Caller-Times 2012 H.S. baseball preview

1H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

2012 HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

ELITE COMPANY ■■Carroll’s Hawkins, Calallen’s

Mathisen have a lot in common

By Greg Rajan rajang@caller.com 361-886-3747

TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES

ABOVE: Pro scouts see Wyatt Mathisen as a catcher at the next level, but Calallen coach Steve Chapman says the senior will see most of his time at pitcher and shortstop this season.

RIGHT: Carroll’s Courtney Hawkins is expected to be drafted within the first two rounds of this summer’s MLB draft. He has pitched for the Tigers but will likely end up in the outfield.

Michael Zamora/Caller-Times

For the better part of a decade, Carroll’s Courtney Hawkins and Calallen’s Wyatt Mathisen have shared a friendship.

From playing with and against each other on select baseball teams to being the best players on two of the state’s top high school programs, they’re inextricably linked.

In November, both signed letters of intent to play at the University of Texas. Now, on the eve of their senior seasons, they could leave themselves connected in another way — by joining the short list of Coastal Bend players to be selected in the first two rounds of the major league draft.

Only five players from local schools have been picked in the first two rounds since the first draft in 1965, and the area never has had two players picked in the first two rounds of the same draft.

I think it’s a special thing to have in Corpus. We have, what, 300,000 people in this town and we’ve got two guys who might get drafted in the top three rounds?

How often does that happen?”

Wyatt Mathisen, Calallen senior , who is considered a top MLB prospect along with Carroll’s Courtney Hawkins

“I think it’s a special thing to have in Corpus,” Mathisen said. “We have, what, 300,000 people in this town and we’ve got two guys who might get drafted in the top three rounds? How often does that happen?

“And we’ve got two teams that are ranked (nationally).

That’s amazing to have Corpus baseball as good as it is.”

But as the draft looms, Hawkins and Mathisen are approach-

ing it in different ways.

Best player in Carroll history?

If the draft is on Hawkins’ mind, good luck getting him to admit it.

When asked what role it plays in his preparation for his senior year, Carroll’s center fielder/pitcher steadfastly expresses a waitand-see mentality, choosing instead to focus on the Tigers’ upcoming campaign.

“I’m not really thinking about the draft process too much,” Hawkins said. “I’m just going to let whatever happens happen. We know it’s there. You’ve just got to get through the season and whatever God plans for us, that’s going to happen.

See DUO, 14H

TRIPLE PLAY

■■Carroll seniors

have rare shot at 3 straight state trips

By Greg Rajan rajang@caller.com 361-886-3747

Two years ago, a plucky band of six Carroll sophomores helped put the Tigers on the Texas baseball map by playing key roles in the school’s first state championship in any team sport.

Those six players — outfielder Chris Cano, third baseman Josh Cruz, first baseman/pitcher O’Shea Dumes, outfielder Jason Franco, center fielder/pitcher Courtney Hawkins and shortstop Trey Rodriguez — are now seniors, with a chance to join an elite club in Texas high school baseball history.

Carroll is vying to become just the second Class 5A team to make three consecutive appearances at the state tournament. The only other school to do it is Fort Bend Elkins from 200003. Locally, only Robstown (1990-92) and Calallen (1998-00) have made three straight trips to state, both in the 4A ranks.

As much as this season is about atoning for how the last one ended — with a shocking 10-0 loss to Lubbock Coronado in the state semifinals — those around the Carroll program are aware of the history they could make.

“That’s a big deal,” Hawkins said.

“You come into the season thinking about getting back to the state tournament, that’s always your final goal. Knowing that we can be the seniors that could do it three years in a row and make history, it’d be something special.”

See CARROLL, 15H

Knowing that we can be the seniors that could do it three years in a row and make history, it’d be something special.”

Courtney Hawkins, Carroll senior, on a potential third straight trip to state

Michael Zamora/Caller-Times

Seniors O’Shea Dumes (clockwise from left), Trey Rodriguez, Courtney Hawkins, Jason Franco, Chris Cano and Josh Cruz and the rest of the Carroll Tigers are hoping to become just the second 5A team to make three consecutive appearances at state.

Come by to see all our Jewelry Specials!

• Lowest price on EGL & GIA certified diamonds • Many brand names in silver, gold & platinum • Our jewelry experts can customize your special jewelry piece.

Thank you for Voting us #1

2314 Ayers St.

South Texas Largest Jewelry Buyers!

Top dollar paid for gold, diamonds, coins, estate jewelry and Rolex.

www.goldmasterjewelry.com

Appreciation Coupon Bring this in to receive an additional 10% when you sell your gold or silver.

361.852.GOLD(4653) 5702 S. Staples

In the Copperfield Shopping Center (in front of Whiskey River)

361.993.GOLD(4653)

2011

Gold/Precious Metal (Buyers/Sellers)

CAL563822

Across from Del Mar College

2H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

CLASS 5A

Tigers have something to prove ■■Carroll looks to

recover after 10-0 loss in state semis

By Greg Rajan rajang@caller.com 361-886-3747

The coaching bromide says you’re only as good as your last game.

For Carroll’s baseball team, this year is about showing the Tigers aren’t as bad as their last game.

Last June, Carroll’s bid for its second consecutive Class 5A state championship ended in humiliating fashion, with a 10-0 loss in five innings to Lubbock Coronado in the state semifinals.

It was a seismic upset, and one that left quite the bitter taste.

“I was so embarrassed; I just wanted to get out of there,” Carroll coach Lee Yeager said.

“I think it’s just one of those things you don’t have to say much about. It was out there for the world to see and I think they know it. It’s not something we talk about much.”

For senior center fielder/ pitcher Courtney Hawkins, it’s the game that goes unmentioned.

“I’m not even going to comment on that last game we played,” Hawkins said. “To me, that wasn’t even our team. That’s not how we play. Basically it gave us something about how we’ve got to approach this year.”

And it’s clear nothing is being taken for granted this season. The Tigers begin the year as the top-ranked team in Class 5A, but they learned a year ago — when they opened as Baseball America’s national No. 1 — that it’s about how you finish.

Carroll figures to be primed for another run at state, with just about every starter back.

For Yeager, that can be a positive and a negative, as he and his staff will need to find ways to keep a veteran crew motivated for the marathon season.

While the loss to Coronado ended the Tigers’ championship reign, it arguably may have been a blessing in disguise, as any sense of complacency has been

Paul Iverson/Special to the Caller-Times

Senior Josh Cruz returns at third base for the Carroll Tigers, who are looking to avenge a disappointing loss last season in the Class 5A state semifinals

replaced by a steely determination evident in fall workouts and preseason practices.

“Obviously we wanted to win it, but certainly getting them motivated for their senior year when that’s sometimes the most difficult group to coach, losing that game is going to help draw them back in and make sure they understand what it takes to win,” Yeager said.

“Knowing that this is their last year and their legacy is going to be made this year, I think they want to atone for that. It was pretty embarrassing for all of us, but especially for our players. I

think they really thought about how they looked on the stage and they’ve got something to (prove).”

Six of the Tigers’ senior starters were key contributors as sophomores on a state champion.

They learned the work that was needed to reach that goal, and what’s required to get back to that rarefied air. “(Last year) tells us to humble ourselves more,” shortstop Trey Rodriguez said. “We went in there and our heads got too big and we didn’t work hard enough.

This year we’re already working hard and we’re going to continue working hard to get back there.”

Carroll Tigers Head coach: Lee Yeager 2011 record: 34-7 Last district title: 2011 Last playoffs: 2011 (lost to Lubbock Coronado in state semifinal) Returning starters: Chris Cano, OF/P, sr., Michael Cantu, C, so.; Josh Cruz, 3B, sr., O’Shea Dumes, 1B/RHP, sr., Jason Franco, OF, sr.; Courtney Hawkins, OF/RHP, sr.; Trey Rodriguez, SS, sr., Julian Salinas, 2B, sr.

Key newcomers: Zach Alaniz, OF, fr.; Andrew Benavides, OF, sr.; Andrew Heitkamp, 2B/3B, jr.; Rene Pineda, 2B, soph.

Outlook: With a 5A state championship and a trip to the semifinals the past two years, the bar is set pretty high for the state’s top-ranked team. Carroll is loaded with players who have played on the biggest stage, so experience won’t be an issue. The senior-laden squad figures to be a group looking to leave a legacy at the school and in the state record books, so the hunger is still there.

King ‘invested’ in another run ■■Mustangs

eye a return to the postseason

By Greg Rajan rajang@caller.com 361-886-3747

Around King’s baseball field, ubiquitous are the initials “T.I.” painted in the school’s familiar green and white.

Those letters aren’t a show of support for the embattled rapper of the same name, but rather a mentality that has taken hold among the Mustangs.

“We have this saying ‘T.I.’ for totally invested,” junior catcher Todd Wilkinson said. “Every night before a game, we’re all at the team dinner, the whole team. The unity is just there.

“My freshman year, they made it up, and we’ve had it ever since. It’s worked really well and brought the whole team together, and I think it’s really good.”

That sense of camaraderie yielded dividends on the diamond last year, with King making the playoffs for a second consecutive year and advancing to the third round for the first time since 1994.

Six starters return from that team, and that gives fifth-year coach Gabriel Perez something to build upon this season.

“It’s a great thing for us,” Perez said. “We’ve been the school that’s been behind Carroll and Moody the last few years, but we feel we have a group of kids right here that finally got tired of losing. They found a way to win, and that’s been driving us here the last few years, finding ways to win games, not losing games.”

King’s second-place finish in District 28-5A was its first since 2003.

While the Mustangs were the first CCISD team to win a state championship in 1967, they realize they must continue to battle to earn mention with the city’s other high-profile programs.

