Coach Salles is inducted into the Hall of Fame

Congratulations are in order for San Joaquin Memorial baseball coach JD Salles who will be inducted into the Clovis West Baseball Hall of Fame later this month. Salles played for Clovis West and graduated in 2009. Ironically, Salles led his SJM team to a come from behind victory over Clovis West to kick off the 2020 season. “Being in the hall of fame is an honor, but when we step foot on that field for game day, they are the enemy and I love coaching my boys here at SJM,” says Salles. “This year we have a special team and they made me smile with that win against Clovis West on opening night.” 

After pitching and playing shortstop for Clovis West, Salles went on to play for Fresno State. After three seasons as a Diamond Dog, he played for Fresno Pacific while obtaining his Masters degree in Physical Education. Before leading the Panthers to two Valley championships and two CMAC championships in just four years, Salles was the head coach at Kingsburg high school. 

Salle’s SJM team is looking to continue their championship run as they move up to Division I this season. They are led by a solid group of seniors who have played four years in Salles’ program and he says they exemplify the culture he has worked to create. 

While Salles’ is honored to be inducted into the Clovis West baseball Hall of Fame he says SJM is the place he wants to be. “SJM is my family now and I am so happy to be here. I have great support from fellow admin, teachers, advancement, alumni and my coaching staff.”