Diamond Bar High School has named Raymond Henderson as its new varsity baseball head coach, entrusting the former professional player and respected local coach with leading the next chapter of one of the area’s tradition-rich baseball programs.

Henderson succeeds Damien Mair, who previously led the Brahmas baseball program.

For Henderson, the opportunity is more than just another coaching position. It is a full-circle moment.

Long before he was leading a baseball program, Henderson played his first varsity high school baseball game on Diamond Bar’s field. It is a memory that has stayed with him throughout his playing and coaching career.

“Back when I was in high school, Diamond Bar was one of the top teams in the area,” Henderson said. “I had my first varsity baseball game at this school, and I’ve never forgotten it. Being able to become the head coach of this program means a lot to me in ways that I can help the community around us and help bring the baseball program back to what it used to be.”

Diamond Bar Director of Athletics, Kurt Davies, believes Henderson is the right person to lead the Brahmas into their next chapter.

“We couldn’t be happier to get Coach Henderson on board,” Davies said. “Brahma baseball has a rich history, and we are confident that Coach Henderson, with his outstanding pedigree, will get us back where we belong.”

Henderson arrives at Diamond Bar with an impressive baseball résumé.

After attending Canyon High School and El Modena High School, he was selected by the Houston Astros in the 22nd round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft. He spent three seasons playing in the Astros organization before transitioning into coaching.

Following his professional career, Henderson became a hitting coach at EM Baseball, a player development and training facility in Rancho Cucamonga. He later coached travel baseball, operating his own teams and organization before joining the varsity coaching staff at Ayala High School, where he spent the past three seasons working with the Bulldogs’ offense and catchers.

Each stop along the way has helped shape the coach he is today.

“The experience I have playing professionally helps me a lot when it comes to giving these kids structure and being able to prepare them for what comes after high school baseball,” Henderson said. “Whether that means on the baseball field or off the baseball field, I want to make sure I not only help create good baseball players, but even better people that will go into the world.”

While Henderson’s playing experience provides credibility, his coaching philosophy is rooted in fundamentals, accountability, and player development.

“My coaching philosophy is very simple,” Henderson said. “We are going to play great defense and be able to manufacture runs in any way possible. If that means we have to play small ball and create havoc, then we will. But more importantly, I want to create a winning culture that stays with us for years to come. I want to teach every player all aspects of the game and develop them as much as I can.”

His long-term vision extends beyond wins and losses.

Henderson wants Diamond Bar to once again become recognized as one of Southern California’s respected baseball programs, both on the field and in the classroom.

“My vision for this program over the next several years is to be known as the team that plays baseball the right way and is taught correctly,” Henderson said. “Hopefully, that means competing for league titles and making runs in the CIF playoffs. But in the short term, it’s about developing our players and making progress toward turning this into a well-known baseball school while carrying a well-respected program.”

As Henderson begins his first season leading the Brahmas, he hopes to establish a culture built on discipline, player development and respect—one that reflects Diamond Bar’s proud baseball tradition while preparing student-athletes for success long after their playing days have ended.

“I am so honored to have this opportunity to take leadership of this program that has so much history,” Henderson said.