Last year, the Alamo Heights Mules baseball team went on a historic run, making it all the way to the Texas Class 5A State Championship. Lead by Forrest Whitley, the Houston Astros’ 17th overall pick, the Mules stormed through the playoffs beating powerhouses such as Boerne Champion and Corpus Christi Calallen before ultimately losing to the Grapevine Mustangs in the finals. Now, with Whitley gone, the Mules are looking to build upon their impressive 27-8 record from last season.
Losing a talented arm like Whitley’s hurts any team, but with 12 returning seniors, the Mules hope to use their experience to make it back to Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Pitching got them to Round Rock last year, and pitching will once again anchor the team this season. The starting rotation features seniors James Tyng, Nathaniel Prete, and Matthew Butler, as well as junior Austin Buffkin. Those strong arms, paired with what Head Coach Jason Thompson believes is a much improved offense, provide a balanced attack that could be hard to beat.
Any successful team is strong up middle of the diamond, and the Mules have those crucial positions well covered. Senior catcher Jackson Tylman returns behind the plate after sitting last season out with an injury, and he is paired with junior Will Curren, who last season filled in nicely when needed at catcher. Steady senior Michael Kelleher will captain the infield at shortstop with Prete, when off the mound, as his double play partner at second base. Senior Parker Taylor will patrol center field, and versatile senior Parker Winton will start in the outfield after playing a key role last year. Experienced players performing at a high level will be key to any success the Mules hope to have.
Adding to the challenge of returning to the State Championship is the Mules’ new district. Longtime rivals Boerne Champion and Kerrville Tivy pose a threat as always, and newcomers Dripping Springs and Medina Valley, known for highly successful baseball programs, also look to dethrone the Mules. Don’t expect any easy games outside of the big five either, as Lockhart, Seguin, and Marble Falls all have the ability to beat any team on any given night. Making it out on top District 26-AAAAA will require the Mules to overcome tough tests every game, not to mention an added target on their back having made the State Championship last season.
The Mules kickoff their 2017 season on Thursday, February 23rd against Taft as they host the annual Gaylard Fenley Tournament at the Mule Yard, and district play begins on Tuesday, March 7 in Marble Falls. Make sure to keep an eye on what should be an exciting season for Alamo Heights Mules baseball!
Thanks so much, Brian, for such a well-written article. Go Mules Baseball!
Thank you for reading!