Story byAlbuquerque Journal, N.M.

Griego departs Rio Grande with nearly 500 career victories

James Yodice, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.Wed, Jul 8, 2026·1 min read

Rio Grande High School finds itself in the unusual position of searching for a new head baseball coach for the first time since the mid-1990s.

Orlando Griego won 484 games in over three decades with the Ravens, but he has resigned after a terrific run in the South Valley.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Griego, 58, compiled a 484-272 record in his 30 seasons at Rio Grande, where he himself was once a prominent athlete. He almost certainly would have reached the magical 500-win plateau in the 2027 season.

His teams were almost always among the most competitive in New Mexico’s largest classification, and the Ravens were consistent winners throughout Griego’s tenure.

He departs coming off a 17-10 season with Rio Grande.

Griego did not return multiple messages seeking comment Tuesday.

His first season at Rio Grande was 1996, and since then, scores of Ravens have been sent on to play college baseball.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

He graduated from Rio Grande in 1985 and in 1990 was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers after his college career at New Mexico State.

"I don't know where I'd be if I wasn't here, because there's no other place in the world I'd rather be than here," Griego said after winning his 400th career game during the 2022 season.

Online applications are currently being taken as Rio Grande begins the search for Griego’s successor.

James Yodice covers prep sports for the Journal. You can reach him at jyodice@abqjournal.com or via X at @JamesDYodice.