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Happy OMAHA Opening Day Seamheads. Let's get this started. All OMAHA CWS posts, put 'em in here.

Here are the brackets. Horns open up hosting Air Force on Friday afternoon.

Game 1 is early.

Horns close out the regular season this weekend with a three game set against Kansas at The Disch. Series starts tonight.

Weather changes the schedule in Morgantown: MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Texas Baseball's series opener at West Virginia on Friday has been postponed due to inclement weather. The two teams will now play a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. CT and conclude the series on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT. SERIES SCHEDULE Saturday, May 7 – 1 p.m. CT (doubleheader) Sunday, May 8 – 12 p.m. CT I'll be on here tomorrow with game updates, but Sunday y'all are on your own. HookEm

This story was written by @JimR It is one of my favorite baseball stories, and it is a great look into old school UT Baseball. This was published in this month’s Alcalde magazine. Please take a few minutes and give it a look, whether you’re a baseball fan or not.

Happy Friday Seamheads. First things first, if you haven't had a chance to read it yet, HornSports has a new beat writer for baseball. Welcome @Cameron Cormier He's in the press box doing game recaps. Hoping to have him pop into a game thread every so often and give some insight and opinions. He has written several game recaps for the last couple of series. As for tonight, we get to watch how Texas comes out after a thorough destruction of Baylor last weekend. At this point, every win counts for the Horns. Ok State will prove to be a more worthy opponent than Baylor. They are currently ranked 8th by D1 Baseball. The Pokes are struggling of late, having gone 2-3 in their last 5, including dropping two to TCU and one midweek to Oral Roberts. That said, they still hold a 1-game lead over the Horns in the Big12 standings.

Yo Seamheads, I'm back at it tonight. 3-game set vs TCU at The Disch.

Tonight the ags come to town. Eckhardt will get the start for Texas.

Tonight's game links here: https://linktr.ee/TexasBSB TV/Stream available on ESPN+ See y'all this evening. HookEm

O'Dowd has earned his way into another start at the DH position tonight.

After a rainout on Friday, Texas will play one today and two tomorrow.

The Texas starting rotation suffered a major blow Thursday morning when it was announced sophomore pitcher Tanner Witt would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the 2022 season. Witt was scratched from his scheduled start last Sunday due to the arm discomfort and underwent additional testing, which revealed the UCL injury. Witt is projected to be one of the top 2023 prospects in the MLB draft. David Pierce will likely have to turn to sophomore lefty Lucas Gordon in Witt's usual Sunday starting spot. Gordon has thrown 12 innings this year and has a .75 ERA to go along with 6 strikeouts. The Longhorns are scheduled to open up a 3-game series at South Carolina tomorrow evening.

Happy Friday Seamheads. Let’s do this. It’s time for some baseball in Houston! Feel free to chime in as we see the Horns play Tennessee, LSU & UCLA. It should be a great weekend of college baseball.

Two game set beginning tonight in Corpus. Online Stream Here: https://t.co/oPVdVbOBNS PROBABLE PITCHERS TUESDAY–Texas RHP Andre Duplantier II (0-0, 0.00) vs. A&M-Corpus RHP Hayden Thomas (0-0, 0.00) WEDNESDAY–Texas LHP Lucas Gordon (0-0, 0.00) vs. A&M-Corpus RHP Colin Purcell (0-0, 0.00)

