New team, same goal for Hogs
In his 16 seasons with the Javelinas Baseball team, Coach Jason Gonzales has seen many faces come and go through his dugout and despite all the changes, one goal remains constant.
“Our team goal is always going to be to win a championship. Right now, first place is available so we’ll never accept second place or worse than that, while first is still available,” Gonzales said.
The Javelinas are coming off a season in which they went 23-27 overall with a 21-27 conference record. The Hogs are looking to improve on their ninth-place finish last season.
They enter the season with one sole returner on the offensive side, Vincent Sanchez. The senior third baseman was recognized for his outstanding 2024 season in The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet.
“Vinny [Vincent Sanchez] will have to hit in the meat of the order for us. He’ll have to drive in some big runs. He’s going to have to kind of solidify our offense. We’re also able to put some good transfers around him in terms of Nick Reyes, Isaiah Aguilar and then throwing some young guys like a true freshman Landon Salinas. And so, there’s some pieces around him,” Gonzales said.
Coastal Bend College transfer, Nick Reyes along with Dallas College Cedar Valley transfer Jacob Cueva and St. Mary’s transfer Isaiah Aguilar are some new additions to the Hogs squad.
A player who has stepped up in the dugout is Ulises Quiroga, a transfer from UTSA. Quiroga was recognized by the LSC as Pitcher to Watch.
“I’d say our new guy Uli [Ulises Quiroga]. He came in and did a real good job. He’s had experience at UTSA so he knows how to lead a ball club,” Cueva said.
Heading into the season the Javelinas are projected to finish sixth in the LSC preseason poll putting them right on the edge of making the conference tournament.
The team plans to strengthen their bond and build up their skills for a successful season.
“I think playing for something bigger than ourselves, playing for each other and going to work every single day. No matter the outcome, no matter the result,” Aguilar said.
The Hogs started the season 1-3 against the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds and now the men head to Lawton, OK. to take on the Cameron Aggies in a four-game series.
