Staff

Ali Cepeda

Ali Cepeda was born in 1976 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Coming from a baseball family, Ali started playing baseball at the young age of 3. Having a Hall of Fame father and 3 brothers that all played professionally, the game was a religion in the Cepeda household. Ali moved to the Bay Area (Fairfield) in 1993 and attended St. Pats HS in Vallejo excelling as a 2-sport athlete. A year later he moved onto Armijo HS in Fairfield and graduated in 1995. After graduation Ali then went on to play in Redwood City at Canada College. Cepeda was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1995 but ended up signing with the SF Giants in 1996. After playing with the SF Giants in the Minor league system (MiLB) for 4 years, he played internationally for 4 more years before starting Cepeda Baseball/Cepeda Sports. After his playing days were over, Cepeda began pursuing a career giving back to the game he loves. "Baseball is the reason why I was put on this earth. I love going to the field every day and sharing my knowledge and passion for the game with our future”. Ali has dedicated over a decade of professional level coaching with running travel ball teams, hosting camps all over the USA, and also starting an international baseball tournament which is currently in its 9th year and takes place each summer in the Caribbean. Ali currently resides in Northern California with his wife and two children. For more information or to speak with Ali directly, contact him via email: ali@cepedabaseball.com

Erin Hester

Erin Hester is from Pocatello Idaho and received a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) in 2002 and an MBA from University of Phoenix in 2009. Erin put herself through college working in accounting and transitioned into the world of finance and investments shortly after graduating. She has held various positions within the investment industry, most currently as a team leader of financial representatives.  Erin is passionate about her industry experience as well as her ability to provide marketing and advertising assistance. Erin, along with her husband Marty, have two boys who are actively involved in travel and middle school baseball and spend a lot of time working with their teams to build an environment of camaraderie and growth. When she is not at the ballfields with her sons, Erin can be found working on various projects both at home and with baseball.

Marty Hester

Marty Hester grew up playing baseball in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma,and Alaska. He was a member of the Anchorage Bucs of the Alaska Baseball League as a bullpen catcher during senior year in highschool.  After baseball, Marty chose to join the US Army and spent most of his time with the 82nd Airborne Division. There he played and coached a baseball team of fellow soldiers amongst other things.  Marty has since served multiple Governors of Alaska as the Deputy Director and Director of Insurance.  Currently, Marty lives in the Charlotte region with his wife and two boys and is a coach for both his sons teams.  Cepeda Sports is extremely glad to have Marty on our staff. Marty has been a big part of our upcoming events. His knowledge of life and sports will benefit our kids everyday he steps on the yard. Marty will be on and off the field, but he will lead the behind the scenes department , and will spend his time working on the next big sports event for girls and boys.  With many events in the near future,  Marty and Erin will both play key roles in the revamp of Cepeda Sports.

Bill Hillis

Off Field Director

Bill Hillis will be the Off Field Director for the Cepeda Caribbean Classic. Mr. Hillis has a vast professional background in real estate, development and multiple start-up ventures. He has sat on many boards and worked on multiple charity events. His passion for helping others and the game of baseball brings his experience and love of the game to serve the families of the Caribbean Classic. Mr. Hillis has served as a Scout Master in addition to coaching every level of the game, including Varsity and college baseball in California. He is currently enjoying coaching for the Canes / Cepeda Baseball Club and most importantly, his twin daughter’s elite travel softball team.