Forester's Hall of Fame

Santa Barbara Foresters Hall of Fame

With more than three decades of heroes, champions, winners, and contributors, the Foresters have had more than their share of people to celebrate. But some have achieved so much, on and off the field, that they deserve special mention. The Foresters Hall of Fame was founded in 2010 and in most years since, has inducted people who are the head of the class . . . and class acts, one and all.

Class of 2010

Chris Koeper

First Base, Volunteer

Year in and year out, the Foresters exhibit a certain style on the playing field . . . it’s a work ethic and determination to play at your highest level possible, a physical and mental toughness, a desire to “come to the field every day to give your all.” The Foresters exude a swagger that opposing teams recognize as a team motto: “The Foresters bust theirs to kick yours!”

The first inductee in the Foresters Hall of Fame is the player that set the standard for that “Forester Way.” Chris Koeper led by example—he came to the field every time with purpose, passion, confidence, and intensity. Ask any coach or any player that played along Cape, this one player set the standard for Foresters excellence year in and year out. Teammates and opponents alike were in awe of his power, speed, and competitive nature. He was the team leader and set the bar high over eight seasons from 1993 to 2001. He played baseball for the love of the game—he wasn’t about playing to get to the next level or to hone his skills for another year at college.

Of course, he also played the game very, very well. He was easily the Foresters’ first five-tool player when he began playing for the Foresters under then-head coach Bobby Townsend in 1993. Chris consistently ranked as one of the top offensive and defensive players in every statistical category and he was the Foresters’ team MVP in 1994 and 1996. Cape has also been a teammate to 15 players who have gone on to play Major League Baseball, and he had an impact on all of them.

Chris’s offensive statistics as the team’s starting centerfielder and cleanup hitter from 1993 to 2001 are amazing. He is the Foresters’ all-time leader in home runs, RBI, hits, total bases, and stolen bases. Cape continues his dedication to Foresters today, serving on the board of directors of the Foresters and Hugs for Cubs. He and his wife Cathy and children Kylie and Jacob have also been a host family for several summers. Congratulations, Chris. Keep ‘Sterring it up!

“To me, Chris epitomizes everything about what it means to be a Forester.”—Bill Pintard

Ryan Spilborghs

Outfield, MLB

What a resumé! Goleta Valley South Little League All-Star, county MVP at Santa Barbara High, record-setting career at UCSB, and two outstanding seasons with the Foresters—plus, the top of the pyramid: the Major Leagues. Ryan spent seven years as an outfielder with the Colorado Rockies, as well as a year playing in Korea. He has since become a national baseball voice as part of MLB Networks and for the Rockies. We’re all very proud of this great No. 19.

“Ryan’s hard work and  dedication make him a role model for  all future

’Sters.”

Eric Pintard

pitcher, coach, volunteer, inspiration

Eric Pintard left an indelible imprint on all of those that came to know him during his lifetime for his caring attitude, strength of character, courage, leadership and friendship; he was an individual whose care for others radiated throughout his lifetime, which ended in 2004.

He came to the Foresters under then-head coach Bobby Townsend as a pitcher in 1993 and immediately had an impact on his teammates for his raw humor, athletic ability, and his loyal devotion as a meaningful friend. He loved playing the game of baseball, but what he really loved was playing a game alongside his teammates.

In the winter of 1994, after his second season with the Foresters, at the age of 21, Eric was diagnosed with an extremely rare type of brain cancer, one which medical science said gave him of a life expectancy of 6 months. So, how do you handle the news—how about with a “Hey Dad, there’s not a cancer support group for kids in Santa Barbara. If I got six months, we’d better get busy!” Eric handled his setback by wanting to be a positive role model for younger kids battling cancer—and the Hugs for Cubs was born!

E.P. 19 was determined to beat cancer with a positive, optimistic attitude and to live life rather than contemplate death. Bound to a wheelchair, he set his goals for the road to recovery that included pitching in a Foresters game, surfing in Costa Rica, and fishing for the big one in Alaska. When many would question his ability to actually do those things again, his answer would be “Why not?”