“We want to be in the conversation, but we can’t get our heads too big to where we think we’re already in the third round,” Wilkinson said. “We just have to work at practice and come out here every day and play hard.

“The one thing we can’t do is worry about our record every day at practice. We’ve just got to get better every day, and the record will come after that.”

Wilkinson joins shortstop Eric Perez and third baseman Benny Zamudio as part of a junior triumvirate that Perez cites as leaders by example.

“We feel those are three guys who come to work every day, whether it’s in the fall to right now,” he said. “They don’t miss a day. They’re always in the weight room, always getting extra conditioning and doing whatever it takes to make themselves better, and that’s what we’re relying on.”

But as the Mustangs have started to turn a corner, there’s still work to do.

“I think they’ve got to keep competing and keep fighting,” Perez said. “I think that’s what they’ve learned to do here over the years. In the last five years, we’ve gotten better every year. The guys are finding ways to make themselves better.

“I would like to say the foundation has been set by the kids. The coaching staff has come in here, and we’ve tried to do a lot of things. But at the end of the day, it’s the players who are laying the foundation for us.”

George Tuley/Special to the Caller-Times

King Mustangs

King shortstop and leadoff batter Eric Perez (right) is one of the top juniors returning for the Mustangs this season.

Head coach: Gabriel Perez 2011 record: 22-15 Last playoff appearance: 2011 (lost to San Antonio Churchill in IV-5A quarterfinal) Returning starters: Michael Lewis, OF, sr.; Eric Perez, P/SS, jr.; Todd Wilkinson, C, jr.; Cody Yaklin, 1B, sr.; Marcus Zamudio, OF, so.; Benny Zamudio, 3B, jr.

Key newcomers: Justin Sanchez, SS/P, jr.; Dominique Lane, OF, sr.; Troy Garza, 2B, jr.

Outlook: The Mustangs appear to be trending upward, with consecutive playoff appearances after a three-year absence. They lost some senior leaders from last season, but return a good nucleus and appear to have a solid foundation in place. Sanchez, a Moody transfer, should play a key role with his new team.

We’ve been the school that’s been behind Carroll and Moody the last few years, but we feel we have a group of kids right here that finally got tired of losing. They found a way to win and that’s been driving us here the last few years, finding ways to win games, not losing games.”

Gabriel Perez, King baseball coach

C A L L E R -T I M E S

« Sunday, February 19, 2012 « 3H

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

As a leading refiner and marketer, we commit to excellence every day; in our business, our industry, and especially to relationships with our employees and communities.

We take great pride in supporting the communities where we live and work. That is one reason we support high school athletics. We share a lot of the same values; family, teamwork and always striving to be the best.

Good luck, to all of our local teams.

We’re proud to be a part of your team!

CAL565055

4H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

CLASS 4A

Young Wildcats growing up ■■Coach Flores

sees similarities to 2006 squad

By George Vondracek vondracekg@caller.com 361-886-3731

PORTLAND — Fred Flores was a relatively new baseball coach in 2006, when he was in his second season of coaching the Gregory-Portland High School program.

The Wildcats reached the Region IV-4A semifinals that season before losing to New Braunfels, which then pushed past Calallen in the regional final and eventually won the state championship. But the memories of that team are still vivid in his mind, because he is seeing some of those same qualities in this year’s edition — and it has him excited about G-P’s potential.

“There weren’t any superstars or power hitters or power pitchers; it was just a good group of kids with real good chemistry,” Flores said.

“This team reminds me a lot of that bunch.”

That bodes well for the Wildcats of 2012 after a third-place finish in District 30-4A a year ago. But they will attempt to match that 2006 run with a relatively young ballclub. Only one of the projected starters — Flores’ son, first baseman Fred Jr. — is a senior. The bulk of the rest are underclassmen. The players are somewhat experienced given the circumstances of the restocking program, but they are younger players nonetheless, returnees from a 16-14 ballclub that was swept in a best-of-three area playoff series by Flour Bluff last year.

“Two years ago we took our lumps. Last year we took a couple of lumps, but we gave some lumps back. That’s why I’m excited. I’m hoping we

give all the lumps this year,” coach Flores said. “I’ve had these kids since they were freshmen and, geez, I’m really excited to see what they do. I think it’s going to go good.”

It starts with pitching.

Ervin Polasek and Randy Sanchez handled the bulk of the load last season, with juniors Travis Geiser and Buddy Rodriguez and sophomores Tanner Geiser and Ruben Martinez getting some starts earlier in the season. Flores is hoping those early assignments have been enough to steel the starters this year.

“When I first got them, they had that deer-in-the-headlight look. Now, they’re moving around with a little more confidence. They’re picking up what we’re doing a lot faster,” Flores said of the pitching staff. “It’s not so much teaching anymore; now we’re running through the drills. They did pick up a lot of experience, and it shows. We’re pretty excited about it.”

Outside of Fred Flores Jr., the other returning starters are third baseman Carlos Flores and designated hitter Ryan Starcher, both juniors.

Tanner Geiser and Mickie Erwin are projected to roam the outfield with Martinez.

Travis Geiser is one of G-P’s shortstops when he isn’t pitching, and junior Ty Fishbeck — who logged some time at catcher when Polasek was pitching — again is slated to be behind the plate. Andres Rodriguez, one of G-P’s few seniors, is in the running to start at second base.

“I’m really excited, man. I had these same juniors, four of them started as freshmen.

I’ve seen them grow,” coach Flores said. “It’s almost like we’re young, but we’re experienced. I’m excited. I feel like we’re going to do pretty good.

We stay away from injuries, I really think we have a shot in our district.”

District 30-4A capsules Here is a look at the rest of the area teams in District 30-4A: Beeville Trojans

Head coach: Tom Carrera 2011 record: 13-16 Last district title: N/A Last playoff appearance: 2007 Returning starters: C/F/P Benji Gomez, Sr.; IF/P Michael Rosas, Sr.; OF/P Brooks Holder, Sr. Key newcomers: C Daniel Amador, So.; OF/P Brody Benavides, Sr.; IF/P Clay Blackwell, Jr.; IF/P Cameron Kremers, Fr. Outlook: The Trojans struggled in district play, but they return three pitchers that should help them compete. If they can get some help from the newcomers, Beeville could be in the mix for its first playoff berth in five seasons.

Floresville Tigers

Head coach: Dennis Schlueter 2011 record: 14-11 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Outlook: SS/P Garrett Pollock is the big bat and arm for the Tigers.

The Tigers will need others to contribute, but they should contend for another playoff spot.

TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES

Gregory-Portland Wildcats Head coach: Fred Flores 2011 record: 16-14 Last district title: 2001 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: Mickie Erwin, jr., OF; Fred Flores Jr., sr., 1B; Tanner Geiser, soph., P-OF; Travis Geiser, jr., P-SS; Ruben Martinez, soph., P-OF; Buddy Rodriguez, jr., P; Ryan Starcher, jr., DH Key newcomers: None Outlook: G-P’s strength also is its weakness — youth and experience. Only one senior in the preseason is projected to be a starter and the Wildcats are banking on the experience gained a year ago to play into their success.

above

Gregory-Portland’s Travis Geiser will see time at pitcher and shortstop this season.

He’s one of several Wildcats hurlers who made starts early last year in preparation for a bigger role in 2012.

Port Lavaca Sandcrabs

Head coach: Santos Alvarado 2011 record: 6-14 Victoria East Titans

Head coach: Wes Kolle 2011 record 20-14 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Victoria West Warriors

Head coach: Manuel Alvarado 2011 record: 21-9 Last playoff appearance: 2011

From a Bank That Understands It’s All About Teamwork.

Here’s To a Winning Season!

Corpus Christi 400 Mann St. 361.885.0785 6670 South Staples St. 361.986.7800 14201 Northwest Blvd 361.387.5235 Taft 421 Green Ave. 361.528.2566 Rockport 1629 Hwy. 35 North 361.729.1574

2012

History has it that baseball was invented in 1839…a mere 28 years before First Victoria was established. Our roots run deep in the community and we are proud of our heritage as the oldest independent bank in Texas.

As the new baseball season nears, we wanted to wish Good Luck to all of our local teams. May your preparation and hard work pay off, as you journey down the road to the State Championship and beyond.

www.firstvictoria.com CAL565645

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

« Sunday, February 19, 2012 « 5H

CLASS 4A

’Cats welcome back starters ■■Calallen hopes

experience, hard work pay off big

By George Vondracek vondracekg@caller.com 361-886-3731

TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES

Wyatt Mathisen (4) and Tyler Neslony are among seven returning starters for the Calallen baseball team, which reached the state title game last season.

Calallen Wildcats Head coach: Steve Chapman 2011 record: 39-6 Last district title: 2011 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: Armando Arevalo, sr., P; Tate Bammert, sr., DH-C; Preston Dorsey, jr., OF; Lee May Gonzalez, jr., 2B; Greg Hernandez, sr., 3B; Tyler Neslony, sr., OF; Wyatt Mathisen, sr., P-SS Key newcomers: Jimmy Roche, sr., 1B Outlook: Another boatload of experience makes the Class 4A finalists a prohibitive favorite in District 31-4A and a good bet to make another deep run in the postseason. Texas-bound Mathisen, a first-team allstate pick, heads the returnees with six other returning starters.

It starts with pitching, and the Wildcats have three in tow. Tex-

as-bound Wyatt Mathisen (11-2), Armando Arevalo (12-1) and Desi

Castillo (4-0) return to the hill.

Castillo is coming off arm surgery and may not be at full strength until the middle of next month.

