By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos catcher Andrew Gray will continue his baseball career next year.
The senior made his decision to play for Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, during a signing ceremony Wednesday at Los Fresnos. He received both academic and athletic scholarships toward his tuition at the university.
Gray was one of the Falcons’ top defensive players and can play multiple positions.
“It’s always great to see these young guys develop and go play at the next level,” Los Fresnos coach Rene Morales said. “I think he’s going to be a great fit at Graceland. He didn’t get to pitch much this year because he caught the whole year, but he’s a good defensive guy. He can pitch and play second base as well.”
Gray said the decision to choose Graceland was easy. He already knows students at the private liberal arts college, but also has friends and family around the area, too.
“When I went to visit, (Graceland) seemed like they would help me out with anything I needed,” he said. “It felt family-based, like a home away from home. I felt really comfortable.”
Gray will play for Brady McKillip, who has been the Yellowjackets’ coach since 2001. On his visit, Gray said he likes the program, the coaches and everything including the way they ran their practices. Plus, he was anxious to work with their new pitching coach, Aaron Larsen.
As he begins the journey to the next level, Gray said he learned a lot during his senior season that didn’t play out like he hoped it would, as the Falcons missed out on the postseason.
“I’ve learned no matter how the season goes, you have to go out and do your best,” he said. “You still need to try your best because you’re still being looked at.”
Morales said Graceland is getting a good kid with an even better work ethic.
“He works hard, he works hard every day,” Morales said of Gray, who also was one of the team’s captains. “That’s one kid that went out every day at practice and worked hard, and gave it everything he had every single day. He pushed himself. He led the other kids by example.”
Gray was excited to be able to continue playing the game he loves.
“Just being able to play baseball in college is a big deal for me,” he said. “It’s awesome. I never thought I would be able to do this.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.