5 STAR HAWKS BASEBALL
High School / College Prep Program
After personally being involved in high school baseball the last 7 years as a coach, then as a father watching my son, and then returning to manage --- it has become apparent that the focus of travel ball high school Summer / Fall programs are often misguided.
I have thought about this problem for years and have talked to dozens of experts in the worlds of baseball, PT, training, arm care, etc., and also included parents and players in those discussions. This plan is a culmination of those experiences.
- Mark Strauch (Founder, San Diego Hawks)
Philosophy
High School / College Prep Program
After personally being involved in high school baseball the last 7 years as a coach, then as a father watching my son, and then returning to manage --- it has become apparent that the focus of travel ball high school Summer / Fall programs are often misguided.
I have thought about this problem for years and have talked to dozens of experts in the worlds of baseball, PT, training, arm care, etc., and also included parents and players in those discussions. This plan is a culmination of those experiences.
- Mark Strauch (Founder, San Diego Hawks)
Philosophy
- Focus on physical development of the baseball players. Most just finished a very intensive spring season and the best way to pass up other players that may be “better” is to outwork them in the weight room, with arm care, with speed / agility, etc.
- Focus on game play. Learning to play the game the right way has a huge impact on the playing time a high school coach will give your player.
- Focus on specialization. Get lessons, do advanced clinics, practice reps that are specific to your position(s).
5 Star West & Derric Waller
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5 Star Alliance
A partnership with the players that were developed by the San Diego Crush baseball program. As a initial partnership between two of the largest organizations in San Diego, we are introducing the San Diego Alliance. This program will have some of the best teams in all of San Diego enabling those top players the opportunities to showcase their skills in hopes of playing in college, or beyond. We will also provide player development opportunities for all players looking to improve during the Summer and Fall in preparation for high school baseball. Teams / Players (5 Star Alliance) 2028 (Incoming Sophomores) : 30 - 40 players 2027/26 (Incoming Juniors / Seniors) : 20 - 30 players Teams / Players (5 Star Hawks) 2029 (Incoming Freshman) : 40 - 50 players Costs to Participate
Registration Fee : $150 includes the Uniform Package (2 dri-fit shirts, and a 5 STAR hat) Summer Season (June, July) : $500 Fall Season (August - October) : $700 --- many players focus on a Fall high school sport instead (e.g. football) Winter Season (November - January) : Flex (pay per event) Note: Pitcher Only players will pay 40% of dues and tournament fees. Tournaments are an additional charge for those players that participate. |
Coaching Staff
The high school program will use a collection of next level coaches and specialists to oversee team training, which will include but not be limited to:
2029 Teams (Incoming Freshman)
The high school program will use a collection of next level coaches and specialists to oversee team training, which will include but not be limited to:
2029 Teams (Incoming Freshman)
- Mark Strauch (Director)
- Brett Balkan
- Jim Smith
- Azure Centeno
- John San Jule
- Stephen Klenske
- Tommy Simis
- John Kennedy
- Andy Parrino (select events)
- Tommy Simis (Director)
- John Kennedy (Director)
- Brady Ware
- Additional Coaches as part of our 5 Star Alliance partnership
- Coaches from the San Diego Hawks and San Diego Crush, as part of our 5 Star Alliance partnership
- Brady Ware (Director)
Facilities & Fields
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The Program
Summer Schedule (June & July)
Some of the best baseball is played during the Summer after high school baseball wraps up.
We want to give players opportunities to train every day during the week, if the choose to.
Most field events will take place during the day after Summer Break begins. (Join with a buddy to help with carpools!)
- The program will be run and operated by San Diego Hawks Baseball, in partnership with 5 Star West.
- Flexible roster size depending on the expected availability of the players throughout the season (e.g. vacations, football, other sports, etc.)
- Full tournament schedule for those tournament ready players, with frequent opportunities to compete both locally and regionally.
- Tournament player selection is an open process based on availability, opportunities and ability
Summer Schedule (June & July)
Some of the best baseball is played during the Summer after high school baseball wraps up.
We want to give players opportunities to train every day during the week, if the choose to.
Most field events will take place during the day after Summer Break begins. (Join with a buddy to help with carpools!)
- Field Days (2)
- Wednesdays : Inter Squad "Earn It" Games
- Optional Facility Days w/ Live At Bats, Open Hitting, etc.
- Weekends : Tournaments and some Scrimmages. Weekend opportunities are earned and not guaranteed for all players.
- Priority will also be given to fully available players, plus specialists (pitchers, catchers, middle infielders).
Catalyst Performance | PT & Wellness
We partner with one of the best injury, recovery, strength and performance group in San Diego. They work with a lot of college and professional athletes, and have a deep understand of sports science, kinesiology and athletic performance. More Information |
Calendar
- Starting in June and runs through October as we hand off players to their high school programs.
- May 2025 : Program Registration
- June - July 2025 : Summer Program
- August - October 2025 : Fall Program
- November 2025 - January 2026 : High School Winter Ball season
- We will add some Sunday games plus an occasion tournament to supplement what local high schools are doing to ramp up their players for their season. Extra games / live at bats, where we make sure pitchers are not overdoing it, is the goal.
- December 2025, January 2026 : Intent to Play registration for 5 Star Alliance heading into the new year.
- February - May 2026 : High School Spring baseball season