MEET THE FOUNDER & CEO

Hey, I'm Rich!

Former Pepperdine University Pitching Coach

Former Chicago White Sox Scout and Instructional League Coach

Kansas City Royals and New York Mets Associate Scout

Original Owner and Founder of the West Coast Baseball School

National Instructor for the MVP Arm Strengthening Program adopted by Little League Baseball and created in conjunction with the ASMI and Dr. James Andrews

California Pitching Academy Director

Author of Pitching Book Molding the Young Pitcher

Pitching Director/Extra Innings Chandler, Arizona

Pitching Instructor Gametime Academy, Meridian Idaho

Pitching Instructor DBat Meridian, Idaho 2024/2025

Owner, Taylor Made Athletes (current)

Member, American Baseball Coaches Association

Five of Rich Taylor's former players have gone on to become Division I head coaches:

Larry Lee – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Andy Stankiewicz & Chad Kreuter– USC

Tim Montez – Jacksonville University

Rick Hirtensteiner – Pepperdine University

Additionally, 43 of his former players have played professionally. Over 1,000 of his youth clients have gone on to play at the high school and college levels, with several representing the United States on USA Baseball teams.

Notable former players coached by Rich Taylor, include, Derek Wallace (Mets) and second-round pick Jeff Suppan, who went on to win a World Series with the Cardinals in 2006 and was named MVP of the NL Division Series.

Three of his former pitchers still rank in the top three for wins in one season at Pepperdine. Mike Fetters, still holds the record for most strikeouts in a season.

A Note from Rich:

After over 40 years of coaching, there are countless people who have shaped my journey. While it would be impossible to name them all, I want to recognize a few who made a lasting impact on me both as a coach and as a person.

I’ll never forget my high school coaches at Santa Monica, Don Sealy and Tom McCaffrey, who I had the honor of playing for and coaching with. Don’s motto, “Luck is the residue of design,” still sticks with me.

Dave Gorrie gave me my first Division I coaching job at Pepperdine when I was just 24. Bill Westling believed in me and helped make it happen. I’ll forever be grateful for that opportunity and all the memories made at Pepperdine.

Coaching at West Hills Little League with Guy Hansen, Dave Trembly, Mike Gillespie, and Tom Gamboa was invaluable. Their wisdom and guidance laid a foundation I carry with me to this day. Many of them went on to coach in the major leagues, including Dave, who managed the Baltimore Orioles, and Mike, who won an NCAA title at USC.

A special thank you to Larry Himes and Ronnie Vaughn for believing in me during my time as a scout and instructor.

I owe so much to Johnny Lonsdale and Martin Gottlieb at the Santa Monica Boys Club, my second home growing up. I’ll never forget the hot dogs, pancakes, and endless support.

I’m thankful for mentors and friends like Chuck Menzhuber, Gary Ponce, Lance Burrow, Kevin Tomlinson, Vince La Gatta, Tom Ansbro, Terry Hardtke, and Jesus Ponce. Your encouragement and kindness meant more than you know.

And to the players — so many of you. So many pitches, games, laughs, wins, losses, and lessons. I’ve loved every moment of it. I only wish I had a dollar for every pitch I’ve seen thrown!

Lastly, thank you to everyone who supported me, encouraged my family, coached alongside me, or simply checked in.

The Pitching Kingdom is dedicated to all the incredible players, coaches, and friends who’ve been part of my journey. I wouldn’t be here without you.