​​Grace University Athletics is proud to announce the appointment of Nick Escalera as the inaugural Head Baseball Coach in program history.

 

A Southern California native with a deep passion for player development, analytics, and championship culture, Escalera brings a unique blend of professional playing experience, collegiate coaching expertise, and modern baseball innovation to the Talons.

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His journey through the game has been defined by one constant principle: helping athletes maximize their potential while building programs the right way.

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Before arriving at Grace University, Escalera served as the Head of Data & Analytics at California State University, Los Angeles, where he played a vital role in utilizing advanced metrics, player performance analysis, and strategic evaluation to enhance team success. His ability to merge traditional baseball fundamentals with modern analytical approaches has made him one of the rising young minds in the game.

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Prior to his time at Cal State LA, Escalera gained valuable collegiate coaching experience at Nobel University and College of the Desert, helping student-athletes develop both on and off the field while contributing to program growth and recruitment efforts.

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A graduate of La Sierra High School in Riverside, California, Escalera’s playing career took him to Bethany College, where he competed for two seasons before launching a professional baseball career in the independent ranks of the Pecos League.

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Over four professional seasons, Escalera suited up for the High Desert Yardbirds, California City Whiptails, and Tucson Saguaros. His professional journey culminated in a Pecos League Championship in 2020 with the Tucson Saguaros, providing firsthand experience of the commitment, discipline, and competitive mindset required to win at the highest levels of the game.

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While pursuing his professional career, Escalera simultaneously began building his coaching résumé during the offseason. He returned to his alma mater as a junior varsity assistant before spending three seasons as the Varsity Hitting Coach at Norte Vista High School, helping develop hitters and mentoring young athletes through critical stages of their growth.

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His coaching career continued to expand nationally through collegiate summer baseball, where he worked in some of the country’s most competitive developmental leagues. Escalera has coached in the Ohio Valley League, Palm Springs Collegiate League, Sunset League, and California Collegiate League, gaining valuable experience working with collegiate players from across the nation and helping prepare them for the next level.

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Now, as the founding leader of Grace University Baseball, Escalera brings a comprehensive understanding of the game from every angle—player, recruiter, instructor, analyst, and mentor.

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His vision for the Talons Baseball program is built upon player development, competitive excellence, character, faith, and opportunity. Combining modern baseball analytics with a relentless commitment to fundamentals, Escalera is committed to building a program that develops complete student-athletes and establishes Grace University as a rising force in collegiate baseball.

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As Grace University embarks on its inaugural baseball journey, Coach Escalera’s experience, energy, and passion for the game provide the foundation for what promises to be an exciting new era for Talons Athletics.

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The rise of Grace University Baseball begins with a builder, a teacher, and a competitor—and Coach Nick Escalera is ready to lead the way.

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Coaching Career Timeline

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Present (2026)

• Grace University

• Head Baseball Coach​​​

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2025-2026

• Cal State Los Angeles

• Assistant Coach

 

2024-2025

• Nobel University

• Assistant Coach

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