The CCL Standard: By the Numbers - Santa Barbara Foresters
To kick off our CCL team highlights, we start from the beginning -- The Santa Barbara Foresters. One of the CCL's founding members, the Foresters have maintained their status as a winning team, on and off the field.
Founded in 1991, the Santa Barbara Foresters are one of the most successful and respected organizations in collegiate summer baseball. A founding member of the California Collegiate League (CCL) in 1993, the Foresters have built a national reputation for sustained success, elite player development, and a deep commitment to community values.
The Foresters play their home games at Eddie Matthews Field in Santa Barbara and annually attract top collegiate talent from across the country to compete in a high-level wood-bat environment.
Bill Pintard and Sustained Success
At the center of the Foresters' legacy is longtime head coach Bill Pintard, whose leadership has defined the program for more than two decades. Under Pintard's guidance, the Foresters have become a perennial national power in collegiate summer baseball.
During his tenure, the Foresters have:
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Won 10 National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series championships, the most in tournament history
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Consistently finished among the top-ranked summer collegiate teams in the nation
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Captured numerous league titles while competing against elite programs across the country
Pintard's consistency, player development, and commitment to excellence have made the Foresters a benchmark organization within the CCL.
By the Numbers
Founded: 1991
CCL & National Success: 10-time National Basebal Congress World Series Champions, plus numerous CCL titles
Home Field: Eddie Matthews Field
Focus: Elite collegiate summer competition and community engagement
Notable Alumni: Jeff McNeil, James Shields, Dylan Axelrod, and more
The Eric Pintard Award and the Foresters' Values
The Foresters' impact extends beyond wins and championships. One of the most meaningful honors associated with the program is the Eric Pintard Most Inspirational Player Award, presented annually at the NBC World Series.
Eric Pintard, a pitcher for the Foresters in 1993 and a student-athlete at Santa Barbara City College, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer the following year. During the 1994 NBC World Series, Bill Pintard quietly brought Eric to Wichita while he was undergoing chemotherapy. Before a game, as Eric was wheeled onto the field, the Foresters and their teammates placed their hands on his head — a moment the team called the "rally dome."
That year, the NBC honored Eric with the Most Inspirational Player Award, despite him never taking the field. The award now bears his name, serving as a lasting reminder of courage, resilience, and the values the Foresters represent.
Hugs for Cubs: Giving Back Through Baseball
Community service is a core part of the Foresters' identity, most notably through their Hugs for Cubs program. The initiative supports children battling cancer by creating unforgettable baseball experiences, including trips to Major League games and meaningful connections with players and coaches. Hugs for Cubs reflects the organization's belief that baseball can be a source of hope and joy far beyond the game itself.
A Cornerstone of the CCL
For more than three decades, the Santa Barbara Foresters have played a vital role in shaping the identity of the California Collegiate League. Their combination of national success, leadership, and community impact has made them one of the league's most respected franchises. As the CCL continues to highlight its member teams and their histories, the Foresters stand as a model of excellence — on the field and beyond it.
by Ashley Paulsen