Minor League Baseball returns to Fresno, Visalia this week

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Opening Day is an observed holiday for baseball fans, players, and coaches across the country. It's no different for those in Fresno and Visalia.

"My favorite part is that we're playing baseball again," said Visalia Rawhide manager Dee Garner.

The Rawhide return Friday for the 80th year of professional baseball in Visalia. The franchise's future was uncertain last year, until the Rawhide and City of Visalia ended negotiations on Aug. 30 with an agreement to upgrade Valley Strong Ballpark.

Those improvements, which were mandated by MLB to keep pro baseball in the ballpark, include a new batting facility, new stadium lights, a renovated clubhouse, and padding to the outfield wall.

The wall, batting facility, and clubhouse are estimated to be completed by 2026, but the lights are newly installed and ready to shine.

"I never thought I'd feel so happy when someone says, 'We love your lights,'" said Rawhide co-owner Sam Sigal. "We were always hopeful. We knew that the city loves baseball. We knew that the city cherishes this venue. It wasn't really about if we were going to lose it as much as when can we move forward.

"What's most important now is that we get another Opening Day."

Visalia kicks off the 2025 season at home against the Inland Empire 66ers, Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels.

First pitch is 7 p.m, and 1946 Visalia Cubs jerseys will be given away to the first 350 fans through the gates.

The Fresno Grizzlies also open the season Friday at Chukchansi Park, facing the Stockton Ports at 7:05 in the managerial debut for Cesar Galvez.

The Grizzlies have two of the Colorado Rockies' Top 5 prospects according to MLB.com - outfielder Robert Calaz and pitcher Brody Brecht.

In addition, former Fresno State standout utilityman Tommy Hopfe is back on the squad after appearing in 10 Grizzlies games last season.

"I'm grateful that my professional journey is to begin here," said the 2024 9th-round pick Hopfe. "I already know this town quite well, so the eating is pretty nice, and the staying part is really nice as well."

Galvez, who served as bench coach last year, did not hold back when asked about Hopfe's potential in 2025.

"He's a great player. He's a guy that's going to work hard every day," Galvez said. "All the managers are going to want to have a player like that on the roster."