Watsonville’s baseball stars shine in 2026 All‑PCAL honors
The Pacific Coast Athletic League unveiled its 2026 baseball all‑team selections this week, recognizing a slate of standout athletes from the four local high schools. The announcement, made on June 1, highlighted a strong showing for Watsonville‑area programs, with fourteen players earning spots across the league’s divisions.
In the Cypress Division, Watsonville High’s senior Mathew Silva and junior Jeremiah Mendez were both named to the first team, while Pajaro Valley senior Steve Martinez also earned first‑team honors. Their selections underscore the continued competitiveness of Watsonville’s baseball program.
St. Francis High also performed impressively, as junior Nicky Fantl and sophomore Noah Magan secured first‑team accolades in the Gabilan Division. Freshman Angel Urabe Chavez and junior Mikie Melenudo were recognized on the second team, reflecting the depth of talent on the Lancers’ roster.
The league additionally celebrated sportsmanship, naming a Richard Chamberlin All‑Sportsmanship Team that includes St. Francis sophomore Jacob Fonseca, MVC junior Chris Bautista, Pajaro Valley’s JC DeLuna, and Watsonville’s Timothy Ruelas. Their inclusion highlights the emphasis on character alongside athletic achievement.
Other Watsonville‑area players receiving second‑team nods include Brody Barto and Mauricio Estrada from Watsonville High, as well as Roy Sanchez‑Diaz from Pajaro Valley High. Their acknowledgment rounds out a season in which local teams amassed a total of fourteen all‑league selections.
The full list of honorees provides a snapshot of emerging talent in the region and sets the stage for next year’s campaigns. With multiple first‑team representatives and a strong sportsmanship contingent, the 2026 season has been marked as one of the most promising in recent memory for the local baseball community.