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 Thomas Downey Knights.

High School: Thomas Downey Knights
Head Coach: Justin Schwitters
CIF Section: Sac-Juaquin
Team Strengths: Infield depth and pitching.
2025 Record: 13-16
Returning Starters: 3

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• INF Julian Masani (2027)
• INF/RHP Gus Munoz (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF/RHP Gage Parr (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Knights enter 2026 looking to build on a 13–16 season behind a roster that leans on infield depth and an emerging pitching staff under head coach Justin Schwitters. With three returning starters and two returning pitchers, the Knights will rely on internal development and younger contributors stepping into expanded roles to build off of a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 playoff appearance. The foundation up the middle should provide stability as the roster continues to mature.

The infield is highlighted by INF Julian Masani (2027), who impressed as a sophomore by hitting .400 and establishing himself as a reliable offensive presence. INF/RHP Gus Munoz (2027) gives Downey an impact two-way piece, going 4–1 in league starts a year ago while also flashing some pop. His ability to impact games both on the mound and at the plate will be central to the Knights’ success, particularly as they look to solidify the rotation.

A key name to watch is INF/RHP Gage Parr (2028), an underclassman with clean arm action and the makeup to contribute early. Parr’s development could be pivotal in adding needed depth to the pitching staff. With a young core gaining experience and a pair of sophomore standouts anchoring the infield, Downey has the pieces in place to take steps forward in 2026 as its next wave continues to develop.

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Quote from the Coach

“We will be a young team this year and are hoping to keep the playoff streak alive.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Downey Knights program below:

+ @tdhsbaseball
+ High School Previews

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