GAMES
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2022-23 Second Baptist School Baseball
RESILIENCY: SBS Baseball returns to State Tourney despite slow start
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.
Second Baptist's JD Crisp (2022)Lily Cox (VYPE)
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).
Seconf Baptist's Ty BakerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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.
Second Baptist's Luke Pettitte Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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.”
Some of the stars of SBS BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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.
Ella Ryan of Second Baptist School
The Golden Eagle: Ryan's historic career wraps up with prestigious award
Ella Ryan received the prestigious Golden Eagle Award this Spring.
“It really means a lot,” she said. “It’s a leadership award that represents what it means to be a Second Baptist School Eagle. I really put my all into everything I do and try, and be an example not through words, but my actions.”
The future Texas A&M Aggie starred in basketball, softball and cheer during her four years and helped lead her teams to tremendous success. The girls basketball team reached the TAPPS Finals three times in a row and the softball team won State in 2021.
“I pride myself on being a team player even if I’m not the best on the team,” she said. “Being a team player means a lot of different things. For me, it’s building relationships with different people in some adverse situations, sometimes. You have to learn how to win by building bonds, not breaking them.”
Ryan is no stranger to success. Her grandfather, Nolan Ryan, is one of the most recognizable names in Texas sports lore. Her father played baseball at Texas and TCU, before getting into ownership in minor league baseball. He was also the president of the Houston Astros.
“I’ve always wanted to live up to the family name, but I don’t want to be known for the name, but what I do,” she said. “It has pushed me, and my family has always been a tremendous support system for me.”
As Ryan transitions to college, she will continue to fuel her competitive side.
“Me and my sister will go to the recreational center and play basketball and tennis,” she laughed. “I’m going to be in a bunch of intramurals to stay in shape.”