Baseball is more than just balls and strikes in the state of Washington. Thanks to the passion and purpose of the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association (WSBCA), the game has become a powerful platform for mentorship, recognition, and lifelong connections.
For nearly a decade, Brian Jackson has served as the association’s president, guiding its growth with a singular mission: to support coaches and student-athletes from all classifications across the state. “We’re here for the players,” Jackson said. “We want to enhance their experience in high school baseball and try to be just another support system as they take the next step—whether that’s college, military, work, or life.”
All-State Baseball: A Celebration of Legacy and Potential
Each summer, the WSBCA co-hosts the All-State Baseball series—one final opportunity for graduating seniors to represent their highschool, compete against elite peers from across the state, and say goodbye to the game that shaped them. Organized in partnership with Executive Director Jesse Benedetti, the event serves as both a sendoff and a stage.
“This is the last time they wear their high school uniform,” Benedetti said. “It’s a great way for the public and their families to see them off—without the pressure, just playing for fun, meeting new people, and maybe even making new connections for college and beyond. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for these kids and coaches.”
For Benedetti, it’s also personal. His father helped revive the All-State event in 2007, and Jesse has continued the legacy. “It’s a way to stay connected to the game and the coaching community, even after stepping out of the dugout.”
Building Brotherhood Across Classifications
The weekend is more than just baseball. It’s about unity. Whether players come from 4A powerhouses or 1B schools tucked in remote corners of the state, the level playing field allows them to form bonds that transcend rivalries.
“It was cool to see all the different kinds of talents from different divisions,” said Trent Woodhouse of Kamiakin. “You meet guys you’ve never played with, and suddenly you’re teammates.” His teammate Tommy Lamb added, “It’s bittersweet. But being here, sharing the dugout with new people, it’s a great experience.”
Tommy Lamb, also from Kamiakin, echoed the sentiment: “Getting to know all these other guys and seeing where they’re going, sharing the dugout with them has been a really fun experience. You learn a lot and it makes you appreciate the game even more.”
Even off the field, the memories matter. “Hanging out in hotel rooms, going on road trips—that’s what I’ll remember most,” said Lincoln Oelschlager of Lakeside. Now headed to Pomona College, Lincoln reflected on his journey and the coaches who helped shape it: “My coaches were hard on me in the right ways. They pushed me to focus and give it my all.”
“It was cool to see all the different kinds of talents from different divisions,” said Trent Woodhouse of Kamiakin. “You meet guys you’ve never played with, and suddenly you’re teammates.”
Sonny Salazar of Othello said the camaraderie has been just as special off the field. “Everyone’s super close. We all hang out outside of baseball. That’s probably my favorite memory.”
His teammate Jordan Montemeyor agreed: “You only get to play high school baseball once in your life. So I say make memories and enjoy your time. Practices get hard, but you’re going to miss it.”
Coaches at the Heart
While the athletes shine on the field, the WSBCA ensures coaches are celebrated, too. Through the annual Hall of Fame banquet, scholarships, coaching clinics, and community events like the Marathon Day for Mental Health, the association uplifts those who dedicate their lives to mentoring young people.
“These coaches give decades to athletes,” said Jackson. “And a lot of people don’t realize that’s not just time on the field—it’s mentoring, texting players, picking up water bottles. It’s love.”
It’s also legacy. “We’re increasing membership, pulling in committed coaches who care about this mission,” Jackson added. “We’re creating something special—people who care about athletes and each other.”
The players agree. “Our coaches have been absolutely great,” said Tommy Lamb. “Not just with baseball—we talk about fishing and life. They’re like my friends now. Even if they want to get rid of me, they can’t—I’m still going to be texting them.”
Jordan Montemeyor shared a similar experience: “They really looked past just how I performed. They cared about who I was as a person and helped me become a stand-up guy, not just a good baseball player.”
Sonny Salazar added, “Their main goal was to make us better people. No matter what we needed, they were there.”
Looking Ahead
With support from sponsors and partnerships, the WSBCA continues to expand its impact. From growing coaching clinics to launching potential “Coach of the Week” programs at Mariners games, the organization is forging new pathways to celebrate the game and the people behind it.
And for those who want to get involved, whether as donors, volunteers, or advocates, Jackson encourages visiting allstatebaseball.com. “You can donate to scholarships, offer your time, or just show up and support. That’s what we need—more people who believe in what we’re doing.”
At its core, the work of the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association isn’t about winning games—it’s about honoring people. Players. Coaches. Communities. It’s about reminding everyone that behind every jersey is a story worth celebrating.
About the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association (WSBCA)
The Washington State Baseball Coaches Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting high school baseball across the state. Representing coaches and players from 1B through 4A classifications, the WSBCA advocates for the growth of the game through leadership development, recognition programs, and events such as the All-State Baseball Series and the annual Hall of Fame banquet. With a focus on community, mentorship, and honoring amateur athletics, the WSBCA works to unite coaches and enhance the high school baseball experience for student-athletes across Washington.