HOUSTON – At this time of year for the San Jacinto Gators baseball team, there are usually preparations underway for a trip to the Junior College World Series. For coach Tom Arrington, who’s in his 15th season, he thought he had a special enough group to make that happen
It’s certainly turned out that way as this group is taking him for his 11th appearance in the World Series in his 15 seasons.
With the 4-1 win in the regional tournament over the weekend, that goal was reached.
“This team seems to be very, very well equipped and we have good team speed, good power, outstanding pitching, good defense,” Arrington said.
They bring an eight-game winning string into the May 29 game against Cowley College to open the World Series and over that time they’ve allowed only eight runs.
“We come out every day with a good attitude, get the job done. Do your own part and it will all work itself out,” catcher Baine Schoenvogel said.
“We have so much fun on the field,” catcher/outfielder Ryan January said. “Our coaches do a great job, keeping us relaxed and loose.”
It’s definitely a loose group, ranked No. 1 by Perfect Game and No. 2 by the NJCAA trying to overcome their final challenge.
“Our goal at the beginning of the year was just win the last game we play,” Schoenvogel said. “That’s the national championship game. So if we win that last game then we’ve met our goal.”