Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Scott St. John led the McKinleyville Panthers to a Big 5 championship in the spring of 2019.

The Humboldt Eagles have announced some changes for the summer season.

The longtime local American Legion baseball club will feature a longtime local baseball coach in 2026.

Former McKinleyville High head coach and Humboldt B52s manager Scott St. John is returning to the dugout to coach the club’s 19U team, taking over from Tommy Gale.

St. John, who stepped down as the Panthers head coach after the 2022 season, will join returning Eagles 17U head coach John Downey in guiding the club this summer.

According to a press release announcing the news, “These strategic additions to the coaching staff reflect Humboldt Eagles’ commitment to excellence and player development for the 2026 season.”

St. John won a Big 5 championship with McKinleyville in 2019 and has over 20 years experience coaching baseball here on the North Coast.

“Scott values our local community while providing essential support,  growth, and opportunities for our players,” the press release said.

He also was the manager of the B52s from 2015 through 2019.

Downey, meanwhile, will return for a second summer in charge of the Eagles 17Us.

The College of the Redwoods head coach was a popular choice to oversee the club’s younger team last summer and enjoyed plenty of success in his first year in charge of the team.

According to the press release announcing the news, Downey “brings a wealth of expertise as the current head coach of the College of the Redwoods baseball program. 

“J.D.’s leadership was instrumental in our 2025 season, winning us the California Class “A” State Championship. Through Coach Downing’s programs, players enhance core values such as integrity and sportsmanship, through both practice and game expectations.”

The Eagles, who feature players from throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties, have been a big part of summer baseball here on the North Coast for generations.

“Our focus is developing baseball and life skills through board involvement and local sponsorships,” the press release said. “The Eagles program is a competitive platform for local high school athletes of the greater Humboldt/Del Norte Counties.” 

And the Eagles Board believes both coaches will have a major impact with the teams this summer and beyond.

“These coaches are looking forward to new opportunities and bringing quality ball players from our local area together to compete against the best American Legion teams in the northwest region,” the board said in the press release.

“We are confident that both coaches’ commitment to mentorship and character building will produce not only elite competitors, but exceptional leaders within our community and will ensure our organization continues to thrive.”

The Eagles will begin their summer seasons in early June.