IBEW Local 1245 members and management personnel from PG&E’s Grid Control Center (GCC) traded the control center, their work consoles, phones and switching logs for a softball field, sunscreen, bats and gloves in Vacaville on Saturday, June 6th for the Second Annual GCC Softball Game, continuing a growing tradition focused on teamwork, camaraderie, and community beyond the workplace.
Union employees, management personnel, retirees, family members, and friends came together for an afternoon of softball, food, and friendly competition. While the game itself was the centerpiece of the event, the larger goal was bringing people together outside the demands of the control room and strengthening relationships across the GCC.
Operating Clerk Xochitl Mtshali, a 19-year IBEW member and one of the event organizers, highlighted the strong family participation and welcoming atmosphere.
“The GCC softball game on June 6th brought out an incredible show of family support,” Mtshali said. “Kids enjoyed softball-themed bags, PG&E giveaways, and plenty of snacks and electrolytes to keep the energy high. A fantastic BBQ food truck kept everyone well fed, and our logo tents added to the festive atmosphere. With perfect weather and a great turnout, the day was fun, relaxed, and enjoyed by all.”
For many attendees, the opportunity to spend time together outside of work was one of the day’s biggest successes.
“One of the best parts of this event is the promotion of camaraderie and seeing coworkers and their families come together outside of work,” said GCC System Operator and IBEW Local 1245 Shop Steward Wade Gorden. “Myself and my family look forward to future events!”
The GCC operates around the clock, 24/7/365 managing the reliable operation of the electric grid across PG&E’s service territory. Success in that mission depends on communication, trust, teamwork, and mutual respect, qualities that events like the annual softball game help foster away from the pressures of daily operations.
GCC Operations Supervisor Ivan Goodman, who organized the event alongside Mtshali and other volunteers, said the softball game is one way to help strengthen morale and build connections throughout the GCC.
“We wanted to bring back some of that old PG&E work-family feeling,” Goodman said. “It helps to see your coworkers beyond the strain of the workday and really get to know who you work with, especially in this digital age. It was good to get outside, enjoy the weather, food, and a little competition.”
Goodman added that working in a high-stress environment such as the GCC can sometimes make it easy to lose sight of the people behind the job titles.
“Sometimes we need a good avenue to relieve the stress,” he said.
The event served as a reminder that behind every employee is a family and a shared commitment to keeping the lights on for millions of Californians. By creating opportunities to connect outside of work, participants continue building the trust and relationships that help make the GCC successful.
Of course, no softball story would be complete without mentioning the final score. After several innings of friendly but competitive play, IBEW emerged victorious, defeating management 15-9 and retaining bragging rights until next year’s rematch. With two successful years in the books, strong family participation, and growing enthusiasm from across the GCC, organizers and participants alike are already looking forward to making the GCC Softball Game a lasting tradition.
–IBEW 1245 Business Rep Mike Tilden