Happy Opening Day, Seamheads. The #1 Longhorns officially kick off the 2022 season tonight at Disch-Falk Field tonight, with first pitch shortly after 6:30 PM. I will be posting on and off in this game thread throughout the games, but as usual, you can follow my PBP on Twitter. Grab your favorite beverage, sit back and watch some Texas Baseball! HookEm! Some series notes from Texas Sports: PROBABLE PITCHERS FRIDAY–Texas LHP Pete Hansen (9-1, 1.88) vs. Rice RHP Cooper Chandler (n/a) SATURDAY–Texas RHP Tristan Stevens (11-3, 3.31) vs. Rice LHP Brandon Deskins (3-4, 3.88) SUNDAY–Texas RHP Tanner Witt (5-0, 3.16) vs. Rice LHP Thomas Burbank (n/a) LONGHORNS NOTES THE MATCHUP—For the fourth time in the last eight seasons, Texas and Rice meet on Opening Day. The Longhorns and Owls began the 2015 and 2020 seasons with a series at Reckling Park, while the 2017 season-opening series was at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. Texas swept a three-game series in 2020 and the teams split four-game series in 2015 and 2017. Texas has won five straight games over Rice and has a 9-4 advantage against the Owls since 2015. A LOOK AT THE LONGHORNS—Texas returns six starting position players and four key pitchers from the team that went 50-17 and finished third at the College World Series in 2021. Last season, the Longhorn pitching staff led the nation with a 2.93 ERA, the program’s best since 2014. The staff also had the most strikeouts (556) and lowest batting average against (.215) since 2011. Offensively, Texas had its highest team batting average (.275) and number of home runs (68) since the 2010 season. The team’s 126 doubles were the most since 2008 and the 92 stolen bases were the most since 2005. The Longhorns were also elite defensively, finishing 10th nationally with a .980 fielding percentage and second in the country with 57 double plays turned. PRESEASON RANKINGS—Returning several key members from last season’s team that went 50-17, Texas has been unanimously selected Preseason No. 1. This marks the first time that Texas has appeared at No. 1 at any point in the D1Baseball Top 25, which began in 2015. It’s the seventh time in the 42-year history of the Baseball America Top 25 that the Longhorns take the top preseason spot and first time since 2010. Texas is also ranked No. 1 in the NCBWA poll, Collegiate Baseball Newspaper rankings and USA Today Baseball Coaches poll. PRESEASON PICKS—In a vote of the league’s head coaches, Texas was selected to finish first in the Preseason Big 12 Baseball Coaches’ Poll. The Longhorns landed in the top spot in the poll for the ninth time overall and for the first time since 2010. LHP Pete Hansen was named the Big 12 Conference Preseason Pitcher of the Year, leading seven total Longhorns on the Preseason All-Big 12 team. Tristan Stevens and Ivan Melendez were unanimous selections, while Silas Ardoin, Mitchell Daly, Trey Faltine and Aaron Nixon also landed on the team. MORE NATIONAL ACCOLADES—Pete Hansen and Tanner Witt were named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List to lead a group of seven Longhorns earning national preseason recognition. Hansen and Ivan Melendez were both named first team Preseason All-American by NCBWA and Collegiate Baseball and second team by D1Baseball and Perfect Game. Aaron Nixon earned first team preseason honors from D1Baseball and NCBWA. Witt and Nixon, along with Trey Faltine and Tristan Stevens landed on the Collegiate Baseball preseason second team, joined by Mitchell Daly on the third team. PIERCE AND THE OWLS— Texas head coach David Pierce served nine seasons as an assistant coach at Rice from 2003-11, helping lead the Owls to the 2003 National Championship and four College World Series appearances. Since becoming a head coach in 2012, Pierce has faced his former employer 16 times and has a 12-4 record. At Sam Houston State from 2012-14, Pierce faced Rice annually and went 5-2 including a win in the 2012 NCAA Regional at Reckling Park. Since joining Texas in 2017, Pierce has posted a 7-2 record against Rice. ON AIR TV Longhorn Network Keith Moreland Greg Swindell LIVESTREAM WatchESPN RADIO Longhorn IMG Radio | 104.9 FM/1260 AM Craig Way/ Roger Wallace Ty Harrington/Nathan Thornhill LIVESTATS sidearmstats.com/texas/baseball

Kendall Rogers is leaning that way.

Welcome to 2022. I’ll be posting game play by play on Twitter. ️

Expectations are sky high for Texas baseball following a trip to the College World Series in 2021. The Longhorns have been ranked as the #1 team in the country heading into the 2022 season, according to D1baseball.com. Texas returns much of their roster from the 2021 season, including Pete Hansen, Tanner Witt, Tristan Stevens, Ivan Melendez, Mitchell Daly, Trey Faltine, Eric Kennedy, Doug Hodo and Silas Ardoin. The Longhorns will also welcome back Austin Todd and Andre Duplantier from injuries. Texas kicks off the 2022 season at Disch Falk Field on February 18th as they open a 3-game series against Rice.

