sullivan hired former pro Joey Gomes as the manager/general manager.[19] Joey's younger brother, Jonny Gomes, was also a baseball star. The team incorporated as a California Not-For-Profit Corporation[20] and moved to the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League, now the California Collegiate League.

The 2015 season reported a 37–17 record in the collegiate league.[21]

In 2016, the record was 37–14.[22] Three pitchers each contributed four wins: Andrew Vaughan (4-0), Steven Wilson (4-1) and Justin Mullins (4-2). Jake Scheiner (1B-3B) led the team with a batting average of .376.

The Prune Packers reported a 36–15 record for 2017.[23] Pitcher Chase Gardner lead the Packers with a 5–0 record.

During 2018, the record was 36–10.[24] Ryan Shreve led the Prune Packers pitching with a 4–0 record.

The record was 33–7 in 2019.[25] Elijah Birdsong led Prune Packers pitching with a 5–0 record.

The team did not play during the 2020 COVID-19 year.

The Prune Packers celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 with a 45–7 season and by winning the CCL State Championship.[26] Manager Joey Gomes was awarded CCL Coach of the Year honors. Pitcher Marvcus Guarin earned a league leading 7–0 record in support of the Prune Packer's season, while finishing with a 1.55 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 29.0 innings pitched, en route to a CCL All-League selection along with six other Prune Packers.[27]

The team recorded a 38 win and 10 loss season for 2022 and won the CCL Championship in its final game at San Luis Obispo.[28] The playoff roster included several returning players from the 2021 championship team, including Joey Kramer (2022 CCL Tournament MVP) and Guarin. The summer roster featured Elijah Birdsong and Brandon Paulson, regarded as Major League prospects. [29] [30][31]

After winning their third consecutive CCL Championship in 2023, the Prune Packers left the CCL and helped to form the new Pacific Empire League for 2024 along with the Humboldt Crabs, Lincoln Potters, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats and West Coast Kings.

Notable alumni[edit]

  • Jason Alexander- pitched for Prune Packers in 2017
  • Anthony Bender - pitched for the Prune Packers in 2014-16.[32]
  • Steven Wilson - pitched for the Prune Packers in 2015-16.
  • Joe Ryan - pitched for Prune Packers in 2014. [33]
  • Andrew Vaughn - pitched for the Prune Packers in 2016.[34] - Joined the Chicago White Sox.[35]
  • Jake Scheiner - hit .376 for the Prune Packers in 2016.[34] - Joined the Seattle Mariners.
  • Cooper Casad - had a 3-4 record pitching for the Prune Packers in 2017.[36] - Signed with the San Francisco Giants.[37]
  • Billy Wilson - hit .291 for the Prune Packers in 2016.[34] - He signed with the Cleveland Indians.[38]
  • Cal Conley - drafted by Atlanta Braves in 2021 - Hit .376 for the Prune Packers in 2019.[39]
  • Ian Villers[40] - drafted by San Francisco Giants in 2021 - Recorded 4 wins and 0 losses for the Prune Packers in 2019.[39]
  • Quentin Selma[41] - drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2021. - Hit .306 for the Prune Packers in 2018.[42]
  • Brandon Poulson - signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2014.[43]
  • Lee Walker - signed with the Boston Red Sox.[44]

Season-by-season records[edit]

Season Overall Total Win% Playoffs
2013 31–25 .553 Independent
2014 36–19 .656 Golden State Collegiate Baseball League
2015 37–13 .740 Independent Wine Country Tournament Champs
2016 38–16 .703 California Collegiate League
2017 35-15 .700 California Collegiate League CCL North Champs
2018 35–10 .778 California Collegiate League CCL North Champs
2019 38–8 .826 California Collegiate League CCL North Champs, CCL State 2nd place
2020 6–2–1 .667 California Collegiate League Shortened Season, Covid-19
2021 45–7 .903 California Collegiate League CCL North Champs, CCL State Champs
2022 40–10 .800 California Collegiate League CCL North Champs, CCL State Champs
2023 42–10 .808 California Collegiate League CCL North Champs, CCL State Champs

References[edit]

