Justin Barchus will take the helm as the first ever head coach for the newly announced West Coast League Gresham baseball team for the 2016 season. The announcement was made by team team owners Jerry and Lisa Walker. “We believe Justin is the perfect coach to lead Gresham in 2016 and for many years to come,” said Jerry Walker. “He brings a perfect blend of many tremendous qualities that will benefit Gresham baseball as we build its future.”
Barchus, a native Oregonian whom currently resides in West Linn, was the head coach for Capital City Select, one of the premier College Prep travel teams in the country, for seven seasons (2008-2014). Under his tenure the team posted an overall record of 206-83-5 (.718 winning percentage), and completed seasons with USSSA national rankings of 6th, 18th, 1st and 4th respectively through 2011-2014.

Coach Barchus said, “Our goal for Gresham baseball will be to build and maintain character, integrity, and community through our actions on and off the baseball field. Volunteerism in the community will be a huge aspect of our program; the ability to build and maintain respect and an understanding of what it means to take action in the community. We’ve placed over twenty players in College programs across the country, many at the highest levels possible and plan to use that player network to stock Gresham baseball with the very best players in the nation.”

Barchus got his first taste of West Coast League baseball this last summer as he guided the Klamath Falls Gems. Though the on-field record (12-41) did not meet expectations, the experience it provided was very valuable. “We had a tough season in every way, but as I tell my players it’s how you respond to adversity that counts. With that experience we are much better prepared and know what to expect, the Gresham team will be very competitive this season,” said Barchus.

“We are proud of Coach Barchus. He is the epitome of everything we have promised that we’ll bring to Gresham. He has class, his honesty and integrity are second to none. He, and his players, will represent this team and this city in the manner that we will all be proud of,” said Lisa Walker. “Last season was just an anomaly for us all, Justin is a winner!”
Barchus has experience as a college level player and he also served as a pitching coach from 2009 through 2011 at Keizer’s McNary High School helping the team compile a 48-32 record. His tutelage helped decrease the team’s earned run average by nearly a run per game and led the pitching staff to an impressive 2.67 ERA over his three seasons with the Celtics.

“Justin brings an ability to connect with college players and has a complete understanding of the recruiting process. He built the Capital Select program to #1 in the nation on the basis of networking with players and coaches, and maintained its high level through retaining players and parents that respected the way they represented themselves. His outstanding communication skills and his ability to create a positive identity for Gresham baseball coupled with his commitment to create and maintain community ties weighed heavily in our decision to bring Justin on board,” commented Jerry Walker. “Leading his team through this past difficult season while winning the WCL’s coveted Jim Dietz Sportsmanship Award says it all, Justin is simply a winner in every regard.”

“Justin is also a certified trainer and his training and nutrition plan will be a great addition to the program. This knowledge will be a valued asset in preparing our players to be ready to compete on the field,” concluded Lisa Walker. Justin is currently working at the University of Illinois as a strength and conditioning coach for the football program.
Fans and businesses wishing to get on the priority list for season tickets and/or marketing opportunities with the team, can email greshamwclbaseball@gmail.com.