Lamar Consolidated Baseball

Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
Founded 1949
University Lamar Consolidated High School
Head coach Brandon Strother (3rd season)
Conference 24-5A
Location Rosenberg, Texas
Home stadium Mustang Field
(Capacity: 2000)
Nickname Mustangs
Colors Navy, Grey, and White
              
NCAA Tournament appearances
UIL Texas State Tourney Appearances
1952, 1963, 1964, 1970, 1977, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017
Conference champions
District Champions
1952, 1964, 1989, 1990, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012

The Lamar Consolidated Mustangs baseball team represents Lamar Consolidated High School in Texas 5A High School Baseball. In the 66 years of the school's existence, the Mustangs have brought home 9 district titles and 22 State Tournament Appearances (Including 17 in the last 25 years),1 Regional Championship in 1952,[1] 3 Regional Finals appearances 1952, 2008, and 2012) and in 2012 a school best ranking of 6th in the state. Season statistics for 2010–2017 can be found at the Lamar Consolidated Mustangs MaxPreps.com stat page.[2]

Along with the other Lamar Consolidated athletic teams, the baseball team currently participates in district 27-5A, the second level of Texas High School Baseball. The other Lamar Consolidated ISD teams in the district are B. F. Terry High School, Foster High School, and Fulshear High School. District 27-5A is rounded out by Angleton High School, Victoria East High School, Victoria West High School, and Port Lavaca Calhoun High School.

The Mustangs play their home games on Lamar Consolidated's campus at Mustang Field and are currently coached by Brandon Strother in his third year as the Varsity Head coach and in his 7th year at the school.

History

Early Years (1950–1956) and Bill McClellan

The original Lamar Mustang team was coached by Walker Bernard and the team finished 3rd in the district standings with a 10–5 overall record. Two years later under successful Lamar Basketball coach Bill McClellan the Mustangs had the highest finish in school history. McClellan's baseball coaching career only lasted 3 years (1952, 1955–56) as his passion was basketball (15 seasons at Lamar with a 154–49 record), but in 1952 he led the Mustang baseball team to win the Regional Championship in VII A Texas Baseball over Nederland 4–1 after defeating Alvin 8–1 in the Bi-District Finals to finish the season 14–2. This was the first of three Lamar Regional Finals appearances, the only Regional Championship, and the first baseball District Championship for the school.[3]

The Dark Years 1957–1984

For almost 30 years the Lamar Mustangs only won 1 District Championship and made the playoffs only 4 times, never getting past the first round.

Jim Wynne era 1985–1998

Jim Wynne put Lamar Baseball back on the map. In his first year, 1985, he went 10–8–2, the first winning season in 5 years. The next season Wynne led the Mustangs to the playoffs after a 10-year absence and in 1989 brought the first district championship back to Lamar since 1964. Wynne coached the Mustangs for 14 seasons compiling 2 District Championships and 7 playoff appearances and is still currently the winningest coach in Mustang program history.

John McClure era 1999–2002

McClure's tenure at the helm of the program started slow but ended with two straight playoff appearances including a then school-record 19 wins in 2002. The 2002 Mustangs also went on to the second round of the playoffs before losing to Houston Forrest Brook in a hard-fought 3-game series. McClure left the program in the hands of Greg Garner in 2003, when he moved to Texas High in Texarkana, Texas, to take a Tigers assistant coach position. In 2012 McClure was named the Texas High Tigers new head coach.

Richard Thistlethwaite era 2005–2007

Richard Thistlethwaite took over in 2005 for Greg Garner after two losing seasons. Each of his three years was an improvement from the year before as his Mustangs finished 4th, then 3rd, then in 2007 won the District Championship and made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs.

Under Thistlethwaite the Mustangs also received numerous individual awards, including his own 24-4A Coach of the Year in 2007. In that 2007 district championship season, Lamar was awarded 8 first team All-District players. His teams also had two All-District players in both 2006 and 2005 including 1st Team Pitcher Keith Brunson who was also a 1st Team All-State selection.

