Walnut, Calif. – As the 2025 season approaches, the Mt. SAC Men's Baseball Team, led by Head Coach John Knott, is ready to slide into action with their sights set on the State Championship. Following a strong 2024 season that saw the team achieve a 30-15 record, finish second in their conference and earn a top 10 state ranking, the Mounties are eager to build on that momentum. Despite significant turnover, Coach Knott is optimistic about the team's potential, saying, "We're excited about the group that we have. We like the pieces we've brought in and now it's just about putting it all together."
The team is led offensively by a mix of seasoned returners and promising newcomers. Key returning players include outfielder Bryan Bradshaw and infielders Nick Mejia, Diego Ortiz and Joel Gutierrez. The roster is bolstered by talented additions such as Noah Rodriguez at shortstop and Landon White, a transfer from Arizona State.
On the mound, pitcher Izeah Muniz, returning from Tommy John surgery, is poised to make a strong comeback. Additional pitchers expected to contribute include Brenden Menchaca and Josh Torres, though the team will rely on others to rise to the occasion and fill innings.
This year, the coaching staff has grown with the addition of seasoned professionals. Former Cal State Fullerton Head Coach Rick Vanderhook has been instrumental in refining the program's structure, practice plans, and player development. Joining him is Nick Mistone, a former Division I standout at St. Mary's and a former player under Knott at Bonita High School, who brings fresh energy as an assistant coach.
The team continues to benefit from the expertise of pitching coach Joe Wills, recruiting coordinator and hitting trainer Scott Zine, fielding specialist Larry McCann, and versatile coach Rob Prieto. "I'm blessed to have a great staff with lots of experience and energy," Knott shared. "Their passion for giving back to our athletes and building up young men makes all the difference."
The Mounties face a challenging conference, with top-tier teams like Long Beach, Pasadena City, El Camino and 2024 conference champions, Cerritos, who is bringing back the state pitcher of the year, Derek Valdez. But they are also competing against improving programs such as Rio Hondo, Compton and Harbor. "Over the past few years, our conference has been one of the best in the state," Knott remarked. "So, it's going to be very competitive, and we've got to bring it every day."
Along with physical training, scrimmages, and game strategies, Coach Knott highlights the importance of team chemistry, resilience, and leadership. Players like Gutierrez, Bradshaw, Muniz, Noah Rodriguez, and Joey Peralta are stepping up as leaders. "I want them to lead first and foremost by their actions – be on time, be detailed, be great listeners, go hard and be all in," Knott explained. "It's important to give young men the opportunity to find their voice and feel comfortable in their own skin so they are confident stepping into leadership roles."
Coach Knott is proud of his team's dedication and effort as they prepare for the season. "There's a ton of passion out there and our guys are working hard to earn their spots in the lineup," Knott emphasizes. "They've done everything we've asked of them with no excuses and the buy in has been great. Now it's about seeing how they perform in an actual game situation where they're playing to win."
With Mt. SAC hosting this year's State Championship, the stakes are high. The ultimate goal? Win the final game of the season. But for Knott, it's about more than trophies. "If we went 40-0 in the regular season, won every playoff game and the state title, but none of our guys moved on - I wouldn't feel successful," Knott proclaimed. "Of course we want to win, but more importantly it's about moving our players forward and helping them see the opportunities that come from playing and studying at Mt. SAC."
As the Mounties prepare for their season opener at home against Victor Valley College on Saturday, January 25, at 3:30 PM, the energy and optimism are high. But Coach Knott knows the road won't be easy. "As one of the best teams in the state, we've put a mark on our back and we're getting each opponent's best effort," he explains. "When you have a beautiful facility and talented athletes, people don't overlook you - so we have to be ready."
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