Join The Diamond Club

The Riverside Baseball Association (“RBA”) is excited to report that positive change has finally arrived for UCR Baseball (“Baseball”). Several critical administrative changes have taken place at the University which the RBA believes will significantly benefit Baseball. The RBA is very pleased that a new Chancellor has been hired to replace retired Chancellor Kim Wilcox. The new Chancellor, Dr. S. Jack Hu, is the former Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of Georgia, a Southeastern Conference Baseball power that most recently appeared in the 2026 College World Series. Retired Coach Doug Smith had an opportunity to speak with Chancellor Hu about Baseball at his Welcome Reception. Chancellor Hu, due to the success of baseball at the University of Georgia, was interested enough in Baseball to visit the Plex and immediately committed to replacing the field lighting, a project that will begin immediately and cost in excess of $1 Million.

The RBA is pleased that a new Athletic Director has been hired to replace former Athletic Director Wes Mallette. The new Athletic Director, Greg Paules, is the former Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Athletics Operating Officer at Cal State Fullerton, a Big West Conference baseball power, where he was responsible for the Baseball Program. From conversations with both AD Paules and Chancellor Hu, they both understand that athletics is the forward-facing identity of the University, and of particular importance to the RBA, AD Paules has stated that the identity of the Big West Conference is baseball.

The RBA is most pleased that a new Head Baseball Coach, Gregg Wallis, has been hired to replace former Head Coach Justin Johnson. Coach Wallis, a former UC Irvine infielder during his playing career, was hired as Grand Canyon University Head Coach in 2022. In his first season he led the Antelopes to their third consecutive Western Athletic Conference regular season championship and earned WAC Coach of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024. His overall head coaching record at GCU was 112 – 91 (.552), with two NCAA Tournament appearances. Coach Wallis is currently in the process of hiring his Assistant Coaches.

It is extremely important to Coach Wallis, the RBA, and hopefully each of you, that current and future UCR Baseball Players have the best equipment, facilities, and overall opportunity and experience to successfully compete for Big West Conference Championships. The RBA believes that, as the primary outside fundraiser for Baseball, it is our responsibility to raise as much money as possible to support Baseball in preparation for the 2027 Season. The RBA is extremely proud that since its founding, as a result of Director, Baseball Alumni, and Member support, donations to Baseball total $347 Thousand. Further, for the 2026 Diamond Club Campaign, Leadership Giving currently totals over $20 Thousand.

The RBA hopes that each of you will join the Board of Directors and other Leadership Givers by making the largest donation possible to the Diamond Club. All of us have the opportunity to start the new Athletic Director, Head Coach, and Team on a new path to growth and success. Baseball has lost the past twelve years. Recovery will not happen overnight. Through support and involvement of the Chancellor, Athletic Director, Head Coach, Coaching Staff, Players, RBA, and you, we can work together to bring Baseball back.

Donations can be made by writing your check and returning it in the enclosed Return Envelope. Additionally, donations can be made through the RBA Website, riversidebaseballassociation.org, clicking on Diamond Club, and following the Donation Link. Also, this year you have the opportunity to participate in the DC 1200 Initiative whereby Donors make monthly $100 donation installments leading to a total donation of $1,200. The DC 1200 Initiative can be set up through the RBA Website, Diamond Club, and following the Donation Link. For more information on the DC 1200 Initiative, please see the Message From The President in the Announcements Section of the RBA Website.

Since its formation in 2015, the RBA has worked tirelessly to support and grow UCR Baseball. We sincerely thank you for your support of the Riverside Baseball Association and UCR Baseball.