Oakland Ballers: The East Bay’s Hottest Baseball Team—Now the Hottest Business Networking Experience.
Major League Networking is where big-time business meets big-time baseball.
Take me out to the Ballers game—where every handshake is a networking home run (and the food trucks are batting a thousand).
And let’s be honest—when it comes to marketing inspiration, it doesn’t get more Major League than Ryan Reynolds. Movie star? Check. Marketing genius? Double check. Guy who scaled the Marketing Mountain in a Deadpool suit, Aviator Gin & Tonic in hand, while hustling his soccer team and his wife’s Betty Buzz mixers—and made it look easy? Triple check.
Now, networkers everywhere can borrow a page from his playbook—and maybe even steal a base while they’re at it.
Tried Golf Networking? Improve Your Game: Major League Networking
Meet More People with our Musical Seats Networking — We swap seating partners every inning. Introduce yourself with confidence. Every conversation is your chance to take a swing.
  • Read the pitcher — Listen carefully, understand the prospect’s needs, and watch for the right pitch to connect your solution.
  • Get on base — A simple conversation is like a base hit. It may not close the deal, but it puts you in scoring position.
  • Advance the runner — Checking In and Following up, nurture the relationship, and help others around you move forward too. That’s real teamwork.
  • Hit a home run — When you connect the right solution with the right person at the right time, the ball sails out of the park—and you score big for your business.
The beauty of doing business with baseball is that it’s not about stiff meetings or forced small talk. It’s about sharing an exciting game, building real connections, and creating wins together.
So if you don’t have a golf handicap, no worries. Bring your prospects to an Oakland Ballers game, enjoy the crack of the bat, and remember: in business networking, just like in baseball, success comes from showing up, taking your swings, and playing the long game.
That’s how you hit a Business Grand Slam.
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I want to do for MajorLeagueNetworking.com Teams and The Oakland Ballers what Super Marketer Ryan Reynolds did for The Wrexham soccer club —leveraging wit, wisdom, and his Maximum Effort and MNTN agency’s disruptive, humorous approach.
Key Accomplishments:
  • Historic Promotions: Under Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's ownership (acquired in 2021), Wrexham soccer club achieved an unprecedented three consecutive promotions, culminating in their 2025 elevation to the EFL Championship—just one tier below the Premier League, and a status unseen at the club since 1982.
  • Record Revenues & Popularity: The club’s revenue soared, setting a League Two record at £26.7 million. Their savvy marketing and media strategies attracted a global fanbase, increased ticket sales, and revitalized tourism in Wrexham.
  • Media and Brand Building: Reynolds’ Maximum Effort agency co-produced Welcome to Wrexham, an Emmy-winning docuseries that amplified the club’s narrative to an international audience and became a marketing case study.
  • Community and Infrastructure Investment: Beyond on-field success, Reynolds and his partners invested heavily in stadium upgrades and local programs, contributing to a reported £1 billion boost to the North Wales region’s economy and establishing corporate partnerships for Wrexham, including with Aviation Gin and Betty Buzz.
  • Expansion and Influence: Leveraging Maximum Effort’s approach, Wrexham players have featured in global ad campaigns and even Super Bowl commercials, and Reynolds himself has invested in other international clubs, expanding his visibility and influence in global football.
Reynolds’ success with Wrexham serves as a masterclass in modern sports marketing, blending authenticity, media savvy, and community focus to achieve both sporting and commercial triumphs.
To Learn more scan this Performance TV QR Code and visit our MNTN Agency site.
Next Home Game: Countdown to First Pitch
Get ready for an exciting matchup as the Oakland Ballers take on the Boise Hawks at historic Raimondi Park. Join us Monday, August 19th at 6:35 PM for a night of baseball, food, and family fun.
The Ballers are looking to extend their impressive 60-18 record as they continue their quest for the Pioneer League championship. Don't miss out on this electrifying matchup against a strong division rival!
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Recent Game Highlights
Sullivan Earns 16th Save, Ballers Outlast Vibes for 60th Victory
August 17, 2025 - The Oakland Ballers reached a major milestone with their 60th victory of the season, defeating the Rocky Mountain Vibes in a nail-biting finish. Closer Jake Sullivan secured his league-leading 16th save of the season, cementing the Ballers' position at the top of the standings.
