Texas high school baseball is officially underway, and four Rio Grande Valley teams are starting the year receiving statewide recognition.
Sharyland Pioneer and Sharyland High begin the 2022 campaign ranked in Texas High School Baseball’s (THSB) Class 5A Preseason Top 20 with Brownsville Porter and Weslaco East not far behind.
SHARYLAND PIONEER
The Diamondbacks begin the season as THSB’s No. 16-ranked team at the Class 5A level.
Sharyland Pioneer posted a 28-5 record last season and finished as the runner-up in District 31-5A. The Diamondbacks return six starters led by a pair of UTRGV signees in shortstop Juan Rivera and infielder Oscar Serna.
SHARYLAND HIGH
The Rattlers enter the year at No. 17 in Class 5A, according to THSB. Sharyland High went 27-6 overall last season and advanced to the area round of the playoffs before falling to Gregory-Portland. The Rattlers bring back a loaded group with eight starters led by senior outfielder and UTRGV signee Saul Soto.
WESLACO EAST
The Wildcats didn’t make the cut for the top 20 Class 5A teams, but do fall in the next 10 teams category.
Weslaco East is one year removed from winning the program’s first district title and returns eight starters from the 2021 season. The Wildcats are in position to once again contend for the District 32-5A title.
BROWNSVILLE PORTER
The Cowboys also fall in the next 10 teams category. Porter finished the 2021 season 23-5 overall and return six starters from last year’s squad.