The Sacramento Pitch

Greater Sacramento is ready for MLB expansion

Here we play.

The Sacramento Pitch is a coalition of business, civic, tribal and community leaders leading the campaign to bring a Major League Baseball expansion franchise to the Greater Sacramento region. The campaign is anchored by a shovel-ready site, $1.8 billion in public-private funding, a fast-growing economy and a fanbase that has repeatedly proven it shows up. When MLB moves forward on expansion, Sacramento will be impossible to ignore.

Why Greater Sacramento

Deep roots

From the Solons to the River Cats, Greater Sacramento proudly celebrates 175 years of baseball history.
The region that plays

Baseball is being played right now across the region. Little league. High school. College. We play at every level.
An underserved market

Sacramento is the largest media market with only one permanent Big 5 professional sports team.
Path to expansion

Our campaign has serious momentum with a 50-acre, shovel-ready site and $1.8 billion in public-private funding.

Explore Our Campaign

Join the movement

Steering Committee

Mark Friedman

Chair

Founder & Chairman

Fulcrum Property Group

Mark Friedman is the founder and Chairman of Fulcrum Property, a real estate development firm dedicated to creating projects that bring social, economic, and aesthetic value to the communities it serves. Fulcrum’s work has been featured in Architectural Record, Harvard Design Magazine, The Regional City, and World Architecture.

Mr. Friedman was also a part owner of the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise from 2013 to 2021 and played an instrumental role in the effort to build the Golden 1 Center, the downtown Sacramento sports and entertainment complex.

Prior to founding Fulcrum, Mr. Friedman was a Director in the Mergers and Acquisitions Group at Salomon Brothers Inc. He graduated from Harvard College in 1979 and earned a JD/MBA from Stanford University in 1984.

Mr. Friedman is actively involved in civic and charitable organizations. In addition to serving as Chair of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, he has served on the boards of California Humanities (CalHumanities), the UC Davis MIND Institute, and the UC Davis Foundation. He was selected as a member of the United States Electoral College for the 2008 presidential election and was named Sacramentan of the Year in 2015 by the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Friedman is married to Dr. Marjorie Solomon Friedman, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC Davis School of Medicine. They have three children—Julia, Sam, and Adam.
Martha Guerrero

Honorary Co-Chair

Mayor

City of West Sacramento

Martha Guerrero, first elected Mayor of West Sacramento in 2020, and re-elected in 2024, is the mother of twin daughters and proud grandmother of two grandchildren. Martha was elected to City Council in 2018, and over the years has held many advisory seats within Yolo County and was also a member of the West Sacramento Planning Commission from 2013 to 2016.

Currently Martha serves as board president for the Reclamation District 900 and the River City Regional Stadium Financing Authority. Martha serves as First Vice President for the League of California. Martha serves as Second Vice President for the League of California Cities-Sacramento Valley Division, serves as a board member on the Sacramento Area of Council of Governments Board’s (SACOG) Race, Equity and Inclusion Work Group, Public Financing Authority, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, Sacramento-Yolo Port District Commission, Board of Directors of the Sacramento-Yolo Port Financing Corporation and on the Regional Bike Share Policy Steering Committee. She is also a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and a member of the Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment. Additionally, she also serves as an advisory member of the University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy and is a proud member of the West Sacramento Centennial Rotary Club.

Martha is entering her 24th year as a legislative representative for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors covering legislative strategy and advocacy, public administration, strategic planning, and legislative and budget analysis. She has been recognized by the LA County Board of Supervisors with a commendation marking her exemplary leadership and continuous advocacy for children navigating the foster care system.

Martha began her career in 1998 with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health where she helped secure the passage of California’s Mental Health Parity law authored by Assembly Member (ret.) Helen Thomson. Her contributions were acknowledged with the Director’s Commendation for Outstanding Achievement in the Countywide Strategic Planning Process.

Martha earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has represented her colleagues in California as a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-CA) board and as vice president of NASW-CA’s Legislative and Political Affairs.

Martha’s long history of service specific to West Sacramento includes her time as chair of the West Sacramento Planning Commission, as a member of the Aging Commission and as a member of the Economic Development Advisory Commission. She has also served on the Universal Pre-School for West Sacramento (UP4WS) Advisory Council, the Yolo County Local Mental Health Board, the Yolo County Citizen Advisory Transportation Committee and Yolo County’s Neighborhood Court.
Kevin McCarty

Honorary Co-Chair

Mayor

City of Sacramento

Kevin McCarty was elected as the 57^th Mayor of the City of Sacramento in November of 2024.

