Alex Buettgen ’22

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After last year’s magical state tournament run, the Strake Jesuit Crusader baseball team is poised to go back to the promised land and maybe even take home a State championship. 

The team remained dedicated, focused, and determined. As a result, they were able to keep up their high level of performance throughout the entire season. Drawing praises from spectators and countless SJ students, the SJ Varsity Baseball team is undoubtedly one of our most successful teams.

The Crusaders have entered the playoffs from a solid regular season, going 21-7-2 and finishing 11-3 in district play, earning them the 2nd slot in the final district rankings. 

Some of the team’s notable wins include their 13-0 victory over Dickinson High School, 4-2 win over Katy Taylor High School, 10-0 victory over Alief Hastings, 7-4 win over Dawson High School, and many other hard-earned and fought victories. 

The Crusaders return a TON of wealth from last seasons magical state run, including outfielder and Rice Owls commit Trey Duffield, ace pitcher and fellow Rice commit Garrett Stratton, infielder and Wash U commit Shane Pellegrino, utility player and Texas Wesleyan commit Kade Barron, and junior shortstop Clay Richardson. These players, as well as a host of other juniors and seniors hope to lead the Crusaders back to the promised land. 

“This season we’ve been looking to show the winning tradition that the program has developed over the years. We put in the work and give 100% and that has shown to be good for us so far,” Trey Duffield said. 

The talent of this group is abundantly clear, rolling over competition in the top bracket of Texas High School baseball. 

Head Coach Raul Garcia-Rameau has the Crusaders rolling for many years now, building a true baseball dynasty. 

However, this group may be his best crop of talent yet. The Crusaders are scorching hot entering the playoffs, coming off two big blowout wins and a no hitter by Garrett Stratton. Expect a big run from the high powered Crusader baseball team.