About Us
The California Grapettes Softball organization was formed in 1988 as ASA Junior Olympic Girls Fastpitch Softball began to grow in the Central valley. The organization was established to provide talented and dedicated players with an opportunity to play competitive softball following the completion of the high school season. The name California Grapettes reflects the fact that the players reside in Stockton as well as neighboring communities such as Modesto, Lodi, and Tracy thus a true representative of the Greater San Joaquin County area.
Our teams, in all age divisions, are some of the most successful teams throughout California and the United States. From 10 & Under through 18 Gold, our teams travel each season to compete in the very best tournaments. Over the last decade alone we have helped over 100 players successfully secure scholarships to many Universities throughout the United States.
Each year competitive teams from throughout the US come to the Greater San Joaquin Area to compete in our tournaments knowing that many of the top college scouts will be in attendance watching the players.
Many of the young women who have played for the California Grapettes have gone on to careers as Softball Coaches for high schools, junior colleges, and universities. Which is true testament to our success.
Faithful and constant supporter of California Grapettes Fastpitch Softball
A much loved member of the California Grapettes Fastpitch Softball organization, Bart Magellan, lost his battle with cancer. Bart passed away at his home in Tucson, AZ on April 25, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and friends.
In addition to his many passions and cherished family roles, Bart dedicated much of his life to youth softball. Bart was a prominent figure in the California Grapettes Fastpitch Softball organization, devoting much of his time to helping his best friend, Roy Taylor, in developing the California Grapettes Fastpitch Softball organization into the program it is today. Bart could be found most days maintaining fields and hosting softball tournaments at the Arnaiz Softball Complex. Bart served as the Junior Olympic Commissioner for the Amatuer Softball Association; and served on the board of the Stockton Girls Softball Association for many years.
As a recipient of the Stockton Performing Arts Award for Business of the Arts, Bart and his brother, Mark, supported the to local youth music programs through the family business, Bills Music Sales, where Bart repaired music instruments. From 1971 through 2019, he worked alongside his father and brother, contributing to the success of music programs in the Stockton area.
Bart is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Linda, and their three adoring daughters Christina Petrauskas, Jennifer (Craig) Baldi, and Danielle (Jeffrey) Smith. He was a dedicated grandfather to eight grandchildren, Emily “Kaynne” Harrington, Alexander Harrington, Braxton Petrauskas, Joshua Gentile, Ashlyn Baldi, Daniella Baldi, Cody Smith and Liam Smith. Bart took immense pride in watching his eight grandchildren play various sports and cherished family outings to baseball games. Bart had a passion for softball and bike riding, embracing the outdoors with enthusiasm. Together with his devoted wife, Linda, he explored the world through travel, creating lasting memories.
Bart is also survived by his brother Mark (Kathie) Magellan, and sisters Lonni Magellan and Melani Bowers. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Bill and Emily Magellan, his son-in-law Joseph Petrauskas, and his brother-in-law Dennis Bowers. Bart’s kindness, humor, and zest for life will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories they shared.
A Celebration of Life was held in Bart’s honor at the Arnaiz Softball Complex on 7 June 2024.
