Mendocino College Baseball Completes Breakthrough 2026 Season, Establishes Program Standard
Ukiah, CA — The 2026 season marked a turning point for Mendocino College Baseball, as the program took a significant step forward both competitively and culturally.
From opening the season with a series sweep over College of the Redwoods to winning 4 of 7 conference series—including another sweep—the Eagles proved they could compete and win against top-level competition. Mendocino also emerged as the hottest team in the Bay Valley Conference in April, winning 8 of its final 11 games down the stretch.
That progress translated into results, as the Eagles finished the season with a 19–18 overall record and a 12–9 mark in conference play, marking the first time in several years the program had achieved a winning record both overall and in conference play.
Throughout the season, Mendocino delivered key performances against top opponents, including winning 2 of 3 against second-place Los Medanos, snapping their nine-game winning streak, and taking the season series from Solano Community College in both conference and non-conference play. These were not isolated wins—they reflected the program's growth and competitiveness.
Mendocino also saw strong individual success, highlighted by eight selections to the 2026 CCCBCA Academic All-State Team: Kooper Dockins, Dominic Joseph, Carson Goss, Evan Needham, Brayden Colletto, Kent Abe, Matt Anderson, and Jackson Sadler—demonstrating excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
The Eagles take home multiple Bay Valley Conference honors, highlighted by Freshman Pitcher of the Year Westley Bush, who also earned First Team All-Conference honors, alongside First Team selections Dominic Joseph and Trenton Ford, and Second Team honorees Elijah Aguilar, Troy Rizo, Evan Needham, and Brodie Miller.
Despite these accomplishments, Mendocino College Baseball was not selected for the 3C2A NorCal Playoffs. The Eagles finished 19–18 overall and 12–9 in conference play, including a 5–3 record against the top three teams in the Bay Valley Conference and a 4–2 mark against Los Medanos and Solano. By performance, Mendocino established itself among the conference's top teams but ultimately remained just outside the playoff field.
Regardless, this team is not defined by that outcome.
It is defined by its response.
The Eagles remained competitive, stayed unified, and played their best baseball down the stretch—demonstrating resilience, growth, and a commitment to the standard they established.
"This group didn't just compete—they set a standard," said Head Coach Michael Nackord. "What they built this season is something we're going to continue to grow."
The success of the 2026 season was a collective effort. Coaches Brett Kim, Bill Kurata, Danny Graham, and Michael Martinez-Whitaker played a critical role in developing the team and helping establish the culture and direction of the program.
The impact of the 2026 season has extended beyond the field. The program has gained recognition from the local community, the broader baseball landscape, and within Mendocino College itself.
Mendocino College Baseball continues to focus on developing tough, disciplined, competitive ballplayers who represent Ukiah and the surrounding communities with pride. The roster is made up of players from across California, out of state, and right here at home—each contributing to the culture and direction of the program.
Many members of this team will continue their collegiate baseball careers, while others will pursue professional paths in law enforcement, the fire service, coaching, education, business, journalism, and more.
While their paths may differ, one thing remains constant—
They got their start here.
MENDO Baseball Pride.
Stay tuned. We'll be highlighting our All-Conference players and the individuals who built this season in the days ahead.