CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — The Coastal Bend baseball community has suffered a great loss after the death of local trainer and former professional baseball player William Roland at the age of 50.
Roland was a 1992 graduate of Roy Miller High School and was drafted out of high school by the Cincinnati Reds. He later chose to attend Galveston College, where he was an All-American and was then drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1993.
Roland played 11 years of professional baseball before retiring and was inducted to the Miller High School Hall of Fame in 2007.
"Willie didn't even play baseball when we met," Andrew Garcia III, William Roland's lifelong friend, said. "I played ball and we were playing outside and when my dad coached me he said you know Willie (9-years-old) come play ball with us."
After retiring, Roland trained and coached several local athletes from the Coastal Bend through Citius, LB21 and the Roland Baseball Academy. He helped set the foundation for select travel ball in South Texas.
"Eventually helped me get a scholarship and really did help you know play a huge role in changing my life," Sinton graduate and St. Mary's University pitcher Brett Brown said.
Some of these athletes later became professional baseball players, including Michael Cantu, who played for the University of Texas - Austin and now a Minor League Baseball catcher. Cantu hosted a Catchers Clinic with Roland just a few days before he died.
"You look at baseball players that have come out of South Texas that are currently playing Division I baseball and professional baseball," Cantu said. "Will had a lot to do with them."
Roland developed teamwork, but he was also known as the Hit Doctor for his techniques and discipline at the plate.
"He'll help you no matter what," King senior catcher and pitcher Drew Garcia said. "Whether he knows you can do it or knows you can't do it, he's always there for you. If you need him right then he's there."
Cantu's father, Moody High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Michael "Mike" Cantu sent KRIS 6 News the following statement:
"(Roland) was definitely a Pioneer of Select Travel Ball. Will took it to another level, coaching, organizing, training and traveling with his teams of different age levels. Both my sons, Michael and Marcus were fortunate to play with his organization, Citius. Traveling with him almost every summer. Gave so much of himself for the benefit of South Texas baseball players and even players from many other states. Truly a great loss to our community. More than a coach, he was family."
A vigil will be held for Roland on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Cabaniss Athletic Complex. Players are encouraged to wear navy jerseys and blue jeans.
