Varsity Baseball Wins District Championship, Advances to Playoffs

For the sixth year in a row, varsity baseball clinched a playoff berth with a first place finish in district. Following last season’s run to the state semi finals, head coach Chris McMullen approached each game with the same mentality, to play at a high level for a full seven innings. 

Legacy will play Bryan High School on May 4-6 in the first round. The three game series will take place at Waco Sports Complex.

“We already have very high expectations for ourselves in every game we play. We have been in a lot of close games this year and have approached every game the same way in needing to do what it takes to win,” Coach McMullen said. “Last year’s state run is just a reminder that anything can happen and you have to play with a certain level of aggressiveness and confidence if you want to win. Nobody is going to give you anything.”

This year’s team consists of 21 players, 12 of which are seniors. Over four years, the senior class has faced minimal discipline and grade issues–never making eligibility an issue for the team.

“It has been one of the most enjoyable seasons I have been a part of, and a big reason for that is our senior class,” Coach McMullen said. “They are a talented group, but in addition to that they are a group with high character. They are great teammates.”

Coach McMullen grows the leadership skills of the seniors in the offseason by taking them through leadership trainings to help lead on and off the field. For seniors, the expectation is to show up daily ready to work and lead the younger players regardless of playing time.

“Being an older player doesn’t guarantee you anything. You have to earn it. [We have] older players who don’t play, but continually show up, work hard, support the guys playing and get after it everyday at practice. That speaks volumes about what we expect,” Coach McMullen said. “If you want to win, you need everyone pulling in the same direction. They become an extension of the coaching staff and when they see someone not meeting expectations, they can get that player back on track.” 

The team ended the season with a 13-2 district record, securing the district champion title with a 3-2 win over Duncanville on April 25. Senior Dylan Schlaegel, a three year varsity player and key contributor, leads the team in on base percentage and stolen bases.

“It feels really good to win district,” Schlaegel said. “We worked really hard, we had to face a lot of challenges along the way, and we were able to scrap out wins.

Although the gameplan and approach to playoffs does not change for the team, each game means a little bit more for the seniors.

“We’ve been preparing for playoffs since the first day of practice,” Schlaegel said. “Coach prepares us each and every day and nothing’s gonna change now. We’re just in the routine and we’re gonna keep it going until the last day.”