  1. ^ Pacific Empire League official website
  2. ^ "Healdsburg to Have Ball Team Once More". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. 10 February 1921. p. 6. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  3. ^ "Baseball Team Has Win In Opening Game of Season". Healdsburg Tribune. 21 May 1921. p. 5. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  4. ^ Von der Porten, Michael (Summer 2021). "Baseball in Healdsburg: The Prune Packers". Sonoma Historian. No. 3. Sonoma County Historical Society. pp. 14–15. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  5. ^ "Baseball in Healdsburg". Healdsburg Tribune. 15 March 1926. pp. 8, 11. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  6. ^ "PRUNE PACKERS QUIT-SUNDAY CONTEST OFF Team Losing Money; Fans Do Not Enthuse". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. 16 July 1925. p. 1. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  7. ^ "Baseball Off to Fine Start". Healdsburg Tribune. 31 March 1930. p. 1. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  8. ^ "No Baseball This Year in Healdsburg – Little Demand Seen, and Jimmy Shinn Will Retire". Healdsburg Tribune. 7 March 1931. p. 1.
  9. ^ "Championship of League is Won by Locals". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. 30 July 1931. p. 7. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  10. ^ "Prune Packers Lose in First Game of Year". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. p. 6. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  11. ^ "Prune Packers Ball Team Ends Success Season". Sotoyome Scimitar. 31 August 1933. p. 1. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  12. ^ "I. O. O. F. Will Sponsor Ball Team This Year". Healdsburg Tribune. 28 April 1938. p. 7. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Lighting Committee Celebrates 20th Anniversary This April". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. January 9, 1969. p. 1. Retrieved 2022-01-02.
  14. ^ "Prune Packers Re-Born; Lighting Committee Sponsor". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. 21 April 1951. p. 12. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  15. ^ "Packers Down Ft. Bragg-Packers End Season with REBL Crown". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. September 4, 1952. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  16. ^ "Packers Forfeit Final Game". Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar. March 8, 1962. p. 7. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  17. ^ Atkinson, Rollie (March 31, 2011). "Business After Hours - Benefits of Local Businesses Extend Beyond the 9-5". Sonoma West Times and News. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  18. ^ Clementi, Greg (14 June 2012). "Semi-Pro Prune Packers Play 48-Game Schedule". Sonoma West times and News. p. L1. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  19. ^ "Prune Packers Tap Joey Gomes as New Manager". Sonoma West Times and News. 13 November 2013. p. D4. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  20. ^ "Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation". California Secretary of State. 25 Aug 2014. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
  21. ^ "Prune Packers Summer 2105". GameChanger. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  22. ^ "2016 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  23. ^ "2017 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  24. ^ "2018 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  25. ^ "2019 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  26. ^ "Healdsburg Prune Packers Claim 2021 CCL Crown, Edge SLO Blues 8-7 in State Championship Final". August 7, 2021. Retrieved 2022-01-02.
  27. ^ "2021 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  28. ^ "Healdsburg Prune Packers CCL Summer 2022". pointstreak. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
  29. ^ "Padecky: Healdsburg semi-pro pitcher wows MLB team scouts". Santa Rosa Press Democrat. 2014-07-30. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
  30. ^ "Healdsburg Prune Packers - Roster". California Collegiate League. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
  31. ^ "Healdsburg Prune Packers pound Conejo Oaks to win back-to-back California Collegiate League". Press Democrat. 2022-08-08. Retrieved 2022-08-08.
  32. ^ "Player-testimonials". www.prunepackers.org. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  33. ^ "CCL Player Spotlights: Prune Packers alum Joe Ryan". calsummerball.com. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  34. ^ a b c "2016 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  35. ^ Morris, Gus (July 2, 2022). "Maria Carrillo grad Andrew Vaughn soaks in 1st game in San Francisco as member of White Sox". Press Democrat. Retrieved 2022-08-08.
  36. ^ "2017 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  37. ^ Jackson, John (June 9, 2020). "Petaluma pro hopeful Casad caught by baseball cutbacks". Argus Courier.
  38. ^ "Billy Wilson #8". MLB.com. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  39. ^ a b "2019 Healdsburg Prune Packers". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  40. ^ "Ian Villers". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  41. ^ "Quentin Selma". Baseball Reference. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  42. ^ "Quentin Selma". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  43. ^ "Brandon Poulson". The Base Ball Cube. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
  44. ^ Atkinson, Rollie (2022-03-28). "Graton's Lee Walker Jr. remembered at large memorial service". SoCo News. Retrieved 2022-03-29.

External links[edit]

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