All-Time Best Baseball Teams (1-12)

Fresno High's 1958 baseball team has maintained legendary status in the Central Valley for more than 50 years. Photo courtesy Bob Barnett.

Fresno High’s 1958 baseball team has maintained legendary status in the Central Valley for more than 50 years. Photo courtesy Bob Barnett.

In a new twist to our coverage, Fresno 1958 and Chatsworth 2004 are still considered the best ever State Teams of the Year. Teams from El Segundo and Clovis also are in the top five.

Note: The first Cal-Hi Sports e-book, “California: The Baseball Capital of the World” is now available on Amazon, iTunes and other on-line e-book stores such as Kobo and Barnes & Noble. You can download a 27-page free sample of the book into your phone on iTunes now. This covers all the reasons why our state is so great in the sport, from MLB to the Cal League, from colleges, high school (of course) and Little League. We also have lists of all-time top high school players from San Diego, Orange County, the Inland Empire, L.A. City, CIF Central Section, Sacramento, SF/Peninsula and Oakland/East Bay. It’s just $3.99 to order. CLICK HERE for the link to the book on Amazon.

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As with any ranking of top 25 teams involving 50, 60 even many more years of competition, criteria needs to be mentioned first and be clear-cut to all.

For this endeavor — picking California’s top 25 all-time best high school baseball teams — the first piece of the criteria to know is that these rankings are not going to go against rankings that Cal-Hi Sports has already determined at the end of a season. This means that other than just a handful of seasons a team needed to be No. 1 in the state to be considered.

Second, this isn’t a talent contest and win-loss record was regarded as more important. This means that a team like South Hills of West Covina of 1992, which had five future major league players, including Jason Giambi, Jeremy Giambi and the late Cory Lidle, isn’t on the list because that team didn’t win its section title. It also means a team like Rancho Bernardo of San Diego of 1999, once ranked the best in the history of San Diego’s North County, isn’t on the list because that team lost six times. In fact, as the final teams for the all-time top 25 were being sorted out, we decided not to choose any that lost more than three times. Sure, some of the top four-loss teams might have been better than some that didn’t lose as much, but it just turned out to be a line we didn’t have to cross.

Third would be historical significance. Teams that set records or accomplished feats that hadn’t been done before were given higher marks than those that didn’t. Part of this criteria also would be teams that were repeating as a major section champion or which were part of a cycle of championship play over several seasons.

Fourth would be prominent players on the roster. This might include a team that had a future Hall of Famer or one that beat a team with a future Hall of Famer.

Finally, there’s national rankings. From 1994 to 2012, Cal-Hi Sports was part of a national rankings system. This means that teams that were No. 1 in the nation according to that system (Student Sports, Rivals, ESPN) might have an edge over a team that was not ranked nationally quite so high.

With all that out of the way, here are the first 12 teams in the top 25 California high school baseball teams of all-time (through 2013 season):
For writeups on teams ranked from No. 13 to No. 25, CLICK HERE.


1. Fresno 1958
Record: 25-1; Head Coach: Ollie Bidwell

Forget about the one loss because it was to a college freshman team from Fresno State that the Warriors also beat three times. This club also took on college freshman teams from Cal and Stanford and won.

It’s a close call between this Fresno team and No. 2 Chatsworth 2004, but what sets Fresno apart from all others would be its pitching. Ace Dick Ellsworth and junior Jim Maloney both became 20-game winners in the major leagues within five years of graduation. The catcher of the team was Pat Corrales, who went on to play nine years in the major leagues and was a major league manager for nine more years. With those two pitching, Fresno posted 15 shutouts among its 25 wins. It’s a state record that was just tied in 2013 by a team that played seven more games and this was when games were nine innings long.

Offensively, the Warriors were almost as potent. They averaged 11 runs per game and only really had one close game, a 17-11 triumph over Fresno Roosevelt in which they scored seven runs in the ninth inning to turn around an 11-10 deficit.

Matt Dominguez was a freshman starter in 2004 for 35-0 team.

Matt Dominguez was a freshman starter in 2004 for 35-0 team.


2. Chatsworth 2004
Record: 35-0; Head Coach: Tom Muesborn

It could be argued that Chatsworth 2004 and Fresno 1958 might be two of the top teams in U.S. history, maybe even No. 1 and No. 2. It’s that close and these two teams were that great.

The Chancellors completed the best season record in state history by winning their second straight CIF L.A. City Section title and they beat a San Pedro team in the final that itself had won 26 straight games. They went on in 2005 to set the state record at 54 games for longest win streak.

