Joey Gomes
GM/Head Coach
Coach Joey Gomes celebrated his 10th year as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Healdsburg Prune Packers in 2023. Under his leadership, the team boasts a remarkable 310-100 record and has clinched the CCL Championship in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Gomes is renowned for his player-first approach, focusing on development and improvement. This philosophy has propelled the Packers to national recognition in collegiate summer baseball, with many players significantly enhancing their skills.
He emphasizes a routine, accountability-based summer program, an extension of collegiate training, with a typical day involving morning gym sessions, pre-game preparations, and gameplay. This structure allows players to gain self-awareness and sharpen their skills during the off-season.
Gomes himself had an impressive playing career. In high school, he was a two-time SCL Champion and an All-American selection. At Santa Clara University, he ranked in the top 10 for nine offensive categories, including a .407 batting average and 97 hits. His professional career includes being an 8th round pick for the Tampa Bay Rays and a 10-year tenure in the minor leagues, including three stints in Mexico, where he maintained a career .301 batting average. He compiled a career batting average of .300 with 101 home runs and 526 RBI in his 937-game career spanning 10 years. He is also the owner and lead baseball instructor at Gomes Baseball in Sonoma County, and creator of PartyOutFront®, his philosophy on approaching hitting.
Max Shupe
Associate Head Coach
Coach Max Shupe brings a diverse and extensive coaching background to the Packers. With two successful seasons at Saint Mary’s College, CA, he notably enhanced the team's offense, resulting in a significant increase in runs and hits. His responsibilities at SMC encompassed recruiting, managing prospect and youth camps, travel, fundraising, and leading the Development Team.
Previously, Shupe contributed to Sonoma State University's staff, his alma mater, focusing on infield, hitting, and third base coaching, while also handling offense, recruiting, facility management, and social media. His tenure as a player at Sonoma State was marked by All-CCAA honors and the Newcomer of the Year award in 2010.
Additionally, Shupe has held roles with the California Collegiate League, including Marketing and All-Star Game committees, and managed operations for the Healdsburg Prune Packers. His commitment to baseball extends to serving as a Northwest NTIS task force member for USA Baseball.
Shupe's academic credentials include an Associate in Arts from San Jose City College (2009), a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Sonoma State (2011), and an MBA in Global Leadership and Management from Holy Names University (2018).
Photo coming soon.
Jeff Piver
Pitching Coach
Jeff Piver is in his first season with the Healdsburg Prune Packers as the pitching coach in 2024, and is also currently entering his second season in the same role at Mendocino Junior College. Prior to these positions, he was the pitching coach for the Ukiah Wildcats in 2022, where he played a key role in guiding the team to their first NCS Division II title.
Before transitioning to coaching, Jeff played two seasons at San Francisco State, significantly contributing to the Gators' attainment of a #17 national ranking in Division II and #4 in the NCBWA West Region. His on-field contributions were instrumental in leading the team to consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in the school's history. Before SF State, Piver, a junior college product, had a standout two seasons at Mendocino Junior College, earning 1st team all-conference honors.
In addition to his coaching roles, Jeff works with players of all ages alongside his former pitching coach, Mickey Coughlin, at ATAC Athletes. He emphasizes player growth and development, underscoring the importance of a positive attitude and strong work ethic in setting oneself apart from the competition.