Founded in 1950 along with the establishment of Mater Dei High School, the Boys Baseball program has been the household name in the Southern California Region of high school baseball. With three CIF Championships (1980, 2005, and 2010) and two Boras Classic titles (2013 and 2024), the team continues a tradition of discipline and outstanding performances during the 2025 season.

For Head Coach Richard Mercado, leading the Monarchs is not just a job, it is about continuing a legacy that he has been a part of since his own high school years. As a Mater Dei 2001 alumnus and former player in the baseball program, returning to coach his Alma Mater has been a full-circle moment for Mercado. 

“I guess for me, this program means a lot,” Mercado said. “Our class of 2001 still holds the school record for most wins in a season. I’m hoping, as a coach someday, I [can] give these guys as good an experience as I had when I was a Monarch here.” 

Now in the middle of the 2025 season, the Monarchs have a high focus and intensity on carrying their legacy of success with every game they play. Mercado emphasizes the team’s commitment to daily improvement, hoping to bring the best performance to fans.

“We’re trying to take it one day at a time,” Mercado said. “Just trying to show up and compete every game to our best abilities.”

A crucial part of the journey is competing in the Boras Classic, a highly competitive private tournament in Southern California. Mercado believes that this experience prepares both the players and coaching staff to handle the intensity of the playoffs.

“It’s like the CIF playoffs all crammed into a one-week schedule,” Mercado said. “You learn that you have to be efficient as a pitching staff, throwing strikes early so our starters can get deep into games. One thing we learned [is] that we can compete with anybody.”

While competition is a major focus, Mercado also highlights the values at the core of the program. To him, the season is not only about the performance during games, but also about growth and how his players represent themselves. Mercado hopes that people will see more than just talent on the field, he wants them to recognize the people behind the jerseys.

“Hopefully they’re seeing a team that plays a really hard, fast-paced, high-energy style of baseball,” Mercado said. “You’ll see a group of guys that are together like a family, and they compete well as a group. I’m hoping [everyone] can see these guys, for they are just great human beings.”

After four years in the program, senior Dylan Wetzel focuses on leaving a memorable impact. With his last opportunity to represent Mater Dei on the field, Wetzel hopes to carry on the legacy of championships while still enjoying his last moments in his high school baseball career. 

“My goals for myself and the team this year are to have fun and win the CIF championship,” Wetzel said. “I want to finish it by having fun and leaving a long-lasting impression on my teammates and those around me.”

Over the years, Wetzel’s mindset toward the game has evolved. The ups and downs of baseball have taught him to stay calm and focus on enjoying the moments, even when problems and road bumps could happen unexpectedly. 

“My perspective on baseball has changed because I have realized that having fun is the best way to succeed,” Wetzel said.

Kicking off the season with a ten-game winning streak gave the Monarchs a strong boost in momentum and confidence. That spark has continued into the league play, with junior Jack Reis proving to be a supportive contributor and a positive influence for his teammates. 

“The 2025 season has been going well so far,” Reis said. “I’ve been improving every game and pushing myself to get better. As a team, we’re focused on winning a league championship and making a deep run in the playoffs.”

As a rising senior, Reis finds motivation in his teammates, a mindset that helps him grow into a leadership role for the year ahead.

“My motivation every time I step on the field is to give my best for my teammates,” Reis said. “I want to leave everything on the field, knowing I did everything I could.”

Managing the demands of athletics with academics is not an easy task for many student-athletes, especially during the spring, as Advanced Placement (AP) exams and other responsibilities stack up. But with discipline and thorough planning, Reis has found ways to stay on top of both.

“Balancing school and baseball is tough,” Reis said. “But I make sure to stay organized, finish homework early, and use my free time wisely so I can focus on both.”

Like many players who have been a part of the program, Reis says the lessons he has gained were far beyond the diamond. For him, being a Monarch is more than just playing a sport, it is about becoming the best version of himself, embracing the school’s motto of Honor, Glory, and Love. 

“The program at Mater Dei has pushed me to be both a better player and a stronger person,” Reis said. “I’ve learned discipline, teamwork, and how to stay focused on my goals. I have also learned many valuable life lessons, which I can hold onto for the rest of my life.”