By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Harlingen South senior catcher Kike Alvarado secured his college future Thursday afternoon. The four-year varsity member signed on to play baseball at Texas A&M International University in Laredo.
“It means a lot to me, this is something I have wanted to do ever since I was little,” Alvarado said. “Now this is all a reality that I was able to sign that paper.”
Alvarado and the DustDevils had a mutual interest in each other dating back to Alvarado’s freshman year. That season, Alvarado played shortstop and moved back to his natural position behind the plate. As a sophomore, Alvarado received honorable mention and last year, as a junior, he received an All-District 32-6A first-team selection.
Third-year coach Chris Gracia, who has spent a lot of time with Alvarado on the football field and on the diamond says the senior catcher has excelled both as an athlete and as a student.
“I first met him through football as his position coach and then since I took over the baseball program, he has been one of our best players,” Gracia said. “He is what you want in an athlete. He is a multi-sport athlete who does great in the classroom and is a great leader both on and off the field.”
When Alvarado was in junior high, he made it a goal to play at the college level, but it wasn’t until his freshman year when he realized his potential when college scouts began to take notice of Alvarado.
“I made the choice when I was in middle school,” Alvarado said. “That is when I knew I wanted to play. Signing today that is a step.I had a few schools interested but I knew International was the place for me. I know I will do well there and it is a good spot for me.”
When Alvarado gets to Laredo, he plans to continue his catching career on a DustDevil roster that includes eight former Rio Grande Valley athletes.
Last year, Alvarado hit .240 with a .366 on-base percentage and a .373 slugging percentage. Alvarado collected 18 hits, 21 RBIs and 11 runs.
Alvarado has provided his best work behind the plate, catching 173.2 innings while throwing out 14 runners.
“The plan is probably catcher but they also want me to play shortstop,” Alvarado said. “Wherever they need me, I will be ready. Now that I have signed, I feel there will be a target on my back because I signed. It should be a fun year.”