News and Announcements

The "HOOTS" Baseball Club has established themselves as one of the top amateur baseball teams in the nation. This 'Tradition of Excellence' goes beyond our past success as a team, as we are equally proud of the accomplishments that our players have achieved at the collegiate and professional level of baseball. Consider that in the nation, only a few select teams can boast of their success as achieved by the HOOTS.  

"TRADITION LET'S YOU LEAN ON GREATNESS" 
  • 2018 HOOTS Connie Mack Premier 30th Annual Josh Anderson Tournament Champion
  • 2017 HOOTS Connie Mack Premier World Series National Finalist
  • 2017 HOOTS Connie Mack Premier West Region Champion
  • 2017 HOOTS Prospects Under 17 USA Premier Firecracker Champion
  • 2015 Connie Mack West Region Finalist
  • 2015 HOOTS "Fly With Owl Classic" Champion
  • 2014 Connie Mack World Series, Farmington, New Mexico 
  • 2014 Connie Mack West Region Champion
  • 2014 Connie Mack Northern California State Champion 
  • 2014 HOOTS "Fly With Owl Classic" Champion
  • 2013 Connie Mack Northern California State Champion 
  • 2013 Champion "Strike Out Lou Gehrig Disease" State Cup
  • 2012 Connie Mack West Region Runner Up, Concordia University 
  • 2012 Champion "HOOTS Fly With Owl Classic" Invitational
  • 2012 Champion Wally Kincaid Wood Bat Invitational, Pepperdine U. 
  • 2011 Connie Mack World Series, Farmington, New Mexico 
  • 2011 Connie Mack West Region Champion, Tempe Diablo Stadium, Az 
  • 2011 Connie Mack Northern California State Champion 
  • 2011 Wally Kincaid Wood Bat Invitational, Southern California 
  • 2010 Connie Mack West Regional, 5th Place, Seattle, Washington 
  • 2010 Connie Mack Northern California State Finalist
  • 2009 Connie Mack World Series, Farmington, New Mexico 
  • 2009 Connie Mack West Region Champion 
  • 2009 Connie Mack Northern California State Champion
  • 2009 Josh Anderson Nevada Classic, University of Nevada, Reno 
  • 2008 Connie Mack Northern California State Champion 
  • 2008 "Fly With OWL Classic" Champion
  • 2007 Connie Mack Northern California State Champion
  • 2007 Sierra Nevada Classic Champion, University of Nevada, Reno
  • 2007 3rd Place Perfect Game National Wood Bat Championship, Georgia
  • 2006 Sierra Nevada Classic Champion, University of Nevada, Reno
  • 2003 Pepsi Challenge Tournament Champion, Eugene, Oregon
  • 2003 Brea Holiday Classic Champion
  •  2000 National Champion American Legion Baseball
  • 1998, 2000, 2001 American Legion World Series
  • 1998, 2000 American Legion Northwest Region Championship 1998, 2000
  • 2000, 2001 Western Region Champion 2000, 2001
  • 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001 California State Champion American Legion
  • 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001 Northern California Area 2 Champion 
  •  District Nine Champion Eight Consecutive Years
  • The HOOTS Baseball Club, founded in 1991, had it's early beginning in American Legion Baseball as Danville Amateur Baseball from Post 246.  Players from local high schools comprised the roster for all of the club's early years.  Led by the talented class of 1996, the club won it's first American Legion State Championship in historic Yountville at Borman Field, advanced to the Championship game of the West Regional in Gillette, Wyoming and suffered a difficult loss to keep the team from their first American Legion World Series.  It is here where the foundation of the club began, the standard of high achievment and committment were met, and the now curious but famous name HOOTS Baseball began.

From that 1996 season, HOOTS began a journey in American Legion Baseball that saw them achieve multiple California State Championships, three World Series appearances, and the American Legion National Championship in 2000.  But, as the geography of their base area changed, and the advent of showcase baseball began, the club slowly moved from American Legion Baseball and in 2005 affiliated with Connie Mack Baseball, a division of American Amateur Baseball Congress. While a greater competitive challenge, the 2009 HOOTS won both State and West Regional Championships in Connie Mack Baseball to advance to the World Series in Farmington, New Mexico and become only the second team in fifty years from Northern California to achieve that goal. 

