The 2026 California high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across California.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in their respective CIF Section Championship Game, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview these individual programs across California. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across California. Each week we will be releasing our Power 25, Players of the Week, Diamond Notes, podcasts, and much more.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today with the Riverside Poly Bears.

High School: Riverside Poly Bears
Head Coach: Billy Ermert
CIF Section: Southern
Team Strengths: Pitching, speed, outfield, and impact transfers.
2025 Record: 15-12
Returning Starters: 9

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• OF Matt Henry (2026)
• C Michael Neri (2026)
• RHP Danny Bedford (2026)
• OF/1B Gavin Malmberg (2026)
• SS Mayan De Nava (2027)

• RHP/3B/OF Keaton Pilliter (2027)

• LHP/1B Carter Athens (2027)
• UTIL//RHP Maddox Hackworth (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• RHP/INF Jake Cevallos (2028)

• UTIL Matthew Neri (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Riverside Poly enters 2026 with a veteran-heavy roster, coming off a CIF Southern Section Division 5 Playoff appearance, and a clear identity built around pitching depth, speed, and athleticism. Head coach Billy Ermert returns nine starters and five pitchers from last year’s 15–12 squad, while also adding impact transfers that raise the team’s overall ceiling. The Bears’ outfield depth and team speed should pressure opponents defensively, and with a strong core of experienced arms, Poly is positioned to control games on the mound while playing an aggressive, fast-paced style.

The senior class provides leadership and production across the field. OF Matt Henry (2026) brings speed, defensive range, and continued offensive growth, while C Michael Neri (2026) serves as the heartbeat of the team, handling the pitching staff and anchoring the middle of the order. On the mound, RHP Danny Bedford (2026) gives Poly a proven workhorse with over 100 varsity innings and a reliable three-pitch mix. OF/1B Gavin Malmberg (2026) adds athleticism and pull-side power, and the arrival of Coppin State commit OF/RHP Jayden Hicks (2026) injects dynamic two-way ability with plus speed, power, and another quality arm for the staff.

The 2027 group deepens the roster with versatile contributors like SS Mayan De Nava (2027), RHP/3B/OF Keaton Pilliter (2027), LHP/1B Carter Athens (2027), and UTIL//RHP Maddox Hackworth (2027), while younger pieces RHP/INF Jake Cevallos (2028) and UTIL Matthew Neri (2029) provide added depth and future upside. With experience throughout the lineup, multiple competitive arms, and impact athletes at key positions, Riverside Poly has the makeup to build on last season and emerge as a dangerous, well-rounded group in 2026.

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Quote from the Coach

“We return 80% of our roster from last season. We are excited to welcome a few new Bears at key positions. We have solid depth on the mound returning 75% of our innings from last season. The Bears will be dynamic with a mix of speed and power. We have experience in the junior and sophomore classes as well.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Riverside Poly Bears program below:

+ @PolyBearsBSBL
+ High School Previews

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