From 2014 to 2024, McCarty served in the State Legislature – representing the 6th Assembly District which included the majority of the City of Sacramento.

McCarty served as Chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, working to combat some of the state’s most pressing public safety issues such as retail theft, gun violence, and drug abuse. In addition, McCarty served as the Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, overseeing historic increases in public education and expanding college access and affordability.

As an Assemblymember, McCarty authored over 90 measures that became law including – The Universal Preschool Act, the American River Parkway Conservancy Act, Independent Investigations in Police Shootings, HOPE California – Drug Treatment for Repeat Felons, Voting Rights for Formerly Incarcerated and the Financial Literacy Act.

A lifelong Sacramentan, McCarty began his career as a Housing and Redevelopment Commissioner and then served on the Sacramento City Council for a decade.

After receiving his high school diploma through adult education, he attended American River Community College and earned degrees from CSU Long Beach and CSU Sacramento. McCarty and his wife Leticia live in Sacramento with their twin daughters Victoria and Barbara.
Dusty Baker

World Series champion player and manager
Dusty Baker, future Hall of Famer, is entering season 53 in Major League Baseball, 19 years as a player, five as a coach, 26 as a manager and currently entering his third season as an advisor for the San Francisco Giants.

When the Houston Astros won the 2022 World Series, Dusty became the oldest manager in MLB history to take a team to the World Series and win the World Series. He became the first African-American manager to record 57 post season wins.

Dusty reached and passed the 2,000 win mark in 2022 and finished his MLB career as the seventh winningest manger in MLB history with 2,183 regular season wins. Dusty became First African-American Manager to win 2,000 regular season games/57 post season games

Dusty is only one of four African-Americans to manage a World Series Team and third African-American Manager to win a World Series. Dusty also became the seventh person in MLB history to win a World Series as both a player and manager.

Dusty finished his fourth season as Manager of the Astros becoming the first Houston Manger to take the Astros to four consecutive playoff appearances. Dusty took the Astros to the AL Championship Series four consecutive years, winning 34 post games as the Astros manager and becoming the winningest postseason manager in Astros history.

The 2023 Astros Team was the tenth team Dusty took to the playoffs.

Dusty is the first MLB manager to reach the playoffs with five different teams, the San Francisco Giants (10), Chicago Cubs (4), Cincinnati Reds (6), Washington Nationals (2) and the Houston Astros (4).

Dusty led the Washington Nationals to two consecutive NL East titles in 2016 (95 wins) and 2017 (97 wins). The first back-to-back division titles in Washington Nationals team history.

In 2013, Dusty led the Cincinnati Reds to a 90-72 record and the MLB Playoffs for the third time in four years. In 2012 Dusty led the Reds to their second NL Central Division title in three years after taking the Reds to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years in 2010. In 2010 Dusty finished second in the NL Manager of the year voting; only one vote shy of winning the award. Dusty is currently ranked #3 in wins (509 with a .542 winning percentage) in the history of the Cincinnati Reds (EST. in 1882). Dusty is the last Cincinnati Manager to post a career winning record.

Dusty started his managerial career in 1993 with the San Francisco Giants and is second in San Francisco franchise wins. In Giants franchise history dating back to 1883 Dusty Baker is third in managerial wins. Dusty became the seventh Black Manger in the history of MLB.

Highlights in Dusty Baker’s career include the following:

Manager of the 2022 World Champion Houston Astros.

Dusty is one of four player/managers to have a combined 3,000 wins during their career.

2021 won the AL West, The American League Championship and led the Houston Astros to the World Series.

In 2020 took the Houston Astros to the ALCS.

Led the Washington Nationals to two consecutive NL East titles in 2016 and 2017.

Won the Central Division Title in 2012 and 2010 and a Wild Card slot in 2013 with the Reds.

509 wins as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds puts Dusty #3 on Reds Managerial All-Time win list (Reds established in 1882).

Won the NL Central Division in 2003 with the Cubs.

With the San Francisco Giants won the National League Pennant in 2002, two National League West Titles, and a Wild Card Title.

Three time National League Manager of the Year winner in 1993, 1997 and 2002 (finished third in 2016).

Set a record for wins for “rookie” managers winning 103 games in 1993 and tied a San Francisco franchise record for wins.

