By JOSHUA McKINNEY, Staff Writer
Brownsville Veterans Memorial had another baseball player sign a letter of intent to a NCAA Division I school when Fred Villarreal signed with the University of Houston on Friday.
For Villarreal, who pitches and plays in the infield for the Chargers, it’s a result of his determination to get better at a sport he loves.
“It’s really something I’ve worked hard for my whole life,” Villarreal said. “My dad (Fred Villarreal) helped push me. I never really believed in myself, but my dad did and kept pushing me to practice every day. I’m just glad that the recruiting process is over, and I have the 2016 season to look forward to.”
Villarreal, his father, and his Little League Baseball coach Alfredo Bermudez used to work together for three to fours each day, seven days a week.
Brownsville Veterans athletic coordinator David Cantu thinks Villarreal’s dedication to improving as an athlete propelled him to the next level.
“I really feel it’s his work ethic more than anything,” Cantu said. “If you come to the school during the summer time when the weight room is open, you’ll see Freddy (Villarreal) running in 110 degree weather and lifting weights. We had strength and conditioning camp this summer and he didn’t miss. If he’s in town and not traveling for baseball, he was there.”
Bermudez, who continues to watch him play for Brownsville Veterans, thinks having coaches dedicated to pitching instruction will allow Villarreal to shine on mound for the Cougars.
“I’m very happy for him,” said Bermudez, who coached Villarreal in Little League for five years. “I think he deserves a chance (to play at the next level), and I know he’s going to do better with good coaching (at the University of Houston).”
Villarreal was the District 32-6A pitcher of the year in 2015 and an all-district first-team selection at second base in 2014. Through his experience playing for select teams in Houston, he has brushed shoulders with former major league pitchers.
Former Houston Astros pitcher Shane Reynolds, five-time World Series champion Andy Pettitte and seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens have helped the senior ace while he played for select baseball teams in the Houston area.
“It was the best feeling ever when Roger Clemens told me I had good form,” Villarreal said. “I will never forget that first handshake from Roger.”
Villarreal said Pettitte’s son, Jared, also signed for Houston, so the Brownsville Veterans pitcher will continue to rub shoulders with pitching legends while playing in college.
“I’ll talk to Andy (a lot),” he said. “It’s great working with those people. It’s great bringing that back to the Valley.”
Joshua McKinney writes for the Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @joshuabvherald.