Coach Pierce, Coach Allen, Coach Miller and Coach Tulowitzki, (as well as Drew Bishop, who left his role at Texas Baseball and now works for Five Tool, but he also had a significant hand in this class before his departure,) have put together a very solid signing class today. This will likely end up being a Top 10 class when it’s all said and done. Kudos to the Longhorn coaching staff and crew. I’m sure the question will be asked “yeah, but who will make it to campus?” From what I’ve been told, Harry Bolte would be the highest draft rated prospect, although he could have a steep asking price that deters pro teams from drafting him. Jared Thomas, Jalin Flores and Max Beyleu should all get some looks but are likely to end up on The 40. Beyleu is one to keep an eye on. He could end up being one of the top hitters in the state by the time he finishes his senior season. Flores will likely garner interest due to his speed and hitting potential. Per Five Tool’s Dustin McComas, there is no first-round slam-dunk in this class. Here is the UT official release: Baseball announces 2022 signing class The Longhorns have signed 12 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. 11.10.2021 AUSTIN, Texas ­– Texas Baseball and head coach David Pierce today announced the signing of 12 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent in the class of 2022. Pierce, along with recruiting coordinator Sean Allen and assistant coach Philip Miller, bolstered their future roster by adding nine student-athletes from high schools in Texas and three from the state of California. "First of all, congratulations to all of our 2022 signees. Texas fans will not be disappointed in this group," Pierce said. "Our staff did an incredible job putting this class together. It really meets the needs for the 2023 season. The class brings excellent speed and potential power to the line-up with big power arms. The class also includes a pair of two-way players and one additional left-handed pitcher as well. We recruit great players every year but the class of 2022 has a chance to be very special and give Texas Baseball continued success. It has a level of talent to step in and contribute right away." The class features five right-handed pitchers Cutter Coffey (Bakersfield, Calif./Liberty), Brenner Cox (Prosper, Texas/Rock Hill), Pierce George (Austin, Texas/Lake Travis), Max Grubbs(Arlington, Texas/Martin) and Matthew Porchas (Ladera Ranch, Calif./Santa Margarita Catholic) – and one left-handed pitcher, Collin Valentine (Dallas, Texas/Highland Park). Among those pitchers, Coffey (infield) and Cox (outfield) are two-way players. The class consists of six position players, catcher Rylan Galvan (Sinton, Texas/Sinton), outfielders Max Belyeu(Aledo, Texas/Aledo) and Henry Bolte(Palo Alto, Calif./Palo Alto), infielders Jayden Duplantier (Houston, Texas/Summer Creek) and Jalin Flores(San Antonio, Texas/Brandeis) and infielder/outfielder Jared Thomas(Waxahachie, Texas/Waxahachie). "I want to thank Coach Allen and Coach Miller for their excellent work putting the class of 2022 together. They both sacrifice their time away from their families and work unselfishly for Texas Baseball. I'm very thankful for our entire staff and very excited for the future of Texas Baseball," said Pierce. Texas Baseball 2022 Signing Class Max Belyeu | OF | L/R | 6-2 | 195 | Aledo, Texas | Aledo Personal: Son of Jeremy and Diane Belyeu…has two brothers, Owen and Sam. High School: First Team All-State outfielder and three-year letterwinner…No. 2 ranked outfielder in the state of Texas and No. 12 ranked player overall in Texas…as a junior at Aledo in 2021, hit .356 with nine doubles, seven triples and five homers…finished with 33 RBI, 44 runs scored and 10 stolen bases…named the District 5-5A Offensive MVP…named to Texas 5A All-State first team…played freshman and sophomore seasons at Conroe High School. I chose Texas because: "I love the tradition and outstanding baseball program." Allen on Belyeu: "Max is one of the best pure left-handed hitters in the country, he will bring an immediate hit tool to our program from Day 1. He has good power and can play all three outfield spots. Max checks all the boxes for what we look for in an outfielder at Texas." Pierce on Belyeu: "Max is physical and can run. We will lose the bulk of our outfielders after the 2022 season and Max has the character and ability to contribute as soon as he arrives on the Forty Acres." Henry Bolte | OF | R/R | 6-3 | 195 | Palo Alto, Calif. | Palo Alto Personal: Son of Chris and Kate Bolte…has a brother, Jackson, and a sister, Clare. High School: Three-year letterwinner for head coach Pete Fukuhara at Palo Alto High School…No. 1 ranked player in California and the No. 13 ranked player nationally…as a junior in 2021, batted .304 with five doubles, six triples and three homers…drove in 26 RBI and scored 24 runs…helped lead his team to the Central Coast Section Division I semifinals during junior season. I chose Texas because: "It's an unbelievable program all around with great fans and a historic winning tradition." Allen on Bolte: "Henry is a blast to watch play, he is fearless in the way he