By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District’s (SBCISD) Athletic Department announced this week that baseball and softball are being introduced to local middle school student-athletes, enhancing two sports programs that are thriving at the district’s high school level.
According to San Benito CISD officials, baseball and softball are being added at Berta Cabaza Middle School, Miller Jordan Middle School, and Riverside Middle School starting the 2026-27 academic year.
SBCISD leaders said the introduction of these sports “aligns with student interests and fosters engagement and prepares students for future participation in these sports.”
SBCISD also said this expansion has been advocated by students, parents, and the community.
“It will help develop athletes at the high school level,” SBCISD Athletics Director Dan Gomez said.
He added that the middle school softball and baseball schedules have not set. “We are currently working out the details for the upcoming school year,” Coach Gomez said. “We are excited and looking forward to the upcoming seasons for all our programs.”
Since San Benito remains a one-high-school town, the players will filter into SBHS in the coming years. This bodes well for Ramiro Partida, Jr. and his baseball teams, and for Krystal Leal and her softball teams.
They have both consistently advanced to the postseason following their district campaigns. They have never had issues filling out their sub-varsity teams, either.
They each also filled their varsity rosters with deserving freshmen, further making the coming years interesting.
The expanded programs also mean that these middle school students will have the option to play for their alma mater rather than club teams.
“I think it is great for both the baseball and softball programs. By adding middle school baseball and softball, we can begin coaching and developing our student-athletes at an earlier age, so when they reach high school, they will be ready to compete and succeed,” Coach Partida said.
He had three freshmen play for him this past season.
“We are very excited about this opportunity, and based on the phone calls and emails I have received, I know our community is excited as well,” Coach Partida added.
The Lady Greyhounds had five freshmen on their softball team, several of whom contributed significantly this past season.
“Bringing middle school baseball and softball was a true team effort involving Coach Gomez, me, and our administration,” Coach Leal said. “On behalf of our middle school programs, I sincerely thank our administration and Coach Gomez for their support, dedication, and commitment to making this opportunity possible for our students.”
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