Golden Era 2009 & 2010

At the conclusion of Winter Ball in February of 2009, Golden Era Lead Program, Derek Bell spent the remainder of 2009 and 2010 being part of various national level instructional programs and conducted baseball events that took him to areas all across the country, including, Dallas Texas, Chattanooga Tennessee, Atlanta Georgia, Chicago Illinois, Miami Florida and Southern California.

Golden Era Goes Undefeated in USF Fall League

Over the weekend Golden Era finished the 9 week USF Fall League schedule wrapping up an undefeated season. Throughout the fall every player on the squad made an impact, but more importantly worked on aspects of his game to improve for the upcoming high school season.

The squad was guided by tremendous leadership from seniors Steve Carroll, Chris Mazza, Jonathon Downer and Matt Law, who all had outstanding Fall seasons both at the plate and in the field. At the plate Golden Era was impressive throughout the fall, averaging over 10 runs a game. Hudson Facchinni, Tyler Victor, Dylan Steen, and Austin Popelar all were major contributors.

On the mound the pitching staff had an equally impressive fall, with an ERA of allowing less than 2.5 runs a game. Blake Hanestead, Greg Boyson, Jonathon Sa, Brendan Kyle, Matt Law and Tyler Victor were solid week in and week out. Congratulations on a remarkable undefeated season and great job again to all the players on the fall squad. 

CHARLIE RUIZ DRAFTED IN THE 10TH ROUND BY THE COLORADO ROCKIES

Charlie Ruiz

Congratulations to former Golden Era player Charlie Ruiz, who was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round of the 2009 Major League Draft. We wish you nothing but success Charlie!

2007 Grads Off to College

Mike Shanahan

For the 4th straight season 100% of Golden Era’s graduating players will be moving on to play college baseball. Golden Era’s 07 squad was young, a rebuilding year so to speak after the 06’s team having mainly seniors last year. But our returning 07 guys did a great job providing leadership and approaching the game the right way. As our 07 grads get ready for there next step we wanted to say congratulations to all of you and we wish you continued success at the college level.

• Graeme Agate (University of San Francisco)
• Collin Davis (Sonoma State University)
• Michael Candeu (University of Hawaii)
• Ryan Lopes (William Penn University)
• Cody Hazen (Cal State East Bay)
• Chase Clyma (Cal Lutheran University)
• Michael Shanahan (Diablo Valley College)
• Kevin Radach (Ohlone College)
• Joe Jacobs (Diablo Valley College)

Fred Atkins Drafted by the Florida Marlins

Fred Atkins

Charlie Ruiz to Long Beach State

Charlie Ruiz

Spring Training Concludes with a Surprise

Shawon Dunston of the San Francisco Giants

Spring Training for Golden Era's Youth Club Teams wrapped up with a special guest instructor walking on the field to the player's surprise, 18 year major league veteran Shawon Dunston. Shawon is a wonderful man that brings a certain passion to the field that players can't help but gravitate to; needless to say, it was a great experience and opportunity for the young players of our program. We could never say thank you enough Shawon for the time you spent to come out and work with the boys.

John Jaker, Sacramento Rivercats Catcher works with Golden Era Catchers

John Baker Signing Autographs

In an early season surprise, Sacramento River Cats catcher, John Baker, came on by and gave a tremendous catcher clinic over the weekend for all of Golden Era's club team catchers.
 
The event was outstanding, with John going over many different aspects of the position and passing on knowledge he has learned while playing at Cal Berkeley and now in the Oakland A's farm system. The experience alone is something that we hope all of our players carry with them and never forget. Thanks again for all you did John and from every one of us we wish you the best this season!!! 

UPDATE: John since this day has made the Major Leagues. He was traded to the Florida Marlins and hit a homerun in his very first Major League at bat. John is currently the catcher for the San Diego Padres.

100% of 06 Grads Moving on to Play in College

With the summer winding down it’s getting close to the time for all of our 06 grads to move on to the next level. When Golden Era’s 18U team took the field for the first time over Memorial Day weekend in 2005, with mainly all juniors at the time, never did we imagine that little over a year later 100 percent of our 1st graduating class of players would be moving on to play college baseball.
 
Through a lot of hard work, sacrifice and dedication on behalf of the players though, everyone of our graduating seniors will be continuing there baseball days at the next level, everywhere from Harvard, to the junior college ranks, all the way thru one of the best division I teams in the country.