plays the game. He plays hard every pitch of every inning. Texas fans will love the way he plays the game. He is physical with plus power and can run. Henry is arguably the best outfielder in the country." Pierce on Bolte: "I had the chance to spend some time with Henry and his dad this past fall and came away very impressed with Henry's desire to play for Texas and his desire to be a great player and teammate. Henry will be an impact player at Texas." Cutter Coffey | INF/RHP | R/R | 6-2 | 195 | Bakersfield, Calif. | Liberty Personal: Son of Josh and Meghan Coffey…has two sisters, Sutton and Beaux. High School: All-Region player and three-year letterwinner for head coach Tony Mills at Liberty High School…No. 4 overall ranked player in the state of California and the top shortstop in California…as a junior hit .479 with five doubles, one triple and nine homers…finished with 36 RBI and 29 runs scored…named to SBLive Second Team All-State…helped lead the Patriots into the Central Section Championship game in 2021…also played for USA Baseball youth national teams. I chose Texas because: "It's a great school academically and I feel as if I can develop to my full potential here." Allen on Coffey: "When you watch Cutter play, you realize really fast that he understands the game at a high level. He's a physical shortstop with a plus arm and has power in his bat. The thing we love about Cutter is the game moves slow for him, he has plus instincts and just loves to play. He also can get on the mound and show closer-type stuff with a low to mid 90s fastball and the best slider we saw all summer." Pierce on Coffey: "Cutter is a quiet kid but his play is very loud. He loves the game and competes as well as any high school player in the country. He is athletic and can do a lot of things on the field to help Texas be great." Brenner Cox | OF/RHP | L/R | 6-3 | 190 | Prosper, Texas | Rock Hill Personal: Son of Lisa Sigg, Chuck and Stefani Cox…has two sisters, Trinity and Demi, and one brother Hudson…father, Chuck, and two uncles, Mike and Andy, played baseball at UTRGV. High School: All-State honoree and three-year letterwinner as a pitcher and outfielder for head coach Shaun Stanton at Rock Hill…ranked as the No. 10 outfielder in Texas and the No. 110 overall player in the country…on the mound in 2021, had a 0.91 ERA with 42 strikeouts and nine saves…batted .355 with six doubles, seven home runs, 30 RBI, 35 runs scored and 20 stolen bases…also the starting quarterback on the football team…as a junior, passed for 1,581 yards, rushed for 684 yards and accounted for 18 total touchdowns. I chose Texas because: "Because I love to win. I am a fierce competitor, who will do anything to win. The winning tradition and brotherhood at Texas are something I have always looked forward to being part of." Allen on Cox: "Brenner is a really gifted athlete. He's a really good high school quarterback at Rock Hill and he will bring leadership qualities to our program right away. Anything Brenner does he makes it look easy, he's another left-handed hitter with good power and might be the best runner in the class. We are really excited to see Brenner in Burnt Orange." Pierce on Cox: "I love the make-up of Brenner. He has great leadership qualities as a two-sport athlete. Some of the best players I have coached over the years were excellent quarterbacks in football. Brenner has the ability to step on the forty acres as a two-way player and contribute immediately as a pitcher and position player. He is one of three left-handed hitters in the class which also brings another need for the 2023 team." Jayden Duplantier | INF | R/R | 6-1 | 180 | Houston, Texas | Summer Creek Personal: Son of Andre and Lestavia Duplantier…brother, Andre Duplantier II, is a member of the Texas Baseball program…cousin, Jon, is a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks and was an All-American and 2016 C-USA pitcher of the year while at Rice. High School: First team All-District shortstop and three-year letterman for head coach DJ Wilson at Summer Creek…top ranked second baseman in the State of Texas and the No. 44 overall player in the state…as a junior hit .324 with five doubles, one triple and one homer…finished with 13 RBI, 34 runs scored and 16 stolen bases...named the 21-6A All-District first team shortstop…during shortened 2020 season, hit .318 with 12 runs scored and six stolen bases…named the District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2019, batting .337 with 24 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. I chose Texas because: "The biggest influence on my decision to play baseball in the Burnt Orange is the instilled winning tradition along with the immense amount of support from the Longhorn fanbase. The high-competitive nature is something I simply want to be a part of." Allen on Duplantier: "Jayden just loves to compete and work. He has really good bat to ball skills, can run and can really play defense in the middle of the field. He will make us better with the way he goes about things the minute he shows up on campus." Pierce on Duplantier: "Jayden is a great fit in our program. He loves to work and his character is off the charts. