Public Relations News Release Ellen Maremont Silver Director of Communication and Marketing (707) 527-4266

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sarah Laggos December 3, 2014 707 527-4733

OAKLAND A’S OUTFIELDER AND SRJC ALUM JONNY GOMES WINS 2014 CCDA AWARD

Santa Rosa, CA — The Community College League of California has named outfielder Jonny Gomes a 2014 California Community College Distinguished Alumni winner, representing Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). The award was presented by the League on Saturday (during their annual three-day convention) on November 22 at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. Gomes gave an acceptance speech at the convention, accompanied by SRJC Superintendent/President Dr. Frank Chong.

The Petaluma native was recognized for his career achievements, contributions to the community, and diligence as a student at a community college, which helped him achieve his educational and professional goals. Gomes attended SRJC after graduating from Casa Grande High School, and was later drafted in the 18th round of the 2001 (MLB) draft by the Tampa Bay Devils. He later became a certified personal trainer during his rookie season.

In 2013 as a left fielder for the , Gomes hit a crucial 3-run on the road in Game 3 of the and finally captured the World Championship that had eluded him his whole career. This past summer, Jonny Gomes returned as an outfielder for the Oakland Athletics after being traded by the Boston Red Sox in 2014. He is a free agent for the 2015 season. Gomes has been described as a leader on and off the field and is known as a “second manager” by his teammates due to his active leadership and assistance in coaching players. He has played many different roles on his teams including player-manager, hitting , and bench leader – constantly making an effort to inspire his teammates to late-inning success.

Named the recipient of the 2012 Dave Stewart Community Service Award, Jonny Gomes was recognized for his charitable contributions throughout Northern California and across the nation. Gomes came up with the idea to donate one of the A's full playoff shares to charity, worth 1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 • (707) 527-4266 Sonoma County Junior College District • www.santarosa.edu

Public Relations News Release Ellen Maremont Silver Director of Communication and Marketing (707) 527-4266

$34,325.16. Although Gomes later signed with Boston, the A's honored his request and provided the charity the share. Jonny is also active with military charities and after the Boston Marathon bombing, he asked the entire Red Sox team to sign bats and auctioned them off for a charity related to the tragedy.

Gomes has also engaged in charity work in many of the cities he’s lived in, particularly his hometown of Petaluma, CA. He sponsors Little League teams in Petaluma and helped pay their travel fees to play in the Little League World Series in 2012. He also backs Camp For A Cure, Inc. - an annual charity baseball camp in Petaluma that raises funds for cancer, lupus and diabetes research.

Gomes remains connected with SRJC students. He provides mentoring and outreach to current and former players, hosted SRJC players at his games in Boston and provides them with insight into playing in the major leagues. He uses his status as a major league baseball player to bring awareness to charities he is passionate about, yet always remembers his roots in northern California.

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1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 • (707) 527-4266 Sonoma County Junior College District • www.santarosa.edu