2021 Martinez Sturgeon Season Recap: A New Era of Professional Baseball in Martinez
Martinez, California - The 2021 season marked the beginning of a new era of independent professional baseball in Martinez, California, as the Martinez Sturgeon completed their inaugural season in the Pecos League with a 23-17 regular-season record and an appearance in the Pacific Division Championship Series.
The Martinez Sturgeon replaced the Martinez Clippers, who had played in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs beginning in 2018. The Clippers ceased operations following the financial and legal troubles surrounding former owners Jim and Paulette Carpoff. Their departure left a vacancy in Martinez's professional baseball landscape.
In December 2019, the Pecos League announced plans to bring professional baseball back to Martinez. The new franchise was officially named the Martinez Sturgeon in February 2020, establishing a new identity for baseball in the community.
The Sturgeon were originally scheduled to begin play in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the Pecos League season. As a result, the franchise would have to wait until the summer of 2021 to finally take the field.
Ron Witmeyer Leads the Inaugural Team
Former Major League Baseball player Ron Witmeyer was named field manager of the Martinez Sturgeon on May 5, 2021. Witmeyer took over after Pecos League veteran Bill Moore was unable to manage because of health issues.
Under Witmeyer's leadership, the Sturgeon quickly established themselves as one of the stronger teams in the Pacific Division.
Playing their home games at Joe DiMaggio Fields at Waterfront Park in Martinez, the Sturgeon brought independent professional baseball back to the waterfront community.
The team finished the regular season with a 23-17 record, a .575 winning percentage, and second place in the Pacific Division.
Bryce Packard and Caleb Natov Lead the Offense
The Sturgeon featured several outstanding offensive performances during their inaugural season.
Bryce Packard was one of the team's most productive players, appearing in 40 games and batting .353 with 58 hits, 46 runs scored, 10 doubles, five home runs, 33 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. His .495 on-base percentage made him a major contributor to the Martinez offense.
Kaelin Robinson also enjoyed an excellent season, hitting .337 with 51 hits, 34 runs scored, and 32 RBIs in 34 games.
Caleb Natov provided much of the team's power, leading the Sturgeon with eight home runs and 43 RBIs while batting .301. Natov also collected 44 hits and scored 29 runs.
Jason Hare was another important contributor, batting .296 with 40 hits and 42 runs scored. His .503 on-base percentage demonstrated his ability to consistently reach base and create scoring opportunities.
Veteran Daniel Arroyo contributed both on the field and as a coach, recording 29 hits, 34 runs scored, and 18 RBIs.
The Sturgeon offense demonstrated its explosive potential throughout the summer, including a 28-16 victory on June 12 and a 20-9 victory on June 18.
Pitching Staff Helps Power the Sturgeon
The Martinez pitching staff featured several important contributors who helped the team reach the postseason.
Riley Cleary was particularly effective, posting a 4-1 record with a 1.96 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 32.2 innings.
Rene Ramirez finished undefeated at 4-0 with a 3.91 ERA and three saves in 15 appearances, providing versatility and reliability on the mound.
Nathan Lu appeared in 18 games, recording 43 strikeouts in 34.2 innings while posting a 3.42 ERA.
Bryce Packard contributed as a two-way player, compiling a 2-2 pitching record with a remarkable 0.68 ERA in 13.2 innings.
The combination of timely hitting and contributions from several pitchers helped Martinez compete throughout the inaugural season.
Sturgeon Advance to Pacific Division Championship
The Sturgeon carried their regular-season success into the 2021 Pecos League playoffs.
In the opening round, Martinez faced the Monterey Amberjacks in a best-of-three series. The Sturgeon swept Monterey two games to none, advancing to the Pacific Division Championship Series.
The championship matchup featured the Martinez Sturgeon against the San Rafael Pacifics, establishing an immediate Bay Area postseason rivalry.
Martinez battled San Rafael in a competitive three-game series, but the Pacifics ultimately prevailed two games to one.
Despite falling one victory short of the division title, the Sturgeon finished their first season having established themselves as a legitimate contender in the Pecos League.
A Successful First Season and a New Beginning
The 2021 Martinez Sturgeon accomplished something significant for professional baseball in Martinez.
Following the departure of the Clippers and the cancellation of the 2020 season, the Sturgeon successfully returned independent professional baseball to Joe DiMaggio Fields at Waterfront Park.
The franchise introduced a new identity, assembled a competitive roster, finished second in the Pacific Division, and won its first postseason series.
2021 Martinez Sturgeon Season Summary
League: Pecos League
Division: Pacific Division
Field Manager: Ron Witmeyer
Regular Season Record: 23-17
Winning Percentage: .575
Division Finish: 2nd Place
First Playoff Round: Defeated Monterey Amberjacks 2-0
Division Championship: Lost to San Rafael Pacifics 1-2
Home Ballpark: Joe DiMaggio Fields at Waterfront Park
Leading Home Run Hitter: Caleb Natov - 8
Leading RBI Hitter: Caleb Natov - 43
Leading Hits:
Bryce Packard - 58
The inaugural season represented much more than wins and losses. It marked the return of professional baseball to Martinez under a new name and a new league.
The Sturgeon proved in their very first season that Martinez could support a competitive professional baseball franchise and that Waterfront Park could once again serve as a home for independent baseball.
The 2021 Martinez Sturgeon laid the foundation for a new chapter of professional baseball in Martinez, California, and established the Sturgeon as a member of the Pecos League's Pacific Division.
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