I'm shocked our 2026 season ended prematurely, getting swept in two games by the San Rafael Pacifics. Not only did we get swept, we played poorly, losing the first game 18-3 and the do or die game 10-5.

I thought we had the better team. We won the season series 7-5 over the Pacifics and beat them up in a few of those wins. But to be the man you have to beat the man and credit San Rafael for kicking our asses. 

Other than the playoffs it was an enjoyable season overall. We finished 29-18 in second place, just behind Dublin. The Leprechauns, the top seed in the Pacific Division playoffs, lost in two games also, to the Martinez Sturgeon. I didn't see that happening either.

We played the regular season finale on a Sunday in Dublin. It was a meaningless game, both teams rested players and Dublin won the game. As I was leaving Fallon Field in Dublin, Leprechauns General Manager Guy Houston said to me, with a smile, "see you Thursday," meaning for the start of the second round of the playoffs. Inside I was thinking, "No, you didn't just say that Guy!"  I'm sure the baseball Gods heard that too. I just said to Guy, "I hope so." So instead of being in Dublin on Thursday, I was on my way home to Denver.

Martinez pulled another upset and beat San Rafael in two games. The Sturgeon were pretty bad on the road all season but they won four playoff games on the road before heading to Garden City, Kansas, where their luck ran out and were swept by the new Pecos League Champions, the Garden City Wind.

Back to the Train Robbers. We had several people move up. Infielder Cade Fujii signed with the Athletics. Tristan Perry, a righthanded relief pitcher who led the Pecos League with a 1.87 ERA was signed by the Billings Mustangs. Outfielder/second baseman Maxim Fullerton and pitcher Brady Reinhard signed with the Red Pocket Mobiles, the travel team in the Pioneer League. Pitcher Nic Mirabella landed with the Great Falls Voyagers, also in Liga de Pecos. Earlier in the season, third baseman Jumpei Ohashi signed with a team in the Mexican League. It's rewarding as a manager to see your players advance to higher leagues.
 

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The 2025 Pecos League Season is officially over, following the Tucson Saguaros three game championship series win over the San Rafael Pacifics.

My Bakersfield Train Robbers lost in the first round of the playoffs, 2-1 versus the Dublin Leprechauns, ending a terrific season in heartbreaking fashion. I'm  already looking forward to another season of managing the Train Robbers in 2026. 

We finished 35-19 during the regular season, in second place, two games behind San Rafael.

While we finished short of our goal of a championship, I was proud of the way my team battled all season long. We were devastated by injuries early but somehow held it together and won 23 of our last 28 games.

It was a typical baseball season, with high moments, low moments, fun times and not so fun times. Fortunately, there was little drama amongst the players. They got along well and I can't think of any selfish moments. They truly played the game the right way for which I am very proud.

We'll see what 2026 brings but if we have another 35 win season, I'll take it. Just have to get it done in the playoffs. It hurts to play a full season, only to see it evaporate in a short, three game series. Baseball, like life, can be a crap shoot.

I'll post some pictures soon. Right now I'm trying to decompress from another season of grinding it out in Liga de Pecos.

To my players and fans....THANK YOU!