Every day, he would remind us “Z’all Good!” He coined the phrase “Summer’s an attitude, not a season!” During the 11 years Eric battled the cancer, he never succumbed to self-pity or despair, never a “why me.” He would be so honored that Foresters Ryan Church, Kevin Frandsen, Ryan Spilborghs, Devin Shepherd, Mike Kenney, and Richie Robnett wore his Foresters number 19 during their pro careers. Additionally, the National Baseball Congress renamed an annual trophy at World Series as the Eric Pintard Most Inspirational Player Award. The Hugs for Cubs has had a profound impact on the lives of many young boys and girls that have had to battle cancer and other serious illnesses.

He’s not with us anymore in person, but his spirit lives forever. He would be very humbled by this honor. He’d give credit to the ‘Sters players, past and present, and to all those in the Santa Barbara community that supported his noble cause.

Class of 2011

Kevin Frandsen

Infield, MLB

Kevin used his successful two-year Foresters career as a springboard to a nine-year career in the Major Leagues. His spirit, talent, and love of the Foresters’ mission have made him a big-league ambassador of the ‘Sters Spirit! “This is a great honor,” Kevin said at the induction ceremony. “It’s an honor just to be a Forester, to say nothing of making it into the team’s Hall of Fame. This means the world to me.”

A native of San Jose, Kevin was all-state in high school and later set an all-time record with 246 career hits at San Jose State, while batting better than .310 all four seasons. While he was with the Spartans, Kevin spent 2002 and 2003 with the Foresters. His best season was 2003, when he was named the Foresters’ Most Valuable Player after leading the team with a .397 average. (In testament to his scrappy, anything-to-win style, Kevin also set a still-standing record that season, being hit by a pitch 13 times!) In Santa Barbara, Kevin and Eric Pintard, founder of the Hugs for Cubs, developed a special relationship. Kevin’s brother D.J. was a cancer victim and in the Hugs for Cubs, Kevin found a way to share his experiences and help others at the same time.

Kevin was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2004, and made his Major League debut in 2006. A versatile infielder, he saw time at second and third, showing excellent glovework and a knack for the timely hit. On his way to a starting spot by 2008, he was sidetracked by an Achilles’ tendon injury that knocked him out for a year. Showing the fighting spirit that he had used to inspire those fighting cancer, he battled back to “The Show.” After a brief stop in the Red Sox organization, he was signed by the Angels in 2009. He appeared in 54 games for the club in 2010 as well. He battled back from another injury to play for the Phillies, Nationals, and Giants, reaching the playoffs with the Nats in 2014.

James Shields

Pitcher, MLB

One of the great joys of the Foresters coaches and staff is watching young athletes mature not only into outstanding players, but fine young men. Such was the case with James Shields, a 2011 inductee into the Foresters Hall of Fame. “I am honored and humbled to be able to be a part of this family of greatness,” he said at the induction ceremony.

James was a star in high school, earning CIF Player of the Year honors as a junior. After his senior year, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays, but came to Santa Barbara to play with the Foresters in 2001. Though he had been drafted, he had not signed, so the Foresters were going to be a learning experience on his way to the pros. He got more than he bargained for, gaining not only pitching experience but lessons he still values today. “I really grew up in my year here,” he said at the induction ceremony. “I didn’t realize until I got here that there was so much more to life, and that what I have is a gift. What the Foresters does is make boys into men.” Even after he was offered a contract by the Rays, James chose to stay with the Foresters and help the team as it played at the NBC World Series in Wichita. He joined the Rays’ minor-league system later in 2001.

James’ gifts and new-won maturity carried him on a path that has led to an outstanding 13-year Major League career, an American League championship ring, and a reputation as “Big Game James,” a reliable, hard-throwing, batter-battling starter. James has reached double digits in nine of his full seasons and topped 200 innings every one of those years, including leading the AL in innings pitched in 2014 and complete games in 2011.