The roster was a mix of super-young talent, including freshmen Mike Moustakas and Matt Dominguez (both now playing third base in the major leagues) and veteran leaders, including Jason Dominguez (Matt’s older brother) and Willie Cabrera (he had 72 hits for a new state record).

3. El Segundo 1971
Record: 32-2; Head Coach: John Stevenson

This team had the best record of any championship team that the legendary John Stevenson coached at El Segundo. It also was a team that had a future standout MLB pitcher, Scott McGregor, plus a shortstop, George Brett, who is now in the MLB Hall of Fame.

In the CIF Southern Section 3A final at Anaheim Stadium, El Segundo beat a 32-1 Lompoc team, 5-2. McGregor, who still had his senior year to go, pitched a five-hitter. Brett went 2-for-3 with a stolen base, but the big hit of the game was a three-run double in the fourth inning by Kirk Allison (also later played pro ball).

Steve Brand, recently retired from the San Diego Union-Tribune, covered that team’s last game as a young reporter for the defunct Los Angeles Herald-Examiner.

“That El Segundo team was awesome…just plain awesome,” Brand said. “I remember I doubted they were all that good, but they were.”

4. Clovis 1998
Record: 33-2 Head Coach: James Patrick

The Cougars did the almost unthinkable by finishing No. 1 in most national rankings for the second year in a row. The 1997 team also went 33-2 and for the purposes of this feature it was decided to only list the 1998 squad. Most of those in the CIF Central Section at the time also believed that the 1998 team was better.

Offensively, Clovis rocked with a .373 team batting average and collected 359 hits, a total that makes the all-time state list for hits in a season. Outfielder Cody Nowlin was the team’s top all-state player (he batted .417), but sophomore Chris Patrick had the best batting average at .463. Chris is now one of two sons of head coach James Patrick coaching baseball in Clovis. He’s currently building the program at Clovis North and directed the 2013 team to the CIF Central Section Division I title.

On the mound, all-state pitcher Mike Bumatay was sensational with a 15-0 record, 0.84 ERA and 126 strikeouts. Junior Steve Frazier also went 10-0 with a 1.25 ERA.

5. La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad) 2003
Record: 32-1; Head Coach: Justin Machado

This was an extremely well-balanced squad from top-to-bottom that won its last 27 games in a row against very good competition, including a triumph in the CIF San Diego Section Division I final over Rancho Bernardo, which that season had the No. 4 team in the state.

La Costa Canyon averaged more than eight runs per game, led by infielder Joey Burke, who hit .465 with 38 RBIs and stole 24 bases. Junior catcher Scott Clement was another of the team’s all-state honorees.

The Mavericks gained the No. 1 state ranking by not losing during a week when state No. 2 Chatsworth and state No. 3 La Quinta of Westminster lost. In Chatsworth’s case, it was that team’s only loss. Looking back, all three teams are regarded as superior to many teams that have finished No. 1 in the state in other seasons.

6. Ontario 1991
Record: 26-0; Head Coach: Bob Beck

Perfection has to carry a lot of weight in any all-time ranking of top baseball teams and while some might question Ontario’s schedule since the team wasn’t in the top division of the CIF Southern Section playoffs, it’s hard to argue against a team that got it done in every single game.

Perfection acheived for future MLB player Mike Sweeney (center) and others from Ontario in 1991. Photo: Ed Lee.

Perfection acheived for future MLB player Mike Sweeney (center) and others from Ontario in 1991. Photo: Ed Lee.


It wasn’t like the Jaguars won some Mickey Mouse division, either. Theirs included perennial power El Segundo plus a Tustin team that was led by future MLB star Shawn Greene. Ontario rolled in its last two games 8-4 over Central of El Centro and 9-2 over La Mirada.

A future MLB standout, Mike Sweeney, was Ontario’s top player. He, along with teammates Darrell O’Brien and Cesar Barrera, all collected more than 40 hits. The pitching was led by Mike Hernandez (10-0), who threw a six-hitter in the final, and Ryan Mitchell (7-0), who had a four-hitter in the semifinals.

7. El Cerrito 1983
Record: 27-1; Head Coach: Larry Quirico

Of all the teams we’ve seen in person from Northern California since 1980 (not including the CIF Central Section), this group of Gauchos is still the best. The simple reason is speed. This team not only had the pitching and hitting, but had a lineup on offense and defense that took advantage of its quickness and athleticism.

In addition to winning the CIF North Coast Section Class 3A title, El Cerrito also went to the Fresno Easter Classic and took top honors. One of its players, outfielder Terry Brown, also led the North to victory in that year’s North-South all-star series.

