HT: 5’10” WT: 180
Position(s): Pitcher/second base/third base
What person(s) have had the biggest influence on you whether it’s on the field or off the field? My parents have been a pretty big influence on me off the field just on how they keep the family together and work hard every day to bring food and put a roof over our heads. On the field,even though it’s a different sport, I am going to say Tim Tebow. I mean the guy’s perfection. I love his persona, beliefs, and just the way he goes about doing things the right way.
You have been playing varsity ball since your freshman season. How will this help you and your teammates going into your senior season? You know you could do a thousand reps of B.P. and ground balls, but you will never actually get that game time feeling or pressure you would get in an actual game. This is why I feel experience is so underrated. With the experience that I have acquired during this time span of my career, I plan on helping not only the young ones but my fellow teammates as well with the little things and the mental aspects of the game.
What are your individual and team goals this season? All my years playing varsity ball, I have never made the playoffs. That is why making it is the biggest goal I think not only for me but the seniors on the squad as well. The team chemistry we have is real strong. We have all been playing together since we were youngsters, and I feel we have more than enough ambition and talent to accomplish that goal. As far as individual goals go, I feel how far I get my team is truly what I deserve.
It has been a while since San Benito has been in the playoffs. How important is it to you that you reach this goal? The playoffs are ultimately our biggest goal. We could have the whole team make the All-State squad, but if we got knocked out in the first round, all that would really mean nothing.
You wear number 5 is there a particular reason for wearing this number? Ha, it’s funny that you mention this question because I have always thought about why but never really had a specific answer. Just to answer the question, I am going to have to say that 5 is the number recorded for a third base man in the book.
What is your most prized possession? My most prized possession for obvious reasons would have to be my family.
Have any college teams contacted you and if so which ones? The colleges I have talked to include Lindenwood University, McMurry University, and I also attended the UTB combine earlier this year, so I’m hoping they might come to see me play.
Who has been the toughest hitter and/or pitcher you have ever faced? Having played in the district of 32-5A, I have faced guys like Beto Rodriguez(Lopez), Ramesh Ramarine (Hanna) and Carlos Rodriguez(Lopez).
Who is your favorite Major League Baseball Player? Favorite MLB player hitting wise would have to be Manny Ramirez. I love how he’s always having fun. From a pitching perspective, I am going to have to say Tim Lincecum. The way he uses his body to create tork, momentum and power is just truly amazing.
What is your favorite pre-game meal? I don’t really have a very stable one. Our coach plans on working up some kind of healthy routine for us this year, so that should change quite a bit.
What would be your dream job in the future? I’m in one of the most versatile and I believe one of the best career path programs in the state of Texas. It is called the “Ready, Set, Teach,” program. It’s a class offered at our high school that comes with very high demands. We our dual enrolled at TSTC Community College. Getting my degree and coaching baseball later on in my life has always been a dream of mine, and I can’t wait to accomplish it.
Special thank to my father, Rene Garza, for introducing to the game I love and all the coaching hours he’s put into making me into the ball player I am today.
HT: 5’10” WT: 180