In 2006, he was one of the top rookie pitchers in baseball. In 2007, he was in the A.L. top 10 in strikeouts while allowing only 1.5 walks per game. Teaming with fellow former Foresters pitcher Matt Garza, Shields was dominant in 2008. His power pitching helped the Rays win the American League East for the first time. He won the first postseason game in Rays history, defeating the White Sox in the ALDS. In the World Series, he was the winning pitcher in Game 2, the only win for Tampa in their series loss to the Phillies. He became the first Foresters player to win a World Series game as well.

That success made him the Rays’ Opening Day starter three times (2008, 2009, and 2010). His success off the field was just as impressive. James and his wife Ryane worked with Tampa-area foster-family organizations. They hosted family reunifications at Rays’ games, helping foster kids reconnect with their families, while also honoring families who help such children. “They’ve created ‘forever families,’” says Bill Pintard. “We could not be more proud of what James and Ryane are doing.” James pitched in the bigs until 2018, seeing time with the Royals, White Sox, and Padres.

Vaughn Wipf

Pioneer, Board Member

Few people have as long a history with the Foresters as Vaughn Wipf. As a player, supporter, board member, and fan, Vaughn’s history with the team goes back more than 50 years.

Vaughn was a great youth player recruited for the early version of the Foresters in 1956. He played in the outfield for Tim Badillo and Elmo Ferrari, as well as for another local baseball legend, Caesar Uyesaka. Vaughn also played at UCSB as a star outfielder from 1956–60.

As his family and dental practice grew, Vaughn remained closely allied with local sports, coaching, sponsoring, and supporting baseball teams and other community groups. In 1991, when Bob Townsend got the Foresters started again, Vaughn was one of the first people he called. “I was thrilled to be back,” Vaughn says. “I was always very proud to have been a Forester.”

As the new version of the team grew, Vaughn joined the board of directors. After Bill Pintard took over in 1995, Vaughn was one of a handful of solid, if silent, supporters who worked behind the scenes to make sure the dream of the Foresters continued. He even provided the team with a record-setting home-run hitter—his son Mark!

Vaughn’s impact on the Foresters started on the field, continued off the field, and remains today one of the all-time great local baseball lives. We’re proud to induct him into Hall of Fame in 2011.

Class of 2012

Morgan Ensberg

Third base, MLB

Morgan went from the Foresters and USC to one of the most successful Major League careers in Foresters history. He was a slugging third baseman for the ’Sters and also played in the Cape Cod League. After helping USC win a national title, he was drafted by the Houston Astros in 1998. After a cup of coffee in 2000, he became a regular at the hot corner for Houston in 2002. He was a 2005 NL All-Star team member—a Foresters first—and with 36 homers and 101 RBI was fourth in NL MVP voting. The Astros won the NL pennant and Morgan became the first Foresters player to reach the World Series. Including stints with the Padres and Yankees, Morgan played eight MLB seasons; his 2,204 ABs are second-most among former ’Sters. Morgan moved into coaching and by 2017 he was a minor-league manager, first in the Astros and later in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, where he was named Southern League manager of the year in 2019. Morgan has been a longtime supporter of the Foresters and Hugs for Cubs, and we honor his success!

Sean Luf

First base

In the early days of the Bob Townsend-led Foresters, Sean was “the man.” In each of the “new” team’s first three seasons, he was the MVP (or co-MVP). He was such a powerful hitter in high school in Rio Mesa that he was known as “The Dominator.”

Chris Messier

Hugs for Cubs

The Foresters have had a lot of champions in our family over the years, but perhaps no one was more a champion of the human spirit than Chris Messier. After a long battle with leukemia and cancer, Chris passed away in 2019 this year at the age of 36. Chris was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012 for his many years working with the Hugs for Cubs.

Chris up in Santa Barbara and played in the Goleta Valley Little League. He became a part of the Foresters family when we first met him as a ten-year-old in 1995, soon after he was first stricken with cancer. Hugs for Cubs co-founder Eric Pintard quickly bonded with Chris and together they battled their diseases while also inspiring many others with their courage and heart. Chris became like family to Eric and they spent many days out fishing together.

