A Sudden End to a Distinguished Tenure
Kevin McCaffrey, the longtime baseball coach at Corona del Mar High School, was removed from his position after eight seasons that produced three Sunset Wave League championships and the program’s first Division 1 playoff appearance. His teams finished with a cumulative record of 121‑81‑2, and the 2022 squad earned an at‑large berth in the Division 3 playoffs before falling to Fullerton 7‑6 in the second round.
The school administration pointed to a decline in participation and communication challenges as the primary reasons for the change. While the decision has sparked disappointment among players and alumni, district officials say the move is intended to revitalize interest in the program and address shifting demographics within the school.
McCaffrey’s departure comes just weeks after he returned to the dugout following the removal of a brain tumor. Despite the health setback, he continued to mentor his players and even taught a class on field management and maintenance. His resilience exemplified the culture he built, a culture in which the team never played a meaningless game.
Beyond the diamond, McCaffrey will remain on campus as a teacher, ensuring that his influence endures in the classroom as well as on the field. His father, Tom McCaffrey, also left a mark on local baseball as a longtime coach at Laguna Hills, underscoring a family legacy that has shaped the sport in the region.