The Burbank and Burroughs high schools’ varsity baseball teams are gearing up for the 2024 campaign, aiming to contend for league titles and make their mark in the postseason.
BURBANK
Last year marked another successful season for Burbank, which maintained a winning 13-11 overall record for the second consecutive year and secured fifth place in the Pacific League with a 7-7 mark.
The Bulldogs’ performance led them to a deep run in the CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs, reaching the quarterfinals before narrowly losing to Crean Lutheran High of Irvine by a single run.
“Our expectations never change: It’s to play our best, stay focused and compete every play,” said Burbank coach Bob Hart, who is entering his 19th season as the Bulldogs’ manager.
Captains Miklo Reynoso, Robert Snyder and Colby Bette, alongside seniors Bryant Johnson, Jake Reyes, Ryan Sebastian and Nathan Zecena, are poised to serve as outstanding leaders for the underclassmen. Their contributions will play a pivotal role in Burbank’s success this season.
“Our seniors and captains are going to set the tone and lead the way,” Hart said. “All possess the same common denominator: great character, dedication and committed teammates.”
The Bulldogs started the season with nonleague losses against Village Christian High of Sun Valley and La Cañada this week. Burbank has two additional nonleague contests scheduled before beginning Pacific League action at Arcadia on Feb. 27.
BURROUGHS
Just two seasons removed since clinching the CIF Southern Section Division V title in 2022, Burroughs aims to contend for a Pacific League championship and secure another postseason berth. Following a third-place league finish last year where they tied Pasadena with an 8-6 record (12-13), the Bears are eager for redemption.
“I think our goals are the same every year,” Burroughs head coach Matt Magallon said. “We want to compete for a league title and then once we get into playoffs, compete for another CIF championship.”
Senior Nate Chapman, committed to Pacific University in Oregon, will patrol center field and play a crucial role in Burroughs’ success this season. Sophomore Logan Drossin, who made his varsity debut last season, is set to be the starting shortstop.
“[Chapman] is a four-year varsity starter and has a CIF championship ring. He’s going to lockdown the outfield,” Magallon said. “[Drossin] is somebody we’re going to rely on to be the captain of the infield.”
Magallon anticipates junior returner Kenny Montgomery to be the ace of the Burroughs pitching staff. The coach is excited for the young pitcher to showcase his talent this season.
The Bears have 11 more seniors on the roster, which includes Nate Cisneros, Dylan Conahan, Connor Nestor, Liam Morgan, Chris Perez, Willan Armes, Elvis Moreno, Tommy Vournas, Brian Martinez, Nickolas Fritz, and Anthony Morse. These seniors are expected to serve as leaders and role models for the 10 underclassmen on the team.
After the Dave Moore Tournament wraps up on Feb. 24, Burroughs will immediately transition into Pacific League action with a pivotal series against Crescenta Valley High of La Crescenta. The Bears are set to host the Falcons on Feb. 27 at 3:45 p.m. and then visit Crescenta Valley on March 1.
First published in the February 16 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