Though Chris’s illness kept him from playing the sport he had loved, through the Hugs, he was able to be part of a baseball team that always had his back. As he grew up and attended Dos Pueblos High, Chris had the courage to reach out to many Hugs kids. He was a regular at Hugs events, Foresters games, and baseball events. He became as an award-winning employee at Petco, spent time helping the Hugs for Cubs, and continued to show the heart of a champion. Chris is survived by his mother Mary, father Richard, brother Scott, and sister Anna . . . and by everyone in the Foresters family who was touched by his grace.

Class of 2013

Andre Miller

Outfield, infield, board, coach

One of the most decorated players in Foresters history and one of only a few players who were part of two Foresters National Championships, outfielder and leadoff hitter Andre Miller brought speed, style, hustle, and determination to every game he played for Santa Barbara. While playing his college ball at LMU, Andre was the Foresters MVP in 2005; his 71 hits and 34 steals that summer remain the second-best totals. In 2006, he helped the team win its first national title. After a year in pro baseball, he returned to win another title with the ’Sters in 2008. How big was he that year? In the 2008 NBC World Series championship game, Andre scored the first run after hitting a triple and scored the second on a homer: Those were the only two runs of the game and the ’Sters won it all. Andre remained a part of the organization, serving on the board of directors and also as a coach. He has gone on to a career in law enforcement with the Santa Barbara Police Department, rising in 2024 to the rank of sergeant. Current and future Foresters can look at Andre for inspiration on how to be the complete ballplayer.

Ryan Church

Outfield, MLB

An outfielder with a sweet lefthanded swing, Ryan Church put in a lot of miles in his baseball career, but he made one of his most important stops when he starred with the Foresters in 1998 and 1999. While remaining a loyal fan of the team, he moved on to a long pro career that included stops with several Major League teams. He had his longest stints with the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals as part of a seven-year big-league run. Ryan was born in Santa Barbara and grew up in Lompoc and later played college baseball at the University of Nevada.

Class of 2014

Mike Kenney

Pitcher

Mike Kenney was one of the greatest closers in Foresters history. His nine saves in 2007 were the most in Foresters history to that point. While inducting Mike into the Foresters Hall of Fame, manager Bill Pintard praised Mike as a “coach on the field who really gave his all on and off the field.” Mike remains one of the Foresters’ most devoted alumni supporters, and he showed his love for the team by bringing a large group of family and friends to his HOF evening. Dave Pintard later joked that if Mike kept bringing that many people, he could end up as next year’s MC. Mike’s love for the Foresters is almost as great as his talent on the mound.

Dylan Axelrod

Pitcher, MLB

Dylan is the ultimate hometown boy makes good story. As related by Foresters assistant head coach Gary Woods, who is also a Chicago White Sox scout, during his induction of Dylan, the young pitcher started in Pony Baseball, had MVP years at Santa Barbara High, and then a historic run at SB City College. As a Vaquero, Dylan was part of a staff that led California in ERA. He was also part of “Dylan was like the little engine that could,” Gary said. “At every stop when he hit a wall, he just kept going and going.” Dylan’s perseverance and hard work landed him in the Major Leagues in 2011 and he was a regular starter for the White Sox in 2013. At the Hall of Fame event, Dylan specially thanked his dad for the many hours spent helping him grow as a baseball player and as a person.

Class of 2015

Virgil Vasquez

Pitcher, MLB

Virgil was another hometown kid made good story. He grew up in SB, and was a starter at SB High for fellow Foresters Hall of Famer Fred Warrecker. Though drafted by the Texas Rangers in the seventh round in 2000, he stayed local and pitched for the UCSB Gauchos, becoming one of their all-time strikeout leaders. Virgil was drafted again in 2003 by the Detroit Tigers. He reached the Majors in 2007 and also pitched in 2009 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After a 12-year pro career (minors and Majors), he became a pitching coach. Virgil is also a four-year veteran of the Australian Baseball League, where he was a four-time All-Star and the MVP of the 2012 Championship Series. He also pitched in Mexico and Korea! Virgil became a coach and was most recently with the Cincinnati Reds’ Triple A franchise.

