By ANDREW CRUM,Staff Writer
Hard work has always been the key to success.
Two Pace players, Santos Rodriguez and Christian Rodriguez, have set the example for their teammates and the pair are eager to see the results spread throughout the team.
“Right now we’re working toward the future, so whatever we do this year is going to pay off dividends in the long run,” Pace coach Roy Rodriguez said. “(Santos and Christian) are the same in work ethic and attitude. That’s what we expect from our kids, it should be a domino effect. Those two kids have taken the bull by the horns. Those two are quiet, they aren’t vocal, but they’ll get the job done.
“We’re getting there and we’ve started to jell as a team.”
Santos Rodriguez, a junior, is a three-year starter and plays multiple positions, including shortstop, first base, catcher and pitcher.
“He has a mindset that I need to get better, I have to work on my weaknesses,” Roy Rodriguez said. “He works hard. He is really looking to get better.”
Christian Rodriguez is a sophomore and a starter in the outfield.
“Chris is a type of kid that will do the extra to get better as well,” the Pace coach said. “His work ethic is top notch.”
Both players can often be seen taking extra cuts in the batting cages or getting some extra work done on the field. Santos Rodriguez learned from his older teammates when he started varsity as a freshman, while Christian Rodriguez used disappointment as a chip on his shoulder when he played on JV last season. That frustration has carried over and is being used as fuel this season.
“It’s a big transition, it’s a big step,” Christian Rodriguez said he worked with his father four days a week to make the jump to varsity. “That has prepared me for the season. All we have to do is work as a team.”
The pair has both taken on a leadership role quietly. Neither likes to talk much, preferring to let their work ethic and dedication to the team be the guide for their teammates.
“I notice that little errors can mess up the mood of the team,” Santos Rodriguez said. “I try to cheer everybody up, telling them positive things.”
Christian Rodriguez is also a catalyst to keep the Vikings vibe positive. Especially because Pace went through a coaching change just a few weeks before the season began.
“Our job is to pick up everybody’s head when we’re down,” he said. “To motivate each other, to bring ourselves up and not to ever give up.”
The Pace coach commended his junior and sophomore for helping to build the program. The team is focused on the positives and despite a slow start; they’re starting to see the results.
“I’m impressed by the kids, they come in and work,” Roy Rodriguez said. “If we have these types of kids, it makes our job a lot easier, who wouldn’t want to be out here coaching these kids?
“It’s been a blessing.”
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.