Ramiro Sanchez is doing something no other Port Arthur Memorial baseball player has ever done — play in the Texas High School Coaches’ Association All-Star Game.
The game will be played at Dell Diamond on June 18. This is the first time Memorial has been represented in the game.
“It feels great to be competing Wagainst the best players in the state,” Sanchez said. “To be the first player to ever play in the game from Memorial is a huge honor. Our school is not known for its baseball. It is an unbelievable accomplishment.”
Sanchez is drawing looks from Division I and junior college teams, according to Riojas, but has not been offered yet. He is a candidate for his third straight All-State selection in 6A, after making the second team the past two sons.
Sanchez batted .426 and recorded a .528 on-base percentage with a .745 slugging clip. Eight of his 24 hits have been doubles and three of them home runs. He also drove in 25 runs, scored 15 and stole four bases.
Sanchez also was selected first-team All-District 21-6A this season.
“I am very proud of the four years at Memorial,” Sanchez said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I got to be around my friends and family. I just want to go up there and represent my school and show I can hang with the best of them.”
Sanchez is not the only Southeast Texas player headed to Dell Diamond.
Port Neches-Groves graduate Ryan Leckich, fresh of being named Co-MVP of District 22-5A, will also be on the south team at the all-star game.
“I’m very excited to play in the game,” Leckich said. “It is a big honor.”
Leckich found out about him being asked to play in the game the same night the Indians lost out in the playoffs against Santa Fe.
The Indians stopped at Whataburger to eat and PNG coach Scott Carter told him the news.
“At first I didn’t know it was such a big deal,” Leckich said. “Then I saw some of the players on the rosters and realized they are some of the best players in the state. I am excited to put on the PNG uniform one last time.”
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Gabriel Pruett: 721-2436. Twitter: @PaNewsGabe