D-BAT is “open for everybody” – Co-owner Brian Bajarias

Ribbon cutting held with City officials includes presentation of $50,000 check

By Allen D. Payton

A new state-of-the-art training center, known as D-BAT Baseball & Softball Academy, will hold its Grand Opening in Oakley on Monday, August 25, 2025. Best friends Brian Bajarias and Joshua Choy, along with Brian’s wife Vanessa Vasquez, own the local franchise, which has hundreds of locations throughout the U.S. During the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 21, they were presented with a $50,000 ceremonial check from Mayor Shannon Shaw, representing the funds from the City’s Façade and Tenant Improvement Program.

The event was also attended by City officials, local business owners and the president of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce, Oleksii Chuiko.

“We are so excited and thrilled to have this facility in Oakley that will serve all the people of the Delta,” he said. “You guys have something incredible here.”

D-BAT stands for Developing Beliefs, Attitudes and Traditions.

“It’s a facility we wanted to bring to this area,” Bajarias stated.

“We’ve been working on this project for about three years and we’re finally at the point where we get to open this gym with the great community we have here,” Choy shared.” My brother, Brian, and I have dreamt of opening a business together since we were young. We’ve always come up with many different ideas, but nothing really panned out. Brian moved out to Oakley looking for an indoor training facility but not a whole lot of options, here.”

“We’ve been working on this project for about three years and we’re finally at the point where we get to open this gym with the great community we have here,” Choy shared.” My brother, Brian, and I have dreamt of opening a business together since we were young. We’ve always come up with many different ideas, but nothing really panned out. Brian moved out to Oakley looking for an indoor training facility but not a whole lot of options, here.”

“So, we did some research and stumbled upon D-BAT. It’s a franchise nationwide with about 180 locations known for indoor softball, baseball training which is great for this big baseball community that we have here,” he added.

Choy then thanked and name “all the local businesses that have come out to make this possible for us.” He also thanked his wife, Chelene “whose been supportive through this whole process and to everyone who’s encouraged us along the way.”

“This has been a journey of faith, perseverance and community. With God, family and friends all things are possible and today’s proof of that,” Bajarias said.

He offered thanks to his wife and their children, who he named and said, “this is all for you.” Bajarias then thanked his mother, Lolita, saying, “Thank you for all your prayers and constant support. Without you this isn’t possible.”

Finally, he thanked all those who helped make the center a reality, including the building owners Mike and Bob Mello, contractors, architects and City of Oakley Councilmembers and staff as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

“D-BAT Oakley is more than a training facility. It’s an anchor for this community, a place for athletes to grow, families to connect and local businesses to thrive alongside us,” he continued. “We’re proud to be here and Josh and I are just getting started.”

Mayor Shaw spoke next saying, “One of the comments we get the most is there’s not enough youth activities for the residents of Oakley and you guys are bringing that. Not just to Oakley but to the entire region. I look forward to you being a great partner. Even before you were open, you were part of our parade and won an award for Most Enthusiastic. You’re already being part of the community, and we really appreciate that.”

She then presented the ceremonial check to the two men.

About D-BAT Oakley

The 12,000 square foot facility includes batting cages, two 70-foot tunnels in the bullpen with mounds and radar for live batting practice, plus a pro shop by Easton Rawlings.

“We have all the top-of-the-line gear, bats, gloves and hats,” he shared.

The batting cages include slow pitch options, three different modes for baseball and slow pitch softball. Plus, D-BAT supply the training T-s, buckets, balls, stools and L-screens.

They will offer memberships, lessons, camps and clinics and will host birthday parties, as well.

“I played baseball when I was really young. My sisters played softball. My sons play baseball,” Choy shared. “I got into it with my partner here and the local area needs a facility like this.”

“It’s America’s pastime,” Bajarias stated. The players they expect to use their facility will “come from all over the area and play on teams and in tournaments.”

Although he “didn’t play too much baseball,” Bajarias said, “We enjoyed watching the Giants and the A’s while growing up and my kids are in sports.”

“We believe kids thrive when they train in a safe, fun and weather-proof indoor facility where the focus stays on learning, growing and enjoying the game year-round,” he explained.

Asked why Oakley, Bajarias said, “There really wasn’t anything out here with the type of space we needed.”

“We have trainers and instructors here. They’ve been through all the Little Leagues, Pony Leagues and have or are now playing college level ball,” he continued. We have two instructors who are super seasoned in coaching with over 30 years combined.

“We’re open for everybody. We just love sports,” Bajarias added. “We saw a need and it’s something this area wanted.”

His background is in juvenile probation.

Choy has been in the automotive industry on the service side for the past 20 years.

“But I’m taking this on full time,” he stated.

“State-of-the-art training equipment for all of the athletes, that’s what D-BAT brings,” Choy explained. “D-BAT has set the bar high for training facilities.”

They’re looking to have more locations, Bajarias added.

D-BAT is located at 1241 Main Street in Oakley and they’ll be open M-F 10AM-9PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM and Sundays 12PM-6PM. For more information visit www.dbatoakley.com or call (925) 832-3228.