The Lee legacy started with Tom Lee who is a Cal Poly Hall of Famer and was considered one of the top coaches in the nation. He dedicated 36 years coaching boxing, baseball, football, and basketball for the Mustangs.
His son, Larry Lee followed his father’s footsteps in coaching at Cal Poly. Two generations later, the legacy continues with Tom’s grandson.
17-year-old San Luis Obispo High School junior Brooks Lee is living out the Lee legacy. Last year, the switch-hitter verbally committed to play baseball at Cal Poly. Brooks will be playing for his father, San Luis Obispo Hall of Famer and Mustangs head coach, Larry Lee.
"I wanted to start playing for my dad when I was twelve," Brooks Lee said. "I’ve always heard from other people how important he was to college baseball and I thought it would be an honor to come play for him at Cal Poly."
Larry, his brothers Mike and Terry, also began their baseball careers at San Luis Obispo High School. Each of them contributed to the Lee legacy of local excellence, coaching and guiding young athletes turn their baseball dreams into reality.
Just like with Brooks. Nothing gets over his head because he learned his way around the bases through the Lee legacy. Brooks credits his baseball IQ and learning how to carry himself as the two biggest takeaways from being a son of a nationally acclaimed coach.
"A lot of people have trouble growing up with attitude and stuff like that. With my dad being a coach, I’ve been able to put that aside and focus on baseball. Everything that comes out of his (Larry’s) mouth is a lot of knowledge."
Because of that, Brooks is also viewed differently at school with his team.
"The expectations are a lot higher. Definitely, a lot harder on him than most kids," said Brian Wong, San Luis Obispo High School head coach. "Because his expectations are a lot higher, we expect more out of him."
While Larry remains on deck, Larry resumes his role as a father, before becoming Brooks head coach in 2019.
"When it comes to a game here at SLO, it’s father only. And when it gets to the baseball field at Poly, it’ll be coach," Brooks said.