Neil Medchill

First base

Neil was a champ on the field, but an even bigger champ off of it. A star slugger with the Foresters with the 2008 National Championship team (he hit .325 with a team-high 38 RBI), he signed with the NY Yankees organization after his time at Oklahoma State. He played six minor-league seasons, reaching Triple A in 2013. The next year, after entering a donor drive, he was told that he was a match and could help save a life by donating blood marrow. The treatment would end his season (and probably his career), but Neil chose to give life. “It’s tough, but also a pretty good way to go out,” he said at the time. “If it does end up ending my career, to give up a few weeks to save a life, it’s just a game.” Now THAT’s a Hall of Famer!

Mike Pearl

Board member, volunteer

When Bill Pintard took over the Foresters in 1995, the first person he called on was his longtime friend, Mike Pearl. For the next 20-plus years, Mike was a constant presence at Foresters events. Toothpick in his mouth, he was a volunteer, host family, board member, president, and all-around amazing human being. He cooked hot dogs, raised money, carried and stacked and cheered. When he traveled with the team to Wichita, fans there thought he owned the Foresters! Mike passed away in 2019 and we think of him every time we have a hot dog at a ’Sters game. Mike was also  longtime member of the SB sports community, a baseball coach, and beloved husband of Gail Pearl. He is missed but never forgotten.

Class of 2016

Cameron Rupp

Catcher, MLB

A slugging catcher from the University of Texas, Cameron was a super ’Ster from the moment he arrived in Santa Barbara. “In 2008, Cameron Rupp was the anchor of one of the strongest offensive teams in Foresters history,” says Bill Pintard. “From his dramatic home run against the Cuban national team to his leadership as our catcher, he was instrumental in our NBC World Series championship run.” Cameron continued his great work at Texas after his Foresters summer and reached the Major Leagues with the Phillies in 2013, for whom he played five seasons; he’s now on the coaching staff at his alma mater.

Fred Warrecker

Original Forester, community leader

The Foresters are proud to call this longtime Santa Barbara baseball legend part of the Foresters family. “Fred Warrecker is part of the foundation of the Foresters,” Bill Pintard says. “He represents the roots of our organization. He played for three years in the 1950s, plus all three of his sons—Wes, Teddy, and Donny—wore the Foresters uniform as well. [In 2020, Fred’s grandson, Bryce, became the first third-generation ’Ster.] With 615 wins as leader of the Santa Barbara High School Dons, his contribution to the baseball community of Santa Barbara is truly legendary.” For his work as a Foresters player, but also for the many gifts he has given our community, we welcome Coach Fred to the Hall of Fame! [Editor’s note: Fred passed away in June 2023, leaving behind generations of baseball players and a large, loving family.]

Class of 2017

Foresters’ Team of 2006

First National Champions

This year’s Hall of Fame induction might have been for a different team as the Foresters’ first national champs. At the 2005 NBC World Series, Santa Barbara led Prairie Gravel 4-0 in the eighth inning of the title game. But over the next 10 innings, Santa Barbara gave up 11 runs and scored none. They lost the first game and then a second called for by the double elimination rule. Ouch.

So for 2006, the organization had one goal: make it all the way. They stormed through the regular season with a 43–11 record. That included victory in the Rawlings California Cup and a 14th straight California Collegiate League title.

On to Wichita!

In the opening game, Alexander Francisco blew away the Vienna Senators, helped by Matt Bowman’s three RBI. Oliver Odle pitched seven strong innings as the Foresters won Game 2 over the Seguin Steelers. Dylan Axelrod made it three straight strong starts with five shutout innings against the Pueblo Chieftains. The ’Sters needed only five innings, as they scored 10 runs to invoke the mercy rule. Pete Clifford had three RBI.

Game 4 started at 2 am (gotta love the NBC!) but no worries for the Foresters. Francisco was lights-out again and Hector Estrella helped with three RBI, as the Sters beat the SoCal Fire. The ’Sters needed a three-run eighth-inning to snap a tie with the Derby Twins to secure a place in the semifinal. There, another midnight start awaited against the Hays Larks. Foresters’ bats led the way in a 12-7 win. The ’Sters scored led 8-0 after a five-run third and the bullpen held on. Conor Gillaspie had four hits and three RBI.