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Jayden is 'winner.' He will do whatever it takes to help the Longhorns be great. Jayden is a shortstop by trade but can play multiple position." Jalin Flores | INF | R/R | 6-2 | 185 | San Antonio, Texas | Brandeis Personal: Son of John and Barbara Flores…brothers Jayson and Jarrett both played collegiate baseball. High School: First-team All-District player and three-year letter winner for head coach Eric Jupe at Brandeis High School...the No. 10 ranked player in the state of Texas…as a junior in 2021, batted .318 with four doubles, four triples and seven homers…finished with 21 RBI, 31 runs scored and 10 stolen bases…tied for third-most homers among 6A players in Texas…on the mound had a 1.35 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 10.1 innings…named 28-61 First Team All-District…during shortened 2020 season, hit .333 with five doubles, five stolen bases and 14 runs scored. I chose Texas because: "Texas is my home and putting on that Burnt Orange I felt that I fit right in. There's no place I'd rather be." Allen on Flores: "Jalin is a long athletic infielder with power in his bat. Every time we see Jalin he gets better and better and he is already one of the best players in the country. I'm really excited see him develop in our program." Pierce on Fores: "Baseball is tradition in South Texas and I'm excited to have one of the great high school players from South Texas to join our program. Jalin is a complete player with plus tools. He loves the game and loves the competition. He will be an exciting player for Texas fans to watch." Rylan Galvan | C | R/R | 6-0 | 185 | Sinton, Texas | Sinton Personal: Son of Eddie and Jennifer Galvan…has three siblings, Rene, Autumn and Roland...high school coach is Longhorn great and 2005 National Champion Adrian Alaniz. High School: All-State catcher and three-year starter for Adrian Alaniz at Sinton High School…top ranked catcher in Texas and the No. 6 overall player in the state…as a junior in 2021, batted .404 with eight doubles, four triples and six homers…finished with 27 RBI and 42 runs scored…tied for third-most homers among 4A players in Texas…named the 26-4A MVP and All-State first team catcher…helped lead Sinton to the Class 4A state semifinals…during the shortened 2020 season, hit .273 with three doubles...also played football for Sinton. I chose Texas because: "I wanted to be a part of a tradition-based program that could help turn me into the elite level player I have always envisioned. I have always had dream of winning a national title, and Texas is always a contender. Allen on Galvan: "Rylan is one of those gifted players where the game just looks easy for him. He is really good behind the plate and we will look to him to be a mainstay and lead our pitching staffs for years to come." Pierce on Galvan: "It seems as if Rylan has been a part of our program for years. He was one of the first commits in the 2022 class and continues to get better every year. Rylan has the tools for greatness. His desire to play for Texas and compete at an elite level is impressive. We are fortunate to have an elite catcher like Rylan joining our program." Pierce George | RHP | R/R | 6-6 | 215 | Austin, Texas | Lake Travis Personal: Son of Lisa and Derek George. High School: Three-year letterwinner for head coach Mike Rogers at Lake Travis High School…No. 9 ranked right-handed pitcher in the state of Texas and the No. 35 ranked player overall in Texas…invited to compete in the New Balance Future Stars Series Main Event at New York's Citi Field…helped lead Lake Travis to the 2021 District 26-6A Championship and regional semifinal…also a wide receiver on the Lake Travis football team. I chose Texas because: "I chose Texas because it has been my dream ever since I was a little kid. The community and society are what really makes me want to be a Longhorn." Allen on George: "Pierce is a big physical right-handed pitcher that has a really good arm. The fastball has a lot of carry to it and I think there is another jump velocity-wise in him. He continues to work and get better each time we see him. He has a very bright future ahead of him." Pierce on George: "To say that Pierce is a physical specimen is an understatement. He is a very intimidating physical right-handed pitcher with a great arm. His fastball is electric, he loves to work and will continue to become a complete pitcher because of his work ethic and character. We are excited to have Pierce joining our program." Max Grubbs | RHP | R/R | 6-1 | 180 | Arlington, Texas | Martin Personal: Son of Elizabeth and Travis Grubbs…has one sister, Mia, and a brother, Mason…father, Travis, played golf at TCU…mother, Elizabeth, graduated from the College of Natural Sciences in 1993. High School: All-Region pitcher and three-year letterwinner for head coach Curt Colbertson at Martin High School…No. 5 ranked right-handed pitcher in the state of Texas and the No. 21 ranked player overall in Texas…named First Team All-District 8-6A…named a Dallas Morning News Player of the Week during 2021 season, pitching 6 1/3 innings with 13 