You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you’re commuting through the Inland Empire. Tucked away on the sprawling campus of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, there is a patch of grass that has seen more professional-grade talent than most mid-sized cities. It’s Scolinos Field. Honestly, if you know anything about Division II baseball, you know that Cal Poly Pomona baseball isn't just another program; it's a bit of a machine. It’s gritty. It’s a place where the wind swirls off the hills and the shadows stretch long over a diamond that has birthed legends.
People often forget how deep the history goes here. We aren’t just talking about a couple of winning seasons. We are talking about three national championships. That’s elite.
Success like that doesn't just happen by accident or by having a nice recruiting brochure. It’s built on a specific brand of "Bronco Baseball" that started long ago under the legendary John Scolinos. He was the guy who wore the home plate around his neck to teach life lessons about not widening the strike zone of your own character. That philosophy still lingers in the dugout today. Even now, under the steady hand of Randy Betten, the program remains a perennial threat in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). It’s a tough conference. Probably the toughest in the country at the DII level. You’ve got Chico State, UC San Diego (before they moved up), and Cal State Monterey Bay all beating each other up every weekend. Yet, Pomona stays relevant.
The Betten Era and the 2020s Renaissance
Randy Betten took over in 2011. Since then, he’s basically become the winningest coach in the program's modern history. He surpassed 400 wins recently, which is a massive milestone when you consider the meat-grinder schedule the Broncos play.
Winning in the CCAA requires a very specific type of player. You need guys who can handle the bus rides to Arcata to play Cal Poly Humboldt and then turn around and face a 95-mph fastball on Sunday. In 2024, we saw this grit on full display. The Broncos didn't just sleepwalk through the season; they fought their way into the NCAA West Regional. Again. It’s become a bit of a tradition.
Look at the 2024 roster. You had standout performances from guys like Caleb Reyes on the mound and Anthony Gibbons at the plate. Reyes was a beast, earning All-American honors and showing that the Broncos can still develop arms that make pro scouts sit up and take notice. When you watch these guys, you notice they don't play "pretty" baseball. They play efficient baseball. They bunt. They move runners. They throw strikes. It's fundamental, almost old-school, which is refreshing in an era where everyone is just swinging for the fences and looking at launch angles.
Why the 1976 and 1980 Teams Still Matter
You can't talk about Cal Poly Pomona baseball without looking back. It’s mandatory. The 1976 and 1980 national titles are the bedrock of the program's identity.
In '76, Scolinos led them to a 40-27-1 record. They weren't necessarily the favorites, but they had this weird, stubborn refusal to lose. Then 1980 happened. That team was a juggernaut. They finished 42-18-1 and capped it off with another trophy. It’s that legacy that makes current recruits choose Pomona over some D1 schools where they might just ride the bench. They want to be part of a "winning culture." That phrase is a total cliché, I know. But at CPP, there’s actual hardware in the trophy case to back it up.
The MLB Pipeline: More Than Just a Small School
There is a massive misconception that if you don't go to a Power Five school, you won't get drafted. That's just wrong. Cal Poly Pomona has sent dozens of players to the big leagues.
Ever heard of Darrell Miller? Or maybe Alan Newman? These guys came through Pomona. More recently, we’ve seen players like Cody Ehrhart and Will Garcia make waves in the minor league circuits. Scouts love the Broncos because they know these kids are "college-polished." They’ve played in high-pressure games. They’ve been coached hard.
The developmental side of the program is arguably its strongest asset. Because it’s a polytechnic university, there’s this weirdly appropriate "learn by doing" ethos that translates perfectly to the baseball field. You see it in the way the pitchers manage their workloads and the hitters approach their counts. It’s analytical but practical.
Scolinos Field: The X-Factor
Let’s talk about the stadium. Scolinos Field isn't some billion-dollar stadium with luxury suites and a sushi bar. It’s a baseball yard.
The dimensions are fair, but the elements are unpredictable. The Inland Empire heat in late April is no joke. The wind can turn a routine fly ball into a home run or a towering drive into an out at the warning track. Opposing teams hate coming here. The fans are close to the action, and there’s an intimacy that makes every pitch feel heavier.
Recent renovations have helped, though. They’ve upgraded the lighting and the playing surface, making it one of the premier venues in the CCAA. But it still feels like a place where work gets done. It fits the school's identity perfectly. Hard hats. Lunch pails. Base hits.
What to Expect in the Coming Seasons
The landscape of college athletics is shifting. With the transfer portal and NIL, even DII schools are feeling the heat. But Cal Poly Pomona has a bit of an edge here. Their academic reputation is stellar.
Parents want their kids to go there because a degree from CPP actually means something in the real world. This helps the coaches recruit high-academic players who are also studs on the field. It’s a "best of both worlds" scenario.
For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, keep an eye on the pitching depth. Betten has always prioritized arms. If the Broncos can find a consistent Friday night starter to replace the departing seniors, they are almost guaranteed a spot in the postseason. They have this knack for finding "late bloomers"—guys who maybe grew two inches and added 5 mph to their fastball the summer after high school.
Understanding the CCAA Rivalries
If you want to see Cal Poly Pomona baseball at its most intense, you have to watch them play Cal State San Bernardino. It’s the "Battle of the 10 Freeway." The proximity of the two schools creates a natural friction.
Then there’s the rivalry with Chico State. For years, these two have been the titans of the West Region. When Chico comes to town, the atmosphere changes. It’s louder. The games are longer. Every foul ball feels like a personal insult. This kind of competition is why the CCAA is so respected. You don't get "off days" in this league. If you show up sleepy to a Saturday doubleheader against Cal State Monterey Bay, you’re going to get swept.
The Broncos' ability to stay at the top of this heap for decades is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a testament to the coaching staff and the institutional support for the program.
Tips for Fans and Aspiring Recruits
If you’re planning on heading out to a game, here is the reality:
- Parking can be a bit of a trek. Use the parking structures and give yourself an extra ten minutes to walk down to the field.
- The sun is brutal. The third-base side gets baked in the afternoon. Bring a hat.
- The mid-week games are hidden gems. You often see younger pitchers getting their first real college innings, and the games move fast.
For the high school players looking at CPP: understand that they value versatility. They love guys who can play multiple positions. If you’re a shortstop who can also pitch an inning of relief, you’re exactly the type of player Randy Betten looks for. Also, don't slack on your grades. Cal Poly Pomona doesn't do "academic exceptions" like some other athletic powerhouses. You have to be a student first.
Actionable Next Steps for Bronco Fans
If you want to stay in the loop with the team, don’t just check the scores on Sunday night. The best way to follow Cal Poly Pomona baseball is through their live-streamed games on the CCAA Network. Most games are broadcast with decent commentary, and it’s the best way to see the new talent before they hit the headlines.
For those in the Southern California area, go to a series. Tickets are affordable, usually around $10 for adults, which is the best value for high-level baseball in the region. You get to see future pros for the price of a fast-food meal.
Lastly, check out the official Bronco Athletics website for the most up-to-date stats and schedule changes. Weather in Pomona can be finicky in the spring, and doubleheaders get moved around all the time. Follow their social media channels—specifically their Twitter (or X) feed—for real-time lineup announcements and mid-inning updates.
The program is currently in a "reloading" phase rather than a "rebuilding" one. The talent is there, the coaching is elite, and the history is undeniable. Whether you're an alum or just a local baseball fan, paying attention to what's happening at Scolinos Field is always worth your time. The next big leaguer might be standing in the on-deck circle right now.