John Thurman Field in Modesto will host a new Pioneer League baseball team starting in 2026, reviving the stadium with professional baseball and unique events.The empty seats and concession stands will soon be filled with fans. “It will be a game changer, right?” said Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen, expressing excitement for the return of baseball to Modesto.Dave Heller, owner of the new Modesto team, highlighted the unique opportunities the minor league team will bring, such as a candy drop. “The helicopter circles back and drops 1,000 pounds of giant marshmallows all over the children. Those are the sorts of things you can’t do in affiliated ball today. But we can do them here in Modesto,” Heller said.The arrival of the new team will also bring upgrades to the stadium. “You’re going to see more netting so nobody ever gets hit by a foul ball at the ballpark. You’re going to see new drink rails at the ballpark. The outfield walls are going to be padded so the players don’t hurt themselves,” Heller said.Mayor Zwahlen expressed optimism about the team’s impact on tourism. “We’re hoping to attract people from all over the region, as was mentioned, but not just the region. The state of California, from the Bay area, from the Southern California to Northern California. We’re looking forward to a really great fan experience so that everyone will want to come here to participate in it,” Zwahlen said.A contest will open in October for the public to help decide the name of the new team. The team is expected to start playing when the Pioneer League’s 87th season kicks off in May 2026.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

MODESTO, Calif. —

John Thurman Field in Modesto will host a new Pioneer League baseball team starting in 2026, reviving the stadium with professional baseball and unique events.

The empty seats and concession stands will soon be filled with fans.

“It will be a game changer, right?” said Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen, expressing excitement for the return of baseball to Modesto.

Dave Heller, owner of the new Modesto team, highlighted the unique opportunities the minor league team will bring, such as a candy drop.

“The helicopter circles back and drops 1,000 pounds of giant marshmallows all over the children. Those are the sorts of things you can’t do in affiliated ball today. But we can do them here in Modesto,” Heller said.

The arrival of the new team will also bring upgrades to the stadium.

“You’re going to see more netting so nobody ever gets hit by a foul ball at the ballpark. You’re going to see new drink rails at the ballpark. The outfield walls are going to be padded so the players don’t hurt themselves,” Heller said.

Mayor Zwahlen expressed optimism about the team’s impact on tourism. “We’re hoping to attract people from all over the region, as was mentioned, but not just the region. The state of California, from the Bay area, from the Southern California to Northern California. We’re looking forward to a really great fan experience so that everyone will want to come here to participate in it,” Zwahlen said.

A contest will open in October for the public to help decide the name of the new team. The team is expected to start playing when the Pioneer League’s 87th season kicks off in May 2026.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel