This fall season has been interesting for the Prairie View A&M Panthers because it will be the first time Coach Riggins will have a mixed group of seniors, juniors, sophomore and freshman. Daniel Lingua who lead the conference in batting average as well as one of the top statistical leaders in the nation will have to be replaced.
The Panthers look to rely on senior Andrew Garcia who will move from shortstop to third base. So far this fall, he has looked outstanding and shows promise to have a breakout year.
Senior Tyler Gordon has displayed leadership that will be valuable this season. Newcomers Luke Watson and Christian Mendez have looked stellar on the field.
The pitching staff has been competitive so far because the Panthers return all three weekend game starters from last year (Tyler Laux, Kyle Smith and Tracy Warren). With other returnees Brian Williams, Derrick Curry, Jerson and Lorenzo Hardit, Cameron Cooper and Isaiah Trevino, Prairie View will bring a wealth of experience.
JUCO pitchers Robert Miles and Matthew Sandoval have looked promising. Don’t be surprised seeing them in the pitching rotation and/or in the bullpen. Freshman Ty Tubbs and Caleb Hines have look good and have potential to help the Panthers pitching staff to become one of the deepest in the conference.
Outfielder Xavier Jefferson and infielder Jaylen Smith have looked impressive during practice. JUCO transfer Christian Mendez has been impressive in the field and at the plate.
Prairie View A&M baseball newcomers this fall include:
Christian Mendez – JUCO transfer Frank Phillips-Christian has tremendous ability to play CF and 2B. He will make immediate contributions to both positions.
Robert Miles – JUCO transfer Frank Phillips-Robert is a right-handed pitcher who has tremendous potential and will make an impact with pitching staff.
D’Angelo Hinojosa – Magnolia West HS-D’Angelo is a middle infielder who has great potential as an infielder and as a hitter.
Brayden Johnson – Hallisville HS-freshman outfielder with big-time power who will have an opportunity to make a big impact. He’s a 6.5 runner.
Luke Watson – Northwestern State (LA) graduate transfer-Luke is an outstanding player who will be able to solidify the shortstop position.
Ty Tubbs – De LaSalle HS, New Orleans, LA-freshman RHP who has great stuff and will provide the program with a valuable option this year and for many years to come.
Matthew Sandoval-Blinn JC JUCO – transfer has potential to bolster the bullpen.
Caleb Hines-Plano West HS- freshman LHP who has shown signs of potential this fall.
Keishaud Parker – Aldine Nimitz HS-freshman RHP with a ton of talent who will make the pitching staff deeper.
David Garcia – Corpus Christi Ray HS-freshman catcher has displayed great potential defensively and at 3B. Has big bat potential.
Demetrius Young – Vernon JC Juco-transfer outfielder who has a power bat that reminds some of the staff of former Panther all-conference performer Dominiq Harris.
Zack Trevino – Hebbronville HS-freshman utility player has been impressive in the outfield and infield positions.
Prairie View will play its first fall scrimmage against national JUCO power San Jacinto College on October 23, 2019 at 2:00pm.