Pacific Association
 | |
| Sport | Baseball |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| No. of teams | 4 |
| Country | United States |
| Most recent champion(s) | Sonoma Stompers (2016) |
| Most titles | San Rafael Pacifics (2) |
| Official website | pointstreaksites.com/view/PacProClubs |
The Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs is an independent baseball league based in Northern California. The league commissioner is former Major League Baseball star Mike Marshall. The league was founded in 2013 by four former North American League teams.[1]
History
The league features a 78-game split-season that runs from June to August. First half winners face the second half winner in a one-game playoff (if needed) for the championship. The average salary of a Pacific Association player in 2015 was $650 per month.
During the initial season, two Hawaii-based teams, the Hawaii Stars and the Maui Warriors, played inter-league games against the Baseball Challenge League of Japan; California teams played against the Freedom Pro League of Arizona.[2]
Both Hawaii teams, the Stars and the Warriors, ceased operations after playing the 2013 season due to the travel costs of bringing in opponents from Northern California.[3] East Bay Lumberjacks also did not return for a second season.
Two expansion clubs were added in 2014 (Sonoma Stompers and Pittsburg Mettle) bringing the total number of teams to four.
Teams
| Team | City | Stadium | Joined league |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburg Diamonds | Pittsburg, CA | City Park Field | 2014 |
| San Rafael Pacifics | San Rafael, CA | Albert Park | 2013 |
| Sonoma Stompers | Sonoma, CA | Arnold Field | 2014[4] |
| Vallejo Admirals | Vallejo, CA | Wilson Park | 2013 |
Former teams
- East Bay Lumberjacks (2013)
- Hawaii Stars (2013)
- Maui Warriors (2013)
League timeline
League members Former Team
Champions
| Season | 1st Half Winner | 2nd Half Winner | League Champion | Playoff Game Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Maui Warriors | San Rafael Pacifics | Maui Warriors | 6-1 |
| 2014 | San Rafael Pacifics | San Rafael Pacifics | San Rafael Pacifics[5] | none |
| 2015 | Sonoma Stompers | San Rafael Pacifics | San Rafael Pacifics | 4-3[6] |
| 2016 | Sonoma Stompers | Sonoma Stompers | Sonoma Stompers | none |
Awards
| Season | League MVP | Pitcher of the Year | Reliever of the Year | Rookie of the Year | Manager of the Year | Executive of the Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Jayce Ray, Sonoma | Patrick Conroy, San Rafael | Collin Allen, San Rafael | Jordan Hinshaw, Vallejo | Garry Templeton II, Vallejo | none |
| 2015 | Matt Chavez, San Rafael | Max Beatty, San Rafael | Sean Conroy, Sonoma | Mark Hurley, Sonoma | Aaron Miles, Pittsburg | Mike Shaprio, San Rafael |
| 2016 |
Alumni
Max Beatty, San Rafael Pacifics - Chicago White Sox[7]
Matt Chavez, San Rafael Pacifics - San Diego Padres[8]
Tim Holmes, Vallejo Admirals - New York Yankees[9]
Jayce Ray, Sonoma Stompers - Boston Red Sox[10]
Santos Salvidar, Sonoma Stompers - Milwaukee Brewers[11]
Nathan Tomaszewski, Vallejo Admirals - Pittsburgh Pirates[12]
References
- ↑ "New for 2013: Pacific Association". Ballpark Digest. January 12, 2013.
- ↑ "Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs Announced". Baseball de World. January 14, 2013.
- ↑ "Hawaii Stars baseball team suspended". West Hawaii Today. March 18, 2014.
- ↑ "Pacific Association returns in 2014 with new Sonoma team". Ballpark Digest. January 15, 2014.
- ↑ "BR Bullpen". Baseball Reference. February 22, 2016.
- ↑ "San Rafael Pacifics Win 2015 Pacific Association Championship". Independent Baseball. September 2, 2015.
- ↑ "Pacifics enjoy thrill ride". San Rafael News Pointer. 16 June 2016.
- ↑ "Slugging first baseman Matt Chavez signs with San Diego Padres". Marin Independent Journal. August 19, 2015.
- ↑ "Vallejo Admirals closer Tim Holmes signs with New York Yankees organization". Vallejo Times-Herald. 17 June 2016.
- ↑ "Ray Receives Affiliated Opportunity". OurSportsCentral. October 20, 2015.
- ↑ "Brewers sign Santos Saldivar from Sonoma Stompers". Today's Knuckleball. 19 May 2016.
- ↑ "Ex-Vallejo Admirals slugger playing in Pirates' organization". Vallejo Times-Herald. May 24, 2014.