DCBA takes over operations of Legion baseball, Sustaire named next Docs’ coach
We’re getting a call to the bullpen for summer youth baseball in Douglas County.
The Roseburg American Legion Baseball Commission has transitioned away from operating and maintaining the local American Legion baseball programs in the Umpqua Basin after decades of leadership and a new organization has been formed to take over.
The Douglas County Baseball Association (DCBA) has taken the reins of managing city-owned Bill Gray Legion Stadium at Champion Car Wash Field (formerly Legion Field) and organizing summer baseball for teens ages 13-19 years old, including Dr. Stewart’s American Legion baseball.
Jake Whisler has assumed the role of Program Director of DCBA, a community-driven organization that has representation from around the county on its board. Whisler is also currently the head coach of the Umpqua Community College baseball team.
“We can’t thank the (Legion) commissioners enough for the work they’ve been doing for many, many years,” Whisler said.
“Our commission has always been composed of people who were willing to work hard to provide the opportunity for as many players as possible to participate in the program and I’m sure that DCBA will do the same in the years to come,” former Roseburg American Legion Baseball Commission president Tom Donegan said in a press release.
Whisler added that the DCBA leadership group “really loves not only baseball, but seeing this community grow. And for the Legion commissioners to be able to pass that along to these amazing people that are on our Executive Board, you couldn’t put it in better hands.”
Steve Loosley, a Roseburg native, is serving as president of the DCBA Executive Board, which also includes UCC president Rachel Pokrandt and athletic director Craig Jackson, Clint and Cameron Newell and others.
The DCBA leadership group also includes representation from around the county, including Roseburg High School athletic director Adam Blue, Toby Luther, Guy Kennerly and Jeff Johnson.
“This is a very county-centered organization. Our focus is really developing baseball and life skills throughout our county. We really want to enrich baseball and events throughout our county and really give back to them as much as possible,” Whisler said.
While the leadership has changed, summer baseball will very much look the same.
The Roseburg Dr. Stewart’s (AAA), Dr. Randol’s Crowns (A) and Pepsi Bottlecaps (A) will all remain under the American Legion baseball banner, sponsored by the Earle B. Stewart American Legion Post 16 in Roseburg.
DCBA is also bringing back a developmental team for players ages 14-15. The organization is incorporating the 14U Jr. Riverhawks team, led by coach Guion Randol, to fill that role.
“(We’re) looking to get involved at the younger levels and that’s a big part of what we’re trying to do here. Having these kids get a consistent message for a long time until they get to the American Legion level,” Whisler said.
Growing and improving the game are paramount for DCBA, which includes making upgrades to Bill Gray Legion Stadium and scheduling more opportunities for competition.
Whisler said a number of projects are on the horizon for the baseball stadium, located off Stewart Parkway in Roseburg. New fencing in front of the dugouts was recently installed, providing more space for teams. Other projects in the works include renovating the existing batting cages behind the center field fence with a roof, lights and turf. This would provide enhanced opportunities for practice space not only for baseball teams, but also softball programs in the area.
New lighting at the stadium and a turf replacement are on the horizon as well.
Bringing tournaments and events to the stadium and community are also in the works. Whisler shared that a national college showcase will be hosted at Champion Car Wash Field July 25-27, providing 12-15 games for some of the best high school players from around the country.
Whisler also plans to put in bids to host the Northwest Athletic Conference championship tournament in 2027, plus bids for the AAA American Legion Northwest Regional tournament, the Class A American Legion Oregon state tournament and fall ball tournaments.
“It is an honor to be involved with a community baseball organization that has such a storied history of excellence and DCBA has big plans to continue to support and expand the way we serve youth in Douglas County,” Whisler said. “This program will make our community and county really proud.”
SUSTAIRE NAMED 13TH COACH OF DR. STEWART’S BASEBALL
More changes coming for summer baseball include a new skipper for the Roseburg Dr. Stewart’s American Legion baseball team.
Long-time Roseburg High School assistant coach Tim Sustaire has accepted the position, taking over for Eric Savage, who spent two seasons at the helm and accumulated a 49-35-2 record.
“Eric did a great job with our guys, leading them to the state tournament back-to-back years. With him taking an athletic director position (at South Umpqua High School), it wasn’t going to be able to work out logistically with that,” Whisler said.
Sustaire, 45, has spent 21 years as an assistant coach in the Roseburg baseball program under coach Troy Thompson. He’s also coached Legion baseball, including a stint from 2020-2022 as an assistant with the Docs under Jeremiah Robbins.
“First time as a head coach at the highest level, for me, and I’m excited for the challenge,” Sustaire said.
“Being a part of (the Docs) tradition is a big deal for somebody that was born and raised here,” said Sustaire, who added that making the Dr. Stewart’s roster has traditionally been “a tough, tough thing and the challenge is to always get it back there and continue to work on our talent that we have here and find a way to compete.”
Returning to fill out the coaching staff this season will be assistants AJ Doolittle and Justin Bennett. Doolittle has been with the team for two seasons as a pitching coach. Bennett joined the staff last year after serving as head coach of the single-A Pepsi Bottlecaps in 2023.
“All the meetings we’ve had, we’re on the same page,” Sustaire said. “We want what’s best for the kids and to continue to challenge and compete with who we’re playing.”
The Docs are expected to bring back a wealth of experience and talent to set the foundation for the 2025 season.
Daniel Withers and Camden Hartsell are eligible to return for a final season after their freshman campaigns with the Umpqua Riverhawks. High school players with the opportunity to return include Paxton Burke, Jake Johnson, Dane St. Clair, Cal Robbins and Luke Robbins from Roseburg High School, Logan Anderson and Ty Hellenthal from Umpqua Valley Christian, Tauj Flora from Sutherlin and Drew Camp from South Umpqua.
“Definitely a good start for what we’re trying to do. Be leaning on those guys a lot, especially those college returners,” Sustaire said. “Definitely be leaning on those returners because it’s going to be a good mix of some old and some young, real young possibly.”
The Docs’ season is slated to begin June 9 against Medford at Harry & David Field in Medford. The schedule includes 42 games, with many coming during tournaments in Medford, Eugene and Clackamas.
At the single-A level, the Dr. Randol’s Crowns will be coached this season by Cody Watkins with assistant coach Steve Patterson. The Pepsi Bottlecaps will be led by Josh Robbins and Michael Freund, both are currently assistants with the Umpqua Riverhawks.
American Legion baseball tryouts are scheduled for June 2-3. Times will be announced.
