Kirk McCaskill - Head Coach
Former 12-year MLB pitcher Kirk McCaskill returns for his fourth year at the helm of the Falcon baseball program. Born in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada where his father Ted played for the local senior league hockey team, he moved several times due to his father's professional hockey career.
McCaskill attended Trinity-Pawling School, a prep boarding school in Pawling, New York, mainly to pursue his hockey career. During his senior year on the on the ice he led his team to a 16-1-1 record while scoring 26 goals and 22 assists. He also excelled on the baseball diamond, where he had an 8–0 record with a 0.97 ERA and 97 strikeouts. In addition to hockey scholarship opportunities at Boston College, Boston University, Yale University and the University of Denver, he was offered a baseball scholarship to Arizona State University. However he turned them all down to pursue both hockey and baseball at the University of Vermont.
All-American and finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award (the Heisman Award for college hockey), McCaskill was drafted in the fourth round of the 1981 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets as the first collegiate player chosen. Also all-ECAC in baseball as a pitcher and designated hitter, he was selected in fourth round of the 1982 amateur baseball draft by the California Angels (88th overall). After a one-year stint in the American Hockey League, Kirk gave up professional hockey to focus on baseball, becoming the first baseball player from UVM to reach the major leagues since Jack Lamabe in 1962. McCaskill is the only athlete to ever play both professional hockey and Major League Baseball.
He debuted in 1985, but had his breakout season in 1986, with the American League West champion California Angels. He compiled a win-loss record of 17–10, with a 3.36 earned run average, and 202 strikeouts. He totaled ten complete games on the season, and went on to have six seasons of ten or more wins, throw two one-hitters, rank in the American League top ten in shutouts and ERA three times each. After seven successful seasons with the Angels, Kirk went on to play five more years with the Chicago White Sox before retiring in 1997 with 106 victories and over 1,000 strikeouts.
Kirk has been inducted into the Trinity Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame, the University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame, the State of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2003 was honored by an induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I'm as passionate about the game as I was as a 23 year old rookie! I have been married for 30 years and have 3 sons of my own, ages 17 - 25. My passion is teaching and coaching, and developing character through the life lessons that are found on the diamond. Since I am retired, I plan on devoting all my energies to the program and the boys, and am very excited about the opportunity ahead. Let’s go Falcons!”
McCaskill attended Trinity-Pawling School, a prep boarding school in Pawling, New York, mainly to pursue his hockey career. During his senior year on the on the ice he led his team to a 16-1-1 record while scoring 26 goals and 22 assists. He also excelled on the baseball diamond, where he had an 8–0 record with a 0.97 ERA and 97 strikeouts. In addition to hockey scholarship opportunities at Boston College, Boston University, Yale University and the University of Denver, he was offered a baseball scholarship to Arizona State University. However he turned them all down to pursue both hockey and baseball at the University of Vermont.
All-American and finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award (the Heisman Award for college hockey), McCaskill was drafted in the fourth round of the 1981 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets as the first collegiate player chosen. Also all-ECAC in baseball as a pitcher and designated hitter, he was selected in fourth round of the 1982 amateur baseball draft by the California Angels (88th overall). After a one-year stint in the American Hockey League, Kirk gave up professional hockey to focus on baseball, becoming the first baseball player from UVM to reach the major leagues since Jack Lamabe in 1962. McCaskill is the only athlete to ever play both professional hockey and Major League Baseball.
He debuted in 1985, but had his breakout season in 1986, with the American League West champion California Angels. He compiled a win-loss record of 17–10, with a 3.36 earned run average, and 202 strikeouts. He totaled ten complete games on the season, and went on to have six seasons of ten or more wins, throw two one-hitters, rank in the American League top ten in shutouts and ERA three times each. After seven successful seasons with the Angels, Kirk went on to play five more years with the Chicago White Sox before retiring in 1997 with 106 victories and over 1,000 strikeouts.
Kirk has been inducted into the Trinity Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame, the University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame, the State of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2003 was honored by an induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I'm as passionate about the game as I was as a 23 year old rookie! I have been married for 30 years and have 3 sons of my own, ages 17 - 25. My passion is teaching and coaching, and developing character through the life lessons that are found on the diamond. Since I am retired, I plan on devoting all my energies to the program and the boys, and am very excited about the opportunity ahead. Let’s go Falcons!”
David Lefton - Assistant Varsity Coach
Coach Lefton returns for his fourth season with the Falcons. He was a 3 year varsity baseball starter at Beachwood High School in Cleveland, Ohio where he served as team captain for 2 years, earning 1st team All East Suburban Conference both those years. He was selected to the All East Suburban Conference Honorable mention team his sophomore year. He was also selected by the Ohio High School Athletic Association for 1st team All Ohio honors in football his senior year, Dave attended The Ohio State University and Capital University where he continued his baseball career. He moved to San Diego in 1986 with his wife and continued playing in various competitive leagues in Southern California.
