SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The 51st Annual Optimist High School Baseball All Star games are set for Sunday, June 12, 2022.

The games will be held at Army Depot Park, 8411 Okinawa Street, Sacramento, CA 95828. Game 1 (Small Schools Teams) will start at 4:00p.m. Game 2 (Large Schools Teams) will start at 5:00p.m. General admission is $10.00; Seniors (65+) $8.00; Students $5.00; kids under 12 $3.00; and kids under 5 are free.  

The North Small Schools Team is coached by Jeff Wise from Center High School, and assisted by Dave Watson from Western Sierra Collegiate Academy, Matt Johanson, Tanner Wise, and Mike Manrique from Center High School. Some notable players on the team include outfielder Joey Gauldin, pitcher Roman James, third baseman/pitcher Jace Jones and first baseman Aidan Nielsen from Casa Roble. Other players include center fielder Jaxon Finley, right fielder Matthew Haggard, second baseman Elijah Marin and shortstop Cole Tyler from Marysville.

The South Small Schools Team is coached by Jason Adversalo from Liberty Ranch High School and assisted by Dean Kunze from Liberty Ranch High School. Some notable players on the team include pitchers Troy Combs and Matthew Jernigan from Cordova and Cade Jacobson from Dixon.

The North Large Schools Team is coached Pat Esposito from Granite Bay High School, and assisted by Jim Barr, Joe Swope, Tom Gallagher, Doug Herrenschmidt, Mike Musolino, and Brian Boyan from Granite Bay High School. Some notable players on the team include second baseman/pitcher Hayden Hughes and left fielder/pitcher Jordan Jacobson from Del Campo, shortstop Brandon Forrester and catcher Andrew Sloan from Jesuit, El Camino center fielder David Henry, Rio Americano catcher Jake Marr and Yuba City third baseman Matt Hernandez.

The South Large Schools Team is coached by Michael DeNecochea from CK McClatchy High School, and assisted by Briant Flint, Randy Davis, and Bob Crowl from CK McClatchy High School. A notable player on the team is River City utility player Alfredo Rodriguez who is coached by Robert Martinez.

At this time, we must be prepared for new COVID guidelines so spectators are asked to bring their masks and follow other public health guidelines if mandated.

These Optimist All Star games provide the top Senior athletes of Sacramento and Greater Sacramento the venue to showcase their skills and prowess. Their selection is to honor them and their schools, and reflects the culmination of their hard work, diligence, and excellence in this sport and school, as well as their coach’s commitment towards their player’s endeavors. The proceeds from this event will solely be used for youth programs and projects in the Sacramento and Greater Sacramento Areas.