Worst to First: Grossmont Baseball Caps Turnaround Season with CIF Title

What a difference a year makes. 

Last season, the Grossmont High baseball team – amid the loss of key players and petty infighting between coaches and some parents – was a train wreck in polyester, finishing the year on a 20-game winless streak, and going 0-15 in league play. 

The season culminated with the resignation of head coach Jim Earley.

One year later, the Foothillers are CIF Champs, after they beat Mira Mesa 5-2 Friday in the San Diego Section Division I baseball championship at USD's Fowler Park.

Grossmont was fueled by a five-run explosion in the fourth inning, which would be the only ones they needed to win. 

“Our M.O. all season has been to score runs in bunches,” Grossmont coach Chad Williams told U-T San Diego.

Hillers first baseman Tyler Gardetto, who had been struggling in the postseason, came up with the big hit, a bases loaded double that plated three runs and capped off the run binge. 

“I was just trying to relax and have some fun,” Gardetto told the paper. “The first pitch in that at-bat was a tailing fastball for a strike. So I figured I’d get it again. I did, and I hammered it. The feeling was indescribable.” 

Grossmont got exactly what they needed on the other side of the ball, five strong innings from pitcher Brandon Weed. The junior scattered four hits, allowing only one earned run and striking out four.

“It was kind of crazy in the first inning — big crowd, championship game, college field. It doesn’t get bigger than this, and I’m glad I was able to come through, Weed told U-T San Diego."

Weed finished the year with a 6-0 record, and a 1.80 ERA.

Under the tutelage of Williams, in his first season at the helm, the Foothillers completed their amazing turnaround season with a 26-8 record. They are the 11th ranked team in the state, according to Maxpreps.com. 

"This is an amazing, amazing feeling," Williams told East County Sports. "I couldn't be happier for these kids and the work they've put in. They deserve every bit of this."

It is the 10th CIF title in school history, and the first since 2010.

All photos by Paul Gallegos.