Top 5 Black Players in Visalia History

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Visalia Rawhide.

Kirby Puckett

Kirby Puckett was named California League Rookie of the Year in 1983, when he hit .309 with 172 hits, 97 RBI, and 48 stolen bases. He went on to win two World Championships with the Minnesota Twins. Puckett compiled a career batting average of .318 and was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. His home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series remains an indelible moment from one of the most exciting series in baseball history. He was inducted into the Rawhide Hall of Fame in 2011 as a part of the inaugural class. Kirby Puckett’s number 28 is the only retired number in Visalia franchise history, other than Jackie Robinson’ number 42.

Napoleon “Nap” Gulley

Napoleon Gulley, affectionately known as “Nap,” was one of the first African-American players in the California League. He holds Visalia’s Franchise Record for most career hits with 507. He ranks among franchise leaders in career home runs and batted .307 over four seasons. Gulley never had the chance to play in Major League Baseball, but was a supremely talented outfielder who played for Jackie Robinson’s barnstorming teams and was a Negro League and Mexican League Star..

Dave Roberts

David “Dave” Roberts played for the 1996 Visalia Oaks in the Detroit organization. In 126 games, Roberts scored 112 runs, slashed .272 and led the minors 65 stolen bases. He went on to play in the Majors, becoming a World Series Champion in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. Roberts became manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. He led the Dodgers to the World Series in 2017, 2018, and 2020, winning it all in the latter year. In doing so, he became the first manager of Asian heritage and second Black manager to lead his team to a World Series title.

Justin Upton

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Upton with the first overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft. He began a stint with the Visalia Oaks in 2007, where he stole 9 bases and had an .341 on-base percentage before getting promoted to the Double-A Mobile Baybears. Upton has gone on to become a four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger.

Vada Edward Pinson, Jr.

Vada Pinson, Jr .dominated the California League in 1957. He batted .367 with 209 hits, 40 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, 165 runs scored, and 349 total bases while playing every game that season. He is highly regarded as a legend to all who saw him play at Recreation Ballpark. Pinson spent 18 seasons in the Major Leagues, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, collecting over 2,700 career hits in the Majors. He remained close friends with Visalia’s Taylor Family (the founders and owners of the iconic Taylor’s Hot Dogs) until his death in 1995.

Rawhide Charitable Fund Supports Work with Local Families

 

Rawhide gives back with $30,000 in grants to Visalia Community

Visalia, CA – To commemorate the end of a wonderful 2021 season of Rawhide Baseball under new ownership, the Sigal Family Rawhide Charitable Fund is pleased to announce their 2021 Community Grants. In partnership with the Central Valley Community Foundation, three grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, Family Services of Tulare County, and United Way of Tulare County.

“We fully support the good work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, Family Services of Tulare County, and the United Way of Tulare County”, said Sam Sigal, President and Co-owner of the Visalia Rawhide. “The work that these three organizations do could not be more vital to our community.”

The Boys and Girls Clubs will receive $10,000 to provide needed maintenance on their facilities. This grant will help Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, quality spaces for kids to attend during after school hours, school holidays and summer vacation. “We are very thankful to the Sigal Family for their concern and investment in our community’s children,” said CEO Galen Quenzer. Tulare County currently has 15 clubs located throughout the South Valley and sees an average of 910 kids a day.

Family Services of Tulare County will receive $10,000 to continue providing emergency shelter, counseling, and legal services for survivors of domestic violence and their children, as well as other programs that help strengthen families and prevent future violence. “During the COVID-19 Pandemic the need for our services increased, while survivors of violence faced new barriers to seeking safety,” said Caity Meader, CEO. “The Sigal family’s donation allows Family Services to continue its work to help local children and families heal from violence and thrive in healthy relationships.” Family Services works with more than 5,000 people each year.

United Way has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response in Tulare County. They will receive $10,000 to continue connecting community members with resources and services through their non-emergency hotline and comprehensive app. United Way directly serves families that have been impacted by COVID-19 by connecting them with available resources. This grant will provide critical mortgage and utility assistance for 20 families. The need in Tulare County is great. In the past year and a half, over 2700 families have requested support for mortgage and utility bills totaling over $3,000,000.

“Thank you to Rawhide season ticket holders and fans for your support this season,” said Sigal. “In honor of you, the Rawhide invests in critical resources to support our community. “

About Visalia Rawhide

The Visalia Rawhide are the Single-A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in Visalia in 2021. The Rawhide proudly hosts competitive baseball in Valley Strong Ballpark while providing affordable entertainment for all ages. For information on the upcoming 2022 Visalia Rawhide season, contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

About Central Valley Community Foundation

The Central Valley Community Foundation has been a trusted partner in philanthropy in the Central Valley for more than 50 years. Its mission is to cultivate smart philanthropy, lead, and invest in solutions that build stronger communities. As the only nationally-accredited community foundation serving the six-county Central San Joaquin Valley, CVCF attracts investment and deploys resources to solve persistent economic, environmental, and social challenges in the Central Valley. For more details visit www.CentralValleyCF.org or connect at @CentralValleyCF.