The championship game was a rematch with the Twins. With Francisco again holding down the scoring, the Foresters used all their weapons. Ahead 4-2 in the fourth, the inning nearly ended but Andre Miller’s classic Sters’ slide broke up a potential double play. That opened the door for a four-run inning capped by Nick Peoples’ three-run triple! Things got a bit hairy when the Twins came within one at 8–7 with four runs in the eighth (including two on a wild pickoff throw!). But Jordy Mercer came in from shortstop to shut down the Twins in the ninth.

Cue the dogpile!

Class of 2018

Bill Oakley, Sr.

Original Forester

Bill has been part of the Foresters for more than 50 years. A longtime local sports hero, he was MVP of the 1958 Foresters and later pitched in college at Cal. His exploits on the diamond have also earned him places in both the Santa Barbara High School and Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Halls of Fame. Today, we honor him for his many years of service behind the scenes of the Foresters, and for keeping the spirit of those original ’Sters alive!

Jim Buckley

Volunteer, PA announcer

If there is a job off the field for the Foresters, Jim has performed it during more than 28 years of service to the organization. He has served on the board, called games on the radio, designed and written all the programs, announced games over the PA, sold ads and hot dogs, helped train interns, managed the web site, and happily received six [now 10!] National Championship rings. Away from the ballclub, Jim continues to share his love of baseball and sports as an award-winning author of children’s books. He happily remembers taking his son Conor to his first Foresters game in a baby carrier.

Class of 2019

Ryan O’Hearn

First Base, MLB

Ryan made the jump to the Major Leagues in 2018, when he brought his power bat to the Kansas City Royals. In his first big-league game, he belted a two-run home run off a Forester Hall of Famer, James Shields, to help the Royals win. He added 11 more and took over the starting first base job, which he held onto through most of 2019. He moved to the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, when he had career highs in RBI and hits and helped the O’s to the best regular-season record in the AL. In 2012, the Sam Houston State star led the Foresters in RBI, and led them to the National Championship. He also played for Santa Barbara in 2013, leading the team in doubles, while driving in 25 runs.

Bob Townsend

Foresters founder and first manager

If not for Bob Townsend, we would not be here! In 1991, this longtime local baseball man re-started the Foresters, which had last played in the 1950s. Bob grew up playing and coaching ball, including at Santa Barbara High, SBCC, and UCSB.  Seeing a need for summer college baseball—and taking the name of a well-known local ballclub—Bob began the Foresters’ winning tradition. Since the team’s first season, the ’Sters have never had a losing record. Bob led the team to its first NBC World Series appearances in 1993 after winning their league title. Bob passed the team to Bill in 1995, but he has been a part of the Foresters family ever since.

Delwyn Young

Infield, MLB

Delwyn was a ’Ster in 2000–2001 and played at SBCC, from where he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002. After four minor-league seasons, “Pee Wee” made his big-league debut with the L.A. Dodgers in 2006. He saw action in 2007 and 2008 before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Delwyn played OF and 2B through 2010 before moving into coaching. He was a hitting coach for the New York Mets and coached former ’Ster Luke Ritter in 2019. He is one of several members of the Young family with Foresters connections.

Class of 2020

Pat Burns

Longtime coach, general manager, league commissioner

Pat Burns joined the Foresters as a coach in 1993 and remained on the field (with a short break) until 2009. As a coach, he worked with the team’s hitters and helped them win key games, leading to the team’s first national championship in 2006. As the team’s general manager and all-around organizer, he set up many front-office systems, helped develop the intern program, organized the team’s finances, among many other jobs. From 2010 to 2019, Pat was the commissioner of the California Collegiate League, which he guided to the top ranks of America’s summer baseball programs. In 2020, he opened Paradise Nursery with his wife Celeste; visit him there in Goleta!

Aaron Gordnier

Outfield

Aaron Gordinier is a longtime member of the Foresters’ family. He played for the team in 1996 and 1997 before beginning a career in business. Aaron has continued his association with the Foresters as a big donor and participant in Foresters events. His enthusiasm for the team and the Hugs for Cubs is infectious and he has brought many new fans and supporters into the fold.