While many players from those early years went on to successful collegiate careers and selection to professional baseball, the 2003 professional draft by Major League Baseball saw a former HOOTS player and local player, Nate Schierholz, become the second round pick of the San Francisco Giants and the 63rd pick overall. In addition, five other former HOOTS players were selected in the draft and former standout pitcher, Mateo Miramontes, who was selected by the New York Mets in the sixth round, followed Nate. Mateo was a member of the 2000 National Championship Team that set an American Legion record for lowest ERA. Overall the HOOTS Baseball Club had more players selected from one program than any amateur baseball program in Northern California.  Since that year, the club has seen many players receive scholarships to advance to the collegiate level, some choosing to do so from a junior college, and several players selected in the professional baseball draft.  In 2010 draft, two former 3 year HOOTS players, Josh Slatts and Nick Bartalone, were some of the highest selected players from the bay area

These accomplishments are outstanding, but it is also important to note that since 1996, over 90% of the HOOTS players go on to play college baseball. Today, players have choices, but the strength of our program has been from the local players staying home to make the HOOTS one of the top teams in the country year after year. That commitment, during the fall program and the summer schedule, has separated us from all other baseball programs. Our silent creed, "Champions Are Made When No One Is Watching" has served us well for many years.  It also has led us to make a commitment to our players, to teach the game as well as give them the opportunity for exposure to college coaches and professional scouts.  With that in mind, our schedule is packed with games against teams from all types of leagues that have excellent reputations. Regardless of their national affiliation, we compete where the best teams play, and our tournament schedule is outstanding.

Many players join the HOOTS from the Fall Development Program which operates on Sunday only during the off season.  All players are welcome to participate.  Players are selected for the HOOTS Summer teams from the fall program and by invitation from the coaching staff.   Please contact Coach Don Johns at 925-820-0481, or email at don.johns@att.net for further details regarding the HOOTS Baseball Club. 


Disclaimer: This site is intended soley for the information and entertainment of the Danville Hoots Baseball Players, Parents, Coaches and Fans.

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The HOOTS Baseball Program will launch their "WINNING EDGE TOTAL PLAYER FALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM" this fall beginning on Sunday September 9.  The program will be managed by long time Chabot College Head Coach Steve Friend and supported with several coaches from the HOOTS program.

The program is designed to provide players Arm Health Care and Velocity Enhancement for the pitchers and position players.  In addition, the program will provide skill development by position for all position players. 

Coach Friend and Coach Johns commented that "The Fall is about player development, but we will also take advantage of our heritage of providing college opportunities for our players by attending several collegiate events during the fall for recruiting purposes. Our Connie Mack team advanced to the World Series in back to back years and 17U Elite team wes playing at Long Beach in early August at the Pacific Coast Underclass event so we have a lot of games under our belt and we need to concentrate on development at this point."

The HOOTS Elite club level status in amateur baseball will bring a new dynamic to the high school age athlete led by a outstanding successful coaching staff of college coaches, and former professional athletes. 

The program will begin on September 9 and conclude early November.  You may contact the HOOTS coaches at the information on this web site by phone or by email. 

  

 

Going thru the difficult Connie Mack West Region World Series Qualifier in Southern California is never easy.  Faced with 4 very good teams remaining, the first game of the day for the HOOTS saw starting pitcher Josh White give up one lone hit to the  OC Giants and give the HOOTS the victory.

Earlier in the day OC Premier defeated the Dukes to set up the Championship game between the HOOTS and Orange County Premier who defeated the HOOTS in the first game of the tournament.

Ryan Fleming started the Championshp game for the HOOTS against OC Premier in a game that remainined tied unil the 7th inning.  Connor Linchey relieved Fleming until the top of the 7th inning when the Orange county team was in position to score.  Chris Santiago was brought in for the HOOTS in his first mound appearance of the tournament and was able to retire the side to keep the score 3-3.  The bottom of the 7th with the game tied, Jack Grant led off with a single was forced out at 2nd base.  Michael O'Hara advanced to 2nd on a pass ball which brought up Chris Santiago.  "We had the right guy at the plate and the right guy at 2nd base who can run.  Chris just drove a ball deep into left field to score Michael for the walk off with the win 4-3 and advance the HOOTS to the Connie Mack World Series.   All I saw was a mass exit out of the dugout to one of the great dogpiles.  Just hoping Santiago didn't get injured.  We played great defense and just staying in the game against them.  They are a very good team and really proud of our guys to battle thru this after losing their first game to the same team.  Coach Johns texted late last night."

The HOOTS now have earned their way back to the 2018 Connie Mack World Series where one year ago they were the National Finalist against Midland.  Long time HOOTS Coach Chris DeClercq commented "It is hard to get to the World Series in Farmington once, for us to go back to back is a great tribute to this team.  They will build their own legacy and it will be a trip they will never forget in their baseball lives."

The 2018 HOOTS Connie Mack team advanced to the Championship round on Sunday at the Connie Mack World Series West Region Qualifier being held in Southern California.  After a first game loss, the team has bounced back with 2 shut outs in wins over Southern Nevada and ABD.  They have now advanced to the Championship round on Sunday with the winner earning the berth to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico to represent the Western Region.  Kyle Harrison threw a shutout against Southern Nevada.  The next day Josh Giffins threw a shutout complete game against ABD to set up the final round game.  The team has given up 4 runs in three games and was the #1 Seed in their bracket with record of 2 wins and 1 loss.  Their runs scored were 25 and only 4 runs allowed in the 3 games series.  

