Toby DeMello was introduced this week as the 21st head coach of Pacific baseball, stepping into a role that became vacant following the untimely death of Reed Peters. He expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead Pacific Baseball, emphasizing his commitment to building a competitive program.
DeMello arrives with a résumé that includes five years at the power‑four level, most recently as a hitting coach at the University of Arizona, where his units ranked among the nation’s best and helped the Wildcats reach the 2025 College World Series. His offenses produced 19 All‑Conference selections, four All‑Americans and three first‑round MLB Draft picks.
A New Chapter for Pacific Baseball
Prior to Arizona, he served as an assistant coach and director of operations at Sacramento State, guiding the team to a 2019 Western Athletic Conference tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance. He also played college baseball at Saint Mary's and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2012, spending three seasons in the minor leagues before stints in the Frontier League.
The hiring has drawn praise from a network of colleagues and former mentors. Michael Earley, Texas A&M Head Baseball Coach, highlighted DeMello’s leadership and work ethic, while Kevin Vance of San Diego State emphasized his ability to develop players and forge meaningful relationships. Reggie Christiansen, Sacramento State Head Coach, and Mark Orr, Athletic Director, also commended his character and dedication.
Current players and alumni echo the sentiment. Aaron Walton, a Lake County Captains outfielder, and Adonys Guzman, a Salem RidgeYaks catcher, credited DeMello with sharpening their catching and hitting skills. Daniel Susac, a San Francisco Giants catcher, thanked him for improving his game behind the plate.
DeMello’s debut is scheduled for the spring of 2027, a timeline that aligns with the Tigers’ ambition to re‑establish themselves as a contender in the West Coast Conference. The program hopes his regional ties and innovative approach will attract top talent from California, Arizona and beyond.