Including Brown, seven of the nine regular players would eventually sign pro contracts. The group was led by State Junior of the Year James “Pops” Mitchell, who hit .425 and went 10-0 with a 1.96 ERA. Future USC standout Brian Nichols was the closer and led the team in hitting at .432 with 36 RBI. Steve Pearse, Brian Brooks and Brown also contributed to the team’s .325 average. The Gauchos also had Antoine Pickett and Andy McDonald at the top of the lineup with 27 stolen bases each.

8. Edgewood (West Covina) 1977
Record: 29-1; Head Coach: Karl Major

Pitcher Mike Pill was the dominant player for this team, which is from a school that was consolidated in 1988 and merged with West Covina. Pill went 14-0 as a senior after going 14-0 as a junior and set a state record with 33 straight wins. He also had a 0.50 ERA. Injuries prevented him from reaching the major leagues, but his son, Brett, homered in his first at-bat for the San Francisco Giants.

Edgewood won the 3A division of the CIF Southern Section playoffs with just one loss. The pitching also included Ken Angulo and sophomore Rick Aguilera, who did eventually get to the major leagues.

In 2010, San Gabriel Valley Tribune columnist Jim McConnell ranked the Edgewood 1977 squad as the greatest team in San Gabriel Valley history.

Edgewood’s baseball program, which also produced players like Jay Johnstone, Gary Roenicke and Ron Roenicke (current manager of the Milwaukee Brewers), is back because the school was re-opened two years ago.

9. Lompoc 1970
Record: 27-1; Head Coach: Dan Bodary

This team and the 1971 squad from El Segundo are tied at the hip and both make the all-time rankings.

In 1970, the Braves lost their first game 6-4 to Santa Maria, then rolled off 27 in a row and won the CIF Southern Section 3A title. In the final, Lompoc defeated a young El Segundo team 8-5 behind junior pitcher Roy Thomas. The next season, Lompoc set a state record with its 29th straight win, stretched it to 36 and was 32-1 before losing in a rematch with El Segundo’s 1971 team.

Both prominent players for Lompoc’s 1970 team also were still at the school in 1971. Thomas was a first-round MLB draft choice in 1971 and went on to play for several seasons with the Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals. Roy Howell was another member of the team. He was a sophomore in 1970 and was the fourth pick in the first round of the 1972 MLB draft. He made it to the major leagues as well, most prominently with the Toronto Blue Jays.

10. Bishop Amat (La Puente) 2002
Record: 28-2; Head Coach: Kenny Kendrena

The Lancers capped a phenomenal two-year run with a 2-1 win over La Quinta of Westminster in the CIF Southern Section Division IV final. This was a La Quinta team that had future major leaguers Ian Kennedy and Ian Stewart on its roster.

Bishop Amat also was No. 1 in the state in 2001 and had a two-year record of 55-4. Top players included pitcher Adam Simon, who posted a 13-0 record with a 1.36 ERA and struck out 104 batters in 77 innings. Simon also had a .530 batting average. Infielder Mike Lange was another of the team’s standouts.

11. Bullard (Fresno) 1980
Record: 29-2; Head Coach: Mike Noakes

For the decade of the 1980s, the Knights had the best record in the state at 227-50 and arguably had the most consistently outstanding program. Head coach Mike Noakes built the machine and had four teams earn No. 1 national rankings. The 1980 Knights were the first of those teams and seemed to set the bar high for the others that followed (although Noakes’ 1977 team was awfully strong as well).

Bullard’s pitching staff in 1980 was led by senior Richie Gaynor, who won 16 games and later was a sixth-round pick in the MLB Draft. Infielder Randy Asadoor was the team’s other all-state choice. He was later picked in the 11th round of the draft.

12. Chatsworth 2003
Record: 33-1; Head Coach: Tom Muesborn

Other than Clovis for 1997-98 and Fresno for 1957-58, the best two teams from one school over back-to-back seasons in state history without question goes to the 2003-04 squads from Chatsworth.

In the season before the Chancellors went 35-0 and were No. 1 in the nation by everyone, they posted a 33-1 record and were No. 1 in the nation by some. They were No. 2 in the state, however, behind 32-1 La Costa Canyon, which also was No. 1 nationally in other polls.

For these all-time rankings, we did not include Clovis of 1997 or Fresno of 1957 but we could have. We did rank Chatsworth of 2003 because in addition to La Costa Canyon we wanted to put in a third team from the 2003 season as well.