Former and Current Owners of the Visalia Rawhide Baseball Club Team up to Donate $250,000 to the Visalia and Tulare County Community

 

VISALIA, CA- The former and current owners of the Visalia Rawhide have jointly contributed $250,000 to establish the Visalia Rawhide Charitable Fund at the Central Valley Community Foundation to serve the community where Visalia Rawhide fans live, work and play.

“The Visalia community provided great support over our 18 years with the Rawhide ballclub,” said Tom Seidler, former Rawhide co-owner and President of Top of the Third, Inc. “We are excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community during this time of great need, in partnership with the Rawhide and the Sigal family. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Rawhide championship than this effort to help many families in need through these two grants.”

To support families with childcare costs, food, distance learning supplies, and other essential services, an initial grant from the new fund of $50,000 has been donated to First 5 which supports six family resource centers, including the Visalia Family Resource Center. During the COVID pandemic, family resource centers in Tulare County are experiencing, on average, a 50% increase in the number of calls for assistance, many from families that have never sought help before.

A second $50,000 grant will help fund The Healthy Harvest Program in Tulare County. The local ag industry is essential and has continued the food production we all rely upon. This new program expands messaging to the Valley’s food production industry about coronavirus safety. It will provide access to testing, house workers who need to self-isolate and provide food and transportation to make quarantine possible. These are essential steps to stop the spread of the virus throughout the community.

“It takes all of us coming together to make a difference in this national crisis”, said Sam Sigal, current co-owner of the Rawhide and Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC. “ The Healthy Harvest Program is a partnership that brings together state, federal, industry, and philanthropic dollars.” Among the agencies that support The Healthy Harvest Program are the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Tulare County, and the Tulare Farm Bureau.

“It is an honor to team up with the Central Valley Community Foundation, The Family Resource Centers, and the Healthy Harvest Program, said Sam. “Although professional baseball is in a pause due to the pandemic, we look forward to many enjoyable seasons in the years ahead. For now, the health of the people of Visalia and the surrounding area is our focus.”

In April, at the beginning of the pandemic, the Sigal family donated over $30,000 to support Central Valley non-profits. In collaboration with the Central Valley Community Foundation, support was directed to emergency relief funds, food bank distribution efforts and local hospitals.

“The Visalia Rawhide has been an iconic presence in Tulare County by tipping its hat to the Ag industry that propels our community. And by stepping up to help financially support our Healthy Harvest program, the Community Care Coalition in Tulare County can bring much needed supportive services to our farmworkers and their families affected by COVID-19,” said Coalition Co-Chairs Rosemary Caso, Executive Director of United Way Tulare County and Francena Martinez, Division Manager, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency. “We applaud their efforts in making sure this critical program is available to those that need it.”

For more information about the efforts of the Central Valley Community Foundation in the fight against the Coronavirus, contact Hannah McAbee ([email protected])

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The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Minor League Baseball in Visalia in 2021. The Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. For more information, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Front Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

Visalia Rawhide Owners Team Up to Donate $30,000 for Community Relief

 

Visalia, CA- The Sigal Family, owners of the Visalia Rawhide, have committed over $30,000 to Central Valley non-profits to immediately assist those in need during the current national emergency. The Rawhide staff and the Central Valley Community Foundation have been key in researching and advising where funds should be allocated.

Joe Ross, Director of Community Partnerships for the Rawhide, would have been leading cheers and interviewing fans at a Rawhide game this week. Instead he has been reaching out to community members to learn how the Rawhide can help. “I am glad to be able to be part of the Rawhide’s generous efforts,” said Ross.

“We have been touched by our staff’s deep concern for our neighbors and our community’s willingness to chip in wherever they can.” said Sam Sigal, Vice President of First Pitch Entertainment, LLC, owners of the Visalia Rawhide. “We are grateful to these non-profit organizations for the vital work they are doing on the frontlines today and for their continued leadership in ensuring a strong and healthy tomorrow.”

Organizations receiving grants include:

Central Valley Community Foundation, Emergency Response Fund

Central Valley Health Foundation/ Adventist Health

Family Health Care Network

Food Link of Tulare County

Kaweah Delta Hospital

Kings Community Action Organization

Neighborhood Industries Take Care Fund

Sierra View Hospital

Tulare Hospital

Valley Children’s Hospital

Visalia Emergency Aid Council

Visalia Rescue Mission

In addition to monetary assistance, the Rawhide has partnered with Neighborhood Industries’ Take Care Grocery Relief Program. The Rawhide staff are volunteering to distribute Neighborhood Industries’ grocery boxes throughout Tulare County from a Satellite Distribution Center set up at Rawhide Ballpark.

