Eric Borba Ends Tenure as Orange Lutheran Baseball Coach; RJ Farrell Named Head Coach

Eric Borba, who recently completed his 16th season as the head coach of the Orange Lutheran baseball team, informed the Orange Lutheran administration that the Lord is calling him to start a new chapter in his life and that he will conclude his tenure as head baseball coach. Coach Borba's children, Casey (2023) and Mackenna (2024), recently graduated from Orange Lutheran and both are attending Universities outside of California (Texas, Auburn). Coach Borba has a strong desire to watch Casey play ball for the Longhorns and have the freedom to travel to Alabama to visit Mackenna.

Borba has been a mainstay in the Lancer community and, earlier this season won his 500th career game. He guided OLu to 6 Trinity League championships, a CIF State Regional Title, 15 straight CIF-SS playoff berths (no playoffs during the Covid-19 pandemic), 8 CIF-SS quarter final appearances, and 4 CIF-SS semifinal appearances. Over his 16 years as head coach, he has sent over 60 athletes to play NCAA Division 1 baseball and has coached 13 athletes who have gone on to be selected in the Major League Baseball draft. The Lancer baseball program has been one of the finest in the nation over his 16 seasons, including a 345-130-2 record overall and 158-69 in Trinity League play. The Lancers have perennially been ranked Nationally in the top 25 over the course of Coach Borba's time as head coach.

We want to thank Eric for his dedication to our baseball program, the student-athletes he has coached past and present, and for all his contributions to Orange Lutheran High School.

Athletics Director Karen Kekipi said, "There are not enough words to describe the gratitude that we have for Coach Borba. He has exemplified what it means to be a strong leader for our campus and our community. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Eric for the last 12 years, he has always been more than just a colleague, but a friend. It has been a true blessing to have worked with him and see his love for the Lord come through in all he does. I know that the Lord will bless him and his family in his next journey."

Current Co-Head Coach RJ Farrell, who has been a part of the OLu baseball program for the past 5 years, has been named the new head coach. The relationship between Coach Borba and Coach Farrell has a storied past. Coach Farrell's first assistant coaching position was under Coach Borba at De La Salle High School from 2006-2008. Becoming great friends, Coach Borba was the officiant of Coach Farrell's wedding to his wife Amy. Coach Borba says, "Bringing RJ back to OLu in 2019 and allowing him the opportunity to get integrated into the school and the program was in preparation for this time. What has been built here is special and RJ has been able to learn the program from all facets. It is not easy to leave here, but I know the program is in good hands."

Coach Farrell brings expert baseball experience to Orange Lutheran. In his 16 years of coaching, he has coached at the high school and collegiate levels and has been on multiple USA Baseball national team staffs. For the past five years, he has coached at OLu, being named the Co-Head Coach before the 2023-2024 season. Coach Farrell has achieved great success in his career and has an incredible reputation in the baseball community. School administration said in a letter to parents, "We have the utmost confidence in his passion for leading our program in a way that aligns with and upholds our school's mission, vision, and important cultural standards."

Coach Farrell is excited about the opportunity, saying, "Serving the Orange Lutheran Baseball family for the past five years has been an incredible experience. Having been able to work alongside Coach Borba has been a blessing and something I will cherish forever. What he has done for this school, the program, and the countless players and their families is truly special. His dedication to Orange Lutheran these past sixteen years is immeasurable. He has left a legacy that will never be forgotten. I want to thank our Executive Director, Dr. Mary Scott, and our Athletic Director, Karen Kekipi, for believing in me to lead OLu Baseball as we embark on the next chapter of our journey. I have always felt like Orange Lutheran is home, and I eagerly look forward to continuing the great tradition of Lancer Baseball."

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