Like the doors that open for players from impoverished countries like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela or even Cuba, the doors opened for Maverick first baseman Jesús Medellín on Tuesday as dozens of his friends, coaches, administrators, teachers and well-wishers converged on the CC Winn Cafeteria to witness his signing of a national letter of intent to attend Laredo Community College and don the green and gold of the Palominos for the upcoming NCAA baseball season.
LCC Manager Mike Davila and CC Winn Head Coach Gene Flores were on hand along with his mother Yolanda to witness the historic event and the first at Winn this year.
"We know this won't be the last, because we are working hard to keep this bond open between Laredo and Eagle Pass," said Coach Davila, "We know that Eagle Pass is a hotbed for baseball talent and believe me, I know it's true."
He has several players from Eagle Pass including RJ Ruiz, Diego Gaona, Chris Perez and Devon Torres who will attend Texas Southern this fall, besides Juan Lopez, Eric Gonzalez, Kevin Chisum, Devon's father Albert Torres, David Chisum, and Darren Ibarra who played for LJC in the 90's for coach Troy Van Brunt.
CC Winn Principal Jesús Díaz-Wever, Maverick Head Football Coach Eric Villaseñor and Coach Flores all addressed the crowd speaking highly of Jesús and wishing him the best in his athletic and academic future.
"I just want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting me," said Medellín surrounded by his future teammates and former Mavericks, "The years I was here at CC Winn were good years. To my Mom, after everything she's been through, she's a hard-working woman. I'm just glad I could give this to her for everything she's done for me and everything she means to me. also to Coach Davila at LCC for giving me the opportunity to continue doing what I love and continue my education and to Albert Torres for opening the lines of communication between LCC and my family. If not, this would not have been possible."
So next time Jesús picks up a baseball, he'll do so thinking of my friend José Medellín and his brother Danny as now he truly knows that someone up there must be looking after him and they'll be there to help him swing through his first collegiate hit and every single one after that. Godspeed Chuy, good luck and continue representing your school and your community. Congratulations are in order for you and your entire family.