The fall 2023 season has had its ups and downs, but the Panthers seem poised to have a productive year.
In the infield, Returnees-Marshal Jonas (1B), Ahmar Donatto (SS), Ben Ybarra(2B/DH), Isaac Davila (SS/2B), and Cameron Franklin (UT) showed continued growth as hitters as they competed extremely well at the plate. Sophomore shortstop Donatto made some outstanding plays in the infield during the fall scrimmages.
Newcomer transfers, Trenton Bush(3B), Lee Allen Jr.(2B) demonstrated flashes of good things to come with their play and leadership on the team. Freshman, Corey Lockett (UT), Garland Parker(1B) showed flashes of potential, but must continue to work hard to provide opportunities for playing time. The catching position is very deep for the Panthers with returnees Paul Castro, Derrick Lathon Jr. and Mason Heiskell. Out of this group, Mason Heiskell has been very impressive behind the plate and hitting this fall.
In the outfield, Prairie View A&M has a competitive group that return several players from last year. This group features athletes who played extremely well during the fall. Returnees Garrison Weiss, Jayden Williams, Michael Burroughs and Tyran Norris made great defensive plays and all improved tremendously at the plate this fall. Freshman Michael Smith had shown signs of a high ceiling with his potential at the plate. According to the coaching staff, the only bad note on this position group was the loss of Brayden Johnson due to a season ending injury at the end of fall scrimmage that happen in one of the last games of the fall world series. Johnson was playing well and was providing added experience and leadership to a stellar group in the outfield.
On the mound, the Panthers return several arms who have pitched well this fall. Returnees Matt Krall, Ty Tubbs, Michael Dews, Victor Mendoza, Eli Breeden and Devin Aguado showed some dominance in scrimmages this fall. Transfers Preston Allen, Caden Farmer and Leo Bravo (started pitching later in fall) demonstrated they will make an impact to this roster next season as they continue to work hard. Freshman pitchers Julian Scott (RHP), Demarques Thompson (RHP) and Corey Battey (LHP) look good at times and as they continue to develop, the future looks good for the Prairie View A&M pitching staff.
Overall, the fall has been a productive one for the Panthers baseball program where all the players have continued to develop and work hard to prepare to win a SWAC championship next spring. The Panthers will open the season for the second straight year at the HBCU Cactus Jack Tournament at Minute Maid Park on February 16 at 7pm.