By ANDREW CRUM | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD
Defense is so important to the success to any baseball team.
Rivera thrived this season in part to its defensive prowess, especially with junior shortstop Michael Gomez flanking the middle of the infield.
Gomez and the Raiders turned it around this year winning 10 games in District 32-6A and initially earned a postseason berth, but due to a district executive committee meeting that found Rivera had used at least one ineligible player, caused it to forfeit some of its district wins and its playoff spot.
But it’s hard to ignore how much of an impact Gomez had on his team. The junior earned district honors as the top defensive player and now adds another accolade as The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Baseball Defensive Player of the Year.
“ It’s amazing, a dream come true,” he said. “I told my friends and my coaches I was going to get (this award this season).
“ Luckily, with hard work and dedication, it came true.”
Gomez was the model of consistency on defense, he earned a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, had 36 put outs/assists and helped turn six double plays during 14 district games.
“ Mike was the anchor of our defense,” Rivera coach Travis Parker said. “He was a coach on the field. His baseball IQ is second to none, so to have a guy like that, it’s just awesome. A guy you can depend on, before you even tell him where to shift or what to do, he’s already on top of things.
“ The position gets a lot of opportunities to make an error throughout the year, but he was solid.”
Gomez also did his job at the plate in District 32-6A, hitting .371 with 13 hits, including three doubles, drew nine walks, two hit by pitches, 10 stolen bases and five RBIs while striking out just four times in 35 at-bats.
The Raiders found themselves in several one-run games throughout the season and it emphasized just how important defense was the fraction of a difference between a win and a loss.
“ We couldn’t ask anything more from our shortstop,” Parker said. “He did exactly what we needed and beyond. It was at times the difference; he made an impact on the game. There were a couple crucial situations in district. No moment was too big for him; he was poised. The kid has self confidence in himself and his abilities, some found it as cocky or arrogant … when you’re between the lines on the baseball field, you have to have that a little bit.”
The junior shortstop put in the work along the way with long toss, several reps and even work at home with the help from his sister. Gomez didn’t become as skilled defensively overnight; he worked hard on his craft, particularly from a mental standpoint.
“ My mentality has helped me the most … baseball is 90 percent mental so that played a huge role,” he said. “If you go out there confident thinking I’m going to get every ball, there’s a higher chance of you not making mistakes.”
While the goals remain the same to return to the playoffs next year for Rivera, Parker is already looking forward to next season.
“ I’m excited to have him for one more year,” he said. “I think he’s going to be a successful collegiate ball player. With him and the group coming back, we hope for (plenty of) success.”
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.