Mary Carroll High School (Corpus Christi) Baseball Preview: 3 Returners, 3 Risers.

The writings of a new season are here!

Last season brought both ups and downs for Carroll- going 20-9-2 in their regular season before losing to #6 ranked Ray (Corpus Christi) in the Regional Quarter Finals. As bats crack throughout tryouts this weekend, a new season awaits; and with a new season comes the departure of the previous class, it's questions on who's next in line, and who's staying strong.

𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒:

Catcher, Dae Palomo, SR

The four year starter and NCAA Division-1 Commit to the University of Texas at San Antonio is back for his Senior showing coming off of a impressive junior year which rewarded Corpus Christi Hooks Pre-Season All Star honors for his efforts. The 5'5" Catcher boasted a .368 batting average putting him 2nd only behind Former RHP & OF EJ Cantu and tied leading the team with both 44 Hits & 32 RBI's. His presence behind the plate is unmatched as well, recording 202 putouts in the 2023 season. Palomo is set to return to his usual spot and continue his dominating performance both in front of and behind Home Plate.

[INF, RHP, Isaac Perez, SR]

Isaac Perez returns for his farewell ride in his 3rd starting season. Isaac was a key part of the team last year both in infield and pitching, in which he managed a 2.51 ERA in his 11 appearances at the mound. Many will be quick to remember his "Gem" of a game against Gregory-Portland where he threw the complete game only allowing 1 unearned run on 2 hits, 3 strikeouts, and 0 walks completing the game in only 73 pitches. The duel-threat Senior will be a force against many teams this upcoming season.

[P, UTIL, Caleb Jimenez, SR]

Jimenez went on a tear towards the latter half of the previous season, totaling the season off with a 2.80 ERA on a total 12 appearances as a Pitcher. #5 will continue an his workload as a starting pitcher rather then a reliever. With the parting of ways with graduates Richie Roman and EJ Cantu, as well as Junior Raul Trevino, Its almost certain Jimenez will be the head of the team on the defensive front.

𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐒:

Utility, RHP, Niko Perez, JR

The Ray Texans' transfer had his entire sophomore year voided due to UIL Transfer rules, which led to him only being allowed to participate in JV games last spring. Nonetheless Niko has been impressive in his appearances not only for Carroll, but LB21 & STX Banditos during the offseason. Niko is listed as many positions down the board and wherever he ends up will be a massive contribution to the Tigers team in the coming months.

P, SS, Joshua Gonzales, SR

Gonzales spent last year both on JV and the Varsity's "Taxi" Squad, appearing in 3 games on the mound and two plate appearances to his name. Joshua was a important factor to the JV team and with 7 total pitchers saying goodbye last summer, he will be ready to take on a much higher number of games this season. Gonzales numbers while not officially recognized on the teams MaxPreps season stats for JV, were great and a showing of his talent moving onto his senior season.

OF, Christian Pena, SR

Pena, Like Joshua Gonzales spent his season on the "Taxi" squad, yet, he still showed promise in the JV season. He's spent the last few seasons slowly working on his craft, improving nearly game by game to the point where he is now. The timely leave of graduates, Chris Chavez, EJ Cantu, and Matt Martinez will leave a perfect slot for Pena to place himself in and excell. He's the front runner for the position on varsity and will be a great threat in the field of play this season.

Carroll's season is set to begin in the Georgetown Tournament on Thursday, Feburary 22nd, against the Lubbock Westerners.