On his way from the Goleta Valley South Little League diamond to becoming the National League batting champion in 2022, Jeff McNeil had a couple of cups of coffee with the Santa Barbara Foresters. It was a strong brew that contributed to McNeil’s approach to baseball that has been described as “old school” and “throwback.”
McNeil’s story is unique in many ways. He grew up near the Hidden Oaks par-three golf course and became quite good at striking the little ball. His Little League days behind him, golf was all he played for three years at Nipomo High School (his family moved out of Goleta when he was 13). He went out for baseball in his senior year and was invited to play for the Foresters in 2010.
“He didn’t act like a high school guy,” Foresters Coach Bill Pintard said. “He was never intimidated. He played full throttle. If you’re playing against him, you’d better pay attention, or he’s going to show you up.”