What has been a well know rumor in Southern California for some time, is now officially “news”, with the So Cal Bombers releasing their roster for the 2005 season. The rumor, of course, was that Team Rainey’s 2004 pitching staff of Travis Price and Tony Peeples were moving over to the So Cal Bombers, along with a number of Rainey regulars, including Jason Porto, Nate Devine and Mike Butler. The Bombers will also add former Team Lyons teammates Dean Waltier and Troy Morrison, both members of the 2003 NAFA “AAA” World Champions. Peeples and Porto were also members of that squad, along with one more player that has been rumored, but missing from the official press release: all world catcher Todd Garcia, who spent last year with the ASA Major Champions, The Farm from Madison, Wisconsin. Panfilo Valdez will return for 2005 to round out the strong trio of pitchers, with longtime pitcher Lonnie Brooks moving to the coaching staff. For the complete roster, click the title of this article.

And so the speculation continues — what of Team Rainey? Well, to paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of their demise are greatly exaggerated. Stay tuned.