Beeville, Tx- The 2020 Coastal Bend College baseball team has produced four student-athletes who will continue their education and playing career to the next level. All four were also part of the 2019 CBC baseball squad that made school history with the first ever Region XIV Championship. All four of these student-athletes graduated in May with an Associates Degree.
Right-Handed Pitcher, Luis Martinez was a special arm for us during his two years at CBC. His redshirt freshman season, he was the first guy out of the bullpen or the first guy out in a crucial situation. The trust and confidence the CBC baseball coaching staff had with Martinez was on a high level. Multiple times, Martinez was brought out of the pen with bases loaded and was able to get the Cougars out predicaments.
Coming into his sophomore year, Head Coach Brian Bauerle and Pitching Coach, Ryan Benitez had to make Luis a starter. "He always mentioned he wanted that role, but he also loved coming out of the bullpen as well. Becoming a starter, Luis jumped right into the role of being the number one starter for us. Its an honor and huge role in a pitching staff to be the top dog, every time you step on the mound you're expected to give your team a chance to win. Luis had no problem with taking that title and ran with the opportunity." - Coach Benitez added.
Martinez is now on his way to NCAA Division I University of Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, where he will have 3 years left of eligibility after receiving a year back during the COVID-19 Era. The former Cougar is well on his way to doing special things at the next level, not only was he a gifted athlete on the field, but is an excellent student in the classroom. Martinez is holds the definition of a student-athlete to a high standard. Coach Bauerle and Coach Benitez want to wish Luis and his family nothing but blessing and success during the next chapter of his life.
During his career at CBC, Martinez threw up 75 innings, gave up 44 hits, 35 runs, 25, earned runs, 55 walks, and 102 strike outs with a career 2.99 ERA.
Left-Handed Pitcher, Nolan Cox was the definition of soft tossing lefty. "He understood himself and what he had to do to be successful while he was here at CBC. With the talent and the teams we faced in our seasons, Nolan understood that he had to keep hitters off balance and locate every pitch he threw. With the movement and location this kid brings to the mound, he was able to have a successful career here." - Coach Benitez added.
Coach Benitez continued "Cox wasn't going to over-power you, he knew that. He would have you swinging at balls in the dirt and staring at fastballs as they go by because as hitter you were expecting an off-speed pitch. He learned his craft while he was here at CBC and it was a fun thing to watch. Calling pitches for him, was almost like playing a video game while he was on the mound. Nolan is now on his way to play for NCAA Division II University of Texas at Tyler Patriots, a team that just joined the Lone Star Conference and was already making a good run in that super conference. Coach Bauerle and I wish Nolan and his family nothing but blessings and success in the next chapter of his life. It was truly an honor watching these two guys grow, and learn the in's and out's of being a true pitcher. It takes a lot to finally get a young man to buy into a system in such a short time but these Martinez and Cox made it easy and fun to be a pitching coach. These two arms will be missed greatly."
During his two years here at CBC, Cox threw 80 innings, allowing 75 hits, 44 runs, 38 earned runs, 24 walks, 66 strike outs, with a career 4.24 ERA.
Catcher, Ronnie Bailey Jr. will be heading to Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Tx . "Ronnie was something special, Coach Bauerle and I talk about this kid and the work ethic he had everyday. Its rare to find a junior college kid with the determination and the drive to get better every day the way Ronnie had. As a pitching coach you want a close relationship with your catchers and pitchers. Ronnie made it easy to come to the field everyday and want to push our athletes the way he pushes himself. I couldn't tell you how many times we would bring Ronnie's name up and his work ethic to try and compare other athletes to him. Not many matched up, it takes a special kid with the right mindset to come to the field everyday and be upset if he knew we didn't get better that day as a team, not him as an individual but as a team. Ronnie was the type of player that made you put him in the lineup everyday. You know it's takes a lot to be a Catcher and you know they need breaks as well. It didn't work that way with Ronnie. He was ready to go every single game with no hesitation. Every day was a grind for the kid and I tip my hat off to him for being that guy and setting a standard for any other player that comes through CBC. Coach Bauerle and I wish his family nothing but blessings and success during the next chapter of his life. He's one player that will forever be missed here at CBC." - Coach Benitez
Bailey played in 72 games, had 183 at bats, 38 runs scored, 53 hits, 11 doubles, four home runs, 37 RBI's, four stolen bases, with a .309 combined batting average. The Dustdevils also compete at the NCAA Division II level and are also members of the Lone Star Conference.
Infielder, JB Trees will also be heading to Texas A&M International University. Trees grew and matured over the course of 3 years he spent at CBC, the growth took place in his first year after being redshirted.
"He was redshirted his first year, took the role as a redshirt and developed within that year. Started for us and played in many different roles on the field as a redshirt freshman and sophomore. JB took any opportunity that was given to him and tried to make the best out of it. His last year here, JB really showed maturity and leadership. JB will now be moving on to Texas A&M-International where he will make an impact for those guys down I Laredo, TX. JB has shown great flashes of him being a great leader in the near future, someone that knows what it takes to win. JB was one of the most outgoing guys on the time and we will miss having that personality on the field and in the dugout. Coach Bauerle and I want to wish JB and his family nothing but blessing and success during the next chapter of his life. " - Coach Benitez added.
During Tree's time here at Coastal Bend he played in 83 games, had 247 at bats, had 45 runs scored, had 55 hits, 7 doubles, 3 home runs, one triple, 38 RBI's, 37 walks, 64 strike outs, and 18 stolen bases, and had a career .226 batting average.
We wish these Cougars all the best as they continue their development as students, athletes and people.