Became the first NL manager to earn three BBWAA Manager of the Year honors.

Won The Sporting News National League Manager of the Year award two times.

Managed the 1996 USA All-Star team in Japan.

Network baseball analyst for the TBS coverage of the National League Divisional Playoff Series and Championship Series in 2015 and ESPN’s “Sports Center” and ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight” shows during the 2006 League Championship Series and the World Series.

As a player Dusty Baker spent 19 prestigious seasons with Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland. Final career stats include a .278 batting average, 242 home runs and 1,014 runs-batted-in. Clutch statistic: Dusty is the MLB leader in career walk-off hits with 25. He was twice selected to the National League All-Star team, appeared in four National League Championship Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and was selected NLCS MVP after hitting .357 in the Dodger’s 4-game series with Philadelphia. Dusty went to three World Series with the Dodgers and beat the New York Yankees in 1981 to win the World Championship. Won two Silver Slugger Awards in 1981-82 for offense and a Gold Glove Award for defense in 1981. As a player named to the All-Time Los Angeles Dodger team and as a Manager named to the All-Time San Francisco Giants Team.

In 2012 Dusty founded Baker Family Wines and in 2015, Dusty created the Baker Solar Team and wrote a book “Kiss the Sky: My Weekend in Monterey at the Greatest Concert Ever.” Dusty also was a broadcast analyst for the TBS coverage of the National League Division and Championship Series giving a bottle of Baker Family Wines to the player who distinguished himself best in each game.

In 2016 the MLB Network did a documentary on Dusty’s 50 years of Major League Baseball: “Dusty: A Baseball Journey.”

Hall of Fame Honors.

Dusty is a cancer survivor.

Dusty’s hobbies include hunting and fishing. He speaks fluent Spanish. Dusty was an active member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1969 through 1975. He has co-authored “You Can Teach Hitting” and has produced numerous videos on hitting. Founded the Dusty Baker International Academy of Baseball in Sacramento which ran successfully for 35 years. Dusty is very active in the community and supportive of charitable organizations.
Barry Broome

President & CEO

Greater Sacramento Economic Council

Barry Broome serves as the first President & CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Barry is responsible for leading community-driven efforts to attract, grow and scale new businesses; develop advanced industries and guide new job-creation strategies throughout the six-county region. In his role, he has established the first public/private partnership economic development organization led by chief executive officers in California. The organization is led by 50+ CEOs and 22 communities in the Greater Sacramento region.

Previously, Barry was the President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) where he delivered more than 50,000 jobs and 250 company locates into the Phoenix region. Under his leadership, for six out of the ten years, GPEC was named one of the top economic organizations in North America by Site Selection Magazine. In 2013, he was also named Arizona Economic Developer of the Year, Arizona Real Estate Executive of the Year and received the Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce award.

Prior to Arizona, Barry was the CEO of Southwest Michigan First (SMF), where he built an organization from the ground up, which was later listed in the top 20 companies in North America by Site Selection Magazine. In 2006, SMF was named one of the fast 50 companies in Inc. Magazine— the first nonprofit to have that honor. Barry built and co-developed venture funds, angel networks, and 31 new ventures – primarily in the life science space in the Kalamazoo region. Barry was named Michigan Economic Developer of the Year in 2001. Preceding Michigan, Barry led the economic development in Toledo, Ohio. There, he completed the largest industrial deal in the history of the United States, Project Jeep, which was built on 450 acres of brownfields in the North Central Toledo area.

Barry has been featured and interviewed for his work in global and national media outlets including the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg, Forbes and CNBC, among other publications. In addition, he was the keynote speaker at Arizona State University’s 2009 graduation and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Chicago, Notre Dame, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University.
Regina Cuellar

Chairwoman

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

Regina Cuellar has served as Chairwoman of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (Tribe) for seven years, and has been on the Tribal Council for 11 years.

Her early career was dedicated to her Tribe at the Shingle Springs Health & Wellness Center. After that, she worked in the Tribe’s Education Department and was a strong advocate for higher education opportunities for Tribal Members.

Her extensive experience in tribal government has been marked by significant contributions to her community and has also taught her innumerable lessons about positive leadership, consensus building and working together for positive outcomes. During her tenure as Chairwoman, the tribe has doubled its land base paving the way for much-needed housing for Tribal Members.