Dave brings a wealth of knowledge to the dugout and will assist Coach McCaskill in all aspects of player development. He believes the lessons taught on the field will remain with the boys forever.
Dave has been married 32 years and has two grown children, Alexa and Taylor.
Dave brings a wealth of knowledge to the dugout and will assist Coach McCaskill in all aspects of player development. He believes the lessons taught on the field will remain with the boys forever.
Dave has been married 32 years and has two grown children, Alexa and Taylor.
Chris Possemato - Pitching Coach
Chris Possemato (“Coach Poss”) played baseball at Arcadia High, and pitched at Glendale Community College, and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). He has a Bachelor’s degree in history from LMU (1991), and a Master’s degree in Education from LMU (2002). He is entering his 19th season as a high school baseball coach. Serving ten of those years at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, with 3 of those years as head coach for the program. Over the last 8 years, Coach Poss had been the assistant varsity coach and head pitching coach at Santa Fe Christian High School, where he had the good fortune of being part of two CIF Championships in 2011 and 2012. In addition to his high school coaching work, Chris has coached youth baseball in a variety of leagues in both San Diego and Los Angeles for over 15 years. He lives in La Costa with his wife Karen and two sons, ages 12 and 14.
An advocate of training through guided discovery and neuro-muscular methods, Coach Poss has spent a significant amount of time learning about arm care and arm health along with the mechanical and mental aspects of pitching. He has attended several national conventions, learning from thought leaders in baseball such as: Lantz Wheeler (Baseball Think Tank), Paul Nyman, Brent Strom (Pitching Coordinator for the Houston Astros), Coach Ron Wolforth (Texas Baseball Ranch), Fred Corral (University of Georgia), Perry Husband (Hitting is a Guess), Marcus Elliott (Peak Performance), Kyle Boddy (Driveline Baseball), Lee Fiocci and Eric Cressey. Coach Poss is dedicated to bringing his love of the sport and the understanding of the game to kids of all ages as they progress in their development. He places a strong emphasis on the importance of being a great competitor, and a great teammate.
His current baseball philosophy is based on a quote from Tony LaRussa’s Hall of Fame induction speech:
Tony LaRussa “the more you learn the more you love it and the more you love it the more you learn.”
Chris Possemato (“Coach Poss”) played baseball at Arcadia High, and pitched at Glendale Community College, and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). He has a Bachelor’s degree in history from LMU (1991), and a Master’s degree in Education from LMU (2002). He is entering his 19th season as a high school baseball coach. Serving ten of those years at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, with 3 of those years as head coach for the program. Over the last 8 years, Coach Poss had been the assistant varsity coach and head pitching coach at Santa Fe Christian High School, where he had the good fortune of being part of two CIF Championships in 2011 and 2012. In addition to his high school coaching work, Chris has coached youth baseball in a variety of leagues in both San Diego and Los Angeles for over 15 years. He lives in La Costa with his wife Karen and two sons, ages 12 and 14.
An advocate of training through guided discovery and neuro-muscular methods, Coach Poss has spent a significant amount of time learning about arm care and arm health along with the mechanical and mental aspects of pitching. He has attended several national conventions, learning from thought leaders in baseball such as: Lantz Wheeler (Baseball Think Tank), Paul Nyman, Brent Strom (Pitching Coordinator for the Houston Astros), Coach Ron Wolforth (Texas Baseball Ranch), Fred Corral (University of Georgia), Perry Husband (Hitting is a Guess), Marcus Elliott (Peak Performance), Kyle Boddy (Driveline Baseball), Lee Fiocci and Eric Cressey. Coach Poss is dedicated to bringing his love of the sport and the understanding of the game to kids of all ages as they progress in their development. He places a strong emphasis on the importance of being a great competitor, and a great teammate.
His current baseball philosophy is based on a quote from Tony LaRussa’s Hall of Fame induction speech:
Tony LaRussa “the more you learn the more you love it and the more you love it the more you learn.”
Matt Sheely - Hitting Instructor
Matt comes to Torrey Pines from West Palm Beach, Florida, where he attended Palm Beach Gardens HS lettering in both baseball and football. Before enrolling in Seminole Community College, Matt was the 48th round pick for the Boston Red Sox in the 2005 MLB amateur draft. After a solid freshman year (.390/.390/.488) he signed with the Red Sox and helped their Rookie team win a Florida Gulf Coast championship. Then battled his way to triple-A Pawtucket where he played parts of three seasons. Matt had a six year career before eventually retiring after a short stint in independent ball.