Tate Bammert (.383) moves behind the plate to catch the Calallen staff after serving as the designated hitter. Outfielders Tyler Neslony (.370) and Preston Dorsey (.390), third baseman Greg Hernandez (.257) and second baseman Lee May Gonzalez (.368) round out the returnees, with Mathisen (. 461) penciled in at shortstop when he isn’t pitching.

“I feel like our pitching ought to be a strong point if everybody

stays healthy. But I also feel like our hitting should be just as strong, too,” Chapman said.

“But you and I both know what gets you there is not the hitting, it’s the pitching.”

And the combination of both of those facets is providing optimism heading into the season.

“I’ve got a good feeling about them. Like I said, if they continue to keep the work habits they have now, stay hungry, stay focused, they’ll have a shot just like anybody else or all the other teams,” Chapman said. “They’ll have a shot at going a long ways in the playoffs.”

CAL565039

Things change little in the Calallen High School baseball camp as the season approaches.

There is the lofty ranking, tradition oozes on the Wildcats’ diamond and the expectations are as elevated as the No. 1 preseason ranking in the Texas High School Baseball Association poll.

There is a different twist this year, however. Instead of reloading from the equally talented subvarsity ranks, the Wildcats already have seven starters in their clip from the 39-6 team that reached the Class 4A championship game last June.

“We have, at different times throughout the years, had four or five starters back. But having six or seven starters back, that’s something basically new,” longtime Calallen coach Steve Chapman said.

New, and welcome.

“I can see that they are more focused definitely at our workouts and stuff,” Chapman said.

“We’ve had really good workouts from Day 1.”

Winners of three state championships, the Wildcats are aiming for their 13th trip to the state tournament. On paper, they have the hitting and pitching to claim another District 31-4A title and earn another trip to Round Rock. Paper doesn’t swing a bat, field a hot grounder or deliver a clutch hit, however, and Chapman is stressing those points to his squad.

“First of all, we’re going to have a big target on our back all year long because of the fact we’re starting out ranked No. 1,” said Chapman, 810-183-2 in his 29 years at Calallen.

“Everybody wants to beat Calallen.

That’s understandable. We don’t get anything without putting hard work into it. Nobody’s going to give you anything.”

6H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

CLASS 4A

PHOTOS BY TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES

Hornets catcher Lucas Humpal’s signing with Division I Texas State has stoked interest among schoolmates in playing for Flour Bluff’s program.

Hornets feeling buzz of success I’ve seen the excitement and the increased interest in baseball at our school.

We had over 70 kids come out.

We have more kids spending time playing the game and going to camps and playing summer ball. Hopefully, it will be that much more interesting.”

By Lee Goddard goddardl@caller.com 361-886-3613

When asked about Flour Bluff’s last district title, coach Ron Weikum reacted a little sheepishly.

It was 1986. That seems like a long time, but when playing in the shadows of Calallen, Robstown and Alice, there’s a good reason for that.

Just don’t expect the Bluff to be stuck in anyone’s shadow anymore.

There’s a buzz about the Hornets after the team made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons and following Lucas Humpal signing with Texas State. Weikum believes this group will continue one of the better runs in school history.

“I’ve seen the excitement and the increased interest in baseball at our school,” said Weikum, who returned to the Bluff in 2008 after coaching the team throughout the 1990s. “We had over 70 kids come out. We have more kids spending time playing the game and going to camps and playing summer ball. Hopefully, it will be that much more interesting.”

That’s because of the team’s recent accomplishments. The team made back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 1996 and 1997.

In 2010, the Hornets took their first playoff series since 1997 after making the first postseason showing since 1999.

Humpal has stoked the interest as well. A catcher who will get time on the hill as a pitcher, his signing with a Division I college has others wanting that chance.

“It’s made an impact,” Weikum said. “We have kids talking, ‘Hey coach, I’d like to go

Ron Weikum, Flour Bluff baseball coach

Kolton Mims (left) is one of six players returning to Flour Bluff’s regular lineup who will be counted on for timely hits.

Humpal will see time at catcher and pitcher for Flour Bluff this season.

Flour Bluff Hornets Head coach: Ron Weikum 2011 record: 23-12 Last district title: 1986 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: C/P Lucas Humpal, Sr.; P/IF Ross Carter, Sr.; SS Kolton Mims, Jr.; 3B Will Mendiola, Jr.; 1B/OF Ryan Fitzgerald, Sr.; OF Adam Ramos, Sr. Key newcomers: P Chase Campbell, Sr.; 2B/SS Austin Winter, Soph.; OF/P Tyler Hass, Soph.; P/1B Rivers Ewing, Soph.

Outlook: Weikum is hoping for a little more pop from the bats but, aside from that, the Hornets have all the makings of another playoff season. Humpal and his fellow seniors should go out with a bang.

play and do those things.’ It was the reaction from the kids after he signed and the attention you get. You have to have those first one or two guys get to that level to show them it can be done. We hear them talking about it on the

field and in the locker room.”

Now the goal is three in a row, expanding upon a trip to the regional quarterfinals last season.

To go beyond that level, Weikum is looking for a few things.

Timely hitting, for one. Wei-

kum said his team had too many close calls last season. With six players returning to the regular lineup — Humpal, Ross Carter, Ryan Fitzgerald, Will Mendiola, Kolton Mims and Adam Ramos — Weikum feels a year’s more experience and offseason ball will make this a stronger group.

A few relative newcomers — Rivers Ewing, Tyler Hass and Austin Winter — could help add a little more pop.

“We have to put up more

runs,” Weikum said. “Pitching will keep us in a lot of games, but we need to get a good cushion.

They’re bigger and stronger and have been working at it.”

That pitching should be strong again. Carter, Humpal and Mims have the makings of a formidable trio, while Chase Campbell gives the Hornets another potential starter.

With all those players returning, Weikum feels it has changed the outlook for the school and the players.

“I’ve noticed a lot of the kids pulling for one another, helping each other and giving tips on the field,” Weikum said. “That’s a positive thing for me. That takes some of the pressure off the coaches. It’s been real neat to see that core group come to-

Coyotes have sights set on playoffs ■■Alice in need

of consistent hitting, pitching

By George Vondracek vondracekg@caller.com 361-886-3731

ALICE — Competing in a District 31-4A fraught with baseball talent, Alice High School long has been on the outside looking in when it comes to winning the title.

Making the playoffs has been a different issue, with the Coyotes having made the postseason in each of the previous five seasons, which also included an upset of then-top-ranked Moody in 2008. Then there was the postseason run from 1999-2002 that opened coach Victor Escamilla’s tenure, and the

first two trips ended with Region IV-4A final losses to Calallen.

But that district title has been elusive since 1970, when former majorleaguer Bobby Cuellar toiled for Alice.

With No. 1-ranked Calallen tabbed as the odds-on pick for the district title, a championship may not be in the offing this season. But Alice’s seven returning starters are lending hopes of a sixth consecutive 4A playoff berth.

First-team all-district picks Nathan Oliver (pitcher-first base), shortstop A.J. Perez and secondteamer Aaron Duplantis (third base) top the list of returnees. Yet Escamilla said there are a few areas to address in the coming weeks before any talk of playoffs can surface.

Alice Coyotes Head coach: Victor Escamilla 2011 record: 20-11 Last district title: 1970 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: Rony Chavarria, jr., P; Adam Duplantis, sr., 3B; Zac Jaramillo, sr., DH; Nathan Oliver, sr., P-1B; A.J. Perez, sr., SS; Preston Valenzuela, jr., OF Key newcomers: Jakob Alaniz, soph., OF Outlook: With seven positions manned with returning starters, the Coyotes will have the experience necessary.

The questions remaining revolve around getting consistent pitching behind Oliver and the ability to hit the ball against top-notch opposition.

“The intrasquads that we’ve had, I don’t like the lack of aggressiveness at the plate. We’re taking too many pitches,” Escamilla said. “That’s just intrasquad, and we’ve talked about that. We have to change that. That’s job one right now offensively, that we have to change. We want to be aggressive, but

of course still show a little discipline at the plate and not take so many pitches, especially early.

“Pitching-wise, we’re pitching against each other and sometimes we look good and sometimes we struggle a little bit,” Escamilla added.

Oliver has been a consistent pitcher since he

was a sophomore, Escamilla said, and spent the offseason adding some strength after posting a 10-4 record last season.

Junior Rony Chavarria (34) has looked good early as Alice’s No. 2, yet Escamilla is seeking consistency besides Oliver. “(Oliver) proved he could do it as a sophomore and a junior. We need whoever’s second and third in the rotation to have a solid second outing when you play that second district ballgame,” Escamilla said.

“Last year, we threw a lot of guys out there and there was nobody that really stepped up to really be a consistent No. 2, and that’s what you’ve got to have when you go through district. So that’s what we’re going to work on through our tournament season and our nondistrict season.”

A third-team all-state pick, Perez hit .437 with 24 runs batted in and Duplantis added a .383 average. Outfielder Preston Valenzuela hit .379 as a sophomore, and senior designated hitter Zac Jaramillo batted .351.

Escamilla has bolstered his nondistrict and tournament schedule to include playoff-caliber ballclubs.

That should provide some evidence for Alice’s ability to be consistent pitchingwise, and of equal importance, if the Coyotes can produce offensively.

“That’s going to be the big question mark. And it’s not only being able to hit the ball, it’s hit quality pitching,” Escamilla said.

“We’ll be able to hit it. The question is: Are we going to hit quality pitching? If you do that, you’re going to have a pretty decent season.”

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

« Sunday, February 19, 2012 « 7H

CLASS 4A

Trojans take friendly climb to top ■■Moody counting

He might face some obstacles and adversity but he’s still great to be around.

