Santa Paula Coach to Return From Suspension Today : Prep baseball: Magdaleno is expected back in the dugout for Frontier League finale after missing game against Nordhoff.

Santa Paula High baseball Coach Mark Magdaleno is expected to be back in the dugout for today’s Frontier League finale at Santa Clara, ending a one-game suspension imposed by Principal Bob Fisher earlier in the week.

The suspension forced Magdaleno to miss Santa Paula’s contest against Nordhoff on Tuesday, a game the Cardinals won to improve to 6-5 in league play. Assistant Henry Jacinto coached the team in Magdaleno’s absence.

Fisher would not disclose the reason for the suspension, saying it was a personnel matter, but the punishment reportedly was handed down after parents of a player complained after their son sustained a minor injury in a drill nearly a month ago. Magdaleno reportedly was suspended for failing to complete the proper paper work after the incident.

“He’s being reinstated as of today,” Fisher said Thursday. “Based upon the investigation I’ve made, I concluded that a one-game suspension was appropriate.”

Said Magdaleno: “I respect Mr. Fisher’s decision. It was a just decision. It’s been a long three days. Life’s not fun without baseball.”

Last Friday, the Cardinals posted a 5-3 win over Calabasas, giving Santa Paula its third playoff berth in 37 years.