ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Tower Buzzers have officially revealed their roster for the 2026 inaugural season, marking a historic moment for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Single-A affiliate. The team will play its first-ever game on April 2 against the Lake Elsinore Storm at ONT Field.

Led by field manager John Shoemaker, who is entering his 50th season in professional baseball, the Tower Buzzers bring together a diverse group of players from across the globe. Shoemaker, 69, was named the Dodgers’ “Captain of Player Development” in 2015 and brings decades of experience to the new franchise.

Celebrity Dodgers fan Mario Lopez emceed the rollicking launch event, which drew 8,000 people and included appearances by Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Jarrín and former stars Steve Sax, Bill Russell, Eric Gagne and Joe Kelly. Valley News/Courtesy photo

The roster includes 17 pitchers, six infielders, four outfielders, and two catchers, with players hailing from the United States, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Curacao. Among the notable names are right-handed pitcher Cam Leiter, a second-round pick in 2025, and infielder Emil Morales, a 19-year-old from Spain signed as an amateur free agent in 2024.

The Tower Buzzers’ identity pays homage to Ontario’s aviation history and its thriving international airport, ONT Field. The team’s mascot, Maverick, a bee wearing aviator glasses, embodies the spirit of the region’s aviation legacy. The franchise replaces the Modesto Nuts in the California League as part of a larger realignment within Minor League Baseball.

ONT Field, the home of the Tower Buzzers, is set to host the team’s inaugural game on April 2 against the Lake Elsinore Storm. Valley News/Courtesy photo

The unveiling of the team’s name and branding earlier this year drew significant attention, with over 8,000 fans attending the launch event. The Tower Buzzers’ color scheme features red, white, yellow, and two shades of blue, reflecting both the Dodgers’ influence and the aviation theme.

Fans can follow the Tower Buzzers on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tickets, schedules, and event details are available at www.milb.com/ontario.

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JP Raineri

JP is an award-winning multimedia journalist and head of the sports department at the Valley News. A former Southwestern League head baseball coach and former President of the Temecula Youth Baseball League, he has also worked as a local radio personality for All Pro Broadcasting and as a television host for the Outdoor Channel. When he’s not covering sports, JP works in the Media Technology Department for Major League Baseball.