Our History

Redwood Baseball is a Program Built on Tradition, Pride, and Community.

The Redwood High School baseball program has a storied history marked by excellence, discipline, and a legacy of success. For decades, Redwood Baseball has been a powerhouse in high school sports producing talented athletes who thrive both on and off the field.

Program Overview

Renowned for its strong coaching, disciplined players, and commitment to success, the Redwood Giants have claimed 17 Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) titles, five North Coast Section (NCS) championships, and a National Championship in 1977. The dominance of the 1970s was so profound that the team was named the National "Team of the Decade."

The Al Endriss Era:
A Legacy of Excellence

One name stands above all in Redwood baseball history—Al Endriss. Coaching from 1958 to 1981, Endriss instilled a culture of discipline and excellence that led to unparalleled success:

12 MCAL titles, including eight consecutive championships.
Three NCS championships (1977, 1978, 1980).
1977 National Championship, recognized by Easton as the High School National Champions.
Career record of 472 wins and 119 losses, making him one of California's most successful high school coaches.

Endriss demanded punctuality, immaculate uniforms, and mental toughness, values that shaped not only championship teams but also future leaders. His impact extends beyond wins and losses, as many former players credit him with teaching them lifelong skills that guided their personal and professional paths.

The "Team of the Decade"

Considered by many to be the greatest sports team in MCAL history, they posted a record of 33 wins / 4 losses and won both MCAL & NCS Championships.

They were named the 1977 High School National Champions by Easton Bat Company in Collegiate Baseball magazine. They were named the ’70’s National HS Baseball Team of the Decade by Sporting News are listed in the all-time top 25 high school baseball teams by Student Sports Magazine.

The ’77 Giants included five HS All Americans (Zunino, Connor, Meister, Biancalana & Jones) as well as the National HS Athlete of the year (Meister). Twelve players of the ’77 squad went on to play College baseball (Zunino, Meister, Myles, Jones, Travers, Hoffmeister, Gibian, Scott, Medrano, Parker, Hoffmire & Connor). Bud Biancalana was the first round draft choice of the KC Royals and four others also played baseball at the professional level (Zunino, Meister, Jones & Travers).

The Modern Era

Carrying on the tradition of excellence, current head coach Mike Firenzi has cemented Redwood’s reputation as a premier baseball program. Since taking over in 2015, Firenzi has led the Giants to:

Multiple MCAL titles and an NCS championship in his first season.
A record of 184 wins and 72 losses.
Surpassing Al Endriss’s record for most MCAL wins as a head coach in 2022.
Over 80 players moving on to play college baseball, with several drafted into Major League Baseball (MLB).

Notable Achievements

1977 National Championship: The greatest team in Redwood history, finishing with a 34-4 record and earning national recognition.
2015 NCS Championship: A thrilling extra-inning victory over Livermore High School
Decades of sustained excellence, ensuring Redwood remains a top-tier baseball program in Northern California.

Famous Alumni

Redwood has developed numerous standout athletes, including:

Buddy Biancalana (Class of 1978): Played five seasons in MLB with the Kansas City Royals, helping them win the 1985 World Series.
Pete Carroll (Class of 1969): Better known as an NFL coach, Carroll was a Redwood baseball player under Al Endriss before making his mark in football.
Frank Ferroni (Class of 1970): A dominant high school pitcher who was drafted by MLB teams but pursued a college baseball career instead.

A Lasting Legacy

More than just wins and championships, Redwood Baseball is a program built on tradition, pride, and community. The lessons of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance continue to shape players long after their playing days are over. With historical success, legendary coaching, and a commitment to player development, Redwood High School Baseball remains one of the most respected and accomplished programs in California high school sports.