Prune Packers Resurrected

Since the America's favorite pasttime is gradually becoming Healdsburg's favorite obsession.

Last summer, Sonoma County entrepreneur Howard Leonhardt launched , with Healdsburg's as its base playing venue.  WCB played out the season and will likely return this year.

Then, in is picking up lots of excitement up and down the North Bay.

But now, hot on the heels of last week's dedication of the renovated we have a new venture from local baseballers.

A brainchild of former WCB manager Riley Sullivan and Healdsburg sports champions and Joe Simmons, the new venture is an updated version of the famed Prune Packers --

"We just want to bring competitive baseball to the community, and to provide Rec Park fans with better  baseball action," said Sullivan, unofficial president of the new team, the Healdsburg Prune Packers.

Healdsburg's first game is a double header in Fairfield against the Fairfield Indians, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28.

Healdsburg's first preseason game, a doubleheader, will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28 in Vallejo.

For a full schedule, see the website.

For more connections, see the Facebook Page.

To see a tentative Healdsburg Prune Packers roster, click on the PDF attached.

Unlike Wine Country Baseball, which was focused mostly on Marin and Sonoma counties, Healdsburg Prune Packers will join the existing Sacramento Rural League, which includes Fairfield Indians, Novato Knicks, Solano Mudcats and Oakland Expos -- among others.

Sullivan said he hopes to generate the kind of interest and enthusiasm he witnessed at a recent Humboldt Crabs game in Arcata.

"They had like 3,000 people there, cheering and yelling," Sullivan said. "I thought, 'Why can't we bring that kind of excitement to Sonoma County?'"

Sullivan added that the group is partnering with local nonprofits so that proceeds from the games are recycled back to Healdsburg.

"Rec Park field and are our priorities," Sullivan said. "We want to plow the money back into the community."

In addition to Sullivan, Bugarske and Simmons, other board members are Bob Bjiorkguist, Ashly Hromek and Brad Andersen.  Recruiting is still ongoing for coaches, counsel and other duties.

Sullivan said the new Prune Packers also got advice from Dan White, President of the Bennett Valley Bulldogs

"When Riley asked if he could set this squad up, we were glad to help him get this started" White said. "Healdsburg, best of luck to the new squad now and in the future."

Other local organizers and helpers include:  Ed Pinsetti; Joe Rochiolli;  Cullen Wilder; Holly Hoods of ; Dave Seghesio; De Kenady; Scott Silviera and Tony at

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