The CALIFORNIA THUNDER originated in the early 1990's under Tom Tucker of Tucker Tires in Covina. After winning the 18U ASA National Title in the mid 90's beating the OC Batbusters in the finals, the team remained competitive in ASA for several years. After Tom retired from coaching, the organization dissolved. In Fall 2000, a revival attempt was made by Manager/Coach Valerie Van Kirk, who grew up and played in the San Gabriel Valley. Since then, the California Thunder Organization has developed into a highly competitive TRAVEL BALL ORGANIZATION including two "Gold Classified" teams, a 16u team, two 14u teams, and an extremely talented 12u team coached by Jerry Chavez.

With Valerie's Thunder Team now in its 9th season, Thunder currently has two strong 18 "GOLD Classified" teams competing and preparing for the 2009 Summer Gold season. This team offers a large and talented recruiting class of 2009 graduates and a large class of 2011s. Our focus includes all Major 18 GOLD SHOWCASE TOURNAMENTS to provide the players with the MAXIMUM EXPOSURE to display their talents. We have evolved into an organization with 6 teams in age divisions 12U - 18 Gold. Over 50 players from this team alone have moved on to play college ball throughout the country on academic and athletic scholarships at all levels Div I, II, III and NAIA.

Our 2009 Summer schedule includes: all major showcases... Our summer schedule will include: Surf City Summer start up Showcase, Boulder, Co. Showcase, Las Vegas JO Classic, American Pastime Memorial Day Tournament,  Champions Cup and all Gold Qualifiers.

Our coaching staff provides an ASA ALL-AMERICAN female coach in VALERIE VAN KIRK-LeVIER (CAL STATE FULLERTON) with over 30+ YEARS of experience in ASA, NCAA DIV. I and the PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. We have coaches that are FORMER PLAYERS of the game and have been COLLEGIATE STANDOUTS or ASA All-Americans and more.

THE CALIFORNIA THUNDER ORGANIZATION is a 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT YOUTH BASEBALL and SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION.

Please click the link to access a list of players with skills videos available online for your viewing!!!

Videos are available for the following players:

Ariel Whiteman-(2009 P/1b/3b/OF

Alyssa Ramirez- (2009) 3b/2b/OF

Marissa Hiller- (2010) P/3b/1b

Thank you for your interest in our program!