By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
On the road to an outright District 32-6A crown for Los Fresnos, it was JJ Sanchez leading the way.
The junior centerfielder did it with his bat, with his glove, and even on the mound when he was needed. He helped guide the Falcons to a 22-5 record on the season, including a 12-2 district mark and a berth in the area round for the a second consecutive season.
Sanchez, who was also named the District 32-6A MVP, adds another accolade to his tremendous season. The junior has been named The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Baseball Most Valuable Player.
“It feels pretty good,” Sanchez said. “There are so many tremendous players (this season).”
Sanchez certainly stood out. He had 36 hits in 68 at-bats, including five doubles, eight triples and a home run. The junior totaled 27 RBIs and scored 21 runs, drew five walks and 10 strikeouts. Sanchez finished with a .529 batting average, .568 on-base percentage and a .882 slugging percentage for a 1.45 OPS.
“JJ just puts the work in,” Los Fresnos coach Rene Morales said. “He understood the game a little more as a junior. He carried us when we needed it … he had some back-to-back games where he had the game-winning hit.”
Sanchez also took the mound when called upon. He pitched in six games, started four of them and finished with a 2-0 record and a 1.96 ERA.
The junior helped the Falcons win more than 20 games for the second straight season and compile a 23-5 district record during the past two seasons.
The formula to winning for Los Fresnos hasn’t been by chance. The Falcons have developed a certain chemistry in recent years. Sanchez said several of his varsity teammates have been playing baseball together since they were 3 or 4 years old. So the bond between players is already there and they’re putting it together on the diamond.
“We’ve grown up together,” Sanchez said. “We’ve grown up like brothers.”
It finally came together this season, which ended with a nine-game winning streak during district play and a district crown. Los Fresnos advanced to the area round for the second straight season.
Sanchez was one of the main catalysts for the level of success for Los Fresnos.
“I think he matured as a ball player and really took over his role as a centerfielder,” Morales said. “He pushed himself to get better … he was doing the little things to get better out here.”
Sanchez has one more season to play and hopes to build upon the Falcons’ recent success.
“Our team is pretty good this year, but next year we’ll be more prepared (for the postseason),” he said. “We have to put in the extra work and keep grinding … not be satisfied where we’re at.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.
The Brownsville Herald’s 2017 All-Metro Baseball Team
MVP
JJ Sanchez, Los Fresnos
Offensive Player of the Year
Joseph Munoz, Los Fresnos
Defensive Player of the Year
Miguel Gonzalez, Los Fresnos
Pitcher of the Year
Noe Guerrero, Hanna
Newcomer of the Year
Justin Anaya, Brownsville Veterans Memorial
Coach of the Year
Rene Morales, Los Fresnos
First Team
Pitcher: Cristian Hernandez, Los Fresnos
Pitcher: Jose Martinez, Port Isabel
Catcher: Cesar Saldaña, Hanna
First base: Trey Mock, Port Isabel
Second base: Abel Rodriguez, Los Fresnos
Third base: Josh Salazar, Porter
Shortstop: Alex Olguin, Lopez
Outfield: George Villafranca, Los Fresnos
Outfield: Mark Martinez, Port Isabel
Outfield: Raul Perez, Hanna
DH/Utility: Efrain Martinez, Hanna
Second team
Pitcher: Sammy Chapa, Brownsville Veterans Memorial
Pitcher: Christian Rodriguez, Pace
Catcher: Aaron Recio, Brownsville Veterans Memorial
First base: Cristian Gonzalez, Hanna
Second base: Armando Castaneda, Pace
Third base: Danny Alvear, Rivera
Shortstop: Ivan Castillo, Hanna
Outfield: Felix Ledezma, Porter
Outfield: Conner Pace, St. Joseph Academy
Outfield: Sebastian Mujica, Lopez
DH/Utility: Arturo Trevino, St. Joseph Academy