Under her visionary leadership, the Tribe has seen remarkable economic progress. The Tribe paid off all debt on Red Hawk Resort + Casino, and has built a stunning hotel and entertainment center. The Shingle Springs Health & Wellness Center continues to be a vital resource for the community, offering comprehensive health services for Native and non-Natives alike. The Tribe has established an economic division that operates independently to focus on diversifying and strengthening economic opportunities beyond the gaming industry. This strategic approach ensures sustainable growth and prosperity for the Tribe.

Chairwoman Cuellar is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for both the Tribe and the broader communities we serve. In early 2022, she was elected to the California Tribal College Board of Regents, representing the Central California region. She also holds the position of board secretary. Later that year, Cuellar was appointed a commissioner on the California Commission on the State of Hate which advises the legislature on ways to better protect civil rights.
Derrek Lee

Former Major League Baseball player

Former Major League Baseball player Derrek Lee is a Sacramento native whose 15-season MLB career established him as one of the game’s premier first basemen. Drafted 14th overall by the San Diego Padres out of El Camino High School in 1993, Lee went on to play for the Padres, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates. A World Series champion with the Marlins in 2003, Lee also earned two MLB All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards, a Silver Slugger Award and the 2005 National League batting title. Raised in Sacramento and a product of Whitney Little League, Lee comes from a baseball family with deep ties to both Major League Baseball and Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Matina Kolokotronis

COO

Sacramento Kings

Matina Kolokotronis serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Sacramento Kings. Bringing decades of experience in sports and government law, community affairs and contract negotiations, Kolokotronis’ leadership has been integral to the development of the state-of-the-art, Golden 1 Center as well as its adjacent, $500 million mixed-use development project, Downtown Commons. Golden 1 Center is recognized as the greenest and most technologically-advanced arena in the world and is the first professional sports venue in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Together, Golden 1 Center and Downtown Commons represent a $1 billion investment in downtown Sacramento – a great source of pride for the community and driver of significant economic growth in the region.

Prior to her appointment as COO, Kolokotronis was the President of Business Operations. Kolokotronis is the only female in the NBA to hold the titles of both COO and President of Business Operations. Before being named President of Business Operations, Kolokotronis served as legal consultant for the Kings business and basketball operations teams, negotiating player and staff contracts. During that time, Kolokotronis was an Adjunct Professor of Law at McGeorge Law School, University of the Pacific where she taught Sports Law. Prior to that she served for six years as director of the Sacramento Kings Foundation, overseeing strategic development and fundraising activities. Before joining the Kings, Kolokotronis was an associate with Miller, Owen and Trost and practiced contract and sports law where her clients included the Kings and various NBA players.

Her leadership extends beyond the Kings organization and into the community where she is a dedicated mentor and advocate for numerous women’s advancement groups and non-profits. She is also very active in the Greek church. In 2015, Governor Brown appointed Kolokotronis to the California Citizens Compensation Commission.

Kolokotronis is a graduate of Loyola University and received her law degree from McGeorge Law School, University of the Pacific. Matina and her husband, Sotiris, are long-time Sacramento residents, and their three children – Constantine, Marisa and Nicholas – proudly wear purple.
Kevin McClatchy

Chairman

McClatchy

From 2012 to 2020, McClatchy was Chairman of the Board of the McClatchy Company, America’s second-largest newspaper company, during a time of major organizational transformation from print to digital. He played a major role in steering the board through complex operational issues and opportunities, providing a depth of knowledge handling short- and long-range plans, governance and compliance, meeting agendas, and member participation. McClatchy also sat on the nominating committee, pension & savings committee, and served as Chairman of the committee on the Board (governance committee).

While McClatchy was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1996 to 2007, he played a leadership role in Major League Baseball, serving as a member of the Executive Council, Blue Ribbon Task Force, Labor, and International Committees, bringing significant and valued insight to a multitude of multifaceted issues related to growing the game of baseball.

McClatchy started his career as sales executive for Knight Ridder/Miami Herald and The Sacramento Bee, and was President of Modesto Athletics (A’s) franchise. His influence in sports was translated into his philanthropic work; serving people has always run parallel with his professional career. In 2002, he acted as co-chairman of the Field of Dreams Gala to benefit Children’s Hospital. His dedication to the disciplines of sports, media, philanthropy, and education is hard to miss as he serves on the boards of Newman Wine & Spirits, Celsense, Civic Science, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, as well as the Extra Mile Education Foundation.

Owing to his principles of modeling exemplary behavior, Mr. McClatchy disclosed his sexual orientation in September 2012 via an article written by Frank Bruni in The New York Times.

