Coach Cappuccilli’s Journey From Russia to the DR and Back to Edison Baseball (2025)

Coach Cappuccilli’s Journey From Russia to the DR and Back to Edison Baseball (2025)

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For Edison High School head baseball coach Nick Cappuccilli, the game has taken him places he never imagined. From playing at his alma mater in Huntington Beach to suiting up and coaching in Russia, China, and the Dominican Republic, his journey is as diverse as the sport itself. Recently, Cappuccilli joined Sunset Rewind baseball podcast host Theo Rokos to share his incredible story and discuss Edison’s promising 2025 season.

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A Global Baseball Experience (2:25)

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Cappuccilli’s path to coaching was shaped by his own playing career, which started at Edison before continuing at Northern Colorado, Golden West College, and Dakota Wesleyan University. But after graduation, instead of taking the traditional route into coaching, he went overseas.

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It started with an opportunity in Russia (3:40), where Cappuccilli helped grow the sport in an area with little baseball history. Through connections with Dan Keller of USA Rec Sports and Abraham Key, CEO of Pony Baseball, he found himself immersed in a unique challenge—teaching the game and building baseball IQ in an environment where the sport was still in its infancy.

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The contrast couldn’t have been greater when he later coached in the Dominican Republic (5:50), where baseball is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. Young athletes dedicate themselves to the game from an early age, driven by the possibility of changing their future. The experience gave Cappuccilli a deep appreciation for different baseball cultures and the varying motivations that drive players worldwide.

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Building a Contender at Edison (7:30)

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Now back home, Cappuccilli is leading Edison into another highly competitive season in the Sunset League. The Chargers have faced a challenging preseason, but as he notes, those tough matchups are intentional—they prepare his team for the battles ahead.

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One of Edison’s biggest strengths this year is its pitching staff (8:30). With standout arms like Noah Hunter (San Diego State), Shane Timmons (Concordia), Braedon Hobson (who brings impressive velocity), Drew Gonzalez (a strike-thrower), and Gavin Johnson (a tough lefty), the rotation is shaping up to be one of the best in the league. But offense is no weakness either, with hitters consistently putting the ball in play and forcing opponents to make tough outs (9:00).

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Depth is another key factor for Edison’s success (11:30). The roster features a strong mix of seniors, juniors, and sophomores, while the freshman team is already showing signs of being a powerhouse in the years to come.

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More Than Baseball (13:00)

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For Cappuccilli, success isn’t just measured by wins and losses. His program places a strong emphasis on academics, ensuring that his players are just as competitive in the classroom as they are on the field. Edison baseball boasts one of the best attendance records, and maintaining good grades is a non-negotiable part of being on the team.

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Of course, coaching high school baseball comes with off-field responsibilities as well—fundraising and field maintenance are crucial to running a successful program (17:00). Cappuccilli credits the tight-knit community of Sunset League coaches, who, despite their fierce on-field rivalries, share mutual respect and work together to strengthen the sport at the high school level (24:00).

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Beyond the Dugout (25:30)

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To close out the podcast, Rokos fired off some rapid-fire questions to get to know the coach a little better. Cappuccilli’s favorite MLB player? That remains a mystery, but he did reveal his favorite team and his top picks for food and travel: Riip Pizzeria in Huntington Beach and his go-to vacation destination (28:50).

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With a seasoned coach at the helm and a well-rounded team ready for the grind of league play, Edison baseball is set for an exciting season. Coach Cappuccilli’s global experiences, commitment to development, and passion for the game are shaping not just better ballplayers but better young men.

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Thank you, Coach Cappuccilli, for joining the Sunset Rewind podcast and sharing your story!