Three players with the Iola Hormigas received spots in the Pecos League All-Star game in Garden City.
Outfielder Miguel Tejada Jr., catcher Nicholas “Chavo” Chavez and pitcher Jacob Slocomb each punched their tickets to Tuesday’s game.
“All three guys, it’s well deserved. They come out here and work hard every day,” Iola coach Derrick Dominguez said. “With Chavo being a catcher, it’s a big deal. He’s a guy I saw in November, and I thought he was going to be awesome. He proved me right.”
Of the players selected, Chavez appeared in the most games while spending most of his time at catcher. He leads the Hormigas in hits with 44, RBIs with 25 and has the fewest strikeouts among Iola hitters with a batting average of .383.
Jacob Slocomb, Iola Hormigas pitcher, throws a strike during game against the Blackwell Flycatchers.
“It feels good getting some recognition,” Chavez said. “It was just the work we put in every day.”
Tejada Jr., the son of former Kansas City Royal Miguel Tejada, made a name for himself with a strong bat and solid play in the outfield. He has the second highest batting average at .388, is second in hits with 36 and trails outfielder Ramses Velasquez and infielder Devin Radar by just a few dingers with four home runs.
“It feels good. We’re playing every day, playing hard and everything is going good right now,” Tejada Jr. said. “Every day it’s the same routine. You just make adjustments, go out there and have fun.”
Slocomb, who rested Tuesday night, was not on hand for Iola’s 10-9 win.
Coach Dominguez said much of their success this season is a testament to Slocomb’s strong arm. In 11 appearances, Slocomb posted a team-leading 37 strikeouts. Despite having a 1-3 record, as well as three saves, he has the fewest allowed hits among Iola starters.
“Slocomb, he goes out and gives us a chance to win almost every time. I’m looking forward to seeing them out there and what they do,” Dominguez said.