He likes the challenges.

He’s focused on the process of getting better.”

on newest batch of pitchers to step up

By Lee Goddard goddardl@caller.com 361-886-3613

Corky Gallegos, Moody baseball coach on pitcher Kenneth Saenz left

Kenneth Saenz is poised to be the latest in a long line of Moody aces after posting a 3-1 mark in the postseason last year.

Michael Zamora/Caller-Times

Moody Trojans Head coach: Corky Gallegos 2011 record: 28-12 Last district title: 2010 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: C/P Victor Rodela, Sr.; P/OF Kenneth Saenz, Soph.; OF Ruben Martinez, Sr.; SS/2B Cody Perez, Sr., RF J.D. Lozano, Jr.; IF/OF Justin Pinon, Sr.; DH/2B Juan Farias, Sr. Key newcomers: 1B Brandon Sandoval, Sr.; 1B Ben Garcia, Jr.; 3B Ricky Gonzalez, Soph.; 3B/UT Adam Esquivel, Sr.; OF JD Garcia, Jr.; Tres Luna, Soph.; P Chris Estrada, Soph.; P Gilbert Gatica, Soph.; P Johnny Gonzalez, Soph.; UT Nick Rodriguez, Jr. Outlook: This is Moody, so the questions don’t revolve around making the playoffs, but how deep a run in the playoffs. The Trojans are young, but the depth still is amazing. Just like last year, Calallen stands as the major roadblock — in district and to state.

went 7-4 as the No. 2 starter and posted a 3-1 record in the playoffs, falling only in the region final to Calallen.

“He’s unbelievable, a joy to be around. He has the mental makeup of a Moody Trojan,” Gallegos said. “He might face some obstacles and adversity, but he’s still great to be around. He likes the challenges. He’s focused on the

process of getting better. Come out and show maturity — not that he wasn’t mature last year — and he can catapult the team.”

Of course, he needs a partner on the staff, for the long run or short term.

Some short-termers with recent success include last year’s ace, Smiley Zapata; Michael Franco, who led the 2010 team;

and Andrew Cantu, who, with Meza, pushed the 2009 team to the state title game.

That trio went 38-2 during their final seasons at Moody.

Victor Rodela could be a one-year type. Gallegos compares him to Danny Grande in makeup, but Rodela — a senior — is the Trojans’ catcher. Last season, Gallegos did not feel comfortable moving Rodela from behind the plate and putting him in front of it. Gallegos did not want to lose Rodela’s defense, including a home-tosecond throw, the coach said, of 1.85 seconds, which is major-league quick.

If not, there are a few possible long-term solutions. Gallegos has a trio of sophomore righthanders, all of whom he believes could crack the rotation now.

There is the matter of supporting those pitchers, with Moody losing first baseman Justin Perales, shortstop Marcus Villanueva, third baseman Rick

Reyes, outfielder Jeremy Olivo and Zapata, who also played the middle infield. That group combined for more than 20 home runs, 100 RBI and 40 steals.

But Gallegos has faith in those who return and is excited by the amount of left-handed power bats in the lineup, including Juan Farias. Aside from that, there is some experience with Cody Perez, Justin Pinon, Ricky Gonzalez and Ruben Martinez coming back.

Also, after three years of backing Perales, Brandon Sandoval will get the call at first.

Think of it as the friendly climb applied to the field.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Gallegos said. “This team has such a great disposition and a great approach to the game.

There’s a lot of pride. If they’re facing the best team in the nation and have to face Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera back to back, they still believe they’re going to be successful.”

Considering hearing aids?

Come See Us! You’ve asked for a smaller hearing aid. We deliver! reet and Disc Natural

800 OFF

$

With This Coupon

Set of Hearing Aids offer expires 3/30/2012

FREE

FREE

Hearing Test

Video Otoscopy Examination Come & see inside your own ear canal yo

We Ac cep Me t iAc dica i ep tam d!

Me dic

All Well

SM

A FINANCING PROGRAM BY

Personalized Hearing Health Assessment nt

o aid s !

Accepting: Aetna • Humana • BC/BS • United Health Physicians Health Choice • DOL • Medicaid

Two locations to better serve you!

CAL564003

One arm out, another comes in. Moody baseball coach Corky Gallegos calls it the friendly climb.

The Trojans have a way of turning over one pitcher, then finding another of equal or greater dominance. Some — Luis Flores, Danny Grande, Marc Gomez, Justin Meza among them — are brilliant for the long term.

Others climb to the top for a year or so before giving way to another young riser.

And so the friendly climb continues, a year after a somewhat restocked Moody team fell a series short of the Class 4A state tournament. One of this season’s pitchers possibly could stamp his name in the Flores-Grande-Gomez-Meza category, while others eventually could be of the long-term or quick-riser variety.

With the Trojans, it doesn’t matter much. They get results.

Over the past 17 years, Moody has had 21 different pitchers make a Caller-Times postseason all-area team as a first-teamer, top newcomer, top pitcher or player of the year.

Only six of those players repeated, meaning few are called on to join Flores, Grande and company, but many wait and take the friendly climb.

“We’re always developing our arms,” Gallegos said. “I believe in the Atlanta Braves system, where they built with a plethora of arms. We’re taking the time to develop relievers, starters, closers. We try to gauge the mental makeup of the player to see how they react in certain spots.”

Kenneth Saenz passed muster and is on track to be a longtermer. As a freshman, the lefty

CAL565641

4541 Everhart #2 Corpus Christi (361) 992-8032

14017 NW Blvd. #107 Calallen (361) 387-2000

Hearing tests are given for the purpose of selection and adjustment of hearing instrumentation.

Results may very related to duration and severity of impairment. Early detection is important.

8H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

CLASS 4A

Seniors show the ‘Warrior way’ ■■Upperclassmen’s

duty is to mentor younger players

By Lee Goddard goddardl@caller.com 361-886-3613

Seniors have double duty in Tuloso-Midway’s baseball program.

They must play, or make the best use of their ability, for sure. But, with a group of newcomers and freshmen vying for space on the varsity roster, the upperclassmen have to be onthe-spot mentors.

If practice is moving along and one of the new guys — including two freshmen who could be starters — isn’t quite clear on a concept, then a senior tutors them on the spot, allowing coach Mike Davila to move to the next order of business.

“We use the seniors as mentors to get the young guys accustomed to how practice runs,” Davila said. “If we had to stop and teach the freshmen all the things as practice goes along, we’d never get anything done.”

Not quite an enviable situation, but not worst-case either.

There is more competition, and Davila should have a good selection for the No. 2 arm in the rotation behind lefty Ryan Skoruppa, who has signed to play for Seminole State, a junior college in Oklahoma. It also shows the future of the program could be in good shape.

But the present is the pressing issue. Davila believes with T-M playing its home games at Fairgrounds Field this season — and possibly next — it could help his squad, which is based around defense and pitching.

Of course, not all is fun when games are played in District 31-4A. With traditional powers such as Calallen, Alice and Moody, a blossoming program at Flour Bluff and an every-year contender in Ray, spots in the postseason are scarce.

Davila said his team’s goal is to steal a couple of wins and maybe crack the playoffs. If T-M does land its first playoff berth since 2009, then the Warriors need big seasons from junior outfielder Jeremy Brittain and the core of seniors — Skoruppa and outfielder Thomas Vasquez, as well as catcher Drew Mitchell and first baseman Cody Holland,

George Tuley/Special to the Caller-Times

Tuloso-Midway is hoping to have big seasons from seniors Drew Mitchell (third from left) and Ryan Skoruppa (far right).

both of whom could round out the rotation.

But Davila will need his freshmen to deliver as well.

Nick Galaviz at shortstop and Nathan Freitag at third could give the Warriors an all-freshman left side of the infield.

Mason Hellums, a freshman pitcher, could create more competition in the rotation.

“I know in our district, we have to come to play in order for us to get that four spot or third spot,” Davila said. “With the young guys, we have to be efficient and get ready by making sure our practices run well every night. It should be fun to watch them grow as our seniors have their money seasons.”

Tuloso-Midway Warriors Head coach: Mike Davila 2011 record: 11-18 Last district title: 1986 Last playoff appearance: 2009 Returning starters: P/OF Ryan Skoruppa, Sr.; C Drew Mitchell, Sr.; 1B Cody Holland, Sr.; LF Jeremy Brittain, Jr.; RF Thomas Vasquez, Sr. Key newcomers: 2B Ben Garcia, Jr.; SS Nick Galaviz, Fr.; 3B Nathan Freitag, Fr.; CF Chris Martinetts, Jr.; DH Mario Alvarado, Jr.; P Mason Hellums, Fr. Outlook: T-M is in a bit of an odd spot, trying to blend a lot of newcomers — freshmen included — with more experienced upperclassmen. That could make for tough sledding in as a deep a district as 31-4A.

Kingsville Brahmas Head coach: Rick Soliz 2011 record: 2-18 (lost victories due to forfeits) Last district title: 1969 Last playoff appearance: 1969 Returning starters: 2B David Cavazos, Soph.; P/3B Donny Diaz, Soph.; P/SS Michael Guerra, Sr.; C Joel Perez, Jr; Key newcomers: C/P/3B Aaron Chapa, Jr.; 1B/P Tyler Windham, Sr.; CF Andre Wilson, Soph.; UT Juan Perez, Sr.; 1B/3B/P DeAndre Burgin, Soph.; RF Eric Perez, Soph.; RF Eric Garza, Soph.; P/3B Jordan Martinez, Jr. Outlook: The team lapsed after the forfeitures last season. Maybe not the postseason this year, but with a host of young players and a drop to Class 3A in the future, better days likely are ahead.

