Burroughs Bears are looking to roar their way to success in 2026 

Published by

Lorenzo Antonio

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Bears looking to challenge Arcadia for the Pacific League Title this season 

A baseball field with players practicing in red uniforms, featuring a backdrop of mountains and banners celebrating 'CIF Champions 2022.'

The John Burroughs Bears are looking forward to having another successful season under Matt Magallon, who’s entering his seventh season as the head coach of the baseball program. Last season the Bears finished with a 20-8 overall record and went 10-4 in Pacific League play resulting in a tie for second place with Crescenta Valley. 

A baseball field with players practicing. One player in a red jersey with the number '76' stands near home plate, gesturing. Another player is further out in the field. The background shows bleachers and advertisements.
A baseball practice scene showing players in red jerseys on a field. A pitcher is throwing the ball while a batter stands ready. Two coaches are seated on a bench with baseball equipment nearby.

Burroughs went on to the CIF Southern Section playoffs to play Ganesha but ended losing 2-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. The Bears will look to be a threat to Arcadia for the Pacific League championship this season. 

Baseball practice scene with players on the field; one player sits on a chair near a batting cart, while another prepares to hit a pitched ball.
A baseball field with players practicing in the background. One player is pitching while two others are catching. In the foreground, two coaches observe from a cart and chair. The scene is set under a clear sky with mountains visible in the distance.

Under Magallon, the coaching staff features associate head coach Frank Tamorina, junior varsity head coach Joe Rodriguez and head frosh coach Gio Macias. They will have assistant coaches, Mitch Kellogg, Ian Nord, Kam Diaz (varsity pitching coach), Tony Ciccone, Ryan Daniels, Revin Diego and Moises Marroquin. 

A baseball field during practice with players in red uniforms. One player oversees batting practice while another sits in a chair behind a batting cage.
A baseball practice scene showing several players on a field. One player in a red jersey with the number 76 is throwing a ball, while another player sits on a chair beside a batting practice cart. A third player stands holding a bat, and other players are visible in the background.

Ciccone is a new addition to the Burroughs baseball coaching staff, coming from the Burbank Bulldogs baseball coaching staff with Bob Hart last season. 

A baseball field with players in red uniforms practicing. An American flag is visible on the outfield wall, and a scoreboard is displayed in the background.
Baseball practice scene with players in red jerseys on a field, one player sitting with a cart of baseballs while others practice in the background.

“I’m very excited about the upcoming season,” said Matt Magallon. “The guys put in a lot of hard work throughout the fall and this team has earned the right to compete for league titles as I’m confident that it will pay off”. Magallon also expressed his excitement about adding Ciccone to his coaching staff and added that his knowledge of the game of baseball is helping the kids get better each day. 

A baseball field with players in red uniforms practicing in front of a backdrop displaying 'CIF CHAMPIONS 2022' and mountains in the background.
A youth baseball player wearing a red shirt and cap runs on a field with a backdrop of mountains under a blue sky. The scene shows a baseball diamond and other players in the background.

This year’s roster will feature three college commits along with four returning all Pacific League players in seniors, Devin Whittekiend (first team all Pacific League first baseman/pitcher/Coppin State University Committ), Jack Smith (second team all Pacific League catcher/LaVerne Commit), along with Juniors, Elliot Ross (second team all Pacific League infielder), and rounding out the core Slater Mersola (reigning Pacific League’s Honorable Mention). 

A group of young baseball players in red uniforms practicing on a field with a scoreboard in the background.
A group of baseball players in red shirts practice on a field, with a coach in a black hoodie and cap demonstrating a pitch. The field has stadium lights and banners in the background.

Not only have Whittekiend and Smith committed to the college baseball schools of their choice, senior sidearm relief pitcher Mason Fournier will be playing baseball at Cal Poly Pomona next spring. 

Baseball practice scene with players in red jerseys, one standing with a bat, another sitting in a chair with a bat cart nearby, and additional players practicing in the background.
Baseball practice scene showing players in red uniforms on a field, some practicing batting and a player seated in a chair with a batting cage in the foreground.

“I’m very excited about playing college baseball at Coppin State University next spring,” said Devin Whittekiend. “I’m ready to put in all the hard work in my senior season with Burroughs baseball to help me get ready for the next level.” Whittekiend also added that his parents played a role in his hard work throughout his high school journey and were instrumental in his college baseball decision. 

A group of young baseball players wearing red uniforms standing on a baseball field during practice. The background features stadium lights and a scoreboard.

“I’m sad that my brother Kyle and myself are not on the same team anymore but at the same time I’m committed to building my own brand with Burroughs baseball in my senior season” said Jack Smith. Smith shared his excitement about playing college baseball at LaVerne University and stated that their program is great along with his enthusiasm in the coaching staff with LaVerne college baseball. 

Group of young baseball players in red jerseys practicing on a diamond with mountains in the background and stadium lights.

The Bears will begin the 2026 season on Friday, February 20 when they host Village Christian on the first day of the Dave Moore Tournament. First pitch between the Bears and Crusaders will be at 6:00 p.m. This game will also feature teachers appreciation night, honoring the Burroughs educators, administrators, and members of the faculty. 

Baseball practice scene at a field, with players in red shirts engaged in training. A batting cage is visible in the background along with mountains and bleachers.
A group of baseball players wearing red jerseys and caps gathered on a baseball field, with some players practicing while others observe. The field is well-maintained, featuring stadium lights and a scoreboard in the background.

Burroughs will begin Pacific League play with a two-game series with the Pasadena Bulldogs with game one taking place at Pasadena High School on Tuesday March 3 at 3:15 p.m. Game two of the series between Burroughs and Pasadena will take place on Friday, March 6 at John Burroughs High School at 6:30 p.m. 

Baseball field with two coaches in red shirts, a pitching machine, and a cart of baseballs on the ground.

Burroughs will host first responders night in their home contest against Muir on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. Senior night honoring members of the Burroughs baseball class of 2026 will take place on Tuesday, March 31 against Hoover with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.  Another key date on the calendar will be Little League night on Friday, April 10 when Burroughs host St. Anthony at 6:00 p.m. Following the Burroughs St. Anthony baseball game on April 10th, the little league baseball players from the Burbank parks and recreation teams will run the bases after the final out is recorded. 

A baseball field with players practicing. Several individuals in red jerseys are on the field, with mountains visible in the background and banners displayed along the outfield fence.

Burroughs will conclude the season with a two-game series with their crosstown rivals the Burbank Bulldogs with the first game taking place at Burbank high school and then the series finale will take place on Friday, May 1 at John Burroughs high school. Both of those games will take place at 6:30 p.m. The game on May 1 will feature a red out with spectators wearing Burroughs Baseball red t-shirts to pack the bleachers. In addition, this will also be the final ever home game for the eight graduating seniors on the Burroughs Bears baseball team in Jack Smith, Thomas Martin, Devin Whittekiend, Logan Drossin, Ryan Walsh, Jack Guest, Mason Fournier, Zack Guevara, and Nathan Bartolo. Stay tuned for coverage with Burroughs baseball all season long. 

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