Jeff McNeil

Infield/outfield, MLB

Infielder Jeff McNeil was part of the Foresters’ 2011 National Championship team. Jeff’s speed and hustle were a big part of the Foresters’ title, and he helped the Long Beach State Dirtbags until he was drafted by the Mets in 2013. In 2018, he thrilled his many fans in his native Santa Barbara and in Nipomo, where he was raised and played Little League, by earning a starting spot in the New York Mets’ infield. He hit .329 for the season to begin one of of the Foresters’ most successful MLB careers. Jeff was an NL All-Star in 2019 and 2022, and was the NL batting champion in 2022 with a .326 average.

Editor’s Note: The 2021 and 2022 Hall of Fame ceremonies were not held due to COVID-19.

Class of 2023

Aaron Bates

Aaron was a slugging catcher and first baseman for the Foresters in 2003 and 2004, posting a .320 average in 2003. In both seasons, Bates helped the Foresters reach the national championship game. Aaron played at San Jose State and North Carolina State, from where he was drafted in 2006 by the Boston Red Sox. After eight minor-league seasons (and several seasons of winter ball in Puerto Rico), Aaron made the Majors with Boston in 2009. After retiring in 2014, Aaron became a hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, including a stint as minor league hitting coordinator. In 2022, he was named co-hitting coach for the big-league club, where he now works with Shohei Ohtani, among others.

Jaylin Davis

Along with being one of the top hitters on the 2014 Foresters (.341 and team-high 32 RBI), outfielder Jaylin was part of one of the most famous plays in Foresters history. While going 4-for-6 in the NBC World Series Championship Game, his incredible outfield assist cut down a possible winning run in the ninth, allowing the ’Sters to win in extra innings. Jaylin played at Appalachian State and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2015. He made his big-league debut with the San Francisco Giants, playing three seasons there before joining the Boston Red Sox in 2022.

Jon Duplantier

Foresters fans who remember seeing this tall righthander pitch know that he was one of the hardest-throwing and most successful hurlers in team history. While playing at Rice University, Jon was part of the Foresters’ 2014 NBC World Series national-championship team. He won a crucial semifinal game in that tournament, part of a 6-2 season record. He also had 74 strikeouts in 2014, the second-most in Foresters history. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016, he made his MLB debut in 2019. Jon signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization for 2023.

Class of 2024

Dana Eveland

Pitcher, MLB

Dana has literally pitched all around the world, starting at Hill College in Texas, then the Foresters in 2002. Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers, Dana saw action on 14 minor league teams, but most importantly had 11 Major League seasons with 10 different teams from 2005 to 2016 (including 2011 with the LA Dodgers!) . Fun fact: In all that time, he had as many hits as errors: 1 each! Dana also pitched in Korea and Mexico! He is a regular player in the Foresters golf tournament and a big and longtime supporter of the Hugs for Cubs. His brother Kyle is also a former ’Ster.

Josh Jung

Third base, MLB

This former Texas Tech star was the Foresters MVP in 2017, when he hit .341 and led the team with 31 RBI. Two years later, Josh was chosen eighth overall by the Rangers. He debuted in late 2022 and by the start of the ’23 season had grabbed the starting spot at the hot corner. He was a two-time AL Rookie of the Month, ending with 23 homers and 70 RBI on the season while earning a spot on the starting lineup for the AL All-Star Team. After the Rangers won the AL pennant, he hit .350 as the Rangers beat the Diamondbacks to win the franchise’s first World Series. Josh is the first Foresters player to earn a World Series ring.

Brett Hayes

Catcher, coach, MLB

A catcher with the University of Nevada, Brett was a Forester in 2003, where he helped the team to a runner-up finish in the NBC World Series (and an “American” championship, as the team the Foresters lost to in the final was from Taiwan!). He was drafted in the second round by the then-Florida Marlins in 2005 and made his big-league debut in 2009. He later played for Kansas City and Cleveland, before moving into scouting. He became the Rangers bullpen coach in 2022 and in 2023 joined the celebration as his team won the 2023 World Series.