Greg Kobza era 2008–2010

Greg Kobza replaced Thistlethwait who left to be the head coach at Fort Bend Elkins. Kobza led the Mustangs to the best 3-year stretch in school history.

The 2008 squad won a still-standing school record of 29 games going 29–7 and making it to the regional final in the state playoffs, where they lost in a game 3 against Friendswood (Texas). Their team was also 13–2 in district to claim the district championship. Leading the team was four underclassmen who were also all voted All-State players, Randal Grichuk (Junior OF), Cody Robinson (Junior OF), Cody Abraham (Sophomore OF), Brady Rodgers (Junior P).

In 2009 Kobza was tasked with trying to equal the 2008 campaign. With a team full of returning All-State and All-District players the Mustangs went 23–5 with another District Championship and a run to the 3rd round of the playoffs. After beating Manvel, then Fort Bend Austin, Houston Waltrip knocked them out in game three of the Regional Quarterfinals. this year Randal Grichuk was awarded 1st Team All-State Honors and then drafted No. 24 overall in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft by the Anaheim Angels. Pitcher Brady Rodgers was also drafted late by the Milwaukee Brewers, but decided to attend Arizona State University.

In Kobza's final season 2010, the mustang won 20 games for the third straight year. Knocked out in the third round again, this time by Texas City, meant that Kobza had led the Mustangs to a record of 8 playoff series victories in 11 chances over the past 3 seasons. The team finished with 10 All-District selections, including 6 first-teamers.

Phil Schwarz era 2011–2012

Phil Schwarz took over after the best 3-year stretch ever and for Coach Kobza, who left to coach the new 4A Rosenberg school George Ranch High School. In his first year as a head coach at any level, Schwarz went 26–8, including a school-best district mark of 11–1. The next season the Mustangs continued their stellar play with a 26–11 overall record and 12–2 district record, winning the district championship both seasons.

The 2011 23-4A District Champions included the Outstanding Distinct Pitcher of the Year Fernando Pena, 1st Team Catcher and Rice commit Matt Ditman, and 3 other first team selections Francisco Pena (Sophomore P), Cole Coakley (Senior SS), and Taylor Walton (Junior CF). Coach Schwarz also won his first of two District Coach of the Year Awards. The teams 2011 success ended with a loss in the 3rd round of the playoffs to Santa Fe.

In 2012 the Mustangs were picked to finish 4th in the district after losing some key pieces from the squad. The team more than surpassed those expectations by winning their 5th District Championship in the last 6 years. Another Coach of the Year Award and equaling the 2008 teams playoff run by making it back to the regional finals (5th round). After defeating in order Texas City, Houston Waltrip, Galveston Ball, and Barbers Hill the season came to an end against the Montgomery Bears. Season awards for the Mustangs included a final season ranking of No. 6 in the state, 8 All-District selection including District MVP Zac Vasek (Senior P/3B), Sophomore of the Year Scott Nohavitza (Sophomore LF), and 1st Team Pitcher Ashton Williams (Senior P/3B). Zac Vasek (Houston 4A Pitcher of the Year and Houston 4A All-Star Game Selection), Ashton Williams (2nd Team Houston 4A Pitcher), and Ryan Menefee (2nd Team Houston 4A Utility) were all further awarded as part of the Houston5A.com All-Houston 4A squad.

In his final coaching under Lamar Consolidated High School, Schwarz and his staff coached the Houston 4A South All-Stars to an 8–4 victory at Rice University over the Brenham coached North All-Stars. Zac Vasek pitched two scoreless innings while collecting 2 K's and giving up no hits. Phil Schwarz is now the Head Coach in Cuero, Texas at Cuero High School.

Year-by-Year Lamar Mustang Results

Records compiled from Max Preps, the Houston Chronicle Archives, and Houston 5A.com archives.

