The California Desperados was founded in 1999 by Ken Kertz. In the past 12 years, "the Despos" have forged many standout teams at every age level.

However, what we are most proud of are the players who went on to further there education - some to play collegiate softball and others in pursuit of their academic paths.

Desperados have gone on to play at schools such as Villanova, Arizona, Florida, Colorado State, Iowa State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Rutgers, Cornell, Dartmouth, Cal Poly SLO, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, Princeton, Towson University, University of Rhode Island, East Carolina, Tennessee Martin, UC San Diego, Asuza Pacific, Cal Berkeley, San Diego State, Delaware, Sienna, North Dakota State, Samford and more.

In fact, two former Desperados, that Ken had the honor of coaching, pitched against each other in the 2009 College World Series on ESPN. Stacey Nelson from Florida (3 years as a Desperado) and Sarah Akamine of Arizona (4 years as a Desperado) both were on our National Championship team and our 16U 9th place finish.

We provide clinics for our players through our Desperados Players Academy in which all players attend. We work on skills at all positions improving their footwork, agility and the essentials we know college coaches look for in players. We also have Desperados Days in which we invite guest speakers to attend and address the players, parents and coaching staff. Past speakers include Sue Enquist, UCLA and Ken Ravizzia, world renowned sports psychologist, as well as strength and conditioning coaches.

Ken has conducted fielding clinics for up to 80 players, ran coaches clinics for local rec leagues, and attended numerous college sessions with some of the top coaches in the country. Also, he conducts hitting lessons with some of the top hitters in Orange County.