Knowing how hard all these players have worked and to see them be rewarded in this fashion.is the most satisfying feeling coaches could ever have. It's what it's really all about.

We wanted to say congratulations to all of our 06 grads and we wish you continued success at the college level. We're extremely proud of all of you. We also wanted to say thank you to the tremendous parent support we have had from day one from each of these families and every family from within the program!!! Without that support from the parents none of this would be possible. Thank you and enjoy San Diego to see this special group together for one last time.

Jason Bennett (Sonoma State Univ.) Josh Riche (Chabot College) Jordan Durrance (Pepperdine Univ.) Chris Hillman (Canada College) Andrew Prince (Harvard Univ.) Jon Pirkle (Sierra College) Phil Estrada (Ohlone College) Will Dugoni (Loyola Marymount Univ.) Carlton Steudeman (Chabot College)

Durrance Signs Scholarship to Pepperdine University

Jordan Durrance

Congratulations to 18U Golden Era player, Jordan Durrance, who has signed his scholarship to Pepperdine University. 

The signing of the scholarship wraps up a very impressive baseball season for Jordan, which has seen him throw a "Perfect Game", be drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, have an amazing summer season, capped off by choosing pepperdine over about 20 major division 1 universities.

Great job Jordan, we could not be any happier for you! 

Golden Era Reaches Finals of the Northern California Connie Mack Playoffs

Will Dugoni

Connie Mack Playoffs Update (2006)

Josh Riche's game winning double over the EDH Vipers put the GE 18's into the final rounds of the Northern California Connie Mack Playoff's. 

On the mound the 18's were lead with 6 strong innings and 13 K's from Jordan Durrance and clutch hitting from Jason Bennett, Ryan Lopes and Chad Santos

Golden Era Cruises to Victory over the California Smoke (Connie Mack Playoffs 2006)

Andrew Prince

Connie Mack Playoffs Update

Andrew Prince connected for a 3 run home-run off the California Smoke that went over the creek beyond the right field wall at Diablo Valley College. The 3 run home-run put the GE 18's ahead for good as they went on to defeat the Smoke 8-2 to advance in the 2006 Northern California Connie Mack Playoffs.

Jordan Durrance Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles

Jordan Durrance

GE 18's Roll into the Championship Game of the 4th of July Classic in Orange County

FIRECRACKER UPDATE (2006)

After dropping the first game of the West Coast 4th of July Firecracker Classic, the GE 18's responded with wins over the Orange County Angels, Arizona Firebirds, Danville, Arizona All-Stars and the Fullerton Stingers, to reach the finals of the tournament.

Kyle Page Drafted by the Washington Nationals

Kyle Page

Will Dugoni to Loyola Marymount University

Will Dugoni

Congratulations to 18U Golden Era player who will be moving on to play his college baseball at Loyola Marymount University in Southern California.

Jonathon Lewis to University of Pacific

Jonathon Lewis

Congrats to Jonathon Lewis, 'J-Lew", who will be continuing his baseball days at University of Pacific.

Jordan Durrance Throws a Perfect Game!

ARTICLE FROM SACRAMENTO BEE FOR GOLDEN ERA 18U PITCHER, JORDAN DURRANCE

 GALT — Sierra pitcher Jordan Durrance knew he was tinkering with perfection midway through the fourth inning Tuesday.

So did his teammates.

With nine outs separating Durrance from program history, an eerie hush fell over the Sierra dugout. The baseball chatter stopped and Durrance, a soft-spoken senior, drifted off onto an island.

The silence was deafening.

“Things got pretty quiet,” he said. “Everything stopped. I think they knew. “After the fourth, going into the fifth, I realized it was possible. I tried to keep it out of my mind. I was in zone.”

Was he ever.

Durrance struck out 12 batters in his first-ever perfect game and helped his own cause with an RBI single in the seventh as the Timberwolves rolled to a 4-0 non-league win at Galt. Sierra pounded out seven hits, and held a 3-0 lead after five.

Brandon Proctor roped a two-run single in the fourth, and a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded in the fifth stretched the Timberwolves’ lead to three. It was all the run support Durrance needed. 

And he didn’t need much.

The lanky left-hander threw just 84 pitches and only found himself behind in the count twice. Each time, he roared back with a strikeout. “It was very exciting. I was really happy for Jordan,” Sierra coach Jack Thomson said. “He threw three pitches for a strike and worked ahead in the count. When you do that, you’re pitching.