strikeouts and also hitting a grand slam in wins over Arlington HS. I chose Texas because: "It's close to home, has a championship tradition and baseball program, and an amazing business program and other academics. Allen on Grubbs: "Max is an ultimate competitor, he loves Texas and knows how to win games on the mound. He has a plus sinker, slider combination with the slider being a real weapon for him. He will be ready to pitch for us right away." Pierce on Grubbs: "Max is another potential great arm for the Horns' future. He brings a great work ethic and a huge upside to become an elite arm for Texas. Max likes the competition and has stuff. He will step in and help the arms as a freshman. We are excited to have him coming to the forty acres." Matthew Porchas | RHP | R/R | 6-3 | 215 | Ladera Ranch, Calif. | Santa Margarita Catholic Personal: Son of Gabe and Monica Porchas…siblings are Monica and Thomas…uncle, Miguel Porchas, played baseball at New Mexico Highlands…cousin, Enrique Porchas, played baseball at Southeastern University. High School: A three-year letterwinner for head coach Chris Malec at Santa Margarita Catholic…the No. 11 ranked right-handed pitcher in California and the No. 31 ranked player overall in the state…competed in the MLB/USA Baseball Breakthrough and Dream Series, MLB/USA Baseball Hank Aaron Invitational, PG 14U Festival Select…PG Underclass All American. I chose Texas because: "The coaches, the winning tradition and commitment to player development drew me to Texas. I love Austin and can see myself going to Texas and succeeding in the classroom and on the field. Once I got on campus, I fell in love and knew I should be a Longhorn." Allen on Porchas: "Matthew is another big bodied right-handed pitcher with a quick arm. He moves down the mound really well for his size and loves to work to get better. We are excited to have Matthew joining our pitching staff." Pierce on Porchas: "The state of California has been a good recruiting state for the Horns. Matthew is one of three California kids heading to Austin, Texas and the Forty Acres. Matthew verballed as a young high school player and has continued to grow and develop into a potential big-time arm for our program. Matthew has pitched in elite events as well as a very competitive high school schedule. He has a great pedigree and will contribute once he arrives on campus." Jared Thomas | INF/OF | L/L | 6-2 | 175 | Waxahachie, Texas | Waxahachie Personal: Son of Shawn and Kym Thomas…has two brothers, Gaige and Parker, and one sister, Demi. High School: All-State outfielder and three-year letterman for head coach Tracy Wood at Waxahachie High School…top ranked first baseman and the No. 24 overall player in the state of Texas…as a junior in 2021, batted .484 with 14 doubles, three triples and four homers…finished the year with 38 RBI, 35 runs and 22 stolen bases…on the mound, went 6-2 with a 0.86 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 69.1 innings…named to 2021 First Team All-State outfield…2021 11-6A All District Selection and District Offensive Player of the Year. I chose Texas because: "It's my dream school since I was a kid. I wanted to represent my state at the best university." Allen on Thomas: "Texas fans are going to love this kid, he bleeds Burnt Orange and plays with such a passion for the game. He has really competitive at bats and has a chance to be an elite hitter for many years. He just helps his team find ways to win games." Pierce on Thomas: "This kid bleeds Burnt Orange. His passion reminds me of the Clemens brother's passion for Texas. That's special. We first saw JT in camp years ago and have watched his development and growth takeoff. He will bring leadership and excitement to Texas Baseball." Collin Valentine | LHP | L/L | 6-3 | 170 | Dallas, Texas | Highland Park Personal: Son of Melissa Valentine, Matthew and Kelly Valentine and Melissa Valentine…father, Matthew, played soccer at Washington University (1992-96)…grandfather, James Valentine, played baseball at Texas A&M (1964-67) High School: First Team All-District pitcher and three-year letterwinner for head coach Travis Yoder at Highland Park High School…No. 17 ranked left-handed pitcher in Texas and the No. 120 player overall in the state…two-time Preseason Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention. I chose Texas because: "I believe Texas has the best baseball program in the country. The coaching staff is second to none and the environment is exactly what I'm looking for. Texas also offers a top tier education." Allen on Valentine: "We are really excited about Collin because he knows how to pitch and the stuff continues to get better. He loves the big game and isn't afraid of those moments. He has a really high ceiling and the drive to reach that ceiling." Pierce on Valentine: "Collin is a left-handed pitcher that causes hitting problems. He has stuff that will continue to get better and a deceptive delivery that will help his stuff play up. He is a Texas kid that has a huge desire to play at UT and will be a contributor very early in his Texas career. We are excited to have him joining Texas Baseball on the forty acres."