Prune Packers Baseball: Celebrating 100 Years in Healdsburg
Baseball has a way of embedding itself into the fabric of a community, becoming more than just a sport. The Prune Packers baseball team in Healdsburg, California, has done just that. For the community of Healdsburg, they aren’t just players on a field; they’re a symbol of tradition, community, and excellence. With roots going back to the early 20th century, the Prune Packers evolved from a local team into a beacon of pride for Sonoma County.
The Legacy of Prune Packers Baseball
When Joey Gomes, the general manager and head coach, joined the Prune Packers in 2013, he knew little about the team’s storied past. However, it didn’t take long for him to immerse himself in the rich history of the area and the team. Originally formed in the 1920s, the Prune Packers are a significant part of Healdsburg’s identity. The name itself harkens back to a time when prunes, not wine, were the primary agricultural product of the region.
A Rich History Reborn
“Did you know Healdsburg wasn’t always a wine town? They were a prune town,” Joey shares, highlighting a fun fact that many might not be aware of. This piece of history is more than just trivia; it’s a testament to the deep roots the Prune Packers have in the community. The transformation from prunes to vines parallels the evolution of the team itself, constantly adapting and growing with the times.
Under Joey’s tenure the Prune Packers have risen to new heights, honoring tradition while forging a new path. His dedication to leaving things better than he found them has revitalized the team, turning them into a powerhouse in Northern California baseball. Since 2021, the Prune Packers have clinched the state championship title three times in a row, a remarkable feat!
Jonas Salk is an infielder for the team. He reflects on his journey with the Prune Packers: “I became part of the Prune Packers through Joey pretty much directly. I’ve been hitting with him for a while…and my development got to the point where it was a good fit for me to come and play here for the summer.”
Cole Caruso, the team’s shortstop and third baseman, shares a similar story: “My assistant coach at the University of Michigan is good friends with Joey Gomes, a coach here. That’s how I made my way here for the summer.”
Community and Passion: The Heartbeat of Prune Packers Baseball
The Prune Packers are more than just a baseball team, they’re a community institution. Joey speaks fondly of the local support, particularly since the involvement of Natalie Norman and various non-profits. “The bringing on of Natalie Norman…has been absolutely amazing. There’s been all sorts of excitement and growth,” Joey notes. This partnership has also brought in new fans and rekindled interest in the team. The efforts have all gone toward making the Prune Packers a central part of Healdsburg’s cultural landscape.
Natalie Norman, a county resident and the Prune Packers’ CEO, shared with us, “Baseball has the power to unite us all through a shared love of community, including celebrating our agricultural heritage here in California. The Healdsburg Prune Packers Baseball Club has origins dating back to the 1800s when young men who literally packed prunes for a living would gather to play baseball after work. They quickly became a force to be reckoned with and were officially recognized as a team in 1921. Since then, the Prune Packers have become a nationally ranked team, boasting numerous consecutive championship wins, over 70 recent players who have turned professional, an incredible fan base, and strong partnerships. We also co-founded the West Coast’s powerhouse summer collegiate league, the Pacific Empire League (PEL).
As both CEO of the Packers and President of the PEL, I love showcasing the colorful histories of our member teams. In this spirit, I reached out to the California Prune Board and am thrilled about our collaboration for what I dubbed the first annual “#PruneFest” event, a celebration that coincided with National Prune Day! We enjoyed playing baseball and celebrating our past while looking to the future together, all in support of the delicious, nutritious, and quirky fruit, the prune! I’ll close by echoing our treasured mascot, Packer Pete: “Prunes-R-Cool!”
The fans of Prune Packers baseball are a unique breed. Joey describes them as “the most loyal and polite fans” he’s ever encountered. Whether at home games in Recreation Park or on the road, these fans show up embodying a sportsmanship that’s increasingly rare. Their unwavering support is a testament to the team’s impact on the community. And the team creates a sense of belonging and pride among the locals.
Jonas adds, “It’s been great playing in Healdsburg. There’s a lot of local fans that come around, you see familiar faces every day…whether you’re four for four or oh for four, they’re still gonna clap for you when you’re on your way in and on your way out.”
Cole Caruso also emphasizes the fans’ passion: “They’re really passionate, almost more than San Francisco Giants fans, which says a lot. They’re good fans, too.”
Hideki Prather, the team’s catcher, echoes this sentiment: “The community support is really good for us. We pack out behind the plate, we have the full stands, fans come every game…it’s been real cool.”
Prune Fest: Celebrating Heritage and Fun on National Prune Day
In an effort to celebrate both their namesake and their community, the Prune Packers baseball team hosted the first-ever Prune Fest on June 15, 2024. This event was held on what else? – National Prune Day! It was more than just a celebration of the team; it was also a nod to Healdsburg’s agricultural past. It was a fun prune-filled day for all ages.
Prunes Fest featured:
- California Prune Snack Packs: Game attendees received free snack packs of California prunes and color-changing prune-inspired sunglasses!
- Historical Exhibits from the Healdsburg Museum: Detailing the history of prunes in Healdsburg and the evolution of the Prune Packers.
- Local Food Truck: Offering a variety of delicious treats and beverages for enjoying during the game.
Joey’s favorite way to enjoy prunes? Straight up. “I’m a minimalist when it comes to prunes,” he laughs. Seems Joey embodies the straightforward and unpretentious spirit of the Prune Packers themselves.
Jonas, on the other hand, has a more elaborate prune preference that we can fully support. He says, “My favorite way to eat prunes is on top of a thin slice of breakfast cheese. Maybe a little cracker too.”
Hideki, trying prunes for the first time, found them surprisingly enjoyable: “A little chewy, but you know, pretty sweet. It’s good…it’s like an all-natural gummy bear or something.”
Fun Facts about Prune Packers Baseball
What is the history behind the Prune Packers name? The Prune Packers were named in honor of Healdsburg’s past as a major prune-producing region. The name reflects the team’s deep roots in the local agricultural history.
How has the community supported the Prune Packers? The community has shown immense support in all sorts of ways. Some fans volunteer to act as host families for the traveling players. Others attend games regularly and a growing fan base travels with the team for away games.
What makes the Prune Packers’ fans unique? They are known for their loyalty, politeness, and unwavering support. They embody a sense of sportsmanship and community pride that is rare in modern sports.
What are some achievements of the Prune Packers? The Prune Packers won the Northern California section championship six times in a row. They are back-to-back state champions for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 and are currently undefeated in 2024.
We think you get the picture – the Prune Packers baseball team is more than just a group of athletes. The Prune Packers are a living piece of Healdsburg’s history and a testament to the power of community. From their humble beginnings as a local team to their current status as state champions, the Prune Packers embody the spirit of tradition, excellence, and community engagement in a history filled with passion. Whether a lifelong fan or new to the game, attending a Prune Packers game is a chance to experience a slice of Americana.
As Jonas Salk aptly puts it, “One thing about this team is that…it’s an honor to play alongside these guys every single day. They’ve all been so welcoming and just friends that I feel like I will have for a long time.”
Hideki Prather adds, “A shout-out to the coaching staff…these guys just volunteer their time to help us develop in the summer and get our reps…it’s a lot of people that make this organization go, and it’s not just the players.”
Cole Caruso appreciates the local support: “Everywhere you go, people reach out and say, ‘Oh, are you on the Prune Packers?’…they’re super friendly, awesome people here.”
So, next time you’re in Sonoma County, make sure to catch a game and maybe even enjoy a prune or two. You’ll be part of a legacy that goes beyond the baseball field, celebrating the heart and soul of Healdsburg.