Coyotes, Lobos and Diamondbacks set the standard![]()
Mission, Sharyland and La Joya ISD high school baseball programs have produced hardworking, disciplined teams and developed big-time ball players for years. This year was no exception. Six Big 7 baseball teams qualified for the UIL State Baseball Playoffs in their respective classifications this year. Of those six, three teams, the La Joya Coyotes, the La Joya Palmview Lobos, and the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks rose above the competition to establish themselves as regional and state powers. Sadly, the Big 7 baseball season ended last week after the Coyotes fell to the San Antonio Johnson Jaguars in the 6A Region IV Regional Semifinals. Despite that unfortunate outcome, the state of Big 7 baseball is as good as ever.
Here’s a brief recap of how the top Big 7 teams performed this postseason:
The La Joya Coyotes
Overall Record: 23-16-1
Season Result: Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, Regional Quarterfinal Champions, Regional Semifinalists
Top Players: Santiago Tijerina (P), Lucas Zambrano (INF), Roel Garcia (INF), Homer Munoz (C), Alfonso Balboa (OF), Rolando Solis (INF)
Photo by Joe Vela.
Very few people outside La Joya thought the Coyotes would reach the heights they did this season. Now that their season in the rear-view mirror, the Coyotes are one of the sixteen best teams in 6A baseball. The Coyotes began the year slowly and hovered just above .500 throughout February and March. That lackluster start didn’t deter the Coyotes. They finished district play 8-2, with their only losses coming against the 31-6A champions PSJA Bears. The Coyotes swept the San Benito Greyhounds in round one. They stormed back down one game to zero against the San Antonio Brennan Bears to secure a spot in the quarterfinals against familiar foe Weslaco. After splitting games one and two, the Coyotes outlasted the Panthers in a do-or-die 11th-inning slugfest in Game 3. The Coyote’s luck would run out in the Regional Semifinals, but the indelible mark this group of Coyotes left in the hearts of Valley baseball fans will not be forgotten. Two Regional Semifinal appearances in three years have established them as one of the state’s premier 6A baseball programs.
“This season was truly a good run. From the thrilling games, to the intense practices, everyone gave their all. I am proud of our seniors and younger guys for how much we grew as a team. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us”, Coyotes’ head coach Mario Flores Jr. said when reflecting on his team’s historic season
The La Joya Palmview Lobos
Overall Record: 29-5-1
Season Result: 30-5A District Champions, Bi-District Champions, Area Finalists
Top Players: Mateo Garcia (P,INF), Jorge Garza (OF), Adrian Garza (INF), Joseph Martinez (P, OF), Herminio Gonzalez (P, OF)
Photo by Joe Vela.
Twenty-four years ago, the La Joya Palmview Lobos baseball program began earnestly. It was a challenging start, but nothing worthwhile comes easy. Head coach Manuel “Ricky” Garcia’s optimism and zeal for the game, combined with a stable of talented ball players, lifted the Lobos program. The Lobos will return next season as the three-time defending 30-5A District champions, which is something no other valley team can claim. Their 82 victories over that stretch, with a pair of multi-round playoff runs attached, arguably make them the best baseball program in the Valley. After escaping round one against the Victoria West Warriors, the Lobos turned their sights against the Valley’s historical titan, the McAllen Bulldogs, and their legendary Coach Eliseo Pompa. The Lobos’ luck ran out in game 3 of that series, but all signs point to the Lobos returning with a vengeance next season. A young roster with tough starting pitching and one of the best defensive infields in the region should give everyone pause.
The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks
Overall Record: 26-7
Season Result: 31-5A District Champions, Bi-District Champions, Area Finalists
Top Players: Andres Chapa (INF), Rene Vela (INF, P), Ruben Lopez (P/Utility), David Cavazos (OF), Diego Chapa (OF),
Photo by Joe Vela.
The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks entered this season as the RGV baseball darlings. Only three years removed from their historic run to the Elite 8, the Diamondbacks grizzled veterans were hungry to repeat and best that accomplishment this year. The Diamondbacks opened the year with key victories over La Joya, Richland, Eagle Pass, and state-ranked Smithson Valley. They then parlayed that fast start into an incomparably destructive district campaign that saw them hoist their first district championship in school history after steamrolling their way to a 15-2 district mark. The Diamondbacks appeared to be untouchable heading into the postseason. Their dominant bi-district series victory over Brownsville Lopez was the crescendo to their season. Although a disappointing Area round loss to the formidable Victoria East Titans ended their season earlier than hoped, the Diamondbacks will undoubtedly wreak havoc on diamonds across Texas next year.
Congratulations go out to the Coyotes, the Lobos and the Diamondbacks for putting together such successful seasons and for representing the Big 7 so well.