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2022-23 Baseball Commissioner: Mark Juarez, baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
April 2023
FEAST Baseball Shifts into High Gear ⚾️
March 2023
Time to PLAY BALL!⚾️
HIGH SCHOOL: Following an icy, cold, and rainy start, FEAST HS Baseball began the competitive season with just two field practices! As the weather warmed up, so did we. Our busy game schedule quickly put our players into action as we challenge and develop our young team to compete at the Varsity level with several JV games in the mix.
A top February highlight for our High School team was hosting the HCYA Eagles from Houston for our annual double header. We had beautiful gameday weather and offered Patriot hospitality with a BBQ of burgers, hot dogs, fruit, chips, and lots of desserts for all! It was a great day of fellowship and connection for both teams’ families and players!
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Our patience has paid off!! MS Baseball took the field for their first practice on February 16 and filled out two teams: FEAST Navy and FEAST Red. Team assignments were made and the first games for both teams were February 28!
We are so excited about this group of boys! Our goal is to build a strong program with a foundation of faith-based fundamentals and baseball development. We have many home games this year and are ready for a fun season!
GO PATRIOTS!!
HS and MS game schedules are on the FEAST Athletics Calendar – SEE YOU THERE!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
February 2023
FEAST Baseball ⚾️ is Underway
FEAST Baseball launches the start of our High School season with our first game coming up February 3 at Antonian Prep. Mark your calendar! Our next two competitions are home games at McAllister Park against the SA Wolverines on February 9 and our annual (and always exciting!) double-header on Saturday, February 11 against the HYCA Eagles. Playing the Eagles is always a good and fun series for FEAST and this year, we are determined to walk away with two wins! Our boys always look forward to playing in the healthy rivalry against the Eagles. As our season progresses, we will face more good competition in the Floresville ISD tournament and Blanco ISD.
We’d love your support – come cheer on FEAST Baseball!
We are also excited to see both Middle School teams in action at their first practice February 16 at 3:30 pm! We are excited to develop and grow talented players on both Middle School teams! Stay tuned for our Middle School game schedule – it looks like it will be a busy season with up to 19 teams in the league this year giving us 12 games per team. See the FEAST Athletic Calendar for our full game schedule for all teams. Again, let’s show some support to fellow Patriots – come out to the ball game and enjoy some FEAST PATRIOT BASEBALL!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
January 2023
⚾️ New Year, New Look!!! ⚾️
Happy New Year!!! FEAST Baseball is getting ready to start a new season for 2023! Our first week of workouts for high school begins January 23 and middle school to follow beginning February 14. We hope all returning players have been getting ready to have a great season and welcome to our new players – get ready for a fun time!
This year we’re coming out with a solid varsity team and a good, hard working JV team. We anticipate two middle school teams so we can focus on our development, consistency between programs, and the long-term future of FEAST Baseball. Having so many young players allows a solid foundation to build a strong program and we believe lots of good things are going in the right direction.
Our varsity team will play a very tough competitive schedule this year – come out and support the team! See our FEAST Baseball’s full schedule and cheer us on! Watch for updates on our Hit-a-thon Fundraiser for Spring (we appreciate your support!!) and other updates at FEAST Baseball.
Be on the lookout for our fresh, new uniforms coming out for this year too. Boys, let’s get excited and ready to work!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
December 2022
Hit with a Purpose ⚾️
As our season gets closer and closer, players should be getting ready for their spring season! Our FEAST Baseball coaching staff highly recommend that you get in all the workouts that you can. Stay tuned to the FEAST Baseball webpage for updates on voluntary winter workouts for December/January. In the meantime, check out few helpful tips for hitting:
HITTING TIPS
- Hitters must be prepared to hit the baseball mentally long before they step in the batter’s box.
- Watch the pitcher warm up! Watch his velocity and look for something in his motion and release that will help you hit the ball.
- Prepare and position yourself in the batter’s box. Own your box and the pitcher is not going to beat you!
- Know you can hit. Be confident in yourself. Be disciplined for the pitch you’re looking for: nothing high and nothing low. Know the strike zone of the umpire and do not leave it in his hands. Have a good quality at bat and make the pitcher work!
- Always know your count. 1-0, 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 2-0, 3-0 — knowing the count will let you know what swing to execute. Ahead in our count? You may be able to swing for the fences. Behind in the count? Execute a more controlled swing..
