Sturgeon players bring ‘Field of Dreams’ to Martinez waterfront

MARTINEZ, CA (May 18, 2023) —In light of the millions of dollars paid to players and the billions that individuals and ownership groups are doling out to own profession sports teams, the Martinez Sturgeon baseball club is a refreshing throwback to a simpler, by-gone era of town teams.

Baseball movie afficionados might recall Kevin Costner’s reference to them in “Field of Dreams” in the scene where his character pulled the van over along a country road and in hopped a young man who was carrying little more than his glove and knapsack.

Archie, aka Archibald “Moonlight” Graham, had heard of small towns with baseball teams and was looking to find one to play on. Smiling, Costner shares he knows of just such a place, to which Archie showed a huge satisfying grin.

Martinez is among a handful of teams playing in like-sized communities such as Garden City, Kan., Blackwell, Okla., and Trinidad, Texas, that dot the seven-state landscape of the 16-team independent Pecos League of Professional Baseball.

Variety of fundraising options

With the exception of salaries, the centralized Pecos League covers all expenses for the teams, including facility fees, paying the field manager and other permits. The league makes money from ticket sales, sponsorship, league merchandise and the snack bar.

“It is a costly endeavor and has small margins,” said Sturgeon general manager Eric Halverson. He serves in a volunteer capacity for the team, recognized as a 501c nonprofit.

Pecos League commissioner Andrew Dunn said the structure makes it a unique situation, because each community is guaranteed a team without investing millions of dollars. While “the team is not guaranteed to make money, they are able to provide a good production for the people” to watch.

Community support drives the success of each club. Player salaries are paid through 50-to-50 fundraisers held at the team’s games, with additional financial incentives earned from “passing the hat” when someone hits a home run or the pitcher strikes out the side.

Other revenue streams for assisting the players on the Sturgeon roster include sales of team merchandise and holding nine, two-day baseball camps for kids, up from three last year, where the players contribute their time and talents.

Host families help out

An important element of these community teams is the role of host families, who open their homes and hearts to the players.

“They come a long way on their own dime to play,” said Dennis Freeman, whose family hosted multiple players the past two seasons. During two different stretches last season, a pair of Sturgeons occupied a bedroom in Freeman’s home.

Serving in a volunteer capacity this season, Freeman couldn’t say enough about the help families extend for even a few months to make it as comfortable as possible for players. These young men come from as far away as North Carolina and even foreign lands, like Columbia, for the chance to play a game they love and maybe get noticed to play at the next level.

“The basics are all we ask to be provided,” Halverson said, echoing the essential role of host families, which includes supplying a room and bed, a bathroom to use and kitchen access for the player to prepare their meals.
“The players are very busy through the season, between games, camps, practice and community involvement; they don’t have much time for anything else,” he continued. “Most of these guys are right out of college and are trying to continue their playing career with the hopes to make the big leagues.”

First game this weekend

Expectations for the players extend to involvement in community activities over the summer, which Halverson noted they do willingly. This includes participating in the Martinez 4th of July Parade, King of the County BBQ and helping at other events.

“They all know that if they are not handling their business, they will be sent home,” he added.

As the season approaches, Halverson noted about 10-12 host families are still needed.

In his GM role, he too wears many hats. Along with hosting the Sturgeon’s new manager this season, that includes being responsible for all off-field activities, being the liaison between the league and the city of Martinez and heading up a team of volunteers that make up the team’s booster board.

But it’s all a labor of love, and he’s confident the team’s organization has put together an amazing program for the upcoming season.

Spring training began in mid-May to ready the squad for a pair of tune-up games before the regular season kicks off later in the month. The Dublin Leprechauns visit Martinez Waterfront Park at 6 p.m. May 20, and the San Rafael Pacifics follow at 2 p.m. May 21.

The Sturgeon’s regular season home opener is Memorial Day weekend, when they host the Leprechauns. First pitch is at 2 p.m. May 28.

All games are at Martinez Waterfront Park, 1204 Joe DiMaggio Dr.

Tickets are available at the games or online at www.martinezsturgeon.com. Visit the team on its booster page on Facebook or go to www.pecosleague.com for more information. Community members with questions are welcome to email Halverson at martinezsturgeon1@gmail.com.