Los Fresnos duo sign national letters of intent to play hardball

LOS FRESNOS - Los Fresnos teammates Brian Cole and J.D. Vela are eager to take their baseball skills to the next level.

They signed college scholarship agreements on Tuesday at Los Fresnos High School that will allow them to do just that.

Cole, a 6-foot-1, 183-pound outfielder and designated hitter, is going to Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, while Vela, a 5-8, 180-pound pitcher-infielder, is headed to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

"I have nothing but good memories here at Los Fresnos," said Vela, who plans to major in biochemistry.
"Although it's kind of scary starting a new chapter of my life, I know it's necessary, and I'm just thankful that my coaches, my parents, and all of my friends and family have helped me prepare for it.

"It's always been my dream to be a part of a successful baseball team," added Vela, referring to his time with the Falcons. "I've enjoyed every minute here, and I'll remember it for the rest of my life. Even though I wish we could have done more, it's been a great experience, and I have no regrets. I know I have a great opportunity ahead now."

Vela and Cole were key members of the Falcons' playoff baseball teams the past two seasons. This year, the Falcons went 18-11 and advanced to the Class 5A bi-district playoffs.

Vela, a four-year starter, pitched and played shortstop and third base. As a senior right-hander, he started five games and went 2-2 with 31 strikeouts and a 2.10 earned-run average. He also had the team's second-best batting average for the season at .392 and had 19 RBIs with an on-base percentage of .516.

Cole was a three-year starter who batted .337 with 23 RBIs as a senior. He had a team-high three triples and four doubles. His on-base percentage was .404 and he led the Falcons with five stolen bases.

"Our coaches have taught us well, and we know we have to step it up for the next level," said Cole, who plans to study athletic training. "It's kind of sad (to leave Los Fresnos), but it's also a great opportunity to go to college and play baseball.

"It'll be hard to get a (starting) spot (as a freshman), but I know a lot of the players on the team (at Graceland) are seniors this coming year, so I'll have a good chance in the future (to play more)," Cole added.

Cole said he expects to be joined at Graceland by fellow Falcon outfielder Jesse Paredes, who is await-ing the finalization of his paperwork before he signs with the Iowa school. Paredes led the Falcons with a .406 batting average and had 16 RBIs. He struck out only six times in 84 at-bats.

"I'm proud I was a part of this (Falcon baseball) team," Cole said. "We went through a lot and we tried our best."

Another person feeling proud at the signing ceremony was Los Fresnos baseball coach Rene Morales.

"This is a big thing for these two guys, and it's an honor for me being the head coach," Morales said. "They were a big part of our back-to-back playoff runs. I know they'll do their best out there, and I just wish them the best of luck.

"Both of these guys were team leaders on and off the field, and they kind of held our team together," he added. "They did everything we asked them to do. We're going to miss them."