Year Head Coach Overall Winning % Conference Winning % Conf. Finish Notes
1950 Walker Bernard 10–5 .667 6–4 .600 3rd Inaugural Season
1951 Pete Hewitt 6–5 .545 6–4 .600 3rd
1952 Bill McClellan[4] 14–2 .875 9–1 .900 1st District Champs, Regional Champs
1953 Pete Hewitt 9–5 .643 7–3 .700 2nd
1954 Pete Hewitt 6–6 .500 5–5 .500 3rd
1955 Bill McClellan 11–4 .733 6–4 .600 2nd
1956 Bill McClellan 4–8 .333 3–6 .333 4th
1957 Ralph Reynolds 7–9–1 .412 5–5 .500 4th
1958 Ralph Reynolds 8–4 .667
1959 Leon Williams
1960 Bobby Baldwin 10–7 .588
1961 Bobby Baldwin 12–7 .632 6–4 .600 2nd
1962 Bob Baldwin
1963 Bob Blazek 9–9 .500 6–2 .750 2nd
1964 Buzzy Allert 14–8 .636 8–4 .667 1st Playoff Appearance
1965 Buzzy Allert 7–10 .412 2–4 .333 4th
1966 Buzzy Allert 12–11 .522 5–4 .556 3rd
1967 Bill Borgers 9–14 .391 5–7 .417 3rd
1968 Phil Bailey 10–12 .455 5–7 .417 4th
1969 Don Miller 8–14–1 .348 4–6–1 .364 4th
1970 Don Miller 11–9–1 .524 2–5–1 .250
1971 Don Miller 10–15 .400 3–11 .214
1972
1973 Pat Cox 6–13 .316 1–10 .091
1974 Pat Cox 12–8–1 .571 7–6 .583
1975
1976 Rick West 8–12 .400 6–9 .400
1977 13–9–1 .565 8–4 .667 2nd Playoff Appearance
1978 9–13 .409 5–7 .417
1979 Rex Scofield 7–17 .292 4–6 .400
1980 Bob Masterson 8–10–1 .421 6–7–1 .429
1981 Bob Masterson 10–9 .526 9–7 .563 3rd
1982 Bob Masterson 5–14 .263 4–10 .286
1983 Bob Masterson 3–18 .143 2–12 .143
1984 Bob Masterson 5–14 .263 4–12 .250
1985 Jim Wynne 10–8–2 .500 9–5 .643
1986 Jim Wynne 16–7 .696 11–3 .786 2nd Bi-District Finalist
1987 Jim Wynne 6–13 .316 4–10 .286
1988 Jim Wynne 7–7 .500
1989 Jim Wynne 8–2 .800 1st Bi-District Finalist
1990 Jim Wynne 17–7 .708 9–1 .900 1st Bi-District Finalist
1991 Jim Wynne 7–7 .500
1992 Jim Wynne 6–8 .429
1993 Jim Wynne 10–16 .385 8–6 .571 3rd Bi-District Finalist
1994 Jim Wynne 15–13 .536 7–7 .500 4th
1995 Jim Wynne 16–8 .667 7–3 .700 2nd Bi-District Finalist
1996 Jim Wynne 2nd Bi-District Finalist
1997 Jim Wynne 6–4 .600 3rd Bi-District Finalist
1998 Jim Wynne 9–16 .360 7–8 .467 4th
1999 John McClure 6–8 .429
2000 John McClure 2–10 .167
2001 John McClure 11–10 .524 6–4 .600 3rd Bi-District Finalist
2002 John McClure 19–13 .594 8–3 .727 2nd Area Finalist
2003 Greg Garner 10–13 .435 3–7 .300 4th
2004 Greg Garner 9–16 .360 6–4 .600 3rd Bi-District Finalist
2005 Richard Thistlethwaite 8–6 .571 4th
2006 Richard Thistlethwaite 9–5 .643 3rd Bi-District Finalist
2007 Richard Thistlethwaite 16–12 .571 10–5 .667 1st Area Finalist
2008 Greg Kobza 29–7 .806 13–2 .867 1st Regional Finalist
2009 Greg Kobza 23–5 .821 10–2 .833 1st Regional Quarter-Finalist
2010 Greg Kobza 20–14 .588 9–3 .750 2nd Regional Quarter-Finalist
2011 Phil Schwarz 26–8 .765 11–1 .917 1st Regional Quarter-Finalist
2012 Phil Schwarz 26–11 .703 12–2 .857 1st Regional Finalist
2013 Kenneth Sharp 4–22 .154 1–11 .083 7th
2014 Mike Weatherly 3–21 .125 0–12 .000 7th
2015 Brandon Strother 3–20 .130 1–14 .066 6th
2016 Brandon Strother 7–19 .269 2–13 .133 6th
2017 Brandon Strother 8-13-1 .381 5-7 .417 4th