One year from their run to the National Championship where they lost to Midland in the final game, the 2018 HOOTS players know the history of the program, and are aware of the challenge ahead of them to return to the World Series. Coach Johns commented " we needed good outings from Kyle and a complete game from Josh Giffins today and both delivered for us.  This is a young team, a lot of underclass players in key positions.  But we play as difficult as schedule as we can given the environment in amateur baseball today.  We had a tough game 1, but we settled down and now just need to keep doing what works for us.  There is nothing easy about this path against very good teams, but I am very proud of our players and our coaching staff."

The 2018 HOOTS Connie Mack team starts the journey to attempt to return to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico on Thursday July 19 .  The team will begin play in the World Series Qualifier in Southern California.  The Danville team will play the OC Premier team at 2:00PM.  All Games are held at Golden West College in Southern California.

The HOOTS were the 2017 Connie Mack World Series Finalist, in a game won by Midland for the National title.  The HOOTS team has made 4 trips to Farmington and the World Series.  In recent years the 2014 team advanced to the Final 4 and lost to DBat who went on to win the National Championship.


 
The HOOTS Baseball Organization will host their 14th Annual Tournament at San Ramon Valley and Monte Vista High School in Danville July 12 thru July 15.  There are 3 games per day starting at 10:00AM, 1:00PM, and 4:00PM.  The HOOTS will play the final game each day at 4:00PM.
 
  
Thursday July 12:
1:00PM at Monte Vista HS.               HOOTS 17U Elite vs Reno Knights
1:00PM at San Ramon Valley HS.    Fairfield Expos vs EJ Sports
4:00PM at San Ramon Valley HS.    HOOTS Connie Mack Premier vs Santa Rosa Connie Mack  
 
Friday July 13: 
10:00AM at San Ramon Valley.        Santa Rosa CM vs Fairfield Expos.
10:00AM at Monte Vista HS.             HOOTS 17U Elite vs EJ Warriors
1:00PM at San Ramon Valley.          Santa Rosa CM vs Reno Knights
4:00PM at San Ramon Valley           HOOTS Premier Connie Mack vs Desert Prospects 
 
Saturday July 14:
10:00AM at Monte Vista HS               HOOTS 17U Elite vs Desert Prospects
1:00PM at Monte Vista HS                 HOOTS 17U Elite vs Fairfield Expos
1:00PM at San Ramon Valley            Desert Prospects vs EJ Warriors
4:00PM at San Ramon Valley            HOOTS Premier Connie Mack vs Reno Knights 
 
Sunday July 15: 
10:00AM at San Ramon Valley            Desert Prospects vs Santa Rosa Connie Mack
1:00PM at San Ramon Valley              Reno Knights vs EJ Warriors
4:00PM at San Ramon Valley              HOOTS Premier Connie Mack vs Fairfield Expos 
       
 
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2018 HOOTS PLAYERS RECOGNITION

Posted by Don Johns at Jul 2, 2018 5:00PM PDT ( 0 Comments )

ENTERING THE 2018 HOOTS SUMMER SEASON SEVERAL HOOTS PLAYERS HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR SUCCESS DURING THEIR SPRING HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE SEASON.  WE WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE THIS DURING THE SUMMER.
 
  • University of California Santa Barbara outfielder Tommy Jew was named to First Team Big West All Conference.   Jew was the lone Gaucho to play in all 56 games and made 108 consecutive starts in center field.  Tommy hit .337 in conference play. He finished the season riding a season-best 15 game hitting streak. He had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with zero errors in 156 total chances.
  • DeLaSalle Pitcher Kyle Harrison was named as the Most Valuable Pitcher for the North at the recently held North South games in San Diego.  Kyle was also named as the Prep2Prep North Coast Secton Sophomore of the Year, 2nd team all NCS and 2nd team all NorCal.  During the high school season he led the Spartans to an EBAL and NCS Championship with a record of 9-1 and an ERA of 1.17.  Kyle is a verbal commit to UCLA 
  • Monte Vista Junior Pitcher Josh White was named to First Team of the East Bay Athletic League.  White is a verbal commit to U. of Californa in Berkeley.
  • Nick Cirelli, DeLaSalle was named the Tournament MVP at the Josh Anderson Tournment. The outstanding tournament is held at the U. of Nevada in Reno which ended with the HOOTS winning the Championship on June 26.  Results from his play during the high school season where he was named Bay Area News Group Co Player of the year, 1st team all NorCal, and All NCS Designated Hitter.  Nick had a batting average of .500, 6 home runs and 41 RBI's. 
  • Ryan Jackson of Heritage, an 2020 MIddle Infielder was named to First Team Bay Valley Athletic League.
  • Ryan Costeiu, Senior RHP from DeLaSalle was named Tournament MVP Pitcher at the Josh Anderson Tournament held at the University of Nevada in Reno which ended June 26.  Ryan also was named First Team NCS pitcher during his high school season with a record of 10-1 and a ERA of 1.12.
  • Tommy Gavello, Monte Vista Shortstop was selected to First Team of the East Bay Athletic League.  Gavello was also selected as the Monte Vista Most Valuable Player.  Tommy is a verbal commit to the University of Pacific.