High school baseball really heats up Friday night when play begins in District 31-4A. The Sinton Pirates are again the team to beat, but the Robstown Cottonpickers are hoping to make a move despite being very young.
It all starts tomorrow night when they play host to Beeville.
Yes, the same Trojans team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. So you know the Pickers will be extra motivated.
Robstown lost seven starters off last year’s team. And many of those started for four years.
So in order to get this team ready for district play, the Robstown coaches scheduled a really tough non-district salte, playing all 6A and 5A teams hoping to grow up fast.
And of course, winning baseball championships is a long tradition here.
Pitcher Saul Vasquez says the program’s strong history helps unify the young team.
“Our tradition here is good, everyone knows Robstown baseball,” Vasquez said. “It’s a team everyone hears about and they want to take us out of the playoffs. This year, we are young but once we mature quick, we’ll be ready for the playoff run.”
Coach Elias Vasquez said his team has talent, but just needs experience.
“We have some kids who have played baseball all their lives. Pretty good athletes,” Vasquez said. “The thing is, we need some game situations.
“I tell the kids, 20 practices equals one game. You get to work hard in practice and deliver in games. Tradition is always good to have on your side. but we have such a young group, they have not been battle tested yet. I really think those 6A and 5A teams we played coming into district will help us but district competition is just a different level of play.”
It all starts Friday night when the Pickers play host to Beeville at 7 p.m.
