Pioneer Baseball League announces launch of Yolo High Wheelers

Shaun Holkko

Jan 23

The Pioneer Baseball League (PBL) announced today the formation of Yolo County's first professional baseball team, the High Wheelers, according to a press release.

"We're excited to be stewards of the Pioneer League's second California team and are honored to be kicking off what we believe to be an exciting rivalry between the Oakland Ballers and the Yolo High Wheelers," stated Paul Freedman, co-founder of the High Wheelers, in the release. "We have always believed in the power of sports teams to bring communities together. In the future we look forward to passing the reins to local residents who share our passion for using sports teams as a vehicle for strengthening communities."

The High Wheelers are the newest addition to the PBL and the second team of the league's West Coast expansion after Oakland's recently launched Ballers.

"On behalf of the Pioneer Baseball League, we welcome the Yolo High Wheelers and the broader Yolo and Solano County baseball fans to the historic Pioneer League," stated PBL president Michael Shapiro. "We're excited to bring independent baseball to more California fans, and while building a partnership with the local community that puts the fans first."

Assuming necessary approvals, the High Wheelers plan to play their first home game on the Phil Swimley Field at the 3,500-seat James M. & Ann Dobbins Baseball Stadium at the University of California, Davis (UCD) on May 21, per the release.

"It's an honor to be bringing the first professional sports team to Davis and the broader Yolo and Solano communities," stated Bryan Carmel, co-founder of the High Wheelers. "We believe that through strong community partnerships, professional baseball can provide a new model for sports teams dedicated to building a championship culture, developing players and investing in the local community. We're excited to be a part of Yolo County's continued growth and look forward to seeing local families at our first home game on May 21, 2024."

The High Wheelers' launch press conference will be at Dobbins Stadium at 11 a.m. Carmel, Freedman and Shapiro will be joined by Davis Mayor Josh Chapman, UCD athletic director Rocko DeLuca, High Wheelers general manager Troy Loparco, High Wheelers manager and assistant general manager Billy Horton, High Wheelers pitcher Jack Zalasky and former UC Davis and MLB player Joe Biagini, according to the release.

"Today's announcement showcases a desire for our city to have a professional sports team that celebrates everything that makes our community a fantastic place to call home," Chapman stated. "I am excited to root for the Yolo High Wheelers and throw the first pitch at the season opener in May. I look forward to seeing the Yolo High Wheelers provide our residents, communities and visitors with a fun and memorable experience."

The Yolo High Wheelers will play home games at Dobbins Baseball Stadium on the campus of UC Davis. (Courtesy)

Per the release, the High Wheelers are committed to delivering a fun, innovative and community focused baseball experience for all baseball fans in Yolo and Solano County. To reflect this commitment, the PBL has entered into a Community Benefits Agreement with UCD and Yolo County. This agreement represents a huge opportunity for UCD students and other members of the community interested in exploring careers in professional sports. The High Wheelers will use the team to provide a "learning laboratory" for students to gain real world experience and have access to unique internship and employment opportunities, according to the release.

"We are thrilled to announce our exciting partnership with the Yolo High Wheelers, Davis' newest baseball team," DeLuca stated. "This collaboration represents a significant stride in fostering community engagement and promoting the spirit of baseball within our university. Together, we aim to create memorable experiences for our students, faculty and the entire Yolo County community. The Yolo High Wheelers bring a new level of enthusiasm to the local baseball scene, and we look forward to a successful and mutually beneficial partnership."

Additionally per the release, this comprehensive partnership will provide significant benefits to the broader local community including yearly renovations of baseball facilities in underserved areas, promotion of local small businesses, ticket donations, support for youth sports in Yolo and Solano County and player participation in educational opportunities.

"It's an honor to be back at UC Davis, celebrating the Yolo County community's first professional sports team," Biagini stated. "Nothing beats the power of sports to bring people together to create memories and enrich our communities. Here's to the incredible journey ahead, filled with passion, unity and the timeless spirit of the game. Let's play ball, Yolo High Wheelers."

The name "High Wheelers" celebrates the City of Davis' status as a worldwide hub for cycling and home to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame, according to the release. The High Wheelers' team colors will be black, yellow and orange with the logo design created by Younts Design Inc. The coaching staff will include local resident, Gary Davenport, who will be the team's bench coach and Jerome Williams as the pitching coach. Zalasky, a Sacramento State alumnus, has signed on to pitch for the High Wheelers.

"I'm honored to have the chance to step up to the plate and bring minor league baseball to the Yolo County community," Loparco stated. "I've seen what baseball can do to inspire joy and bring opportunities to a growing community and we're ready to provide players and families with an excellent experience that strengthens everything that makes Yolo County great. We're excited for this journey to begin, and can't wait to see folks at our first home game in May."

According to the release, Freedman and Carmel look forward to identifying future stewards of the team, in line with their belief that community teams should have community stakeholders at all levels of the organization including the ownership group. Tickets will be available soon after launch, with updates to follow at http://www.highwheelers.com.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Yolo High Wheelers in our inaugural season," Horton stated. "It's been an awesome challenge over the past three months helping build this club and I am very excited about the foundation we have created. I believe the players we are bringing in will represent the city of Davis and Yolo County well both on and off the field."