GM, Christian Merriwether
As the Owner and General Manager of the California Red Tails, I’m honored to lead an organization focused on fostering growth, passion, and success. My experience spans collegiate baseball at College of Marin and Rogers State University, as well as professional time with the Trenton Thunder in the MLB Draft League. The Red Tails program is built to provide players with an environment where they can grow not just as athletes, but as individuals. Our focus goes beyond baseball—we strive to help players develop the discipline, resilience, and character needed to succeed in whatever path they choose in life, while fostering a strong connection with our community and fans.
Despite challenges overseas, he was named Defensive Player of the Year with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in 2024. As a current professional player, Marcus now brings his experience and leadership to the California Red Tails, mentoring the next generation of players on and off the field.
VP of Player Development, Marcus Chiu
Marcus Chiu, born in Novato, California, is a San Marin High School graduate who was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 after a historic season at College of Marin. He later joined the Miami Marlins and helped their Double-A affiliate win the 2022 Southern League Championship. In 2023, Marcus set a home run record with the Lake County DockHounds and went on to sign with the Mexican League (LMB).
Red Tails,
Who are they?
The name "Red Tails" embodies resilience, excellence, and courage, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen—African American fighter pilots who served with distinction during World War II. Known for their distinctive red-painted aircraft tails, the Red Tails overcame significant discrimination and adversity to become one of the most respected units in U.S. military history. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. Trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, they faced severe racial prejudice both within and outside the military. Despite these challenges, they earned a reputation for their exceptional skills and bravery, securing numerous commendations and helping to pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. armed forces. Their success in protecting bombers and defeating enemy aircraft in Europe was a testament to their excellence and determination. When choosing a name for our organization, I wanted something unique that would stand out and inspire a sense of honor. After being moved by the film Red Tails and further exploring their legacy in an 8th grade iSearch paper, I knew this was the perfect name. Their story of bravery and leadership deeply resonated with me and aligned with the values I wanted our team to represent. In our inaugural 2024 season, the California Red Tails collegiate team exemplified this spirit by finishing 2nd in the league. This achievement highlighted our commitment to overcoming challenges and embodying the fighting spirit of the original Red Tails. We strive to honor their legacy by fostering perseverance and teamwork, providing a platform for young athletes to grow and pursue their dreams, and building a strong community on and off the field. “We faced many challenges, but our goal was always to be the best. Our strength came from our unity and determination to overcome the obstacles in our path.” — Major General Charles E. McGee