On Cloud 59: Ballers Set New Franchise Win Record
August 16, 2025 - In just their inaugural season, the Oakland Ballers have already set a new franchise record with their 59th win. The team continued their dominant play with a convincing victory, setting up the opportunity to reach the 60-win mark the following day.
Tanner Goes Eight, Ballers Bounce Back with 17-4 Win
August 14, 2025 - Starting pitcher Chris Tanner delivered an outstanding performance, going eight strong innings as the Ballers dominated in a 17-4 victory. The win gave Oakland a 2-1 series lead and showcased their resilience after a tough loss.
August Home Schedule
All home games played at historic Raimondi Park in Oakland. Come early to enjoy pre-game festivities, local food vendors, and family activities.
The Ballers return home September 2-7 to face the Great Falls Voyagers in a six-game series.
Pioneer League Standings
The Oakland Ballers have established themselves as the team to beat in the Pioneer League, holding a commanding lead in the standings with a remarkable .769 winning percentage. Their closest competitor, the Missoula PaddleHeads, trails by 4 games despite an impressive 56-22 record.
With the playoffs approaching in September, the Ballers have already secured their position as a championship contender in their inaugural season. Tickets for the Division Playoff games on September 11th and 12th at Raimondi Park are now available!
Featured Videos
Go beyond the box scores with exclusive Ballers content, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
Noah Millikan on His Pro Debut
The Berkeley native discusses his journey from local standout to professional pitcher with the Ballers.
Breaking the Color Line
Discover how an Oakland Oaks pitcher broke baseball's color barrier three decades before Jackie Robinson.
Return to Raimondi Park
The Oakland Ballers breathe new life into historic Raimondi Park, creating a baseball haven in the heart of the city.
Upcoming Road Games
Support the Ballers on the road as they take on the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers in a crucial six-game series from August 26-31. Each game features special promotions and themed nights!
1
August 26 - Tasty Tuesday
7:05 PM at Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers
Enjoy discounted food items throughout the ballpark on this foodie-focused evening. Special menu items are available only on Tasty Tuesdays!
2
August 27 - Hometown Heroes Night
7:05 PM at Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers
Celebrating local first responders and community leaders with special ceremonies and recognition throughout the game.
3
August 28 - Thirsty Thursday
7:05 PM at Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers
Discounted beverages make this a fan favorite! Enjoy special pricing on select beers and soft drinks while cheering on the Ballers.
4
August 31 - Family Fun Day Sunday
6:05 PM at Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers
The perfect day for families with pre-game catch on the field, post-game autographs, and special activities for kids throughout the ballpark.
All road games are available to stream live. Check local listings for broadcast information.
Playoff Tickets
Round One Division Playoff Tickets Now On Sale!
The wait is over! Secure your seats for the Oakland Ballers' first-ever playoff appearance on September 11th and 12th at Raimondi Park. After dominating the regular season with a league-best record, the Ballers are primed for a championship run.
Playoff games feature an electrifying atmosphere with special pre-game festivities, exclusive playoff merchandise, and the most exciting baseball of the year. Don't miss your chance to witness history as Oakland pursues a championship in their inaugural season!

Priority Access: Season ticket holders have exclusive access to premium playoff seating options. Contact your account representative for details.
Official Team Store
Rep your Oakland Ballers pride with official merchandise! Our partnership with Oaklandish ensures high-quality, locally-designed gear that connects the team to the city's rich culture and history.
From game-day jerseys to casual streetwear, the Ballers collection offers something for every fan. New items are added regularly, including limited edition pieces celebrating team milestones and achievements.
  • Authentic on-field jerseys and caps
  • T-shirts and hoodies for all ages
  • Exclusive collaborations with local artists
  • Collectibles and memorabilia
Visit our merchandise kiosks at Raimondi Park during home games or shop online anytime!
Our Sponsors & Partners
The Oakland Ballers are proud to partner with these local and national businesses that help make professional baseball in Oakland possible. Support the businesses that support your team!
Interested in partnering with the Oakland Ballers? Contact our sponsorship team to learn about opportunities for the 2026 season and beyond.

The Oakland Ballers are committed to building strong community partnerships that celebrate the diverse culture and spirit of Oakland. Together, we're bringing professional baseball back to the heart of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the core concept behind "Major League Networking" with the Oakland Ballers?
The core concept is to transform baseball games into dynamic business networking opportunities. Instead of traditional, often stiff networking events, the Oakland Ballers' games offer a relaxed and engaging environment where individuals can connect, build relationships, and even close deals. Mike Hayes, from Love Local Networking Guides, highlights that baseball provides the "perfect field to connect," emphasizing that it's about "sharing an exciting game, building real connections, and creating wins together," rather than forced small talk.
