This years varsity baseball team welcomes their new pitching coach David Gurbach and new assistant pitching coach Dan Giese.

Gurbach graduated from Aliso Viejo high school, then pitched at Indiana State University and was a coach last year for the freshmen baseball team.

“Being that he [Gurbach] was a division one pitcher, we decided to make him pitching coach for the varsity team this year,” said Jeremey Wooten, head coach of the boys baseball team.

Giese pitched for the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and the Oaklands A’s for about three and a half years, then spent some time in the minor league. He also pitched in college at the University of San Diego. Giese is now currently a scout for the Yankees

“Dan brings a wealth of experience in pitching and coaching to our team. He has pitched with us before for a year or so, its good to have him back now. Giese and I actually go way back, I’m talking like T-Ball back, like when we were seven years old. We grew up together playing baseball. I’m really glad i get to coach with him now,” said Wooten.

“Both coaches are really nice and helpful. They bring a lot of knowledge and they both have a lot of experience with the game. It’s fun working with them, it’s nice having someone who knows about the specific position I play along with the other pitchers,” said Jackson Lanigan, junior, varsity pitcher.

 “I personally think it’s really cool having a major league pitcher coaching our pitchers, having Gurbach and Giese coaching is really awesome and very beneficial to us,” said Colton Plourde, senior, outfielder, and one of four captains.

“Coach Gurbach is a really cool guy, he is really dedicated to coaching and I just like working with him. We are able to connect with him on a more personal level, I feel. We all run together and work out which is really fun,” said Tim Howard, senior, varsity pitcher.

“To start with coach Giese, he’s the nicest, most laid back coach you will ever meet. His criticism is always constructive and he’s a really easy guy to get along with,” said Brandon Scarpato, senior, varsity shortstop, third baseman, second baseman.

The varsity team is looking forward to a great and successful season with their new coaches.