In their minds, nothing can top the joy of hopping on the dogpile and being able to call yourself a state champion. However, returning to Dell Diamond for the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 3A-and-under All-Star Game at noon today is a feeling that’s almost as sweet.
“To be able to play at state and win that and to come back this year and be able to play in some all-star games, it’s pretty exciting,” Ward said.
Said Doskocil: “I’m just honored. It’s a great accomplishment. It’ll be awesome.”
With a shot at a second ring dashed this season, getting a chance to go up against the state’s best small-class players will have to fill the void.
“I’m just really excited that I’m able to play in an all-star game of that caliber and be able to play with all those good players,” Ward said.
It’s a fitting cap to the high school careers of two area players who established themselves as key parts of their state championship teams.
Doskocil was Rogers’ RBI leader as just a sophomore on a team filled with experienced seniors and also produced a pair of game-winning hits during the Eagles’ run to the 2007 Class 2A championship.
Ward was a steady hitter for Salado’s explosive offense and showed off his power by smashing a 420-foot home run into the left-field seats at Dell Diamond during last year’s state semifinals, helping the Eagles claim their first 2A title.
And as seniors, both proved themselves to be two of the area’s top players.
Doskocil, who has committed to play for Mary Hardin-Baylor next season, tied for the area lead with 48 RBI and his .479 batting average was second-best. He did that despite rarely getting opposing teams in District 25-2A to pitch to him, given his history of bashing the ball around the field.
“He can hit a long way,” Rogers coach Keith Klaus said. “UMHB is getting a good one.”
Ward, who will attend Baylor on an academic scholarship and try to walk on to the Bears’ baseball team, tied for the area lead with 15 doubles and hit .428 with 35 RBI.
More than anything, he was a steady guide for a young Salado team.
“There’s no doubt he was our leader, both on the field, off the field, vocally, by example, just everything that he did,” Salado coach Melvin Bates said. “He’s the type of individual that you would want him to be the leader of your team.”
Doskocil and Ward got a head start in all-star game festivities, playing in Monday’s inaugural Central Texas Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game. Ward hit an RBI triple and reached on an error and Doskocil had a pair of hits.
Can they duplicate that kind of success today?
“It’s going to be tough - there’s tough competition,” Doskocil said. “I’ve got to be on my ‘A’ game. I’ve got to look good."
rschneider@temple-telegram.com
