GAMES
RANKINGS
THE COMPETITIVE EDGE: Partida anchors Pearland's imposing roster
Baseball is a sport that continues to endure the test of time. It's been named "America's favorite pastime" dating back decades.
Any star player can remember their days in Little League, where their aspirations of making it to the big leagues were born.The same can be said for Pearland’s Nico Partida.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve had a bat in my hands,” said Partida. “My Dad was the one who handed it to me, and I grew to love the sport as many people do. When you’re that young and you enjoy the work that goes into it, that carries on into the next stage of your life. To this day, there’s nothing I’d rather do than go out onto the field with my friends.”
Pearland’s junior infielder/pitcher has grown to have quite a talent for the game.
Despite being on one of the most loaded rosters in the state, Partida still manages to stand out. This was evidenced by the performance a year ago, which garnered him a first-team, all-state nomination.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
However, there’s much more that goes into what makes him such a valuable asset on the diamond.
“I feel that my greatest strength doesn’t just apply to baseball,” he said. “If I’m doing anything that even resembles a competition, I want to win. I’ve always been a very competitive person. So, I step onto the field with that mentality, regardless of any of the outside noise. I’m just glad I can bring that factor to benefit the team.”
It would seem that his competitive edge has paid dividends for Partida, given that he committed to play collegiate ball for Arizona State midway through his sophomore year.
“One of the biggest factors in my decision was coach (Willie) Bloomquist,” Partida said. “He was really honest. He’ll tell you what you’ll get and what you won’t right away, which I really appreciate from a coach. I also believe they can help build me up as a player. Just the level of comfort from the staff and the organization – it felt like home.”
While the future Sun Devil has secured his opportunity to compete at the next stage, his focus still remains with his high school team.
The stars of 2023-24 Pearland BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Pearland is coming off an exemplary 2023 campaign which saw them advance all the way to the Class 6A State Championship, where they were ultimately defeated 6-4 by Flower Mound.
Rest assured that Partida and the Oilers have their sights set on a potential rematch this Spring.
“The mentality is that we know we’re capable of doing it again,” he said. “If we put our minds to it, give 100-percent of our effort as a team, make the routine plays, and do our job at the plate, then I’m sure we can get back to the same spot and pull through this time.”
Texas high school baseball, you have officially been put on notice by one of the biggest gamers in the state... Nico Partida.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2024 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PREVIEW
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE CITYWIDE BSB/SB SHOOT
PEN TO PAPER: Pearland’s Mader-Cooper and Castañeda sign to Rice
It isn’t uncommon for athletes to grow up on the same field together all the way to the high school stage. After all, schools and districts are zoned for a reason.
However, it is rare for lifelong friends to take that to the next level.
Two key contributors on Pearland’s state finalist baseball team – Jake Mader-Cooper (Sr. RHP/IF) and Isaiah Castañeda (Sr. OF/RHP) – have been on the same trajectory from the beginning.
“It feels amazing to have the opportunity to play at the college level with a friend I’ve played baseball with since Little League up to high school,” said Castañeda. “Jake is a great teammate and I feel like he’s someone who really pushes me and keeps me accountable. Keeping something like that going is irreplaceable.”
Both Mader-Cooper and Castañeda recently inked their futures by signing to play for Rice University at the conclusion of their high school careers. While they didn’t coordinate their initial decisions to commit, it seems like destiny played a part in it.
“Isaiah and I go back a long way, even with the All Stars when we were eight or nine,” said Mader-Cooper. “We’ve always had a good relationship with each other, pushing each other to be better, and I’m really fortunate to have him there (Rice) with me next year. Already having someone I know as well I know him there is just a plus for my future college experience.”
Now that the two have sealed the deal on their collegiate aspirations, what’s next?
“It’s a big relief, now that I’ve signed,” said Castañeda. “I don’t have to worry about trying to get into college and whether or not I’ll get to play ball when I’m there. Now, I can just go out there and have fun once the season starts. I’m still going to work hard, of course, so I can contribute to the team and be ready for my freshman year at Rice when all is said and done.”
“The mindset now is that the work has just started,” Mader-Cooper said. “Going to play D1 baseball is a much bigger challenge, so the end goal right now is to get better every day. There are things that I need to work on, and so does everybody else – small goals at a time. Rice will take care of itself, but for now we’re looking to make it back to State.”
Great minds do think alike.
Rice will be calling in the upcoming Spring, but Mader-Cooper and Castañeda still have a job to do when they take to the diamond for Pearland one last time.