Note: This feature and these rankings will be updated after every season. Next season’s feature will be part of the Gold Club membership to see. This season, we’re using it to help promote our e-book, “California: The Baseball Capital of the World.”

Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @CalHiSports


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66 Comments

  1. Tommy Jonstone
    Posted June 13, 2013 at 11:26 am | Permalink

    Are u nuts….the Serra High School(San Mateo) ’82 team w/ Bonds was dominant

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted June 13, 2013 at 9:24 pm | Permalink

      No, Serra was not dominant. Lost in CCS playoffs to Prospect of Saratoga and Bonds struck out in his final high school at-bat.

      • james
        Posted April 17, 2014 at 9:40 am | Permalink

        I thought Serra lost to St.Francis in the semifinals in 1982. I know the Lancers lost to Prospect in the finals that year and then went 27-2 the following year and won CCS, defeating Serra in the finals. That 1982 Serra team had Greg Jeffries as well.

        • Bill Roberts
          Posted December 30, 2015 at 2:32 pm | Permalink

          Campbell High School had closed in 1980. 8 players and head coach from Campbell went to Westmont and 5 Players went to Prospect. Prospect had never been a Baseball Powerhouse till 1981 and 1982. In 1981 Prospect was beat by Serra in the first game of CCS. In 1982 Prospect faced & beat Williow Gleen, St. Francis, Serra, Wilcox then in a Campbell Baseball Reunion at SJ Muni Prospect came from behind to win in the last inning.

          Stating Line Up
          C. Dave Bryant
          3rd Jo Ray Marrrujo He Struck Barry Bonds Out & sent packing
          SS. Harold Sutherland
          2nd Larson
          1b Scott Gardner
          LF Rob Goddard
          CF Bill Roberts
          RF Daryl Galloway
          P. J. Imoff

          Prospect Baseball CCS Champions!

          • Mark Tennis
            Posted December 30, 2015 at 6:29 pm | Permalink

            Thanks for sharing, Bill. It’s obvious you got a lot from being on those teams and that’s the most important part of all.

          • Steve Garrido
            Posted May 4, 2016 at 1:33 pm | Permalink

            The Campbell High School 1972 Varsity baseball team coached by Gordon Huntze are worthy of top 25 ranking of high baseball team due to the following accomplishments:
            1. Won 1972 Lions Tournament beating St. Francis, Los Gatos and Bellarmine (all baseball powerhouses at the time)

            2. Won WVAL LEAGUE Crown and CCS title to go along with Lions tournament beating Riordan and Gunn High Schools in CCS finals, again both outstanding baseball schools

            3. In winning CCS title the Campbell team pitching staff and defense shut out opponents 27 or 28 innings over a 4 game stretch! (7 innings per game) of the four runs allowed, three were unearned. That is one earned run in 28 innings, This is pitching staff dominance

            Final season record 26-5, with a 23-2 record after a 3-3 start.

            Great Job Campbell Buc’s Baseball Team!

          • Bill Roberts
            Posted November 18, 2016 at 11:05 am | Permalink

            It was all Campbell!

          • Isaac Holmes
            Posted March 16, 2022 at 12:10 pm | Permalink

            1978 Lynwood Knights Pitcher? Record 14-1 sgvl mvp 0.88 era

        • paul charron jr
          Posted January 27, 2023 at 2:56 am | Permalink

          umm Cal Hi all star team with Barry Bonds was led by Modesto High Schools Randy Ragar at 2nd base, Ragar also beat Bonds for the MVP… Look it Up. 1982 Modesto Panthers took CCC championship squashing former oriole pitcher Eric Bells Beyer High School..There you have it

      • Gary Gillin
        Posted March 1, 2023 at 12:03 am | Permalink

        I was at that game vs Prospect Bonds struck out 3 times in the CCS Final I was a Sophomore at Del Mar HS, the following year vs Prospect I faced that same pitcher Joe Ray Maruo he threw GAS! I went 3 for3 all doubles I think he was CCS MVP one year. Gregg Jefferies played for Serra the 3 years I played at Del Mar both played SS he got first team all CCS 3 years I got 2nd team All CCS all 3 years He ruined my life I might have been sophomore of the year if it wasn’t for him Lol St Francis had great teams too and Bellarmine. Tommy Locotelli St Francis he and I played on the same little league team Hes my idol he was a Manchild @12 Also was All CCS QB never lost a game

        • Mark Tennis
          Posted March 1, 2023 at 11:12 am | Permalink

          Thanks for sharing those memories. WCAL baseball is second to none historically IMO for the entire country.

