Walnut, Calif. – It was a moment 60 years in the making — and one that will live in Mt. SAC Baseball history forever. Under the leadership of Head Coach John Knott, the Mounties claimed the 2025 3C2A State Championship, ending a six-decade title drought and capping off one of the most remarkable seasons in program history.

"It's amazing. You almost can't believe it's been that long," Knott said. "You look at the history of the big leaguers who have come through this program – it just shows how hard it is to win one. You've got to have talented and committed players who stay healthy along with some luck. These guys found a way to get it done and I'm really pleased with them."

Although the season opened with a few early losses, Knott had a growing sense that this group had what it took to do something special.

"I started to feel it after the Glendale series. We took two out of three and I thought, 'Okay, we're going to be tough,'" Knott recalled. "Then we swept El Camino to open conference play. That was a real statement."

As the weeks went on, the team continued to build momentum. The lineup solidified, the bullpen found its rhythm, and a winning culture took hold — both on and off the field. Whether starting, sidelined, or in a supporting role, every player contributed to the mission.

"There was very little drama, which is very rare at this level," Knott said. "Everyone bought in, and guys were pulling for each other whether they were playing or not."

The state championship game was a high-stakes, 13-inning thriller against West Valley College, filled with dramatic shifts in momentum and emotional highs and lows.

Trailing 5–4 after giving up three runs in the eighth, Mt. SAC needed something big — and they got it. Landon White led off the ninth with a solo home run to tie the game, bringing the Mt. SAC crowd to their feet.

"It was like something out of a movie," Knott said. "You dream of moments like that."

The game remained deadlocked until the top of the 13th, when Terrell Jackson Jr. — who had gone hitless with runners on in his first three at-bats — stepped up and delivered the go-ahead RBI single.

"I was so proud of him," Knott said. "From becoming a starter due to an injury, to struggling early, and then delivering when it mattered most. It was awesome."

The Mounties kept the rally going. Bryan Bradshaw doubled, Landon White was intentionally walked, and Ty Thomas delivered a clutch two-RBI single to give Mt. SAC a three-run cushion.

In the bottom half, Izeah Muniz — who had started just two days earlier — returned to the mound to close it out. After rehabbing and confirming he was ready pregame, Muniz shut the door on the Vikings to secure the championship.

Tournament MVP Landon White's season was one for the ages. The Arizona State transfer led the state with a jaw-dropping .481 batting average and 116 hits — one of the most prolific offensive performances in California JUCO history. Now committed to Gonzaga, White not only dominated at the plate but quickly became a beloved teammate and clubhouse leader.

"He's an amazing kid," Knott said. "Seeing how quickly he acclimated with the guys shows his character and attitude. He's a good teammate and he delivered offensively right from the start."

But White isn't the only Mountie moving on to the next level. This championship roster was loaded with talent — and it's paying off. Bryan Bradshaw (UC San Diego), Ty Thomas (Cal State Fullerton), Izeah Muniz (University of Houston), and Diego Ortiz (Southern Illinois) all earned D1 commitments, with several others receiving strong D1 and D2 offers.

"The purpose of what we do here is to help them, guide them and train them so they can move on," Knott said. "Our message is: 'If we win, you're going to win,' because four-year schools want players from winning programs."

The players weren't the only ones who bought in. Coaches stayed late, parents showed up before the games to BBQ and the community came together to show support for the team.

Among those in attendance at the final game was Rich Johnson, the MVP of the 1965 Mt. SAC State Championship team. Sixty years after leading the Mounties to glory, he returned to witness history repeat itself.

"I'm glad I was still alive to see it," Johnson said. "They played like champions, and I hope they never forget this moment."

The support wasn't just appreciated — it was vital. From the dugout to the stands, everyone pulled in the same direction.

"You could feel the energy and the support," Knott said. "Each person wanted to be a part of something bigger than themselves."

With a 45-6 final record and a state title now on the program's resume, Mt. SAC Baseball has established itself as one of California's premier community college programs. The hope is that this championship not only opens new doors for the players, but also helps attract future talent and strengthens recruiting.

"We've already had high school kids committing for next year," Knott said. "The four-year transfers are still playing out, but people are watching. And winning makes a difference."

As he reflected on the season, Knott remained grounded in gratitude.

"There have been incredible coaches who have been at it a long time who have never been able to bring home a state championship," he said. "So to be able to do it — was very humbling."

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