The 2026 All-Orange County baseball squad was celebrated recently, spotlighting the region’s top players and coaches as the season drew to a close.
Grindlinger’s Year to Remember
Jared Grindlinger of Huntington Beach was crowned the county’s Player of the Year after a season that blended power at the plate with dominance on the mound. He batted .376, amassing 41 hits that included 10 doubles, while scoring 26 runs and posting an OPS of 1.000.
In the regional championship, he delivered a two‑run homer and later contributed two relief innings in which he struck out two batters, helping Huntington Beach secure the CIF Southern California Regional Division I title.
Slevcove’s Dominance on the Mound
Cypress right‑hander Drew Slevcove earned Pitcher of the Year honors, finishing the year 7‑0 with a 0.92 ERA and 108 strikeouts across 76 innings. His consistency helped the Crestview League champions finish the season with a 10‑2 league record.
Kiefer Leads Costa Mesa to Glory
Coach Jim Kiefer of Costa Mesa was recognized as Coach of the Year after guiding his squad to the Empire League championship and a final record of 21‑8. Under his leadership the team combined solid hitting with disciplined pitching to finish the campaign as one of the most successful in school history.
All‑County Teams Reflect Depth of Talent
The All‑County selections spanned first, second and third teams, covering every defensive position and highlighting the breadth of talent throughout Orange County. The lists featured standout infielders, outfielders and utility players who contributed to their schools’ successes.