The city of Napa will be home to the fifth team in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs, joining the same league as the Sonoma Stompers, officials announced last week.
The Napa Silverados, owned by Bruce Johnston, will begin play in 2018, the team announced.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for me, but more importantly for the entire Napa Valley community,” Johnston, a Napa resident since 2007 and a shopping mall development consultant, said in a press release. “This started with the concept of creating fun and affordable family entertainment – which is lacking in the Napa Valley – but has become an idea which is supported by local businesses who want to be a part of bringing professional baseball to the food and wine capital of the world.”
Jonathan Stone, the Pacific Association commissioner, said he is excited to see the league grow.
“With Napa in the fold, we have natural rivalries all within a reasonable travel area,” he said.
In addition to the Stompers, the league includes the San Rafael Pacifics, Vallejo Admirals and Pittsburg Diamonds. Johnston said he is talking with Napa Valley College about using its baseball field as the team’s home ballpark. He will make improvements to the seating capacity, media booth and concession area, he said in the press release.
The Pacific Association is exploring markets for a sixth team that could also join the league in 2018, and is considering Martinez and cities in the South Bay, officials said.
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