Full Circle at Blair Field

The last time Zach Voelker called Blair Field home, he was wearing a Cal State University Long Beach black and yellow jersey in 2022 and chasing a dream. For most players, returning to a former ballpark brings back memories. For him, it brought a career full circle. Now, just a few years later, he’s back on the same diamond as a professional baseball player for the Long Beach Coast. 

Voelker has been a reliable arm for the Coast, earning Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week. With four appearances, he threw 4.0 scoreless innings, allowed no hits, struck out nine, and recorded three saves; last week, he had an ERA of 0.00.

“I was super excited when I found out,” said Voelker. “It’s hard for a relief pitcher to get it, but it was cool.”

 He has been dominating on the mound, as he is the first Coast player to strike out 20 batters, with a season ERA of 2.92 and a 0.89 WHIP. 

“I feel confident throwing all four of my pitches, getting ahead with a first-pitch strike, and I just feel really confident out there right now,” said Voelker.

WHERE IT BEGAN

Last season, Voelker pitched for Jerome Williams as a Yuba Sutter-Highweeler, now the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds, and when Williams was hired as the Coast’s pitching coach, he extended an invitation to come back to his old stomping grounds to try out. 

“Jerome has been awesome,” said Voelker. “Talking to him every day and picking his brain. He's always wanting to teach us something.”

With a stacked staff, MLB veteran Jerome Williams, All-Star Troy Percival, and 2002 World Series MVP Troy Glaus, the players are feeding off their knowledge and experience.

“It’s awesome,” said Voelker. “They’re here to help me, and it’s amazing, for sure.”

Every now and then, the players watch their coaches’ highlight reels and get inspired.

“It’s hilarious to see them doing that when they’re in here messing around with us,” said Voelker.

THE MENTAL SIDE OF THE MOUND

It's hard not to romanticize the game, with the lights, crowds, and suspense; it's hard not to get caught up in it all. The mental side of the game is just as important as physical ability. Voelker has been gaining insight into the mental game from Percival, as he was a closer himself.  

“Staying even-keeled all the time, not getting too high at the highs or too low at the lows. Staying with the process,” said Voelker.

Every athlete has their own routine to get locked in and mentally prepare. Voelker uses smelling salts to get himself locked in.

“I'm pretty high energy,” said Voelker. “But I try to calm myself down out there.”

MORE THAN A TEAM

Baseball may be an individual battle between pitcher and hitter, but Voelker’s success hasn’t come alone. Behind every save and strikeout is a clubhouse that has become one of the closest groups he’s been a part of.

“Really staying with my process every day and making sure I can look back and say I did everything I could to have success on the mound,” said Voelker. 

While returning to Blair Field has brought Voelker’s career full circle, it’s the people around him who have made the experience special. From veteran coaches to supportive teammates, the Coast clubhouse has helped turn a familiar ballpark into a home again.

“It's always super fun being at the field,” said Voelker. “It's amazing being here, but they're all supportive of me.”

WRITTEN BY: NINA CORRAL