Talking Newport Harbor Baseball with Head Coach Josh Lee (host Theo Rokos) 2025 pre-season
This episode is packed with all-things-TAR-Baseball and how the Sailors are preparing for the ultra-competitive Sunset League (one of the best high school baseball leagues in the country).
——> 0:00 In this episode, host Theo Rokos sits down with Josh Lee, head coach of Newport Harbor High School Baseball. Coach Lee shares his journey in the sport, starting as a player at Aliso Niguel High School before joining Orange Coast College (OCC) under the legendary John Altobelli, where he was part of the 2009 state championship team. He later continued his college career at Cal State San Bernardino.
——> 1:15 After graduating, Coach Lee took a break from baseball and worked in advertising in Chicago, where much of his family is from. However, he soon realized he missed baseball and transitioned into coaching. His first coaching job was at Mater Dei High School, where he worked under Coach Burt Call and alongside Coach Rich Mercado. He later became the head coach at North Torrance High School, facing a COVID-shortened first season before leading the team to a CIF semifinal run in his second year. When the Newport Harbor job opened up, the opportunity to be closer to his family in South Orange County made it an ideal move. After a meeting with Principal Sean Boulton, whom he calls a great leader, Coach Lee officially took over the program.
——> 4:45 Coach Lee highlights the strong staff supporting the program. Coach Wyatt Hahn, pitching coach and on-campus teacher; Coach Evan Chalmers, former head coach, now a mentor to Coach Lee; Coach Billy Morris, former USC baseball player, highly respected coach; Coach Chris Sorce, over 20 years of coaching experience, previously worked with Coach Lee at Mater Dei; Coach Adair Bisoso, played for Coach Lee at North Torrance, currently in college; Coach Matt Waterman, junior varsity coach; and Coach Ty Harper, former Corona del Mar player, heads up the freshman team.
——> 8:30 Lucas Perez, senior pitcher and catcher, four-year varsity starter, future D1 player; Gavin Guy, junior pitcher, multi-sport athlete, three-pitch guy, also plays 1B; Keaton Anderson, sophomore pitcher, had a strong freshman JV season; Elijah Haseth, senior pitcher, also plays outfield; Ryan Williams, senior side-arm pitcher, also plays CF, committed to Cal.
——> 11:45 Lucas Perez is the primary catcher, but Brooks Francis and Parker Chavez will step in when he pitches; Wyatt Gahm is a returning starter at third base; Grant Horsley is a sophomore shortstop with a bright future; Adam Martin is a returning starter at second base; Gavin Guy plays first base, but others will step in when he pitches; Ryan Williams plays center field, with backups when he pitches; Elijah Haseth plays left field, with backups when he pitches; Cole Harrison, a sophomore, is competing for playing time in right field. The team also has several transfers from private schools who will be eligible after sitting out the first half of the season.
——> 14:30 Coach Lee discusses the strength of the Sunset League, calling it one of the best high school baseball leagues in the country. The league attracts top talent, including players returning from private schools. He believes all seven teams could be playoff contenders and emphasizes the mutual respect among Sunset League coaches.
——> 17:00 The discussion then shifts to the club baseball vs. neighborhood baseball debate, including the science behind arm overuse and the mental risks of burnout. Coach Lee also reflects on the rich baseball history of Orange County and its long list of professional players.
——> 22:00 Coach Lee expresses excitement about the positive energy surrounding Newport Harbor Baseball. The episode wraps up with some fun questions, including Battle of the Bay steak wagers.