Brahmas seek on-field drama

By Lee Goddard goddardl@caller.com 361-886-3613

Kingsville’s baseball season was full of high drama on and off the field over the past year.

Victories over district playoff teams such as Alice and Flour Bluff were followed with a prompt forfeiture of those victories because a player was ruled in eligible after being found in violation of the “No Pass, No Play” rule. After a 3-3 District 31-4A start, the team ended 0-12.

An investigation into a hazing incident ensued. Baseball coach Rick Soliz, who has coached in the school district in various capacities since 1989, was reassigned. Soliz appealed to the school board and won a 6-1 decision for reinstatement in the fall.

So Soliz is back, and he hopes to contain the drama to the on-field activities.

“I’m a local and graduated from here,” said Soliz, who played on the Brahmas’ last playoff team in 1969. “Really, my philosophy was to leave the area better than when I was here. That was my whole idea of staying aboard. That was the main reason I felt it was important for me to try and get my job back. I don’t take it personally.”

If nothing else, Soliz has a young team to develop. He has two returning starters

who were freshmen last season and has as many as six sophomores and three juniors who could start this year.

Soliz does not want to use youth as an excuse. He believes his team can win now.

“I really think we’re going to have to work hard to be able to do it,” Soliz said.

“Everyone says you have to wait until you’re seniors to do it, but I say not necessarily so. I think they’re going to compete, if they get after it. And they’re getting after it. I think making the playoffs in football gave them confidence. They believe, and it’s mostly the same kids.”

Soliz likes his pitching and believes his defense could be improved this season.

He said sophomore Donny Diaz has good command of four pitches. Senior Michael Guerra is competitive on the hill. Jordan Martinez and Tyler Windham are finesse pitchers, with Windham showing exceptional control.

David Cavazos and Diaz should help pace the offense after starting as freshmen last season, with Diaz hitting in the third spot in the order.

So, overall, Soliz remains upbeat.

“I guess our excuse as coaches would be (lack of) experience,” he said. “But we have good players. They come from a select team. I hope we have the player development compared to competition and the caliber players they have. Always tough, but shoot and you can make it.”

I know in our district, we have to come to play in order for us to get that four spot or third spot.

With the young guys, we have to be efficient and get ready by making sure our practices run well every night.

It should be fun to watch them grow as our seniors have their money seasons.”

Mike Davila, Tuloso-Midway baseball coach

Ray focused on playoff return

■■Texans

disappointed by .500 season

By George Vondracek vondracekg@caller.com 361-886-3731

The fifth-place finish in the District 31-4A baseball standings last season snapped a string of six consecutive playoff appearances by Ray High School.

Even more galling was an uninspired 3-0 loss to Flour Bluff in the fifth district game, which proved telling because the Texans finished at 5-7. A win over the Hornets then, coupled with a 6-2 win in the second meeting, would have tied Ray with the Bluff for fourth, sending the Texans to the postseason.

“You know, I told these guys we’d been on a pretty good run as far as making the playoffs. Last year, I want to say it was five, six, seven years that we’d made the playoffs,” said Ray coach Mario DeLeon, whose Texans finished at 16-16. “That was disappointing. I think the opening game with Flour Bluff, that was real key for us. ... After that we got into kind of a funk, so to speak. We came on a little bit at the end, but we were mainly a .500 team.”

Now, it is all on the incumbents to rectify that situation.

“It all comes down to our

Ray Texans Head coach: Mario DeLeon 2011 record: 16-16 Last district title: 2008 Last playoff appearance: 2010 Returning starters: 1B Richard Casares, sr., P-OF; Mark Gonzalez, jr., 3B; Mike Munguia, sr., OF; John Roland Rivera, sr., SS; Rudy Lee Trevino, sr., 2B; Aaron Watts, sr., P-SS Key newcomers: Colin Breckenridge, soph., 1B; Eric Estrada, soph., OF; Matt Merino, soph., 3B Outlook: The Texans have enough returning starters to help improve the record of last year’s middle-of-the-road ballclub. They have experience up the middle, on the mound and in the outfield, leaving execution as the main issue.

seniors. That’s what I tell them. The group of seniors we have, some of these guys have been up with us since they were sophomores,” DeLeon said. “So they’ve got to come on. They’ve got to be our leaders, they’ve got to be the guys in pressure situations to come through, and they’ve got to want to be in those situations.

“We have a very small class of juniors, so we go from seniors to sophomores after that. That’s our next group,” he added. “So the seniors we have ... they’ve got two years under their belts.

They should be ready to go.”

That cast of seniors includes starting pitchers Aaron Watts and Richard Casares. The Texans also have some experience up the middle with senior second baseman Rudy Lee Trevino and senior shortstop John Roland Rivera.

At third, Ray returns Mark Gonzalez, one of the scant few juniors on the ballclub.

Senior Mike Munguia

joins Casares as returnees in the outfield, leaving DeLeon just a few holes to fill before the season opener.

“If we stay healthy, we can compete with just about anyone in our district right now,” DeLeon said. “Of course, Calallen and Moody and Alice, they’re bringing back people. I believe we can play with all those guys.

If we don’t make any mistakes and play good, sound fundamental baseball, we can beat those guys.”

Those fundamental deficiencies were an issue for the Texans last season and DeLeon is hoping he has taken steps to help the team avoid that this season, his 25th as coach.

“I think we gave some unearned runs away with us not being able to turn a double play sometimes or not making the play in the outfield, fundamentaltype things that took us out of a ballgame,” DeLeon said. “So we’re working real hard on that.”

C A L L E R -T I M E S

« Sunday, February 19, 2012 « 9H

EVERY DAY, CITGO WORKS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE FUEL YOU NEED TO GET ON YOUR WAY. PLUS PEOPLE OF CITGO STRIVE TO FUEL GOOD IN THE

COMMUNITIES WE

SERVE.

In SouthTexas, high schooll baseball reigns.

No other area in the nation produces more talented baseball players than the ones that take to our fields each year. Multiple State Championships, All-American and All-State players.The the level of talent among South Texas teams is only matched by the coaches that help mold them into champions.

Congratulations to all of our star athletes.

Here’s to an incredible 2012 season!

CAL565057

THINGS

10H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

DISTRICT 30-3A

George Tuley/Special to the Caller-Times

Rockport-Fulton second baseman Austin Gibson (right) is one of five returning starters for second-year coach Richard Vossen, who says he likes the quickness and aggressiveness they all possess.

Pirates settling into new system ■■R-F’s Vossen

optimistic about second season

By Lee Goddard goddardl@caller.com 361-886-3613

When Richard Vossen took over at Rockport-Fulton last season, he was the Pirates’ third baseball coach in four years.

New style. New system. New order. A lot of trepidation on the part of players who had been through all this before.

R-F still placed second in District 31-3A and gave Robstown a bit of a postseason scare in a three-game series. The Pirates lost their top four hitters in the order and top three arms, yet Vossen feels fine about their prospects.

Despite the losses, Vossen made sure last season didn’t feature an all-senior starting lineup.

Also, he established his style of

play with the junior varsity — aggressive on the base paths, sticking to fundamentals. It was an adjustment for the players, but they took to it.

“I think my style was very different,” said Vossen, in his 34th season as a coach. “We put on a lot of pressure. It’s very intense at practice. We try to make it as ugly as we can so they’ve seen everything when games come around.

“I worked with the JV. I think our game is very similar. The JV scored a lot. I think the hitting is there. Very aggressive on the bases, very quick, and we took advantage of it.”

There are enough returning players alone for optimism.

Second baseman Austin Gibson, outfielders Trotter John and Ray Allen and Tony Kawczynski, who can play anywhere, join outfielder Isaiah Mendiola, who played two years ago but not last season. All have the quickness and aggressiveness Vossen likes.

In addition to Mendiola, Vossen gets a bonus in catcher Riley

District 30-3A capsules Here is a look at the rest of the area teams in 30-3A: ARANSAS PASS PANTHERS

Head coach: Wayne Bennett 2011 record: 15-16 Last district title: N/A Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: P/IF Victor Gonzalez, Soph.; IF/P Hunter McElroy, Jr.; IF/P Alfredo Serna, Sr.; OF/P Matt Johnson, Jr.; OF Erik Johnson, Jr.; OF/IF David Gutierrez, Sr.; IF/OF Cody Sullivan, Sr. Key newcomers: TBA Outlook: AP lost its No. 1 pitcher, along with its shortstop and first baseman, but the Panthers return six starters from a group that cracked the playoffs. Bennett has plenty of arms for options, but if one can step in as an ace in place of Leroy Galindo, AP may be back in business in the postseason.

INGLESIDE MUSTANGS

Head coach: Tudi Elizondo 2011 record: 10-17-1 Last district title: 1991 Last playoff appearance: 2008 Returning starters: P/C Austin Barajas, Sr.; P/OF Jeffry Gibler, Sr.; P/SS Matt McHugh, Sr.; P/UT David McHugh, Sr.; P/1B Jimmy Goff, Jr. Key newcomers: P/SS Tristan Barajas, Soph.; P/3B Aidan Flores, Jr.; P/3B Conner Steadman, Jr. Outlook: There’s optimism at Ingleside, which just missed the third postseason spot out of District 30-3A, losing a one-game playoff to Aransas Pass for the final spot. The team’s top four arms return, and the Mustangs seem primed to live up to their nickname, with a lot of speed and horsepower between David McHugh (30 stolen bases) and Barajas (29 SB).

