FREDDY GONZALEZ | Valley Morning Star
The Texas Sports Writers Association’s Class 4A All-State baseball team was announced this week and one of Rio Hondo’s most recognizable names was on that list.
Junior shortstop Cross Gonzalez had the distinction of being named among the state’s best for his outstanding 2018 performance. This season Gonzalez rack up some impressive stats including a .455 batting average with six doubles, 18 RBIs and a .920 fielding average. He was also District 32-4A’s Offensive Player of the Year.
“It’s a great feeling receiving praise about my play this year,” said Cross. “It motivates me to continue to pursue playing at the next level. I’m blessed to be recognized amongst the best ballplayers in the state.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to get this attention, but it is really about helping the team and achieving our goal of making the playoff. Even though we did fall short this year, we bring back all of our starters and hope to make a run in the playoffs next season.”
One person not surprised by Gonzalez’s inclusion on the all-state team was Bobcats head coach Sergio Gonzalez.
“I wasn’t surprised Cross landed on this list,” he said. “He had a phenomenal year at the plate and his numbers speak for themselves. He came in clutch with the big hit all year.
“He was recognized this year with a huge accolade in our district and this honor just highlights the caliber of the kind of player he is.”
With his inclusion on the list, Cross becomes the ninth Rio Hondo player to make the all-state team in the past 10 years.
The list also included nine players from Argyle, seven from Sweeny, seven from Fredericksburg and four from Cuero.