Listen to Episode 6 of the 12 & 32 Podcast: Building a Baseball Program at Grant, Becoming a Great Teammate, Chasing the Next Level
Hall of Fame Members of the Month
On Episode 6 of the 12 & 32 Podcast, hosts Jeff Erdman (12) and Bill Booth (32) head to Grant High School for a conversation about Portland baseball, player development, coaching, leadership and what it takes to build a successful program. The two PIL Hall of Famers sit down with Grant head baseball coach Matt Kabza, who last spring completed his 20th year of teaching and coaching at Grant, and Jinki Tomita, the 2026 PIL Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-State selection.
Matt shares the story behind Grant's highly respected baseball program, his journey from playing for Jeff at Madison High to becoming a mentor to generations of young athletes and discusses his philosophy on developing players and strengthening baseball throughout the Portland community.
Jinki talks about his four-year varsity journey, the work and sacrifices behind his development as a pitcher, his favorite Grant memories, his experience as a student-athlete and choir performer and his upcoming opportunity at Feather River Junior College in California. He also talks about pitching, college baseball, dreams of playing professionally, the importance of family and coaches and the lessons he would pass on to the next generation of players.
It'sa conversation about baseball — but more importantly, it's about the people, relationships and commitment that make high school sports special.
Don't miss this informative episode of The 12 & 32 Show.
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