tHE Sonoma Stompers

The Sonoma Stompers are an independent professional baseball team in Sonoma.  The Stompers were purchased by Sonoma native and attorney Eric Gullotta, and President and CEO of Sonoma Sports and Entertainment, Inc.  The Stompers began play as a member of the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs in 2014, and are the first professional team to make Sonoma County home since the Sonoma County Crushers ceased play following the 2002 season.

The Stompers announced their first professional signing, Tommy Lyons in March 2014, and shortly thereafter traded for a local hero, Jayce Ray. The team's first manager was Ray Serrano, who led the Stompers to a 42–36 record in their inaugural season. In 2015, Serrano accepted a full-time position with the Atlanta Braves to serve as the organization's catching instructor.  Jayce Ray was signed to a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox following the 2015 season.

Former major league pitcher, 67 year old Bill "Spaceman" Lee, started a game for the Stompers on Aug. 12, 2014, pitching the team to victory over the Pittsburg Mettle.  Lee set an all-time record becoming the oldest person to ever win a professional baseball game.  In June 2015, the team made history when pitcher Sean Conroy became the first openly gay active professional baseball.  That season, Sonoma tallied an 18-3 record.

Highlights were the Jose Canseco Weekend, when the 50-year-old former American League MVP played in two wins for Sonoma, and even belted one of his signature home runs.

Victims of their own success, the Stompers roster became a poaching ground as seven players, including four members of the Opening Day lineup were signed by clubs in higher leagues. Nonetheless, the Stompers fought to the finish, only falling short in a hotly contested championship game in San Rafael. Sonoma lost 4-3 as the Pacifics walked off with a win in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Theo Fightmaster serves as Vice President and General Manager of the Stompers.  He oversees their business operations, including corporate partnerships, season and single-game tickets, merchandise, concessions, media and public relations, and manages the team’s operations and front office staffs. Theo also presides over the Stompers baseball operations, including player-personnel acquisition, development, and scouting.  He is a longtime Sonoma County resident and the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Children Family Circle — a non-profit organization that provides childcare for at-risk families. He and his wife, Erin, are Santa Rosa residents.