The Mayor, a rapper and a bunch of influencers tried out for the Oakland Ballers

2025 Oakland Ballers Open Tryouts took place at Raimondi Park… And in addition to a bunch of actual baseball players trying out, we had a bunch of surprise guests.

Participants included:
Mayor Kevin Jenkins, Oakland Mayor
Jwalt, Rapper/Influencer
Mario0o0o0o0o0o/Instagram Influencer
G Biz, KMEL
Ice Cold Kenny, Celebrity Vendor
@gamer_athletics, YouTuber
Rowena Brown, Oakland Councilmember
Ken Houston, Oakland Councilmember
Josh Rowan, Department of Transportation Director
Evan Webeck, Bay Area Newsgroup reporter

Last year, 3 players were signed for Spring Training after participating in Open Tryouts, including Kelsie Whitmore, who became the first-ever woman to start in a Pioneer League game.

Aspiring players had an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a Ballers coaching staff and leadership team that helped 4 players get signed to MLB organizations in their inaugural season.

“Our Open Tryouts reflect our commitment to developing homegrown talent while showing the world what it means to be ‘built by Oakland.’ Come out and join our Major League experienced coaching staff to showcase your talents for a unique chance to be a part of the Oakland Ballers Professional Baseball Club. We’re here to cultivate excellence for Oakland and hope to see local players join us at Historic Raimondi Park for their chance to rep Oakland with pride,” said Don Wakamatsu, EVP of Baseball Operations.