“Afterwards, I told (the team) we witnessed something pretty special. This doesn’t happen very often.”

It was a first for Thomson, who has coached Manteca-area high schools for 28 seasons. A few had come close.

Robby Woods was the closest. In 1986, when Thomson roamed the dugout as Manteca High’s skipper, Woods came within one out of perfection.

Then it happened.

With two outs in the seventh, and after retiring the first 20 batters he had faced, Woods issued a walk.

He settled for a no-hitter. Durrance, on the other hand, wouldn’t be denied his first perfect game — as nerve-racking as it was. “I was battling,” he said. Second baseman Jake Rovig solidified the feat with a putout on a sharply hit ground ball.

Sierra's Durrance is perfect

Andrew Prince to Harvard

The proudest moment in Golden Era's short history came on December 14th when Andrew Prince was accepted to Harvard University, where he will play baseball for the Crimson beginning in 2007. Andrew is 1 of 7 players Harvard will be bringing in from across the nation to be part of their incoming freshmen class. 

Harvard in 2005 made the College World Series making it to the regional round before being eliminated by Cal State Fullerton.

Andrew's success on the baseball field is nothing compared to his outstanding achievement in the classroom where he holds a very impressive GPA and SAT test scores that are remarkable. On top of that Andrew is also the President of the Black Student Union at Bishop O'Dowd high school and a National Merit and National Achievement Scholar.

"Ever since I first coached Andrew when he was a sophomore with me at Bishop O'Dowd, he has always been an extremely hard worker both on the baseball field as well as in the classroom. I have seen him continually improve, but the biggest thing that stands out about Andrew is the level of maturity and character that makes up who he is. He's a born leader, and with his political interest Harvard couldn't be a better fit. I remember telling all the players who were with me as sophomores at O'Dowd, that if they worked hard... both on the field and off... good things would happen for them. Andrew bought in and took those words to heart. Good things happen to those who work hard. Congratulations Andrew from everyone who knows you, and we wish you continued success." dbell

Josh Richie Homerun Advances Golden Era to Championship in 1st Tournament in Program History

Josh Richie (Actual Home-Run Photo)

2005 18U Memorial Day Classic Update

The Golden Era squad knew they we're one win away from advancing to the championship game of the 2005 Northern California Memorial Day Classic when they took the field Monday morning against the Delta Indians.

Golden Era would have there hands full facing the Delta Indians ace on the mound, Vega, who's fastball was consistently over 90 miles per hour.

The game wouldn't be close though as Golden Era erupted for 5 in the first capped off by one of the furthest home-runs we have ever seen by Josh Richie, a ball that traveled an estimated 450 feet, while cruising to a win.

1st Pitch in Program Histroy Thrown by Kyle Teague

Golden Era's 18U squad took the field for the first time in program history. The first pitch was thrown by Kyle Teague....

Spring of 2005 Hitting Classes Get Underway

Derek Bell & Hitting Student Ricky Pata

Spring of 2005 Hitting Classes are now underway with morning sessions in Fremont and afternoon sessions in Pleasanton. Currently all of the Spring Hitting Classes are full.

Hitting Class Short Details:
8 Session Program
1 Hour Each Workout
10 Players per Class

Golden Era Baseball's 1st Program Begins (2004 Off-Season Hitting Classes)

Andrew Prince in the 1st Hitting Class offered by Golden Era Baseball

Golden Era Baseball 1st program began this evening, our 2004 Off-Season High School Hitting Class. The class consists of, Max Schupe, Trevor Sampson, Kevin Ruma, Tyson Ross, Joey Ross and Nikko Wahl.

UPDATE: This class consisted of some players who moved on to do some pretty special things baseball wise:

• Tyson Ross (Drafted in the 2nd Round of the Major League Draft by the Oakland A's)
• Joey Ross (Drafted in the 1st Round by the San Diego Padres)
• Andrew Prince (Played College Baseball at Harvard)
• Kevin Ruma (Moved on to play college baseball and now is a coach himself at Bishop O'Dowd High School)
• Max Schupe (Moved on to play college baseball at Oregon State)
• Trevor Sampson (Moved on to play college baseball at Chabot)

Derek Bell & Shawon Dunston Working a Summer Baseball Camp