After retiring, Matt landed in San Diego where he began coaching travel ball with the Solana Beach Cardinals and returned to school to complete his degree. He coached with Torrey Pines in the 2013/14 seasons before joining Claremont-Mudd Scripps College where he served as a Varsity Assistant coach in 2015. He is thrilled to return to the Falcon program where he will assist the Varsity team as hitting instructor, outfield coach and base-running coach.
Matt comes to Torrey Pines from West Palm Beach, Florida, where he attended Palm Beach Gardens HS lettering in both baseball and football. Before enrolling in Seminole Community College, Matt was the 48th round pick for the Boston Red Sox in the 2005 MLB amateur draft. After a solid freshman year (.390/.390/.488) he signed with the Red Sox and helped their Rookie team win a Florida Gulf Coast championship. Then battled his way to triple-A Pawtucket where he played parts of three seasons. Matt had a six year career before eventually retiring after a short stint in independent ball.
After retiring, Matt landed in San Diego where he began coaching travel ball with the Solana Beach Cardinals and returned to school to complete his degree. He coached with Torrey Pines in the 2013/14 seasons before joining Claremont-Mudd Scripps College where he served as a Varsity Assistant coach in 2015. He is thrilled to return to the Falcon program where he will assist the Varsity team as hitting instructor, outfield coach and base-running coach.
Mike Harwell - Head JV Coach
A life-long ballplayer and student of the game for over 25 years, Coach Harwell has been dedicated to improving as a player, an instructor and a coach. Mike believes in hard work, dedication, Faith and preparation. Working as a youth, interscholastic, collegiate and professional baseball instructor for over 10 years, Coach Harwell also has in-depth experience working with and training players of all ages. Mike has a solid understanding of the game. After leading the West Hills Wolf Pack in the east county and concluding the Bones Nation summer, Coach Harwell is excited for the upcoming Falcons season at Torrey Pines HS.
Currently the JV Head Coach at TPHS, the program will provide proper fundamental baseball instruction, teach team cohesion & share the knowledge to compete at the next level. “We will provide a safe learning environment- where student-athletes can hone their baseball skills, be challenged to give their best effort and develop the tools to succeed on the diamond and in life.”
The JV program will prepare upcoming players with continued high school fundamentals, academic integrity, promote good character and the pursuit of victory with honor. The JV program will teach players varsity baseball and instill Falcons Baseball values and expectations.
Coach Harwell is the proud parent of three children and is a San Diego Native. He is also an Instructional Aid, working with special education and critical skills students in the Poway School District. Mike teaches auto shop at Mt. Carmel HS.
Working through the ranks and taking his extensive background, education, training and love for the game- Coach Harwell is honored to be part of the Torrey Pines Baseball program.
Currently the JV Head Coach at TPHS, the program will provide proper fundamental baseball instruction, teach team cohesion & share the knowledge to compete at the next level. “We will provide a safe learning environment- where student-athletes can hone their baseball skills, be challenged to give their best effort and develop the tools to succeed on the diamond and in life.”
The JV program will prepare upcoming players with continued high school fundamentals, academic integrity, promote good character and the pursuit of victory with honor. The JV program will teach players varsity baseball and instill Falcons Baseball values and expectations.
Coach Harwell is the proud parent of three children and is a San Diego Native. He is also an Instructional Aid, working with special education and critical skills students in the Poway School District. Mike teaches auto shop at Mt. Carmel HS.
Working through the ranks and taking his extensive background, education, training and love for the game- Coach Harwell is honored to be part of the Torrey Pines Baseball program.
Matt Livingston - Assistant JV Coach
Parker Hipp - Head Freshman Coach
Coach Hipp comes to Torrey Pines with an impressive athletic resume. He played both football and baseball at Cathedral Catholic HS. In 3 Varsity seasons at second base for the Dons, he was a member of 2 Division III CIF Championships. In his senior football season, Parker was also the starting quarterback for the 2008 Division II State Champions.
A native San Diegan, Hipp went on to become a 4-year starter for New Mexico State University as a second baseman/shortstop. He was a 2-time All WAC selection and finished his career in the top of several offensive categories. Parker holds the career record for games played, and bases-on-balls for the Aggies, while posting a career .347 average.
After graduation, Parker signed as a minor league free agent with the Houston Astros and played 1 season.
He is excited to be a part of the Falcon program, and looks forward to “passing it down” to the Freshman group.
A native San Diegan, Hipp went on to become a 4-year starter for New Mexico State University as a second baseman/shortstop. He was a 2-time All WAC selection and finished his career in the top of several offensive categories. Parker holds the career record for games played, and bases-on-balls for the Aggies, while posting a career .347 average.
After graduation, Parker signed as a minor league free agent with the Houston Astros and played 1 season.
He is excited to be a part of the Falcon program, and looks forward to “passing it down” to the Freshman group.
Alex Turner - Assistant Freshman Coach
