An infielder for the High Wheelers throws on the run under the lights at Bryant Field in Marysville during the team’s first-ever game on Tuesday, May 20. Photo by Chris Pedigo 

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - After much anticipation, the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers knocked their inaugural season out of the park on Tuesday, May 20, at the newly renovated Bryant Field in Marysville. The long-awaited debut brought out civic leaders, baseball fans and curious locals eager to witness the return of professional baseball to the region.

The High Wheelers are the newest addition to the Pioneer League, one of Major League Baseball’s Partner Leagues. While not directly affiliated with Major League Baseball farm teams, the Pioneer League maintains a professional level of play and operates in partnership with the MLB to scout and develop talent.

June, the High Wheelers’ “bat dog,” retrieves a bat during the team’s opening game at Bryant Field in Marysville on Tuesday, May 20. The crowd quickly fell in love with her charm and energy. Photo by Chris Pedigo 

Opening night started strong. Alex Jones, Community Engagement drector for Blue Zones Project Yuba-Sutter, hit a high note with the National Anthem, followed by a patriotic flyover courtesy of Beale Air Force Base. It was a grand-slam kind of start, right down to the ceremonial first pitch thrown by local legend Jim Stassi, grandfather of MLB catcher Max Stassi and longtime mentor to generations of area ballplayers.

Prior to opening, the City of Marysville stepped up to the plate with $250,000 which the High Wheelers then matched through other private sources. This team effort brought about $500,000 in stadium upgrades, giving Bryant Field a fresh polish. The project included new lighting, padded outfield walls, improved seating and concessions, and a new scoreboard. As the sun dipped below the horizon, fans toasted the team’s debut with locally brewed High Wheelers IPA from Sutter Buttes Brewing, while kids scrambled for foul balls near the dugout.

The High Wheelers kept their cool under pressure, securing a 5–2 win over the visiting Grand Junction Jackalopes on opening night. They followed it up with a 3–2 victory the next day, showing early signs that they’re a team with serious potential. The momentum continued into Thursday, May 22, with another nail-biting 6–5 win. On Friday, May 23, the High Wheelers dominated the field with a resounding 9–0 shutout, marking their fourth straight victory.

 

Local fans filled the seats during the High Wheelers’ opening night under newly installed lights at Bryant Field in Marysville on May 20. The $500,000 renovations included enhanced seating, improved lighting, and a revived fan experience, ushering in a new era of professional baseball in the Yuba-Sutter region. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

The streak came to an end on Saturday, May 24, as the Jackalopes managed a 6–3 win. But the High Wheelers bounced back in a big way on Sunday, May 25, sealing the six-game series with a commanding 14–4 victory.

The Jackalopes, hailing from Grand Junction, Colorado, are a seasoned squad in the Pioneer League. Like others in the league, they face off in six-game series each week, a setup designed to cut down on travel and foster competitive rivalries.

 

High Wheelers players sign autographs for young fans along the dugout rail after their inaugural win at Bryant Field in Marysville on May 20. Photo by Chris Pedigo 

Next up, the High Wheelers hit the road to challenge the Northern Colorado Owlz, based in Windsor, Colorado. They’ll be back on home turf starting June 10, when they host the Glacier Range Riders from Kalispell, Montana.

Fans looking to get in on the action can grab tickets, see the full schedule, and pick up official gear at www.highwheelersbaseball.com. With a strong start and hometown energy behind them, it’s clear this team is ready to swing for the fences.

Kris Anglin, a Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers pitcher, winds up during the team's inaugural game at Bryant Field in Marysville on Tuesday, May 20, against the Grand Junction Jackalopes. Photo by Chris Pedigo