PLAYERS WANTED FOR TOP-LEVEL 18U GAMES

Blue Wave Baseball is fielding an AABC-sanctioned 18U Connie Mack summer 2023 team that will play in the USA Premier Baseball Wood Bat League based in Orange County.

Players must be high school varsity level and still 18U league age (cannot turn 19 prior to May 1, 2023).

PLAY TWO GAMES A WEEK

Blue Wave 18U-Connie Mack will play 12 nine-inning wood bat league games in June and July (starting the first week of June).

The team will play two games each week, one game either Wednesday or Thursday evening and one game each Saturday at OC Fields, including Golden West Park, Windrow Park, or OC Great Park.

Cost is $499 per position player for all league games or can pay $50 per game when you play. Qualified “Pitchers Only” are free and can schedule and/or limit innings if needed.

PLAY IN THE TOP 18U LEAGUE IN SOCAL

USA Premier’s Connie Mack wood bat league features some of the top teams and organizations in the age division in Southern California. League winners may advance to AABC regional and World Series tournaments as well.

Based in New Mexico, the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) was founded in 1935 and one of the largest amateur baseball organizations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. AABC has one of the largest contingents of Major League players, currently approaching 1000. Click for AABC alumni list.

18U TOURNAMENT TO START SEASON

Blue Wave 18U-Connie Mack team will also play in the CCYB Memorial Weekend Adidas Spikes Wood Bat Classic May 26-29 at OC Great Park, Irvine. Guaranteed to play three 9-inning games (2.5 hour limit) with the top four teams for playoff games.

Cost for position players is $135 and PO’s are free.

ELIGIBLE FOR 18U CONNIE MACK QUALIFIER

Selected Blue Wave 18U-Connie Mack players are also eligible to play in the July 2-5 AABC 18U Connie Mack World Series Qualifier in Orange County. Player four games guaranteed and the winner of this regional receives one of 12 spots to play in the AABC Connie Mack World Series and includes $7,000 in travel funds for the winning team.

Cost is $225 per position player, PO’s are free and players for this event will be selected from both the Blue Wave 18U-Garcia tournament team and Blue Wave 18U-Connie Mack league team.

For more information contact Steve Kruse @ (949) 202-7748 or

BLUE WAVE 18U COACH RUSS MARTINEZ

Tustin High School Baseball Assistant Varsity Coach Russ Martinez will take the helm for the Blue Wave Baseball 18U Varsity AABC Connie Mack league team for the Summer 2023 season.

Russ Martinez is a dedicated sports coach with a passion for helping athletes achieve their full potential. With over 6 years of experience coaching baseball and football, Russ has developed a reputation for his exceptional leadership skills, motivational coaching style, and unwavering commitment to his teams.

Born and raised in Barstow, California, Russ grew up with a deep love for sports. He attended Mt. San Antonio College, where he played football and honed his skills as a team player and leader. After college, Russ pursued a career in education, working in middle schools and high schools while continuing to coach on the side.

In 2015, Russ began his coaching career as a baseball coach, quickly establishing himself as a coach who could inspire and motivate his players to achieve their best. He also added football coaching to his repertoire, and for the next 6 years, Russ excelled in both roles, building strong teams and helping his athletes develop the skills they needed to succeed on and off the field.

As a coach, Russ believes in creating a positive and supportive environment where athletes can thrive. He takes a collaborative approach, working closely with each player to help them set and achieve their individual goals. His dedication to his teams is unwavering, and he is always willing to go the extra mile to help his players succeed.

Off the field, Russ enjoys spending time at the beach with his family. He believes in staying active and healthy, and encourages his players to do the same. With his passion for sports, his commitment to his teams, and his dedication to helping athletes succeed, Russ Martinez is a coach who truly makes a difference.