- After every pitch, look to your 3rd base coach for a sign or instruction. Again, after every pitch! After he gives you an instruction or a sign, respond by touching the bill of your hat to signal back that you understand the planned play.
- Hit with a purpose!!!
We hope you have a Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! See you in the spring!
Coach Mark Juarez
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
Archived Articles
November 2022
⚾️ Spring registration is now closed.⚾️
But we ♥️ fans! Cheer us on at games (see our schedule)!
Meet Mark Juarez, Commissioner for 2022-23 Baseball
My name is Mark Juarez and I’m a native Texan from the central Texas region. I’ve served FEAST Baseball as High School Head Coach for two years and as an assistant coach since 2020. In this new leadership role of Commissioner, I hope to help players pursue their dreams of playing baseball at the highest level they desire. This means encouraging a faith-based program and winning tradition both in life and on the field, supported by both parents and players. I would love to see more exposure for FEAST Baseball – let’s get the word out to even more homeschool players about our awesome program!
This year, we hope to field a competitive varsity team and JV team, and possibly a practice team for those players who are playing baseball for the first time. I am a strong believer that hard work beats natural talent and it is NEVER too late to start…just ask me about my son’s experience! We will field at least one middle school team and focus on growing the MS program of FEAST Baseball. Middle school players of all levels develop into great high school players!
My family is big: I have two sons, a step-daughter, two step-sons, and two granddaughters, all shared with my best friend and wife, Diane. My family has been around baseball for a long time: one son played all-state for San Marcos HS and two others played college baseball. I run and own MISL Baseball Academy in the San Marcos area and our goals are to develop young players into good Christian men who are strong baseball players too. I hope my experience will help strengthen and revive FEAST Baseball to a competitive, fun, and skill-building program. Outside of baseball, I enjoy relaxing, watching a good movie, or spending time with the family. Most of my conversations involve baseball, but I love a good conversation about anything (and I do like to talk!). Maybe we can even exchange a good pie recipe – I love to make pecan pies around the holidays!
I look forward to our season and appreciate your support; I know we can and will have a great year!
GO PATRIOTS BASEBALL!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
October 2022
Planning to play ⚾️ in Spring 2023?
New and Returning Players: Attend our free player evals!
Saturday, October 22 | 10am-12:30pm
McAllister Park Upper Fields (Field 9)
Our evals will be run as a pro combine workout, including fielding/hitting/pitching drills, timed sprints, and measured velocity etc. The purpose is to help each player know their current level of play and what to work on through Fall and Winter as we get ready for Spring! Any questions? Please contact Mark at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
⚾️ Spring registration will open and close in November; plan to sign up early this year! ⚾️
Again, the 2023 spring season will be here before you know it!! Evals are a starting point to get players for the season – that might look like workouts, Fall ball, or other Fall sports to keep fit! With new leadership and program plans in place, our goal is to provide a strong and competitive program that also provides character-building, fellowship and fun season of baseball at FEAST!
Voluntary pre-season Winter workouts will be announced for December and January. This will encourage team bonding, and fitness workouts help us prepare for the competitive season. Please stay tuned to FEAST Baseball for upcoming announcements for skills camps and spring registration. GO PATRIOTS!!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
Please complete this brief survey to let us know your family’s interest playing FEAST Baseball next spring. We’re working hard to plan next season while we grow and improve the program-thank you!
Go Patriots Baseball!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
September 2022
Spring ⚾️ is Just Around the Corner!
We’re busy preparing for a great season – are you? A great season comes with an even greater offseason and there’s lots of work to be done by all – players and coaches alike!
Returning or new players to FEAST Baseball should prepare themselves now for the upcoming season with physical/core workouts plus baseball skills practice. Both of these should be a daily effort!
We’re busy too! Please complete our Spring 2023 brief survey, and check back here for important program updates, announcements, and dates. This fall will offer a skills clinic, player evals, a mandatory parent meeting, and spring registration details. STAY TUNED – GO PATRIOTS Baseball!!
If you need help or direction with any off-season training for your middle or high school player, please contact Coach Mark Juarez at 512-508-5961 or mrkjuarez@mislbaseball.com.
FEAST Baseball is now accepting 2022-23 coach applications. Apply today!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
Interested in FEAST Baseball for 2022-23? ⚾️ Let us know!⚾️
August 2022
Put the Work in Now for a Great Spring 2023!