    • Bill Roberts
      Posted December 30, 2015 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

      1982 We Sent Serra Packing! Not even a game nor was Barry Bonds much to talk about. Prospect Baseball 1982 CCS Champs

    • DC
      Posted May 28, 2019 at 7:03 pm | Permalink

      You need to look at the 1970 Santana High baseball team. 25-3 – The Sultans featured three pitchers who were drafted by major league teams: left-handers Terry Forster and Kyle Hypes and right-hander Brad McRoberts. Forster is the only one currently in the majors, pitching for the Angels.

      • Savannia Campbell
        Posted April 20, 2022 at 4:28 am | Permalink

        Looking for a old picture of my father Darrell Campbell

      • Savanna Campbell
        Posted October 1, 2022 at 11:19 am | Permalink

        What one I need to look back at in 1970 LA Los Angeles dodger baseball player pitcher because I don’t know what one to go to for look it up Darrell Campbell is my father Tonya Cartwright is my Mother I was 18 years old when my mother pass away…

    • Dave James
      Posted April 29, 2020 at 7:58 am | Permalink

      Mark-think you missed the Bells ‘85, undefeated, state championship, and several professional athletes at multiple positions including SS, 3B, Catcher and Pitchers.

  2. John Murphy
    Posted June 13, 2013 at 10:44 pm | Permalink

    In regards to Serra High of San Mateo, Tommy Jonstone … yeah 1982 Serra team with Bonds was good but I’d opt for Serra 1984 with Gregg Jefferies (26-5-1), 1991 with Dan Serafini (26-5), 1998 (27-5) and the underrated 2009 team (30-6). All of the Serra teams I listed won Central Coast Section titles and the school has won six section titles in all while playing in the best league in California. Former Padre baseball players include Bonds, Jefferies, Jim Fregosi, Danny Frisella, Serafini and Patriot QB Tom Brady, etc. Here is a link to Serra’s baseball history:
    http://www.serrahs.com/uploaded/Athletics/BSB/Records/Baseball_Season_Coaching_Records.pdf

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted June 14, 2013 at 9:12 am | Permalink

      Serra for 84 and 91 were both very good indeed. In 84, we ranked Cordova (33-5-1) higher, which beat Grant (35-4) that year in Sac-Joaquin Section. In 91, there was no NorCal team higher but Ontario was 26-0 in SoCal. The Serra team with best record of them all was 2006 at 27-4, which is why Bellarmine of 2006 may be best WCAL/CCS champ ever because Bells beat Serra that year and were No. 1 in the state at 34-4.

      • Brad Stoltenberg
        Posted August 11, 2015 at 9:49 am | Permalink

        Mr Tennis, how can you leave out the Grant Pacers of 84′. If I’m not mistaken, even though we lost to Cordova in the Championship, I believe we set several High School Baseball records that year.

        • Mark Tennis
          Posted August 11, 2015 at 4:09 pm | Permalink

          You answered your own question. Every team chosen was a section champion ranked either first or second in the state (except one year when we picked a third team). Can’t lose at the end like Grant of 84 or Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks of 84, which was even better than Grant at 27-1.

      • Dave J
        Posted April 29, 2020 at 7:59 am | Permalink

        Bells were State Champs in ‘85, not ‘84.

        • Mark Tennis
          Posted April 29, 2020 at 9:08 am | Permalink

          The Bells were 28-5 in 1985 and yes they were No. 1 in final D1 state rankings, but Rio Mesa of Oxnard (27-3) was State Team of the Year so they can’t be ahead of that team in any of our all-time rankings. We would not go against our own rankings even now.

  3. SteveB
    Posted June 17, 2013 at 1:45 pm | Permalink

    Thanks for doing this. You should also check out the amazing Ygnacio Valley High School team of 1972 that won the North Coast Section. Surprised that they didn’t make the list. They beat Dennis Eckersley in the NCS finals 1-0. Nearly every player on this team eventually played in college or signed pro. Two of the outfielders, Marshall Johnson & Bill Piona, both were stars at Cal, Ron Thompson signed with the KC Royals, Dennis Luquet played DI, Bobby Towne played at UC Davis, etc.

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted June 18, 2013 at 12:14 pm | Permalink

      We will be sure to check out that YV team for future updates of this feature. Remember, it’s going to be updated now at the end of every season. My late uncle picked Venice of the L.A. City Section for State TOY that year so for YV to get in, Venice would have to get it in first.

  4. Mike Fay
    Posted June 19, 2013 at 9:30 pm | Permalink

    Bryan Petersen – Chatsworth High School (2003 & 2004). Major Leaguer (Marlins)! Know they must have been good those two years when article above misses him. ‘Petey’ can play!

