Bishop Diego has named a baseball coach with longtime ties to the sport in the community.
Pete Stathopoulos, who has coached and umpired baseball in the community for more than 20 years, was hired to take over the Cardinals’ program, Bishop Athletic Director Aaron Skinner announced on Monday,
Stathopoulos replaces Nick Katzenstein, who stepped down after three years at the helm.
“Although we had a strong group of applicants, we have decided that Coach Pete Stathopoulos was the best fit for our baseball program, school and community,” said Skinner.
Stathopoulos previously coached at San Marcos High, serving as the varsity coach in 2012-13. He stepped down in 2013 for business reasons, as his job took him to Asheville, N.C.
His teams at San Marcos were competitive in a tough Channel League.
“It was tough to leave,” he said. “I did coach a club team (15-under) in North Carolina while I was there.”
Stathopoulos was coaching a Junior Division team at Goleta Valley South Little League before the season was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to coaching, he spent many years umpiring in town.
“Coach Pete has mentored a number of young men throughout the years, including a number of our alumni, and is big on community involvement and faith,” Skinner added. “I am very excited to see the direction that our baseball program heads moving forward.”
Stathopoulos said his coaching staff will include one of his former San Marcos standouts, Jimmy Brakka, and Mitch Moore, the father of former San Marcos star and University of Arizona All-American, Riley Moore. Mitch Moore played baseball at Pepperdine.
“We have coached together in the past,” he said.
He’ll also be adding “the legendary Mike Farmer” to his staff as well as others to be named later.
“With only two teams we will be able to see all players compete every day and teach them our system. The continuity will provide us a path to establish a strong program,” said Stathopoulos. “And, the facilities allow us to develop an offseason program.
“Many thanks to Mr. Skinner and the alumni at Bishop Diego for this opportunity.”
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.