Newport Harbor Baseball

I’m glad to be back at Newport Harbor and running this wonderful program. My goal is to continue the foundation that was laid out by the 2022 Southern California Regional Championship team and the 2023 team that saw back to back CIF playoff appearances for the first time in decades. They showed our school, our baseball community and each other that 1) the process matters more than the results 2) putting the team before the individual can be a very powerful and positive experience and 3) that hard work and dedication can help steer you through stormy water and lead to a rewarding experience.

I believe in this game not only because I love it, but because I believe the life lessons it provides helps shape our boys into young men. Team work, putting others in-front of ourselves, overcoming adversity, competition, acceptance of failure (without having to like it), accountability and perseverance are all key attributes baseball teaches its players that are inextricably linked to success in life. I am blessed and humbled to help teach these young men those life lessons.

I want to express my thanks to my players who have worked hard day in and day out, and embraced a culture of accountability and putting the team first. Thank you to the Baseball Boosters and the parents who have been very supportive in helping the coaching staff every step of the way. In addition at Newport Harbor I would also like to thank Principal Boulton, Athletic Director Murray, and the great Jessica Nguyen of Athletics for their support. At the district level, I would like to thank our Superintendent Dr. Smith, Assistant Superintendent Jeff Trader and a special shout-out to the amazing Director of Facilities Ara Wiggins for their support and attention this off-season to address the safety issues that existed at our facilities. Without them, this improved field wouldn’t be possible. Thank you!

Tar Baseball has a bright future ahead of us, both in the short and long-term. The desire to get better by our players, coupled with a dedicated group of coaches from top to bottom as well as a community truly hungry to provide our boys with a high level program are recipes for success. I am looking forward to doing my best to guide our players in that direction and with our community support, I look forward to helping these boys accomplish their goals both on and off the field.

Go Tars!

Josh Lee
Head Baseball Coach/History Teacher
Newport Harbor High School