San Diego Mesa College’s baseball program has a long and storied history of success and excellence. The Olympians have won four California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championships, most recently in 2019, and have produced numerous Major League Baseball (MLB) players, including Mark Prior, Mike Piazza, and Trevor Hoffman.
A History of Success
The San Diego Mesa baseball program was founded in 1964. The Olympians quickly became a force in California community college baseball, winning their first state championship in 1970. Mesa would go on to win three more state championships in 1982, 2012, and 2019.
A Pipeline to the Pros
San Diego Mesa has been a major pipeline to the professional ranks. Dozens of Mesa players have gone on to play in the MLB, including:
- Mark Prior (Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres)
- Mike Piazza (Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets)
- Trevor Hoffman (San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers)
- Mark Loretta (Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox)
- Jon Garland (Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels)
A Bright Future
The future is bright for San Diego Mesa baseball. The Olympians have a strong tradition of success and a talented roster of players. Mesa is poised to make another run at the state championship in 2023.
Why San Diego Mesa Baseball is So Successful
There are a number of reasons why San Diego Mesa baseball is so successful. Some of the key factors include:
- Strong coaching: The Olympians have a long history of strong coaching. Current head coach Tony Gwynn Jr. is a former MLB player and the son of Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.
- Talented players: Mesa attracts some of the top junior college baseball players in the country. The Olympians have a tradition of fielding teams with a lot of talent and depth.
- Excellent facilities: Mesa has some of the best baseball facilities in the state. The Olympians play their home games at Tony Gwynn Stadium, which is a state-of-the-art facility.
- Strong support: Mesa has a strong fan base and a lot of support from the college and the community. The Olympians are one of the most popular teams in California community college baseball.
How to Get Involved
There are a number of ways to get involved with San Diego Mesa baseball. You can:
- Attend a game: Mesa baseball games are open to the public. Tickets are available at the gate or online.
- Join the fan club: The Mesa Baseball Fan Club is a great way to stay connected with the team and get exclusive access to tickets and other perks.
- Volunteer: There are a number of volunteer opportunities available with the Mesa baseball program. You can help with everything from concessions to game day operations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that people make when trying to get involved with San Diego Mesa baseball. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Don’t be afraid to reach out: If you’re interested in getting involved with Mesa baseball, don’t be afraid to reach out to the coaching staff or the fan club. They’re always happy to answer questions and help you get involved.
- Don’t give up: Mesa baseball is a competitive program. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get involved right away. Keep trying and you’ll eventually find a way to get involved.
- Don’t be a fair-weather fan: Mesa baseball is a year-round program. Don’t just show up for the big games. Be there for the team through the good times and the bad.
Pros and Cons of San Diego Mesa Baseball
There are a number of pros and cons to getting involved with San Diego Mesa baseball. Here is a brief overview:
Pros:
- Exciting atmosphere: Mesa baseball games are always exciting. The fans are passionate and the team is always competitive.
- Great way to get involved: Mesa baseball is a great way to get involved with the college and the community.
- Chance to see future stars: Mesa has a long history of producing MLB players. You never know who you might see playing for the Olympians.
Cons:
- Can be expensive: Mesa baseball tickets can be expensive, especially for the big games.
- Can be difficult to get involved: Mesa baseball is a competitive program. It can be difficult to get involved, especially if you don’t have any experience with the game.
- Can be time-consuming: Mesa baseball is a year-round program. It can be time-consuming to get involved, especially if you have other commitments.