For this week’s installment, I wanted to highlight a guy at each level that has gotten off to a hot start for their teams. Albeit a small sample size thus far, these guys will look to build off their early successes to put together a big season.

(Photo: Texas State Athletics)

HS - Curtis Wolfe - 2024 - 1B/RHP - John Paul II

John Paul II 2024 Curtis Wolfe is off to a hot start this season. On opening day, the junior came up big delivering the walk-off single to win 1-0. Not only did he drive in the winning run, he pitched the final 4.0  innings to get the win. The left-handed hitter has not slowed down at the plate since opening day as he continues to drive in runs and crushed a home run in last week’s win over THESA in the Texas Private School Classic.

JC - Tanner Reaves - Redshirt Freshman - IF - Blinn JC

Hot would be an understatement for the start Blinn redshirt freshman Tanner Reaves had. Through 15 games, Reaves has 12 extra-base hits including six big flies and has a mind-blowing 31 RBI. In his latest game, Reaves went 5-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI. That will work. The left-handed hitter also has some versatility on the middle infield to go with his high IQ style of play. He will be a big get for somebody at the D1 level in time.

Non - P5 D1 - Chase Mora - Freshman - IF - Texas State

Every kid dreams of hitting a home run in their first college at-bat, but how about hitting three in their first three? That is what Chase Mora did for Texas State this past weekend. The Tomball product went 3-or-3 with three home runs and eight RBI in his first collegiate action. For the Five Tool does math crew, that is a cool 5.000 OPS. Rehabbing from Tommy John last May, Mora hopes to be cleared soon to throw in game action. For now, the 2022 #FiveTool55 member will look to contribute in the box in a big way.

D1 - Kolby Branch - Freshman - IF - Baylor

Lovejoy product Kolby Branch is off to the races in his first collegiate season in Waco. Those of us who watched him play in high school know he can hit at very high level. It didn’t take long for the college crowd to catch on to Branch’s offensive prowess. Through four games, Branch leads the Bears with a .444 average with two doubles, a home run, and eight RBI, good for a 1.222 OPS. Branch will look to lead a talented group of freshmen as the Mitch Thompson era kicks off.

MLB

It never gets old seeing Spring Training kicking off and big leaguers getting under way. This year’s camp will have some interesting storylines as they will jump right in to the hot topic rule changes. For those who haven’t been following closely, here are the basics of the rule changes for 2023:

PITCH TIMER

-There will be a 30-second timer between batters.

-There will be a 15-second timer between pitches with no runners on base.

-There will be a 20-second timer between pitchers with runners on base.

DEFENSIVE SHIFTS

-There must be at least four players on the infield. All four must be within the outer boundary of the infield when the pitcher toes the rubber.

-Infielders cannot switch sides.

BIGGER BASES

-Bases will go from being 15 inches square to 18 inches square.

Drew Bishop