McClatchy attended Trinity-Pawling High School in Pawling, New York, and went on to earn a political science degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He was a member of the board of trustees of both schools.

He joined the amfAR board in October 2012 and currently serves as Board Co-Chair.

Kevin McClatchy is married to Jack Basilone, both proud parents of son Connor McClatchy. They currently reside in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Mike Testa

President & CEO

Visit Sacramento

Mike Testa is the President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, leading a talented team that’s dedicated to promoting Sacramento as an attractive place to visit, and creating and attracting events and programs that grow the region’s prowess as a tourism destination. Through the impact of travel, Mike and his team strengthen Sacramento’s economic position, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for people in the community.

Mike has been busy over the last decade building Sacramento’s tourism landscape. He helped establish the region’s Farm-to-Fork identity, created nationally recognized events like the Tower Bridge Dinner, and brought the famed Michelin Guide to the city. He built relationships with national promoters to position Sacramento as an ideal festival destination for major music events like the Aftershock and GoldenSky festivals. Under his leadership, Sacramento has attracted new citywide conventions, and he signed the largest convention held in Sacramento, the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, to a 10-year agreement.

Mike is a graduate of St. Mary’s College and has spent his career promoting, connecting, and developing relationships to elevate organizational goals. As an expert communicator and seasoned destination marketing executive, he is highly sought after to speak at CEO forums, participate in panel discussions, and facilitate conversations around marketing, tourism development and community economic creation and development.
John Williams

Chairman

United Auburn Indian Community

John “Will” Williams serves as the Tribal Chairman of the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) Tribal Council, a position he has held since June 2024. Prior to this, Chairman Williams served as the UAIC Tribal Vice Chairman since January 2013.

As an experienced leader, Chairman Williams is dedicated to protecting the UAIC’s prosperity, preserving its culture, and helping those in need.

Chairman Williams serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thunder Valley Casino Resort, one of the largest and most successful casinos in the nation, which the UAIC opened in 2003 in Lincoln, California. As a longstanding member of the UAIC Development Corporation, Chairman Williams works diligently to diversify the Tribe’s interests while making smart decisions for future generations.

Chairman Williams also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Chapa-De Indian Health Program, a non-profit whose mission is to advance the health and well-being of American Indians and low-income individuals by providing convenient access to high-quality, compassionate care.

Chairman Williams has played an integral role in advancing youth education at the UAIC Tribal School and supporting the Tribe’s many educational programs, including Next Generation Leaders and the Community Social Engagement Program.

Previously, Chairman Williams served as the Executive Secretary of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), a position he was elected to in December 2014 and held through 2023.

Chairman Williams regularly testifies before Congress and the California State Legislature on Native American related issues and maintains strong federal, state, and local government-to-government relationships.

Prior to being elected to the UAIC Tribal Council, Chairman Williams worked for three years as a Security Supervisor at Thunder Valley Casino Resort and served on the Tribal Historic Preservation Committee for three years.

Chairman Williams lives in Auburn, California, not far from the ancestral home of the members of his Tribe.
Verna Sulpizio Hull

Mayor Pro Tem, District 4

City of West Sacramento

Verna Sulpizio Hull was elected to the West Sacramento City Council in November 2022 and voted in as Mayor Pro Tem in January 2025.

Verna is an award-winning economic development executive known regionally as a dynamic and innovative leader focused on coalition building, program development, and problem-solving.

The mother of two grew up in West Sacramento and has spent her life giving back to the community through her engagement as a First 5 Yolo Commissioner, president and CEO of the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, board member of the West Sacramento Community Foundation and many other roles.

A graduate of the University of California at Davis with a degree in Community and Regional Development, an American Leadership Forum fellow, and graduate of Leadership Sacramento, Verna is also a small business owner, ADHD coach, and former captain of her kickball team. She is a Sacramento Business Journal “40 under 40” award winner, a California Travel Association “Emerging Leader” and in 2019 was recognized by Metro Edge as their Young Professional of the Year.

Verna currently represents the City of West Sacramento on the City/School 2×2, Executive Commission to Address Homelessness, Port District Commission, West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency JPA, Yolo Habitat Conservancy, Yolo Subbasin Sustainable Groundwater Agency, and the Yolo County Consolidated Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board. She is an alternate representative for the City/County 2×2, League of California Cities, Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District Board, Yolo County Housing Authority, Yolo County Transportation District, and Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District.