About Us
History
Saddleback Vigilantes was established in 2017 when we felt there was a need for a quality program for baseball players under the age of eleven. Our approach has not changed since we began, baseball has to be fun.
No high school coach cares what team a kid is on when he is younger, A or B team, Black or Cardinal, it doesn’t matter. The goal is for them to be playing when they are 16 and 17 years old. If the boys keep returning each year, because they are having fun, and learning the game of baseball along the way, then we are having success.
Philosophy
From day one, our philosophy has been, and always will be, the same. Baseball should be fun.
We provide young baseball players a safe, disciplined, and innovative training platform, where they can continue to improve their baseball skills both, physically and mentally, while having fun.
Things we can control, effort and attitude, we are going to stress and do really well.
Coaching
“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”
– John Wooden
Dustin Bothwell, Head Coach/Owner
Dustin’s journey in the world of baseball in South Orange County began when he played for North Mission Viejo Little League. He continued to nurture his passion for the game at Capistrano Valley High School and reached the pinnacle by winning a state championship while representing Saddleback College. However, when his playing days concluded, a new chapter unfolded in his career as a coach.
Dustin initiated his coaching career at College of the Redwoods while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration at Humboldt State University. Subsequently, he returned to Orange County, where he pursued a master’s degree in physical education at Azusa Pacific University and simultaneously coached at Chapman University.
Currently residing in Mission Viejo with his wife, Sunny, and their three sons, Drake, Deegan, and Declan, Dustin has been a dedicated coach at Saddleback College since 2015. In 2016, as the pitching coach, he played a pivotal role in leading the staff to the lowest ERA in the state, securing the team’s number one ranking in the state, and clinching the second conference championship in school history. Additionally, Dustin directs the Program Assisting Student-athlete Success (PASS) at Saddleback College.
Our Coaches
People that care and want to be on the field as much as the players do.
Every year we are blessed to have a group of coaches that love baseball and want to assist in the development of your kids.
All of our coaches played at the collegiate level and many coach at local high schools or colleges in Orange County.
Our coaches are leaders, role models, and each of them has developed an expertise in a specific position.
If your son wants to play in high school we have a group of coaches that have been through it, many of them having played at local high schools.
They understand the effort, discipline, and attitude needed in order for that to happen.
Their goal is to assist in the process of your son achieving his goals.