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted June 24, 2013 at 11:52 pm | Permalink

      Sorry, I know he was on those teams because I mentioned him in the e-book. Just didn’t mention in Chatsworth 2004 writeup. I’ll be sure to include name in next year’s updated all-time rankings.

      • BroncoBaseball
        Posted August 2, 2013 at 10:28 pm | Permalink

        How about a kudos for Mr. Tennis and all his colleagues for the job they do for California sports. I loved coverage as a player when we earned it, and I love showcasing my players now that I’m a coach. I appreciate all you do!

        • Mike Fay
          Posted June 4, 2016 at 8:51 pm | Permalink

          Excellent point, “BroncoBaseball” and agree. Mr. Mark Tennis and his staff do amazing work. Very enjoyable to follow.

  5. Mark Taylor
    Posted January 9, 2014 at 12:43 am | Permalink

    I played for South Bakersfield High in 1980 against the #11 team in the CIF Central Section finals at Fresno State.We lost 11-6 against the Bullard High Knights as our catcher fell apart because of the pressure playing before 6,000 unruly fans. We lit Richie Gaynor up pretty good that game highlighted by Brian Williams 3 run HR over left center field fence at Biden field.He was drafted in the 2nd round by the Dodgers the following year. Good game and a bittersweet memory.

    • Sarah Reese
      Posted September 18, 2020 at 12:25 pm | Permalink

      You probably know my father. He went to South High school and played baseball also. His name is Charles Reese but goes by Tim.

  6. Will
    Posted February 9, 2014 at 8:34 pm | Permalink

    1992 Vallejo High School had the best prep baseball team I have ever seen look them up , state champs

    • Brad
      Posted February 13, 2016 at 10:44 pm | Permalink

      Did that team have Chris Smith?

  7. Larry Dyer
    Posted August 16, 2014 at 8:00 am | Permalink

    Chaffee High in Ontario Ca. Was dominate in winning the CIF baseball three years in a row 1956, 57, and 58. They also won the Anaheim tournament three years in a row, all under Coach Ken Proctor.

    • Lewis Lufkin Farwell
      Posted October 9, 2019 at 4:46 pm | Permalink

      I played against those guys, but considered Oakland to have the best baseball team I have ever seen. They had Vada Pinson, Curt Flood, Ray Norton (world fastest human at San Jose state) and a couple of other major leaguers and won the National title in American Legion ball. I can’t remember but Frank Robinson also played on one of those Oakland teams too. Around 1955. I think they beat Deron Johnson and San Diego, who we were 1-1 against to win the California Legion title.

  8. Bobby Gillin
    Posted September 2, 2014 at 3:56 pm | Permalink

    In 1983 I played for Del Mar HS. We were Loaded with pitching and hitting. We had four guys get Drafted and half of us played College Ball..We were rated second in the CCS, thats when their was ONLY ONE Division, Not 6 like they have today…Unfortunately we lost in the first round to Santa Cruz HS who had Glenallan Hill…

  9. Allen Stuart
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 6:31 am | Permalink

    1971 thru 1973 Mclane High School Fresno Ca. two valley championships and one runner up. come on man.

    • Allen Stuart
      Posted February 7, 2015 at 6:46 am | Permalink

      I forgot during those three years we also won the Valley championship in football undefeated in 1972 so maybe some cu-do’s to McLane guys

  10. Mr. White
    Posted June 10, 2015 at 12:16 am | Permalink

    Played against Chatsworth 06 07 when moose and dominguez were seniors. Both could hit balls about 500 ft with besr bats into those apartments behind the field. Unreal power. Not to mention a catcher drafted by the Mets. Espn top 100 first baseman in Derek Neely too.

  11. Rigo Fino
    Posted September 15, 2015 at 2:41 pm | Permalink

    1981 Channel Islands team, loaded with power 46 team homering.

    • DTM
      Posted June 15, 2021 at 5:31 pm | Permalink

      1981 Westminster CIF 4-A Champions. Crushed Channel Islands in the semi final playoff game.

  12. mike
    Posted December 18, 2015 at 12:47 pm | Permalink

    What about fountain valley in the mid 90’s back to back to back div 1 finals winning 2 and losing the third by one run i believe,i don’t have a lot of respect for city section in los angeles lack of competition.If you are rating on titles.

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted December 18, 2015 at 1:15 pm | Permalink

      I believe Fountain Valley is one of our state’s best and they are written up. Just not in this group.