Lamar in the UIL Texas State Tournament

  • The University Interscholastic League started in 1910.
  • The rules of the tournament are the same for each level of Texas baseball. Each series is played either in a 1-game format or a best of 3 format depending on what the two coaches decide. Winning each of the first 5 rounds sends a team to the final four Tournament held at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas.
  • Lamar began UIL baseball competition in 1950.
Year Record Pct Notes
1952 2–0 1.000 Regional Champions, Defeated Nederland 4–1, finished 14–2
1963
1964 0–2 .000 Eliminated by Deer Park in the Bi-District Finals 7–3 and 2–0.
1970
1977 0–1 .000 Eliminated by Stroman in the Bi-District Finals 12–6.
1986 0–1 .000 Eliminated by Brazoswood in the Bi-District Finals 4–3.
1989 0–2 .000 First Round Bye. Eliminated by Katy Mayde Creek in Area Finals 3–2 and 4–3 in best of three series.
1990 0–1 .000 First round bye. Eliminated by Brenham in the Area Finals 17–2.
1993 0–2 .000 Eliminated by Houston Bellaire in the Bi-District Finals 2–0 and 11–3 in best of three series.
1995 0–2 .000 Eliminated by League City Clear Brook in Bi-District Finals 5–0 and 7–2 in best of three series.
1996 0–1 .000 Eliminated by League City Clear Brook in Bi-District Finals 9–2.
1997 0–1 .000 Eliminated by Bay City in the Bi-District Finals 7–1.
2001 0–2 .000 Eliminated by Texas City in Bi-District Finals 7–1 and 13–11 in best of three series.
2002 2–4 .333 Won Bi-District against Dickenson. Eliminated by Houston Forest Brook in Area Finals 9–4, 1–2, 2–1.
2004 1–2 .333 Eliminated by Killeen Ellison in Bi-District Finals 3–2, 3–4, 15–3
2006 0–2 .000 Eliminated by Texas City in Bi-District Finals 10–3 and 12–0 in best of three series.
2007 0–2 .000 Bi-District Bye. Lost in Area Finals to Barbers Hill 4–1 and 3–1 in best of three series.
2008 7–4 .636 Won Regional Semi-Final over Brenham. Eliminated in, Regional Final by Friendswood 4–3, 1–8, 8–10.
2009 4–3 .571 Won Area Finals over Houston Austin. Eliminated by Houston Waltrip in Regional Quarterfinals 1–0, 1–11, 8–3.
2010 4–3 .571 Won Area Finals over Houston Reagan. Eliminated by Texas City in Regional Quarterfinals 5–1, 3–8, 5–4.
2011 5–3 .625 Won Area Finals over Houston Reagan. Eliminated by Santa Fe in Regional Quarterfinals 6–12, 8–4, 10–6.
2012 7–4 .636 Won Regional Semi-final over Barbers Hill. Eliminated by Montgomery in Regional Final 7–10, 0–8.
2017 0-2 .000 Eliminated by SA Highlands in Bi-District 0-10, 2-5.
TOTALS 31–41 .431

Player Awards

Texas All-State Player and National Awards

The following is a listing of Lamar Consolidated Players that were selected to the All-State Team, the year they played and their position.

All District

The following is a listing of Lamar Consolidated Players that were selected as All-District Players.