If you or someone you know is in need of an emergency grocery box, please visit https://bitwiseindustries.com/takecare-request

Want to help? For only $20 you can help provide a family in need with a week supply of Groceries. If you would like to support the Take Care Program, please consider making a monetary donation at www.neighborhoodindustries.org.

For more information on COVID-19 in Tulare County please visit www.tchhsa.org

About the Visalia Rawhide

The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and is entering their 74th year of play in 2020. The Rawhide renovated their home at Recreation Ballpark in 2009 and have since become the largest gathering of individuals in Tulare County. In 2020, the Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment and defending the 2019 California League Championship. To be a part of the 2020 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

Local Kids & Las Madrinas Guild Help Raise Money for Valley Children’s Hospital

VISALIA, CA – The Visalia Rawhide partnered with Valley Children’s and Las Madrinas Guild to raise money through a jersey auction. In February, the Rawhide announced its first-ever design-a-jersey contest for children 16 and under. Two children, Kaylee Munyon (9) and Pete Lopez (13), received the most fan-votes for their separate designs. It was determined by the selection committee to combine their jersey designs into one cohesive piece.

Munyon, who is a patient at Valley Children’s, designed the front of the jersey using Photoshop. Lopez had designed the back of the jersey. On Sunday, the Rawhide auctioned the game-worn jerseys to fans. Las Madrinas Guild will receive all $2,000 of proceeds from the jersey auction, which will be given to Valley Children’s.

Valley Children has been recognized two years in a row by U.S. News and World Report as one of the “Best Children’s Hospitals” and is planning to build a Visalia hospital location in the near future.

Las Madrinas (translation: The Godmothers) Guild assisted with this fundraiser. Las Madrinas Guild is one of the 13 original guilds formed to support Valley Children’s Hospital.

This promotion will be held annually. The Rawhide will again be asking for jersey designs from children in February of 2020. For information on that contest, email Jennifer@rawhidebaseball.com.

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About the Visalia Rawhide
The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and is entering their 73nd year of play in 2019. The Rawhide renovated their home at Recreation Ballpark in 2009 and have since become the largest gathering of individuals in Tulare County. In 2019, the Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment. To be a part of the 2019 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

California League Baseball Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

Oxnard, CA – As California begins it’s slow recovery process after some of the most deadliest & destructive fires in California history, the baseball teams of the California League have decided to step up to the plate and do their part for the relief efforts.

The California League boasts eight teams located throughout the state: San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Lake Elsinore. Each team will be producing their own logoed cap with a firefighter theme, created by Cotapaxi, a custom design and manufacturing corporation located in San Diego. These custom caps will only be available for a limited time from each team & can be purchased for $20. Net proceeds from these sales will be donated to support the disaster relief efforts as we enter this holiday season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about being involved with our local communities. These fires have affected everyone in the state, and we all want to do our part to help out as much as we can” stated California League President, Charlie Blaney.

If you would like to purchase one of these caps, you can contact each team individually via their respective websites:

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About the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino
The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The 66ers will enter a new season on April 4, 2019, their 9th season as an Angels affiliate. Ticket packages and corporate sponsorship packages are now available. To be a part of the 2019 Inland Empire 66ers season, please contact the 66ers at (909)888-9922, visit us online at www.66ers.com, or follow us on Facebook (Inland Empire 66ers), Instagram (@66ersbaseball), and Twitter (@66ersbaseball).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cal League Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

California League Baseball Teams Unite to Assist With Fire Relief Efforts

Eight Minor League Baseball Teams Selling Firefighting Themed Caps

Oxnard, CA   As California begins it’s slow recovery process after some of the most deadliest & destructive fires in California history, the baseball teams of the California League have decided to step up to the plate and do their part for the relief efforts.

The California League boasts eight teams located throughout the state: San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Visalia, Lancaster, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Lake Elsinore. Each team will be producing their own logoed cap with a firefighter theme, produced by Cotapaxi, a custom design and manufacturing corporation located in Commerce, CA. These custom caps will only be available for a limited time from each team & can be purchased for $20. Net proceeds from these sales will be donated to support the disaster relief efforts as we enter this holiday season.

“Minor League Baseball is all about being involved with our local communities. These fires have affected everyone in the state, and we all want to do our part to help out as much as we can” stated California League President, Charlie Blaney.

If you would like to purchase one of these caps, you can contact each team individually via their respective websites:

Or if you’d like to purchase all 8 caps for $150, you can contact Matt Blaney in the California League office.

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About the Visalia Rawhide
The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class ‘A’ Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. On April 4th, 2019; the Rawhide will open their 73nd year of play, and 13th as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rawhide will be defending their 2018 Northern Division Championship, and look to continue providing competitive baseball and affordable family entertainment. To be a part of the 2019 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.