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Experience the Glory Days of the Colfax Fireballs

This event has ended

  • Date

    April 5, 2025

  • Time

    4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

A Community Celebration of Local Baseball Legends

Baseball isn’t just America’s pastime—it’s a reflection of local pride, grit, and community spirit. And in Colfax, California, that pride wears red, white, and gold. This April, we invite you to relive the memories, roar with nostalgia, and uncover untold stories as we honor one of Northern California’s most enduring baseball legacies—the Colfax Fireballs.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 4 p.m., all roads lead to Colfax City Hall for a heartfelt tribute filled with stories, historic photos, rare memorabilia, and a special film screening dedicated to the legendary Colfax Fireballs—a team that proudly represented the city from 1947 to 1993.

Presented in collaboration with the Colfax Heritage Museum, this is more than an event—it’s a walk down memory lane for generations who lived, loved, and cheered for the Fireballs.

From Hardball to Fast-Pitch Glory

What began in 1947 as a traditional hardball team quickly transformed into something bigger. By 1956, the Fireballs transitioned to fast-pitch softball, carving out a name that reached far beyond Colfax.

Their competitive spirit drew them into fierce and exciting matchups against teams from Reno, Tahoe City, Grass Valley, Santa Rosa, Chico, Monterey, and Pacific Grove, uniting Northern California communities through every pitch and every swing.

Meet the Man Behind the Memories: Mike Ray

Adding authenticity and heart to the celebration is Mike Ray, a respected sports journalist and former sports editor of the Grass Valley Union and the Colfax Record. With deep ties to the Fireballs, Mike will bring the team’s story to life—sharing personal anecdotes, showcasing collectible artifacts, and guiding guests through decades of hometown heroism.

If you’re a former player, fan, or someone who simply cherishes Colfax history, Mike’s tales promise to connect the past with the present in a powerful, personal way.

Annual Fast-Pitch Tournament: A Legacy That Lingered

In 1966, the Colfax Fireballs launched an annual fast-pitch softball tournament that quickly became a community cornerstone. What started modestly as part of Recreation Day—featuring swimming, games, and a Saturday night dance—soon blossomed into a multi-day event that drew teams from across the region.

These tournaments were more than games; they were traditions. Starting on Thursday or Friday and rolling through Sunday, they grew from four teams to as many as 22, blending competition with camaraderie in a setting only Colfax could provide.

The final chapter may have closed in 2014, but the stories, bonds, and community spirit live on—and that’s exactly what this event seeks to celebrate.

What to Expect at the Event

  • 📸 A Visual Time Capsule: Browse decades of photographs that document everything from uniforms to championship moments.
  • 🧢 Rare Memorabilia Display: See original gear, trophies, jerseys, and keepsakes preserved by fans and families.
  • 🎬 Film Screening: Experience the Fireballs’ journey on screen—highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community reflections.
  • 🎙️ Storytelling with Mike Ray: Hear the inside scoop from someone who was there for it all.
  • 👫 Community Connection: Reunite with past teammates, meet fellow fans, and celebrate shared memories.

A Call to the Colfax Community

Were you part of the Fireballs family? A fan in the stands? A child playing catch while the game played out under the lights? If so, this event is your night. It’s a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of sports and community life in Colfax.

We encourage everyone—young and old, lifelong residents and newcomers—to attend. It’s not just a gathering. It’s a reunion of hearts, history, and hometown pride.

Event Details at a Glance

📅 DateSaturday, April 5, 2025
🕓 Time4:00 PM
📍 LocationCity Hall, Colfax, CA (in partnership with the Colfax Heritage Museum)
🎟️ AdmissionFREE and open to the public
🔗 Hosted byColfax Heritage Museum & Local Volunteers

Bringing the Fireballs Legacy to New Generations

Even if you never watched a Fireballs game, this celebration serves as an invitation to learn, engage, and connect with the roots of Colfax. It’s about more than baseball. It’s about legacy, community, and the indomitable spirit of a small town that dared to dream big on the diamond.

Come hear the cheers, see the smiles, and feel the pride. Bring your kids, bring your memories, and bring your love for Colfax. Let’s honor the Fireballs together—because their story is our story.

Stay Connected

Follow the Colfax Heritage Museum for updates, sneak peeks at the memorabilia, and ways you can contribute your own memories to this growing collection.