Founder

Billy Horton founded Cactus Athletics in 2006 . His heart is to be a great influence in people’s lives and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves. Billy has triumphed over adversity throughout his life and wants to let others know they can do the same through faith, determination, work ethic and seeking out wise counsel from others.

He was named the 2024 Manager of the Year in the Pioneer League when he skippered the Yolo High Wheelers to the League Championship in their inaugural season. He was named Manager of the Year as well in 2023 when he led the Billings Mustangs to the North Division Championship and an appearance in the League Championship Series.

Billy was a Minor League Coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2012 to 2019 which includes their World Series titles in 2012 and 2014. In his 8 years as a coach with the Giants, his teams compiled a .612 winning percentage. Some highlights include 4 trips to the playoffs, 3 appearances in the Championship series, and winning the AZL Championship in 2013. He has also worked in different capacities for the Arizona Diamondbacks, including their World Series Championship in 2001, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers.

He is married to Taleen and they have two sons, Connor and Bryce. Billy was raised in the small town of West Branch, Michigan and moved to Glendale, Arizona in 8th grade. Even though he was cut his freshman year at Cactus High School, he eventually made the Varsity team and earned a baseball scholarship to play collegiality at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. He went on to play in the Minor Leagues from 1997-2000 for multiple Independent League teams and also attended Spring Training as a player with the Chicago White Sox (1999) and Los Angeles Angels (2000).

In addition to writing hundreds of baseball articles, Billy has written an extensive Coaches’ Manual that is available on this website. He is also the author of two books. In his book TODAY he gives readers 5 steps to help turn their passion into their profession, and in 7 Day Fast he talks about understanding God’s plan for your life through faith and actions. He also wrote the poem “Playing for God” which focuses on the giftings that God gave us. To get a copy of these written works or to request Billy as a speaker for your next event, please visit his website www.billyhorton.com