      • Michael Schmale
        Posted September 19, 2017 at 6:19 pm | Permalink

        FV was good through the 9’s, the 97 team was exceptional, as was La Quinta in 02 , I don’t wanna say unbeatable but pretty close

        • Anibal de la cruz
          Posted November 16, 2017 at 6:08 pm | Permalink

          Don’t forget about La Quinta of Westminster during the mid 90’s with back-to-back-to-back finals appearances with 2 championships in ‘94 and “95 while finishing ahead of FV in ‘94 in the Orange County poll. Both teams finished top 10 in the nation that year as well. LQ had a three-year record of 81-12.

          A couple of fun facts – these two schools are just 3 miles apart and head coaches LaRuffa and Demarest are old college teammates at Long Beach State.

  13. Jim k
    Posted January 15, 2016 at 8:54 pm | Permalink

    Check out Macarthur high school 1994 New york. Averaged 13 runs a game allowed less than one a game. Never lost a game that year. Lost one in two yrs.

  14. Lancer
    Posted March 13, 2016 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

    Silly criteria but I understand a line needs to be drawn. I do think the 1990 La Serna Lancers team deserve a look. Won the prestigious Pomona Elks Tournament as a “small” school and the 3A Title versus Shawn Greene’s Tustin Squad. This team has to be the most fundamentally sound defense SoCal has ever seen.

  15. shawn a
    Posted March 27, 2016 at 7:47 am | Permalink

    The 1976 Lakewood Lancer team lost 3 games I believe and were named NATIONAL champs by USA Today. We had the CIF player of the year in Stan Williams who played at USC and later in the minors with the Yankees. Our 3rd string catcher Mike Fitzgerald played 10 years in the Bigs, Bill Simpson was a first round pick of the Rangers, Don Ruzek 2nd round pick of the Dodgers and every starter played college or minors and pitchers 2-4 all pitched at LB State…not in the top 25??

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted March 30, 2016 at 4:41 pm | Permalink

      We have Lakewood at 22-4-1 for 1976. Great team, but too many losses to be as high as you think. Just our opinion.

      • Lewis Lufkin Farwell
        Posted October 9, 2019 at 4:59 pm | Permalink

        Beat Katella High in the finals. I coached that Katella team in Legion ball and Lakewood could not have beat us (1955 Fullerton) and I mentioned earlier Chaffey (56-58), Oakland (54-56) and San Diego(55) were better than us. An other great team were the San Francisco teams with the DiMaggio brothers and other great coast leaguers in the 1920’s.

        • Mark Tennis
          Posted October 10, 2019 at 8:54 am | Permalink

          The DiMaggio brothers didn’t play high school baseball. Thanks for the mentions. Hard to find Legion results so we can’t really include those results as part of this.

      • S Clark
        Posted June 24, 2020 at 1:20 am | Permalink

        1976 Lakewood at 22-4-1 was voted NCs (not USA Today), I don’t know the poll. 1966 El Segundo was a 4-loss, 1-tie team that was considered. I think Shawn A (who I’m guessing was a pitcher on that team) is right when he infers that they were overlooked

        • Mark Tennis
          Posted June 24, 2020 at 11:03 am | Permalink

          Will check out both teams when updating that feature with a new one late next week.

    • Lewis Lufkin Farwell
      Posted August 31, 2021 at 5:16 am | Permalink

      That team was one of the best!

  16. Mike Keith
    Posted March 10, 2017 at 2:06 pm | Permalink

    What was the complete roster for #3 El Segundo 1971 team?
    Record: 32-2; Head Coach: John Stevenson

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted March 12, 2017 at 12:10 pm | Permalink

      I would have to look that up somewhere. Think we only have rosters in our files for Fresno High 1956 and Chatsworth 2005.

    • vince engelbert
      Posted May 17, 2020 at 11:44 am | Permalink

      I remember catcher Bob Schaefer (drafed by Giants), brad and Greg Hancock, Ed Glotz, Kirk Allison (super fast if I am thinking of the right playrt) , of course Brett and McGregor, Eddie Carroll I think, Justice

      • Mike Fay
        Posted July 30, 2020 at 6:06 am | Permalink

        Heard Kirk Allison was a phenomenal player! Being a bit younger did not see him play in person. Locals rave about his talent! Memory is spotty, but something about a broken back slowed/ended his career?

  17. Tiger
    Posted March 26, 2018 at 4:04 pm | Permalink

    Hart high school 1988 26-1 ranked as high as #2 in nation ? Hart high 1989 as well when most of players from 1988 returned? Or hart hs 1996 when they won’t cif title? Coach bud Murray is a high school coaching legend and he led a program to dominance for many many years.

