Massive News As Oakland Ballers Welcome New Players and Begin Winning Streak!

The Ballers welcomed new players to their roster last week, all making their home debuts in a six-game series. For RHP Connor Sullivan and LHP Luke Short, both hailing from just under an hour away, playing for the Ballers has been a dream realized.

Connor’s entire baseball journey has unfolded in the Bay Area. He was a multi-sport athlete at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, California, playing both baseball and football. After graduating in 2019, he opted for the junior college route at San Mateo, where he continued balancing sports. He later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, finishing his collegiate baseball career at the D1 level.

Choosing Cal was a straightforward decision for Sullivan and his family. “It’s close to home, and my grandparents coming to games is really important. It’s a Power 5 school with great competition, and I got along well with everyone,” he shared. He made his debut for Cal on February 20 against San Diego State, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings with just one hit and one walk allowed.

Sullivan debuted with the Ballers on July 28, pitching two innings with one hit allowed and no runs, striking out four batters. “It was surreal; the atmosphere was incredible, and the fans were really engaged,” he remarked after his debut, attended by both parents. “I was definitely more nervous than him; as a parent, all we can do is cheer,” added Connor’s father, Rob. Sullivan pitched again on July 31, helping secure the Ballers’ first win of the series with three strikeouts and no hits or runs in two innings. He wrapped up his first week with the Ballers on August 2, pitching in a 9-4 victory where he went 1 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and striking out three.

On August 4, the Ballers introduced left-handed pitcher Luke Short from San Jose. Similar to Sullivan, Short took the junior college route, beginning at West Valley College before concluding his career at UC Berkeley, where he played alongside Connor.

Short’s college journey included stops at four different schools, making the transition to Oakland easier thanks to his relationship with Sullivan. “It helped me feel more comfortable coming in. Being the new guy isn’t new to me, but it’s nice to have someone to talk to,” he said.

In his Ballers debut, Short pitched 2 2/3 innings without allowing any runs or walks, striking out five batters. “I just focused on my game and felt like I did that well.” His family was there to support him, creating a cheering section at the game. “I’m really grateful for them.”

Short made history on his debut day, contributing to the Ballers’ first-ever walk-off victory. “It’s an honor to be the starting pitcher. The offense came alive late, and our bullpen shut it down. It was a great win for the team.”

Currently, the Ballers are on a five-game winning streak after taking five out of six against the Northern Colorado Owlz. They will head to Idaho this week for a series against the Idaho Falls Chukars and will aim to extend their streak. This will be their first of two matchups this season.

Following a successful week, the Ballers are now 37-29 overall and 10-8 in the second half, placing them third in the league. Idaho Falls, on the other hand, is struggling with five consecutive losses as they prepare to face the league’s hottest team.