Southern California Talent Leads the Way as Team Prepares for 2026 Debut
Long Beach, CA – January 27, 2026 – The Long Beach Coast today announced three players on the team’s roster ahead of the club’s inaugural 2026 season in the Pioneer Baseball League, all hailing from Southern California and embodying the team’s deep connection to the region it represents.
The signees include left-handed pitcher Brett Wozniak (Garden Grove), utility standout Jacob Jablonski (Mission Hills), and outfielder Eddy Pelc (Huntington Beach).
Guiding the Long Beach Coast on the field will be Troy Percival, the team’s first manager. A four-time MLB All-Star and World Series champion, Percival famously closed games for the Anaheim Angels during their historic 2002 championship season, bringing a championship mindset and deep Southern California baseball legacy to Long Beach. Supporting him in the dugout are assistant coaches Troy Glaus, a six-time All-Star and former World Series MVP, and Jerome Williams, a longtime major league pitcher whose career began in Southern California. Together, the coaching staff blends elite playing experience, leadership, and firsthand knowledge of the game at the highest level.
“This is about building something the city can be proud of from day one,” said Percival. “Each of these players brings something different to the table: talent, toughness, and experience that aligns with how we want to compete. Independent baseball is an opportunity, and our job is to develop players, compete hard, and give fans a team that plays the game the right way.”
Together, the trio embodies the spirit of the Long Beach Coast, where opportunity, competitiveness, grit, and a shared commitment to the game define the culture on and off the field.
Brett Wozniak – LHP (Starter): A Garden Grove native, Wozniak finished the 2025 season ranked 8th in ERA with the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers. He will appear in person at the team’s upcoming fan event on Saturday, January 31, which also coincides with his birthday. “I get the opportunity to pave the way for independent baseball in Southern California,” said Wozniak. “Pitching professionally in front of family and friends is something special. I can’t wait to see what this opportunity brings and where it leads.”
Jacob Jablonski – Utility: Jablonski posted an impressive .314 batting average with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs in 2025 with Idaho Falls, emerging as one of the league’s most productive offensive players. “Playing for my home state and bringing a title to Long Beach is the goal,” said Jablonski. “Coming up just short in the championship last year stuck with me. I want to represent this city and bring a trophy home.”
Eddy Pelc – Outfielder: A Huntington Beach product, Pelc adds athleticism and defensive versatility to the Coast’s outfield and continues the club’s emphasis on regional talent with strong local ties.
“From the beginning, this team has been about local roots,” said Ena Patel, President of Long Beach Baseball Club. “These players understand the culture, the communities, and what it means to represent this city. They’re setting the tone for what LBC baseball will look like on and off the field.”
Click the link to view & download the full set of player photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xNQ5BcFncrlv8HNth3uUyJNzaFdr7N9q
Meet the Coast: Fan Fest This Saturday
Fans will have the opportunity to meet Brett Wozniak, take photos, and get autographs during a Coast community event:
What: Long Beach Coast Fan Fest
When: Saturday, January 31 | 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: WatchMe! Sports Bar, 6527 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Unit B-2, Long Beach, CA 90803
Who: Photos and autographs with Brett Wozniak
Event highlights include:
• LBC hats on sale
• 10% off season tickets and 10-game mini plans
• Prizes and giveaways
• DJ C-Strait
• Games and fan activities
• Free parking
The Long Beach Coast continues to work closely with the City of Long Beach and California State University Long Beach on plans to bring professional independent baseball to historic Blair Field beginning with the 2026 season.
Additional player announcements, brand activations, and community events will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
For tickets and updates, visit www.longbeachcoast.com.
About the Pioneer Baseball League
Founded in 1939, the Pioneer Baseball League is an MLB Partner League operating independently across the Western United States. With 11 teams and growing, the PBL is a proving ground for rising talent and a vital thread in the fabric of local communities. Though independent from Major League Baseball, the PBL collaborates with MLB on initiatives that support player development and visibility. Current franchises include: Oakland Ballers and Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers (California); Glacier Range Riders (Montana), Great Falls Voyagers (Montana), Billings Mustangs (Montana), Missoula PaddleHeads (Montana); Boise Hawks (Idaho), Idaho Falls Chukars (Idaho); Ogden Raptors (Utah); the Modesto Roadsters (California), and now the Long Beach Coast (California).