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted March 27, 2018 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

      Hart of 88 was great no doubt but has to be behind 30-3 Redondo based on CIFSS playoff finish. The 88 season also had great teams at Fresno Bullard (29-1), Helix of La Mesa (26-2) and Chatsworth (25-2).

  18. Randall S Day
    Posted May 3, 2020 at 9:02 pm | Permalink

    Servite High school team of 1978. Please consider. Thanks

  19. Mike Fay
    Posted July 30, 2020 at 6:19 am | Permalink

    Mr. Tennis, thank you, for your tremendous efforts, sir! Wanted to add about Bill Bordley of Bishop Montgomery’s – ’75 team. Giants’ super-scout, George Genovese, shared, “Bill Bordley, remains the greatest pitcher I have ever scouted! Kemer Brett, the greatest baseball player!” Pretty high praise. A scout has not been inducted to Cooperstown. Clamoring for Genovese to be the first. Awards named in his honor. Being the sixth or seventh MLB pitcher to undergo Tommy John surgery derailed Bordley’s Hall Of Fame career. He rebounded nicely in life. Closing, Rod Dedeaux, shared, “Bill is the best I’ve seen at this point.” Dedeaux had Tom Seaver, Pete Redfern, Bill Lee, Randy Johnson (Bordley was his pitching coach in ’84 at SC), Sports Illustrated Article, attached. Titled, “A Dandy Not Unlike Sandy.” https://vault.si.com/vault/1978/05/15/a-dandy-not-unlike-sandy-likening-uscs-young-bill-bordley-to-koufax-might-seem-a-bit-much-if-he-were-not-a-lefty-with-a-24-1-record

    • Mark Tennis
      Posted July 30, 2020 at 12:08 pm | Permalink

      Thanks, Mike.
      You wonder with all of the guys that in current times can come back from Tommy John surgery how some of those from the past would have done with new treatments/surgical procedures. I always check that Bishop Montgomery team to see if legendary USC SID Tim Tessalone was on it, but he went to Bishop a couple of years earlier.

  20. Mark D. Taylor
    Posted October 2, 2020 at 10:07 am | Permalink

    That Bullard 1980 team was really good as we were, South High Bakersfield. We lost 11 to 6 at Fresno State before 10,000 Fresno fans. We had Brian Williams, son of Art Williams, the first black umpire, drafted in the 2nd round by The Dodgers. Kent Williams, a .535 BA and MVP of our league. Tom Dill, our top pitcher, a 90 mph fastball. Richie Gaynor threw a 1 hitter and a no hitter leading into the Valley finals. We roughed him up a little, Brian hit a 425 foot shot over the left center field fence, but our catcher really sucked that night. Bullard had Gaynor, Randy Asador, who was drafted by the Phillies, and maybe a couple of other guys drafted. A great memory, It took a long time to get over this loss, but it felt like the big time.

  21. Trento
    Posted October 30, 2020 at 10:05 pm | Permalink

    The West Covina 1990 team has to be considered. I believe they broke the record for team homeruns and stolen bases in the same season. Charles Poe, Mike Pineiro and David Lawson all signed out of high school. They lost to Diamond Bar in the semi finals that year. Tremendous stats from this club that season.

  22. Mike eby
    Posted July 18, 2023 at 3:58 pm | Permalink

    1990 Westlake High 28-2 rank #1 in the country before losing to Marina HS in the semi finals. Had #3 pick in the country in catcher Mike Lieberthal….Play 14 yrs in the big leagues.

  23. Tim Hill
    Posted March 14, 2024 at 10:03 am | Permalink

    1981 Elk Grove High School Baseball Team – Sacramento Calif – 31 -4

3 Trackbacks

  1. By All-Time Best Baseball Teams (13-25) on June 12, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    […] Here are the next 13 teams in the top 25 California high school baseball teams of all-time (through 2013 season): For writeups of the No. 1 to No. 12 teams, CLICK HERE. […]

  2. […] Sports named the 25 best California baseball teams of all-time. At #7, the 1983 El Cerrito squad that included current coach Brian Nichols. At #15 is the 1977 Redwood team that included World Series champ Buddy Biancalana and the 1961 […]

  3. […] starred for Fresno Prime and went 15-0 for a 1958 Warriors staff that is thought of as the best highschool baseball staff in California historica…, beating the likes of the Cal freshman staff, Stanford freshman staff and UCLA freshman staff that […]

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