Young Rattlers Aim to Add to Success

June 9, 2014

Shortly after Reagan coach Chans Chapman addressed his team for the final time this season, senior designated hitter Jack Thompson tearfully embraced sophomore catcher Leyton Leone.

“I’m so proud of you, Leyton,” Thompson told him Saturday after the Rattlers’ season ended with a 10-0 loss to Flower Mound in the Class 5A state championship game at Dell Diamond.

In many ways, Thompson was passing the torch. Thompson was one of Reagan’s five third-year starters who helped pave the way to the Rattlers’ first appearance at the UIL state baseball tournament. Reagan made it all the way to the 5A state championship game before Flower Mound dashed its title hopes.

“I will remember this year for the rest of my life,” Thompson said as he held the team’s state runner-up trophy. “It was filled with so many great guys. We had so many opportunities, and we had so many great memories. I couldn’t be happier with my team.”

Thompson, second baseman Drew Brooks, ace right-hander Troy Montemayor, first baseman Ben Brookover and center fielder Bryan Warhurst provided a calming influence as third-year seniors. Reagan finished 34-7, claimed its 10th district title in 14 years of the program’s existence and finally made it to the tournament after advancing to the regional finals six times.

It’s up to guys such as Leone, slick-fielding sophomore shortstop Andres Sosa — a Texas commit — junior right fielder Zach Morrow, junior first baseman Jace Selsor and freshman left fielder Cade Bormet to carry on Reagan’s legacy.

“I’m blessed to be on this team,” Sosa said. “All the seniors led the way. I learned a lot of things, especially clearing my mind after every at-bat if I’ve had a bad one. I was really bad about that last year. I’m a whole different player. I love this team. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Reagan was seeking to become the first San Antonio team to win a Class 5A state title. The Rattlers were the third 5A team from the city to make it to the state final.

If things fall into place, Reagan hopes to get another crack at it next year.

“(Our younger players) got a lot of experience,” Chapman said. “They played in the biggest games. You don’t play in any bigger games than they did (Saturday). They’ve been in it. They know what it’s about.”

Story & Image Courtesy of San Antonio Express News.  Original Article