MATHIS PIRATES

Head coach: Rey Cardona 2011 record: 10-19 Last district title: 2007 Last playoff appearance: 2010 Returning starters: 3B Ralph Martinez, Sr.; 2B Jason Gonzales, Soph.; 1B Jonathon Flores, Sr.; SS/P Gabriel Alvarado, Sr.; OF Jonathon Flores, Soph.; OF/P Colton Thomas, Jr. Key newcomers: IF Alex Flores, Jr.; SS/P Ryu Yoshida, Sr.; 3B Gilbert Mendez, Sr.; IF Dominic Flores, Sr. Outlook: Scrappy team with two all-district performers returning in Alvarado and Gonzales. The Pirates have six returning starters and usually are a factor in the district race, so they feel there is no reason they can’t compete for a playoff spot.

Rockport-Fulton Pirates Head coach: Richard Vossen 2011 record: 15-16 Last district title: N/A Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: 2B Austin Gibson, Sr.; 3B/P Rex Hoyt, Jr.; LF Trotter John, Sr.; CF Ray Allen, Jr.; UT Tony Kawczynski, Jr. Key newcomers: C Riley Pash, Jr.; 1B Ryan Sinclair, Jr.; SS/P Reid Wagner, Jr.; P/3B Tulley Mayfield, Jr.; OF Isaiah Mendiola, Jr. Outlook: Should still be a contender in 30-3A. Vossen likes to run and has a quick, athletic group. If the pitchers hit their marks, there will be no drop.

Pash. Vossen believed Pash could have competed for a starting varsity role last season, but knee surgery after football shelved those plans.

The loss of Matt Scott (. 462 batting average) will leave a gap, however, at shortstop and pitcher.

Vossen has confidence in his pitchers, but replacing the top three from the staff, including Chance Marshall and Scott, is a daunting task. Still, he likes the three who seem to be next in line. Vossen thinks of Rex Hoyt as a good spot pitcher, while Reid

Wagner is seen as a prototypical power pitcher, perhaps hitting around 90 on his fastball this season. Tulley Mayfield has an unorthodox delivery, but gets good movement on his pitches.

“I love those three kids we threw a year ago, and I think these three kids can do that,” Vossen said. “I just don’t know how quick that will be.”

As for the rest of the gaps, Vossen thinks he has a few players from the JV who will deliver. The newcomers know his style and know the way he sets up practice,

I think my style was very different. We put on a lot of pressure. It’s very intense at practice.

We try to make it as ugly as we can so they’ve seen everything when games come around.”

Richard Vossen, Rockport-Fulton coach, on taking over the program last season.

and the period of adjustment is done.

“The JV lost two or three ballgames last year and run-ruled a lot of people,” Vossen said. “I really want to applaud my coaches on the JV guys. I feel pretty good about this season.”

Rotation up in the air

■■Pirates look for

pitchers to step up as staff gets sorted out

By Lee Goddard goddardl@caller.com 361-886-3613

Sometimes a baseball coach enters a season knowing exactly who will be the bedrock of his pitching staff.

Other times, it’s open auditions with many arms getting looks.

It’s open-audition time at Sinton.

But don’t expect the Pirates to take a tumble in District 30-3A — or Region IV for that matter. Sinton, as usual, has a host of arms from which to choose.

Still, replacing Anthony Banda and Carson Cave, last season’s starters, will determine how far the Pirates go this season. Banda was selected in Major League Baseball’s draft last season, and he and Cave collectively went 20-4 with more than 200 strikeouts.

Taking Banda and Cave out of the equation, the rest of Sinton’s staff was 7-5, and coach Gene Kasprzyk admits the aces’ brilliance prevented younger arms from getting much work.

“We’ve got to develop young arms on the mound,” Kasprzyk said. “Those kids play a lot in the summer and winter ball and get a lot of work in those ways. Sometimes you know who will anchor your staff. Sometimes you have a lot of players you have to look at to find the right pitchers.”

Kasprzyk has three frontline contenders. Trey Gallegos won eight games as a freshman, but was used less last season with Banda and Cave anchoring the staff. Donivan Lopez,

Sinton Pirates Head coach: Gene Kasprzyk 2011 record: 27-9 Last district title: 2011 Last playoff appearance: 2011 Returning starters: C Tracker Conn, Soph.; 1B Cody Nedbalek, Sr.; P/2B Trey Gallegos, Jr.; SS/P Donivan Lopez, Soph.; CF Jake Davenport, Sr.; LF DeRick Castro, Sr. Key newcomers: OF Corey Ring, Sr.; 3B/P Heime Perez, Jr.; 2B Gerad Galloway, Jr.; OF Andrew Mercier, Jr. Outlook: If the arms deliver — and there are more than a few talented pitchers from which to choose — Sinton could wreck everyone’s dreams in Region IV. Timely hitting only would enhance the Pirates’ position.

We’ve got to develop young arms on the mound. ...

Sometimes you know who will anchor your staff. Sometimes you have a lot of players you have to look at to find the right pitchers.”

Gene Kasprzyk, Sinton baseball coach

now a sophomore, earned quality innings, while Heime Perez pitched well out of the bullpen.

Expect the first few weeks of the season, with its tournaments, to be a stage on which potential starters audition before 30-3A play starts.

“You play almost half your schedule in the first three weeks of the season with three tournaments. You can play close to 20 games in the first three weeks,” Kasprzyk said.

“You have to use a lot of pitchers because you can’t overuse them early in the season. You have to go down

to five, six or seven guys and hope some step up.”

Kasprzyk would like to add timely hitting to back up his redone staff.

Sinton scored plenty, topping 10 runs in a game 15 times last year. But, down the stretch, the Pirates’ offense didn’t quite produce as Kasprzyk hoped, culminating with one total run when Sinton was swept out of the regional quarterfinals in two games by Columbia.

With the Pirates returning every position player, save one, Kasprzyk hopes a year’s maturity — and perhaps some lineup shuffling — will help his group add some punch.

Gallegos (.459 batting average; .600-plus on-base) and Lopez (.418, .500 on-base) might move down from the table-setters at the top to the middle of the lineup. Center fielder Jake Davenport could go higher in the order and jump-start the team.

First baseman Cody Nedbalek, who batted .387 in a platoon role, will get more time at the plate this season.

“We didn’t maximize ourselves offensively last year,” Kasprzyk said.

“We didn’t execute as well. Hopefully, being a year older and a year stronger makes a difference.”

C A L L E R -T I M E S

« Sunday, February 19, 2012 « 11H

CAL564116

12H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

PRESEASON TEAM

South Texas Preseason All-Stars

« Sunday, February 19, 2012 « 13H

PRESEASON TEAM

SMALL SCHOOLS CODY NEDBALEK

SINTON / FIRST BASE

(3A/2A/A/TAPPS)

.387 average, seven stolen bases

LARGE SCHOOLS (CLASS 5A/4A)

ARMANDO AREVALO

CODY PEREZ

DAVID MCHUGH

DOMINIC LOPEZ

ADRIAN SILGUERO

ANDREW GROSECLOSE

CHRIS SOLANO

12-1, 1.52 ERA, 109 Ks in 87 IP

.316 average, 18 RBI, 17 runs

.379 average, 19 RBI, 23 runs

.387 average, 41 RBI, 41 runs

7-2, 3.14 ERA, batted .296

8-0, 0.96 ERA, 73 Ks in 51 IP

7-2, 2.69 ERA; batted .465

CALALLEN / PITCHER

MOODY / SECOND BASE

INGLESIDE / UTILITY

JOHN PAUL II / THIRD BASE

JOHN PAUL II / PITCHER

PORT ARANSAS / PITCHER

ORANGE GROVE / PITCHER

COURTNEY HAWKINS

A.J. PEREZ

AARON DUPLANTIS

ERIC PEREZ

JUAN FARIAS

ERNEST PEREZ

ESTEBAN CUEVAS

JOSEPH RUBIO

HUNTER SMITH

AUSTIN BARAJAS

10-2, 2.10 ERA, 92 Ks in 67 IP

.437 average, 24 RBI, 31 runs

2nd team all-District 31-4A

.408 average, .493 on-base pct.

.294 average, .448 on-base pct.

.453 average, 23 RBI, 22 runs

.425 average, 33 RBI, 16 runs

12-1, 1.69 ERA, 124 Ks in 83 IP

.357 average, 41 RBI, .447 OBP

.271 average, threw out 13 attempted base-stealers

LUCAS HUMPAL

MASON TIPTON

MILES MANNING

O’SHEA DUMES

PRESTON DORSEY

BRANDON GARZA

JACOB BELTRAN

JAKE DAVENPORT

JAKOB SILVA

JAMES FLORES

.343 BA, threw out 14 of 36 base-stealers

.337 average, 28 RBI, 33 runs

.362 average, 20 RBI, 20 runs

.375 average, 11 HR, 52 RBI

.390 average, 10 HR, 48 RBI

.409 average, 30 RBI, 45 runs

Batted .363, 24 RBI, 17 SB

.321 average, 10 doubles, 10 SB

.376 average, 23 RBI, 47 runs

.368 average, 5 RBI

RYAN FITZGERALD

TREY RODRIGUEZ

TYLER NESLONY

WYATT MATHISEN

CHRIS CANO

JOE DAVID CISNEROS

JON LEAL

SHILOH WHETSEL

TONY KAWCZYNSKI

TRAVIS QUINTANILLA

.303 average, 19 RBI, 23 runs

.301 average, 23 RBI, 42 runs

.370 average, 7 HR, 50 RBI

11-2, 1.27 ERA, 120 Ks in 82 IP

.371 average, 27 RBI, 39 runs

Honorable mention all-state

.371 average, 14 RBI

.310 average, 27 RBI, 12 SB

First-team All-District 30-3A

7-2, 1.52 ERA, batted .340

CARROLL / PITCHER

FLOUR BLUFF / CATCHER

FLOUR BLUFF / UTILITY

ALICE / OUTFIELDER

VICTORIA EAST / UTILITY

CARROLL / SHORTSTOP

ALICE / THIRD BASE

VICTORIA WEST / UTILITY

CALALLEN / OUTFIELDER

KING / UTILITY

CARROLL / FIRST BASE

CALALLEN / PITCHER

MOODY / DH

CALALLEN / OUTFIELDER

CARROLL /OUTFIELDER

WEST OSO / SHORTSTOP

ROBSTOWN / SECOND BASE

FALFURRIAS / UTILITY

BISHOP / DH

BISHOP / OUTFIELD

ROBSTOWN / OUTFIELD

BISHOP / PITCHER

SINTON / OUTFIELD

REFUGIO / OUTFIELD

BISHOP / CATCHER

JOHN PAUL II / SHORTSTOP

ROCKPORT-FULTON / UTILITY

Come by to see all our Jewelry Specials!

