Brownsville Lopez junior shortstop Jesus “Chuy” De Leon is a three-sport athlete and one of the leaders of the Lobos, (9-1-2) who have gotten off to a fast start this season.
De Leon is one of six returning starters for the District 32-5A runners-up. He had two RBIs in Lopez’s 17-6 win over Donna North on March 8, and pitched a perfect seventh inning to close out the game.
After a 7-5 win over Edcouch Elsa, and a 5-0 victory at Valley View, De Leon and the Lobos will play at city rival Pace on Tuesday.
The Brownsville Herald spoke with De Leon to get to know him better in the aftermath of the win at Donna North.
Q: Now that you’ve ended your non-district schedule on a high note, what’s next for you and your team?
De Leon: Hopefully we can keep on fighting like this throughout the whole season, go undefeated, win a district championship, and win some more ball games.”
Q: Who is your funniest teammate?
De Leon: I’m going to say Meme — Meme Cruz. He’s always making us laugh.
Q: What’s your pregame snack?
De Leon: Snickers.
Q: What’s your walk-up song?
De Leon: Gangster’s Paradise (by Coolio).
Q: Do you have a favorite baseball team and/or player?
De Leon: The New York Yankees and Derek Jeter.
Q: Can you describe your favorite moment of your athletic career so far?
De Leon: This past tournament (the La Joya Tournament), I hit a home run against the La Joya Coyotes.
Q: Do you play any other sports? If so, what position(s) do you play?
De Leon: I play football and basketball. In football, I’m a receiver and quarterback, and in basketball, center and shooting guard.”