A Proud Tradition
The Lions High School Baseball Tournament is the longest-running and largest high school baseball competition in the United States. Founded in 1951 by Mike Morrow and Les Cassie, the tournament has been held every year, rain or shine, ever since. Initially, it only included high schools from San Diego County and nearby towns, but as more teams joined, the number of fields used for games expanded. The first championship was won by La Jolla High School, with the trophies presented at the Army and Navy YMCA in the presence of Padres players.
In 1953, 24 teams participated, with support from several local Lions Clubs, which helped with staffing and funding. By 1954, the tournament had grown so much that the championship game was featured in a Padres doubleheader at Lane Field. Although the 1955 tournament was canceled due to rain, local churches have since been called upon for good weather prayers, and the event has never been canceled again.
Francis Parker High School — 2022 Tournament
By 1960, the tournament had attracted 25 high school teams from across the United States. While there were efforts to expand the support to a district-wide committee in the tournament’s 25th year, this initiative didn’t last, and the Downtown San Diego Lions Club resumed control of the event.
Judge Pete Gallagher, a passionate baseball fan, took over leadership of the tournament in 2003. Today, the event sees around 130 high school teams competing. Pete also introduced the popular Coaches Dinner, hosted by the Downtown Lions Club, where Padres players and baseball officials join the coaches for an evening of steak, stories, and camaraderie.
Montgomery High School — 2022 Tournament
Due to the increasing number of teams, the tournament now features six competition levels, divided by school enrollment. This structure remains in place today. The tournament has become a cornerstone of San Diego baseball, with many Major League stars having emerged from its ranks.
The San Diego Lions Tournament is currently ranked as the fourth-best high school baseball tournament in the nation, just behind the Boras Tourney, the National Invitational in South Carolina, and MaxPreps, which ranks it fifth. For more details, visit LionsBaseball.