• Lowest price on EGL & GIA certified diamonds • Many brand names in silver, gold & platinum • Our jewelry experts can customize your special jewelry piece.

South Texas Largest Jewelry Buyers!

Top dollar paid for gold, diamonds, coins, estate jewelry and Rolex.

2314 Ayers St. Appreciation Coupon Bring this in to receive an additional 10% when you sell your gold or silver.

Across from Del Mar College

361.852.GOLD(4653)

INGLESIDE / CATCHER

ROBSTOWN / THIRD BASE

REFUGIO / SHORTSTOP

Thank you for Voting us #1

5702 S. Staples

In the Copperfield Shopping Center (in front of Whiskey River)

361.993.GOLD(4653)

www.goldmasterjewelry.com

2011 Gold/Precious Metal (Buyers/Sellers) CAL563787

14H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW DUO

“To me, he could leave as the greatest player ever at Carroll High School, there’s no doubt about that. That’s some good company. You’ve got Brooks Kieschnick and Cliff Pennington, those guys played in the major leagues. But there’s no doubt, as a senior in high school, Courtney is by far the best high school player I’ve ever seen.”

While Hawkins has pitched for Carroll, his ideal pro position projects to be as a corner outfielder.

Last season, Hawkins hit .410 with 15 homers and 42 runs batted in. And while he’s showed to be advanced for his age skillwise, the veteran scout still sees areas that could be refined this spring.

“It’s pitch recognition and total bat control for me,” the scout said. “It needs to be something he has to learn. Don’t get out on your front foot, don’t chase breaking balls in the dirt. Learn how to take them and lay off. Know your strengths and weaknesses, become a student of hitting.

“I believe the bottom line on where he goes is somebody is going to have to really believe in his hit potential, not power. His hit potential will really dictate where he goes.”

During preseason practices, Yeager said he noticed a change in Hawkins from last year, which ended with a stunning loss to Lubbock Coronado in the state semifinals.

“Maturity, I think that’s been the biggest change for him,” Yeager said. “I think he understands what we’re trying to do. Also, I think he understands that if he has a good year this year, he’s going to make millions of dollars.

“So I think all that rolled into one makes him so special. He understands it’s not just about talent anymore, it’s about hard work and he’s put the time in and is ready to go.”

from 1H “I’m in high school right now. My brother (Tim) always tells me, ‘Don’t look past high school.’ I’m just trying to get done with high school right now, trying to get (through) this season. Actually, we’ve got to get it started first.”

While Hawkins doesn’t publicly ponder his place in the draft pecking order, others have. Numerous pundits have projected him to be a first-round pick.

A veteran MLB scout who’s tracked Hawkins for years didn’t dismiss those projections as out of hand.

“I think (his stock has) moved up,” the scout said.

“If Courtney takes care of his business, I can see him going in the first two rounds.

“I think he’s been on the majority of the scouting world’s radar for a couple years. He’s not a guy that just jumped out of nowhere. He was on that USA (16U) national team, so he’s been known for a while.”

As a sophomore, Hawkins made his presence known at the 2010 state tournament in Round Rock. During the Tigers’ semifinal victory over Fort Bend Clements, he hit a mammoth homer into the home run porch at Dell Diamond. Then, in the state final, he tossed a 140-pitch complete game as the Tigers toppled Klein, Baseball America’s top-ranked team, to give Carroll its first state championship in a team sport.

“I think that whole tournament was his comingout party,” Carroll coach Lee Yeager said. “I think right then and there, people were like, ‘Holy cow, who’s this guy?’ and that was just his sophomore year. I think that put him on the map and I think his summers kind of got him going.

FROM THE COVER

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Players from Coastal Bend schools selected in the first two rounds of the MLB draft: YEAR 1971 1980 1980 1993 2005

PLAYER/POS Burt Hooton, RHP Jim Acker, RHP Dan Firova, C Brooks Kieschnick, RHP/OF Cliff Pennington, IF

SCHOOLS King/Texas Freer/Texas Refugio/UTPA Carroll/Texas Carroll/Texas A&M

I do, for sure (use him as a benchmark). I look at his stats, how he’s doing and how he did against a team and a pitcher and try to match it every single game. If I don’t do as well as he did, I’m working harder so I can be as good as Courtney. And I’m sure it’s the same (with him).”

Wyatt Mathisen, Calallen senior pitcher on Carroll counterpart and fellow MLB prospect Courtney Hawkins.

‘EATS, SLEEPS AND BREATHES BASEBALL’ While Hawkins seems reticent to discuss his draft prospects, Mathisen doesn’t shy away from it.

“I love the pressure, so having the pressure to perform well so I can get drafted higher makes me play even better,” said Mathisen, who’s played catcher, shortstop and pitched for Calallen during the past three seasons.

Longtime Wildcats coach Steve Chapman said he recognized early that Mathisen would be an elite talent.

“When he was about 11 or 12 years old. I knew he was going to be very good and a very special player,” Chapman said. “Actually, I’ve been telling professional scouts about him since he was about 12 or 13.

“Wyatt eats, sleeps and breathes baseball.

He doesn’t let anything bother him. He knows what his goal is and what he wants to do, and that’s to play Major League Baseball one of these days. And he’s going to do everything in his power to make sure

that happens.”

Mathisen has caught scouts’ eyes since his junior season ended. He said he met with scouts twice a week during the summer and fall.

The scouts’ interest in Mathisen mostly is as a catcher. He caught during his freshman season, but the past two years were spent primarily pitching and at shortstop. But scouts expecting to see Mathisen behind the plate a lot this year may be out of luck.

“He’s going to catch some for us, but he’s not going to catch a whole lot because he’s too valuable as a pitcher and a shortstop for our team, and he realizes that, too,” Chapman said. “It’s also going to help save his knees as far as catching goes down the road.”

According to the veteran scout, what’s best for the Wildcats may not jibe with what optimizes his draft potential.

“I think he’s a catcher,” the scout said. “He’s caught very little at Calallen. I think what people

RD/PICK 1 (2) 1 (21) 2 (39) 1 (10) 1 (21)

TEAM Chicago Cubs Atlanta Seattle Chicago Cubs Oakland

are really wanting to see him do is catch.

“He’s got a good catcher’s frame, throws very well behind the plate and for his limited experience back there, his setup is good. His defensive actions are good. He’s going to have to do it more to master it, but for the time he’s spent back there, he’s pretty special, I think.”

While Mathisen, who hit. 461 with 13 homers and 59 RBIs last year, cited improving as a player as one of his main objectives, team goals are at the forefront entering his senior year.

Each of the past two seasons, the Wildcats suffered gut-wrenching losses in the state final. First there was the 2-1 defeat against Brenham in 2010, with Mathisen taking the hardluck loss. Last year, Calallen fell 6-2 to Wichita Falls Rider. Mathisen tossed 5.2 shutout innings of relief, but a subpar opening two frames sealed the Wildcats’ doom.

That latter loss is the one that’s gnawed at Mathisen.

“Against Brenham, it was two great teams and we were evenly matched,” Mathisen said. “We didn’t do anything to lose that game — they just beat us.

It wasn’t that bad.

“I’m not trying to be cocky or anything, but we were so much better than that Rider team. It was unreal. We had a couple bad innings team-wise and made a couple bad errors and walked guys. You can’t do that against a pretty good team. I’m not going to take anything away, they

were pretty good, but we were way better than they were last year.”

And that stinging loss puts the draft on the back burner for now.

“The team goal is big, especially after losing two in a row,” Mathisen said.

“If we had won state last year, my mindset may be way different going into this year. I might just be focused on the draft. But having lost, we’re all-in on state right now. No one is focused on anything else other than going to state.”

SUPPORT SYSTEM As standouts at prominent programs, Hawkins and Mathisen are linked in the local baseball scene, and each says having someone nearby going through the same process right now is a bonus. The two were teammates on the Texas Rangers team at the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif., last summer.

“That was like (the younger days of) playing together again,” Hawkins said. “We stayed together a lot up there. That was fun, having somebody from where I’m from up there with me.”

For the first time as high schoolers, their teams will face off during the regular season on April 21. But in the interim, it’s safe to say each will be more than familiar with what the other is up to.

“With me and Courtney, having that guy to talk to if I ever have a problem, we call each other all the time, talking about what’s going on with our draft status and our colleges,” Mathisen said.

“I do, for sure (use him as a benchmark). I look at his stats, how he’s doing and how he did against a team and a pitcher and try to match it every single game. If I don’t do as well as he did, I’m working harder so I can be as good as Courtney. And I’m sure it’s the same (with him).”

Since 1957 • Serving Breakfast All Day

Get Behind the Wheel of an Incredible Deal!

