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Coach David Silva talks to his players after a game in 2019. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Santa Ana High School’s varsity baseball coach David Silva, who is credited with bringing some stability to the baseball program the past five years, is retiring, Silva and Athletic Director Brian Lillie said Thursday.
Silva’s best season was in 2019 when he led the Saints to a 15-11 overall record and 10-6 mark in Orange Coast League play. Santa Ana battled Estancia for the league title before finishing second. Santa Ana also finished third in league in 2021. The Saints were 6-17 overall last season.
Silva, a walk-on coach, told his players of his decision Monday.
“For over 40 years I’ve loved stepping onto a baseball field in this great city, the City of Santa Ana,” Silva said. “From south East to Santa Ana High School and everything in between, I’ve loved teaching this great game to so many kids within Santa Ana.
“From T-Ball to the Angel Stadium, this game has been amazing. We’ll see what The Lord has in store next. For now, I need little rest. Thank you Santa Ana High School and all the memories. Go get ’em Saints.”
As for coaching again in the future:
“I don’t know that, I’m not getting any younger,” said Silva, 65.
Lillie praised Silva’s contributions to Santa Ana baseball.
“I want to thank Coach Silva for his commitment to and success with the program over these past five years,” Lillie said. “He stepped in during a challenging time having gone through several coaching changes in a short period of time before he accepted the position.
“Dave wholeheartedly embraced his role and he was fully committed to developing a winning product. He provided much needed stability to the program, the players enjoyed playing for him, and I am grateful for the years we worked together. He will be missed.”
Louis Oakley, a math teacher on campus and assistant coach, has been named interim head coach, Lillie added.
–Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