All-Houston and All-Area Honors

The following is a listing of Lamar Mustang players that received an All-Houston Award or competed in the Houston 4A Annual North-South All-Star Game.[16]

MLB Draft Selections

The following is a listing of Lamar Mustang players that have been drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft.

  • 1979
Grant Priess (4th Round No. 97 – Philadelphia Phillies)- Went to Texas A&M via Blinn College instead[21]
  • 2009
Randal Grichuk (1st Round No. 24 – Anaheim Angels)[22]
Brady Rodgers (39th Round No. 1186- Milwaukee Brewers)- Went to Arizona State instead[22]
  • 2012
Brady Rodgers (3rd Round No. 96 – Houston Astros)[23]
  • 2014
Matt Ditman (15th Round No. 465 – St. Louis Cardinals)- Stayed at Rice for Senior Year[24]
  • 2015
Matt Ditman (16th Round No. 489 – Kansas City Royals)[25]

College Commitments

The following is a listing of Lamar Consolidated Players that were recruited by colleges and accepted an invite to play after their senior year at Lamar.

References

  1. ↑ 1952 Regional Champions
  2. ↑ "Lamar Consolidated Mustangs Max Preps Stat Page" Retrieved on June 19, 20012.
  3. ↑ Interview With McClellen
  4. ↑ http://obit.davisgreenlawnfh.com/obitdisplay.html?task=Print&id=799900 Bill McClellan Obituary
  5. ↑ 2009 EA Sports All-American Team
  6. ↑ 2009 Baseball America All-American Team
  7. ↑ Randal Grichuk at Power Showcase
  8. ↑ 2009 Rawlings All-American Team Archived 2012-07-30 at the Wayback Machine.
  9. ↑ District 23-4A All-District baseball 2011 superlatives
  10. ↑ District 23-4A All-District baseball first 2011 team
  11. ↑ 23-4A All-District baseball second team2011
  12. ↑ District 23-4A All-District baseball 2012 superlatives
  13. ↑ District 23-4A All-District baseball first 2012 team
  14. ↑ District 23-4A All-District baseball second team 2012
  15. ↑
  16. ↑ Houston 5A.com
  17. ↑ Houston Chronicle on North-South All-Star Game
  18. ↑ Houston Chronicle on Phil Schwarz
  19. ↑ All-Star Stats
  20. ↑
  21. ↑
  22. 1 2 2009 MLB Draft
  23. ↑ 2012 MLB Draft
  24. ↑ 2014 MLB Draft
  25. ↑ Baseball Reference Page
  26. ↑ Grant Priess Bio
  27. ↑ Dave Poss Bio
  28. ↑ Kori Williams UH Profile
  29. ↑ HBU Roster
  30. ↑ Brunson POTW
  31. ↑ Ryan Gilbert UHV Profile
  32. ↑ Ryan Gilbert UHV Award
  33. ↑ Cameron Blinka Auburn Profile
  34. ↑ Dan Hernandez Ranger JC Profile
  35. ↑ Taylor Tate TLU Profile
  36. ↑ Brady Rodgers ASU Profile Archived 2012-07-28 at the Wayback Machine.
  37. ↑ Cody Robinson Tulane Profile
  38. ↑ Cody Robinson Northeastern Profile
  39. ↑ Rickey Salazar Ranger JC Profile
  40. ↑ WCJC Roster Archived 2012-10-21 at the Wayback Machine.
  41. ↑ Rickey Salazar ACU Profile
  42. ↑ Connor Capdau TLU Profile
  43. ↑ Cody Abraham MSU Profile
  44. ↑ Cody Abraham UHV Profile
  45. ↑ Matt Ditman Rice Profile
  46. ↑ Fernando Pena San Jac Profile Archived 2013-02-01 at Archive.is
  47. ↑ Cole Coakley Alvin CC Profile Archived 2012-05-07 at the Wayback Machine.
  48. ↑ Cole Coakley Houston Profile
  49. ↑ Zac Vasek Kansas State Profile
  50. ↑ Clay Campbell Kingsville Profile
  51. ↑ Colton Cowart UHV Profile
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