2. How does the "Baseball Analogy for Business Networking" work at an Oakland Ballers game?
The "Baseball Analogy for Business Networking" provides a structured yet flexible approach to connecting at the games:
  • Musical Seats Networking: Attendees switch seating partners every inning, encouraging introductions and new conversations.
  • Read the pitcher: This means listening carefully to understand a prospect's needs and identifying the right moment to introduce a solution.
  • Get on base: A simple conversation is considered a "base hit," putting you in a "scoring position" even if it doesn't immediately close a deal.
  • Advance the runner: This involves checking in and following up to nurture relationships and help others progress.
  • Hit a home run: This is achieved by connecting the right solution with the right person at the right time, resulting in a significant business win.
3. Who is Mike Hayes and what is his philosophy on business networking?
Mike Hayes is the Publisher and Lead Guide of Love Local Networking Guides, as well as the Founder of LoveLocalNetworking.com. He is described as a two-time Peabody Award-winning researcher and documentarian who built a career as an "American Dream" creator for entrepreneurs. His philosophy on business networking, epitomized by the acronyms KISS (Keep It Super Simple), GUIDES (Growth, Unity, Innovation, Direction, Education, Systems), and GAMMA (Guided AI Media, Marketing, Advertising & Communication), emphasizes combining generative AI, media marketing, hyper-local TV, and human connection. He aims to "level the playing field for small business owners everywhere" by uniting simple solutions, deep media experience, community-building passion, and AI fluency for business and community growth.
4. What is the significance of Raimondi Park to the Oakland Ballers?
Raimondi Park is the historic home field for the Oakland Ballers. The source explicitly states that all home games are played at this park. The Ballers are breathing "new life into historic Raimondi Park, creating a baseball haven in the heart of the city," indicating its importance not just as a venue but also as a symbol of community revitalization and the return of professional baseball to Oakland. It's the site for their successful inaugural season, including upcoming playoff games.
5. What has been the Oakland Ballers' performance in their inaugural Pioneer League season?
The Oakland Ballers have had an exceptionally successful inaugural season in the Pioneer League. They hold a commanding lead in the standings with a remarkable .769 winning percentage and a 60-18 record as of August 17, 2025. They have set a new franchise win record with their 59th victory and secured their position as a championship contender, with playoff games scheduled for September 11th and 12th at Raimondi Park.
6. How do the Oakland Ballers engage with the local community and economy?
The Oakland Ballers engage with the local community and economy in several ways. They host family-friendly events at home games, including pre-game festivities and local food vendors. They partner with local businesses, such as East Brother Beer Co., Underwood, Visit Oakland, Oaklandish, Ava Community Energy, and Almanac, encouraging fans to support these businesses. Their merchandise partnership with Oaklandish ensures "high-quality, locally-designed gear that connects the team to the city's rich culture and history." The team is "committed to building strong community partnerships that celebrate the diverse culture and spirit of Oakland."
7. What types of events and promotions do the Oakland Ballers offer both at home and on the road?
The Oakland Ballers offer a variety of events and promotions to enhance the fan experience. At home games, they feature pre-game festivities, local food vendors, and family activities. For road games, they have themed nights, such as "Tasty Tuesday" with discounted food, "Hometown Heroes Night" celebrating local first responders, "Thirsty Thursday" with discounted beverages, and "Family Fun Day Sunday" with pre-game catch, post-game autographs, and activities for kids. Playoff games also feature an "electrifying atmosphere" with special pre-game festivities and exclusive playoff merchandise.
8. Beyond the games, what other content and merchandise do the Oakland Ballers provide to fans?
Beyond live games, the Oakland Ballers provide various content and merchandise to engage with their fanbase. They offer "Featured Videos" on their Red YouTube channel, including player interviews (e.g., Noah Millikan on his pro debut), historical content (e.g., breaking the color line), and behind-the-scenes footage (e.g., Return to Raimondi Park). For merchandise, their official team store, in partnership with Oaklandish, sells authentic on-field jerseys, caps, t-shirts, hoodies, exclusive collaborations with local artists, and collectibles/memorabilia. These items are available at Raimondi Park kiosks and online.
Mind Map for Major League Networking with The Oakland Ballers:
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