At Homeport Federal Credit Union, we offer auto loans that will put you in the driver’s seat of your dream machine! Start the New Year in style with a shiny new convertible, make your presence known with a larger-than-life SUV, or simply fulfill your dream of ownership with a practical vehicle that gets you from A to Z. Whatever you have in mind, your Homeport FCU auto loan will help you drive the savings home with these incredibly low rates:

Good Luck Area Teams!

New vehicles model year 2012

2.99

%

APR*

for 72 months

Used vehicles model year 2009 and newer

2.99

%

APR*

for 72 months

Already own a vehicle you love, but still want in on the excitement of our rockbottom rates? Refinance your auto loan from another financial institution with Homeport FCU and we’ll give you access to an unbelievable rate, help you enjoy lower monthly payments, and - best of all - let you keep more cash in your pocket!

Main 5959 S. Staples Suite #100 986-9733

986-9733

C

A

F

E

Open Early Daily Breakfast & Lunch Specials Great Food at a Great Price

Downtown 523 Taylor

881-8300

4228 S. Alameda • (361) 992-0360

www.homeportfcu.com *Refinance vehicles model year 2009 and newer from another financial institution 2.99% APR* for up to 60 months W.A.C.

TOWN & COUNTRY

Monday - Friday: 6 am - 3:30 pm Saturday: 6 am - 4 pm • Sunday: 6 am - 3 pm CAL556386

CAL563272

So put the wheels in motion and apply for your Homeport FCU auto loan today!

Stop by the nearest branch location, give us a call at (361) 986-9733 or visit our website at www.homeportfcu.com. It’s that easy! Hurry! This is a limited time offer.

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW CARROLL from 1H

‘ASSUME NOTHING’ Carroll has made it to the past two state tournaments, but the journeys to Round Rock didn’t come without a few anxious moments.

In 2010, there was the area round against Austin Anderson, when Carroll trailed 1-0 entering the seventh inning of the decisive third game before scoring four runs to win the series.

The regional final against San Antonio Churchill saw the Tigers overcome a tworun deficit in the seventh before winning in the 10th.

Then, in the state semifinal against Fort Bend Clements, Carroll trailed 3-1 in the seventh before pulling off a dramatic three-run rally to put itself in the championship game.

Last year’s run wasn’t nearly as dramatic, but the Tigers were spared a third game in the regional final against Laredo Alexander thanks to a missed fly ball that erased a seventh-inning deficit.

The moral of the story?

Everything can fall apart in an instant.

“We could go back and look at our runs the last two years, and there were many times at crucial points in the games where our lives could be completely different,” Carroll coach Lee Yeager said. “One of the phrases we’ve used is ‘Assume nothing,’ just to make them understand. You can’t assume things are going to go our way.”

Those things could be something as innocuous as the coin flip to determine the format of a playoff round.

Just ask Rick Carpenter.

Carpenter was the coach at Elkins during its four consecutive trips to the 5A tournament. The Knights’ best team may have been the 2002 club, which was named Baseball America’s national champions. But that run almost

was kaput before it began.

“We were 27-0 going into our first playoff series in 2002 and we lost our first playoff game (to Houston Lamar),” said Carpenter, now at Prosper. “A kid who’s pitching for the Phillies right now (Joe Savery) beat us, and my kid who pitched (James Loney) is playing for the Dodgers right now.

“Fortunately, I won that flip and we were playing two out of three.”

That year, including the state tournament, Elkins had to win four win-orgo-home games.

“We were really good, and still, we had all kinds of different situations occur where we could’ve lost a game and been eliminated,” Carpenter said. “It’s unbelievably hard to get to the state tournament, let alone do it four years in a row.

You’ve got to be good and you’ve got to be lucky, too.”

Another obstacle is complacency. Human nature says a team with consecutive trips to state may rest on those laurels. After coming out of nowhere in 2010, Carroll began last year as Baseball America’s top-ranked team, which naturally put a target on the Tigers’ backs. Going from the hunter to the hunted was an awkward transition for some.

“It was really hard at first because we saw everybody’s No. 1,” Rodriguez said. ”No matter how bad that team was on paper, they were going to give us their best shot.

“There were a lot of teams we should’ve beat that we didn’t because we came in there too bigheaded and they wanted it more than us. This year, that’s what we need to work hard at, coming into every game and competing like we know we can. We’re the only team that can beat ourselves.”

Carpenter said averting complacency was something he sought to do daily.

“One, your kids have to

FROM THE COVER

BACK FOR MORE

Teams that made three or more consecutive trips to the state baseball tournament. Classification is the one school was in the at the time of appearance unless otherwise noted.

CLASS 5A

SCHOOL Fort Bend Elkins

NO. YEARS STATE TITLES 4 2000-03 2002-03

SCHOOL South San Duncanville Brenham Abilene Lufkin *San Antonio Lee Houston Bellaire Lubbock Monterrey Austin Westlake DeSoto Robstown Calallen Brenham

NO. 6 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

SCHOOL Forney

NO. YEARS STATE TITLES 4 1999-02 None

SCHOOL Holliday Coahoma Weimar Tyler

NO. 6 4 4 3

SCHOOL **Palmer Maud Maud Thorndale

NO. 4 3 3 3

CLASS 4A

YEARS 1963-68 1975-78 1986-89 1955-57 1961-63 1962-64 1970-72 1970-72 1982-84 1983-85 1990-92 1998-00 2009-11

STATE TITLES 1963-64, 1966-67 1975, 1976 1986-88 1956 (as 2A), 1957 1963 None 1971 1972 1984 1985 1991-92 2000 2010

CLASS 3A

CLASS 2A

YEARS 2001-06 1997-00 2000-03 1951-53

STATE TITLES None None 2000-01, 2003 None

CLASS A

YEARS 1979-82 1988-90 1995-97 2005-07

STATE TITLES 1979, 1982 1989 None 2005

* — Lee’s 1962 appearance was in 3A; ** — Palmer’s 1979-80 appearances were in Class B

practice hard all the time,” Carpenter said. “One of my favorite sayings that I tell the kids all the time is, ‘If you’re thinking about what you did yesterday, then you haven’t done anything today.’ We talked about that all the time.

That’s basically being complacent, and you’ve got to avoid that.”

Yeager said his staff’s biggest challenge was finding ways to motivate a veteran group. The loss to Coronado may have been a blessing in disguise. Carpenter knows first hand how a bitter loss can eventually reap dividends.

“We got beat (by Hous-

« Sunday, February 19, 2012 « 15H

ton Bellaire) in the regional final in 1994 and it was the first year the school played varsity ball, so I got everybody back in ‘95,” Carpenter said. “I’ll never forget it, it was one of the highlights of my coaching career. When I gathered those guys up after we got beat in the regional final, it wasn’t tears, it was pure anger, the looks on their faces. And we were 32-2 the next year and state champs.

“Of course, you want to win the last game of the year for the state championship. But if you don’t and you have kids coming back, that can be a good thing.”

We felt like that was our best chance — we talked about it years ahead that we have a shot with these guys. I think our guys came here wanting to win a state championship and turn the tables and get themselves on top in this area.”

Lee Yeager, Carroll coach, on the Tigers’ 2010 run to state

‘WE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT IT’ Regardless of how this season goes, it will usher the end of a memorable run for Carroll. The sophomore core helped the Tigers end a 17-year absence from the state tournament and they weren’t just passengers on a magic carpet ride in 2010.

In the state semifinal against Clements, Dumes had the winning hit after Franco and Cano helped kick-start the season-saving rally. Franco and Cano then drove in two runs apiece during the final against Klein, with Rodriguez and Cruz notching two hits and driving in a run apiece.

Hawkins, meanwhile, made the biggest splash, with a monster blast into Dell Diamond’s home run porch during the semifinal, and then a gritty, 140-pitch complete game to beat Klein, the nation’s No. 1 team.

That capped a memorable weekend that Carroll’s coaches had deemed a possibility, although one they probably didn’t think would come so quickly.

“It’s pretty amazing, really,” Yeager said. “I guess when they graduate, we’ll (better reflect) on it. All through that summer, privately you think to yourself, ‘Oh my God, we just took six sophomores and beat up on the No. 1 team in the nation.’ Privately, it’s something we thought about, but you didn’t let yourself do it publicly because they were so young and we didn’t want them to buy into all that hype.

“We felt like that was our

best chance — we talked about it years ahead that we have a shot with these guys. I think our guys came here wanting to win a state championship and turn the tables and get themselves on top in this area.”

For the players, it wasn’t necessarily something out of the blue.

“Honestly, we’ve been playing together since we were 9-years-old on a select team,” Hawkins said.

“Coming into high school, that was something we always talked about; we wanted to be the team that went to state four years in a row. Hopefully we’re going to miss it by one.

We’ve always talked about it since we were younger.”

It seems hard to believe, but it’s been nearly two years since that searing June afternoon in Round Rock when Carroll put itself on the state map. Now one last chapter awaits, with those once-precocious youngsters hoping to recapture that magic moment.

“That would be something special,” Rodriguez said. “Whenever you’re a kid (thinking) about high school baseball, that’s what you dream of, going to the state championship. For us just to get there three years in a row, that would be amazing in itself. That’s something where you’re fortunate to have a good enough team to be able to do that.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since I got to high school. We’re just trying to make this last year memorable.”

south texas

BASEBALL STARS Nueces County Commissioner Po l i t i cal Adve r tisement

paid

for

by

the

Mike

Pusley

Campaign, Paul

P e e l e r, Tr e a s u r e r.

CAL563407

16H » Sunday, February 19, 2012 »

C A L L E R -T I M E S

CAL565736