If you remember only one thing from this TAPPS Baseball season, it should be to never count out Second Baptist School.
The defending state champions did not begin the spring with the standards that their fan base has grown accustomed to in recent years.
Due to some of their key returning players--namely juniors JD Crisp (OF) and Turner Murdock (P/UTL)--suffering various injuries to start the year, the Eagles were 3-12 prior to district play.
However, the leaders on the SBS roster weren’t going down without a fight.
“It was a real experience,” said Head Coach Rayner Noble. “We played extremely good competition early on, and the losses were piling up. However, I believe this created a certain mental toughness and unity. Knowing that we had to develop depth and confidence at the same time has been our focus this season.”
The Eagles would proceed to resurge as a unit, climbing up the division rankings with rapid progression to conclude the regular season in the No. 3 spot in their district (9-5 record).
Subsequently, Second Baptist would trounce San Antonio Christin 7-0 in the Area Round before defeating their district rival Lutheran South Academy by a score of 8-2 in the D-II regional round.
Texas A&M signee Ty Baker racked up three RBIs, which included a two-run shot over the fence. Dallas Baptist University signee Luke Pettitte dominated on the mound. The Eagles return to the state final four.
And to think, some thought their season was over at the midway point.
“Our guys have been resilient all year long,” Noble said. “We have gotten outstanding pitching and hitting as of late. We’re looking forward to going to Arlington for the next step.”
2023 has been a statement year for the Second Baptist program. But, as Coach Noble implied, the job isn’t done yet. Stay tuned for the finale, as the Eagles aim to repeat.