STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
LYFORD — Lyford senior pitcher/third baseman Abel Gonzalez formalized his intent to attend and play baseball at Texas A&M International University at a signing ceremony Thursday afternoon in the Lyford High School library.
“I thank my parents for always keeping me with a straight head,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve had a bunch of support.”
The Dustdevils compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II and the Lone Star Conference.
Gonzalez said the school’s coaching staff connected with him after watching him play at a showcase event in San Antonio. After a visit and workout in October, a phone call came conveying the Dustdevils’ interest in the Lyford prospect.
“They liked that I was a left-handed pitcher,” Gonzalez said. “And that I was consistent with hitting my spots.”
Gonzalez added the field of study that he plans pursue at TAMIU will be athletic training.
TAMIU’s 2020 roster features eight players with Rio Grande Valley connections, including players from Hidalgo, Weslaco High, Los Fresnos, PSJA North, and a transfer from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
After being named the 2019 District 32-3A Most Valuable Player, Gonzalez was also voted the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 All-STAR Baseball Pitcher of the Year.
Last season, Gonzalez recorded a 2.47 ERA and registered 93 strikeouts. He also hit .596 and scored 35 runs, racking up 13 RBIs and 28 stolen bases.
Lyford baseball coach Jose Rocha said Gonzalez came up clutch for the Bulldogs often during their postseason, which included the program’s first playoff victory since 1994, a 4-3 win over Falfurrias in the bi-district round.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Rocha said. “Those coaches will be happy with what they are getting. We’re excited to have him this season.”
Gonzalez’s former coach, Kevin Ledesma, now the football offensive coordinator for Harlingen CISD’s Cano Freshman Academy and assistant varsity baseball coach at Harlingen High, issued a statement in praise of his former player.
“Abel was a pleasure to coach,” Ledesma said. “He is a true leader on and off the field and had a great work ethic. He’s been around the game for a very long time and is very deserving of going somewhere to continue his journey. I’m extremely proud of what he has accomplished and excited to see where this game takes him next.”