Depth, Competition, and a New Era: Rams Baseball Ready for the 2026 Campaign

Head Coach Nate Lambdin enters his 13th year leading the Victor Valley College baseball program—and his third season back at the helm—with unprecedented depth, expanded roster strength, and renewed optimism for the 2026 campaign. For the first time in his tenure, the Rams field a roster of more than 50 players, marking the largest and most diverse group he has ever coached. This depth gives VVC a major strategic advantage as they prepare for a demanding 40‑game schedule.

Key Returners

Hector Aquino – Utility
Johnny Barrientos – Shortstop
Isaac Jimenez – Catcher
Mike Perez – Pitcher
Aiden Yancy – Utility

This experienced group anchors the Rams with leadership and reliability across multiple positions.

Key Newcomers

A strong mix of impact transfers and highly talented freshmen join the program in 2026, forming one of the deepest incoming classes in VVC Baseball history.

Transfers

Critobal Espino – Pitcher, Rio Hondo College
Sam Poser – Shortstop, Anoka Ramsey College (Minnesota)
Ryan Silva‑Valadez – Pitcher, Northeastern College (Colorado)

Freshmen

Pitchers: Kyle Morales (DSL Pitcher of the Year), Mark Hyde (Sierra Vista HS, NV), Brandon Steele (Excelsior), Silas Skinner (Hesperia), Nico Padilla (Silverado), Dominic Torres (Sultana), Max Bontrager (Columbine HS, CO)

Outfielders: Chris Manley (Sultana), Aril Jackson (Apple Valley), Illya Ridge (A.B. Miller), James Salazar (Columbine HS, CO), Quentin Krogsgaard (AAE)

Infielders: Holden Rich (1B, Eagle Mountain HS, UT), Javier Goldaracena (La Cueva HS, CO), Omara Morales (Victor Valley HS), Brody Sappington (3B, Sultana), Oscar Cervantes‑Lima (3B, Apple Valley), Cristhian Villalobos (3B, Adelanto), Cameron Stinnett (3B, Riverside Prep), Thomas Koupeny (3B, AAE)

Catchers: Rob Ham (Pomona), Daniel Fernandez (Adelanto), Rafael Cabrera (Victor Valley)

This deep newcomer group brings pitching depth, defensive versatility, offensive promise, and long‑term program stability.

Season Outlook

The Rams approach the 2026 campaign with a roster built for durability and internal competition. With more than 50 players pushing each other daily, the coaching staff has the flexibility to adjust lineups, manage pitching workloads, and weather the natural ups and downs of a 40‑game season.

Coach Lambdin emphasized the competitive advantage of this year's depth:

"Having more than 50 players gives us something we haven't had before: true day‑in, day‑out competition across the board. When everyone's pushing each other in practice, our best baseball shows up on game day."

He also highlighted how a deeper roster strengthens resilience:

"Injuries and slumps are part of the game—depth lets us absorb those setbacks without losing our identity."

With more than 40 freshmen joining the program, the future looks promising:

"Those young men represent our future core. With the right coaching and work ethic, they'll push our standards higher and give us flexibility to compete at a higher level."

Coach's Excitement

Coach Lambdin is energized by the talent, passion, and long‑term potential of this group. The combination of proven returners, experienced transfers, and a massive freshman class has created a culture built on competition, development, and accountability.

He believes the 2026 season can set a new standard for the program, both in structure and performance.

Stay connected with the Rams through social media. Follow Victor Valley College Athletics on Twitter @vvc_Rams. Check-in with the Rams on Facebook/VVCathletics and on Instagram @vvcathletics.

For tickets to our VVC Home Athletic events, visit our Ticketing Page here.