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Gridley Herald

High Hopes and Big Swings

May 21, 2025 09:48AM ● By Shamaya Sutton
High Wheelers prospects line the dugout fence at Bryant Field in Marysville during spring training on May 12.

High Wheelers prospects line the dugout fence at Bryant Field in Marysville during spring training on May 12.

 

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Spirits were high and energy electric as all 34 prospects for the Marysville-based High Wheelers gathered in the dugout at Bryant Field on May 12 for the first full-squad workout of the season.

For fans, it was a preview of the most competitive baseball to ever step foot in Marysville.

For the players? It’s eight days to make the cut.


Team owner Lon Hatamiya (left) shakes hands with outfielder Gio Brusa (No. 19) of Lodi during the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers’ first official spring training session at Bryant Field on May 12. Brusa is one of several high-level athletes joining the roster this season.


“You can sort of look at it as an extended tryout,” said head coach Billy Horton. “They’ve got a week to show us what they’ve got. If for some reason someone doesn’t make it, we might still call them back later down the road.”

By the end of spring training, eight players will be cut, narrowing the roster to 26. Many are returning faces but about a third are new. And they’re hungry.

The High Wheelers are the latest team to take over Marysville’s iconic Bryant Field, following in the cleats of both the Gold Sox and the Drakes. But this isn’t your average summer ball. According to Vice-President and General Manager Erik Gardner, it’s the highest level of talent that the region has ever seen.


The Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers kicked off spring training on May 12 with all 34 players present at Bryant Field in Marysville. About one-third of the roster is new to the team this season and there are still eight cuts to be made to the roster, whittling it down to 26.


“Basically, what happened during COVID is there were 40 rounds in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft and they shortened it to 20,” Gardner said. “So, these are guys that were like 23-30, right on the cusp of getting there. Last year alone, three of our players signed pro contracts.”

Team owner Lon Hatamiya agrees.

 “We’re the defending champs but this is a new chapter,” said Hatamiya. “I don’t think Marysville’s ever had baseball this good. It's a great opportunity for us and the community, that’s why we’re investing in this field, to keep these guys playing their best.”


High Wheelers head coach Billy Horton stands in front of the dugout at Bryant Field in Marysville during the team’s first full practice of the season on May 12. Horton will lead the team through spring training as they finalize their 26-player roster.


That investment shows. Fresh fencing, new padding, and a state-of-the-art LED lighting system now line the park, opening the door for night games and cooler crowds. The digital scoreboard is expected to be installed by early next week, with the old scoreboard heading to Yuba College as a donation.

“We’ve put a lot of heart into getting this place ready,” Gardner said. “It’s go time.”

With the Oakland A’s relocating to Sacramento, the High Wheelers expect increased scout traffic in the stands. But for local fans, the focus is on access and fun. General admission is just $8, and players will stick around after games for autographs and photos.


The freshly prepped infield and outfield of Bryant Field in Marysville is ready for action as the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers prepare for their 2025 season. The field improvements aim to support night games and enhance the player and fan experience.


The action starts Friday, May 16, with a preseason scrimmage. It won’t count on the books but it’ll be the first look at a loaded roster. The official home opener is May 20 against the Grand Junction Jackalopes, featuring a first pitch from local legend Jim Stassi. Expect hot dogs, cold drinks, merchandise and a top-hatted teddy bear mascot that embodies the “High Rollin High Wheelers.”

“Marysville is a great baseball town. There’s a lot of history here,” said media coordinator Nick Harksen. “This field is phenomenal, compared to what we had in Davis. It’s really the perfect spot. If the community can get behind it, that’s really what we’re hoping for. I know we have a lot to prove but we’re excited.”


Players on the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers roster gather along the dugout rail at Bryant Field during the team’s first full practice of the season on May 12.


Players will live locally with host families throughout the season. The team still needs about 14 more beds. Interested fans can sign up to host at highwheelers.com/assets/HostFamilies.

For schedules, tickets and roster info, visit highwheelers.com.