It might be summer but FEAST Baseball is getting ready for next spring! We hope our players are too! We’re busy scheduling games, planning our fall skills clinic, and finalizing dates for player evaluations. Players are encouraged to join a team in the fall or find workouts to support their conditioning; let’s outwork the competition next spring!
Interested in playing spring ball with FEAST Baseball, or looking for fall ball opportunities to work on skills with other FEAST players? Fall league begins in late August. For more information, please contact Coach Mark Juarez at 512-508-5961.
Interested in FEAST Baseball for 2022-23? ⚾️ Let us know!⚾️
FEAST Baseball is now accepting 2022-23 coach applications. Apply today!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Mark Juarez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
⚾️ FEAST Baseball 2021-22- High School ⚾️
⚾️ FEAST Baseball 2021-22 – Middle School ⚾️
July 2022
June 2022
Celebrating the Season with a Night at the Missions ⚾️!
FEAST Baseball wrapped up the playing season with a Senior Night game on May 2 against the Wolverines. The pitching duel and well-played game ended with just a single run scored between both teams! Senior Will Muckleroy was honored with his parents, Gene and Heather, and Holden Kennemer shared his moment with his parents, Hunter and Kitty Kennemer. Congratulations and prayers for your next season, Will and Holden!
Our end-of-season fellowship was a beautiful night at the Missions game on May 10! Families and players enjoyed a great game against the Arkansas Travelers, despite the home team trailing for most of it. JV player Nathaniel Ransleben #33 was a lucky fan and caught a foul ball! The grand finale of the night was for Missions fans as the team loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth inning and won with a walk-off win on two outs! The exciting finish was a fantastic way to close out our season and be reminded as we plan for 2023: keep working hard and never give up!
FEAST Baseball is now accepting 2022-23 commissioner and coach applications. Apply today!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com or feastathletics@homeschoolfeast.com
May 2022
Our ⚾️ Season is Drawing to a Close!
May draws the FEAST Baseball program to a close for our Middle School, JV, and Varsity teams. Our players and coaches have worked hard together to grow, improve, and learn what works best for the team. The players have formed great friendships and made memories of their time on the field. We’ve seen growth in each game; the results of new skills, team plays, and many practices whether on cold February days or hot summer-y afternoons!
Although this season is coming to an end, we look forward to using summer break to plan for 2022-23! Check back for a fall “Skills & Drills Clinic” and parent meeting information soon after. Please pray as we focus on program development and improvements to build and support a great spring season for next year!
Baseball 2022 Senior Spotlights: Holden Kennemer and Will Muckleroy
Holden Kennemer joined the FEAST Baseball program in 6th grade and has been a loyal Patriot baller for the past seven years, serving as Varsity Team Captain for one. During his tenure with FEAST, Holden’s charismatic personality, lighthearted humor, and team-first mentality have won him favor in both the eyes of his fellow teammates and coaches, earning him the nickname, “Golden Holden.” Holden’s willingness and determination to strive hard and overcome obstacles with patience and grace has been an example to many of self-sacrifice and pure grit; his magnetism on the field and in the dugout will be missed. Holden will be attending Abilene Christian University on academic and Christian leadership scholarships, majoring in Communications.
Will Muckleroy has played with FEAST baseball for the past four years, serving as Varsity Team Captain for one year. During his debut season on Varsity, his dedication to “team” and strong desire to perform well impressed his upperclassmen peers and earned their respect; not an easy task! Will’s time as a Patriot has taught him perseverance and helped him to grow in godly friendships and character. Will has consistently used his time, talent, and leadership in the FEAST baseball program to encourage and build up his teammates. Will is attending Harding University, majoring in Film Studies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
April 2022
Making Strides & Building Bonds!
Plus Welcome to Asst Coaches JG Mehrmann (JV) and Dustin Walker (MS)
We’ve had a fun start to the baseball season this year! Our varsity and JV teams have been putting in a lot of hard work on the field while taking important time out to bond with one another off the field! Fellowship and breaking bread are key! These players are working hard together to grow, improve, and learn what works best for the team while building friendships we hope lasts a lifetime. Their hard work and dedication is showing impressive growth and strides at every game.
We’d like to welcome MS Assistant Coach Dustin Walker to help Coach Salas and his team of young athletes! Also, with many upcoming traveling games for FEAST, we are excited to add another Assistant Coach to our high school coaching staff! A welcome and thank you is also in order for JG Merhmann for supporting Head Coach Mark Juarez. We are truly grateful to have additional coaches dedicated and committed to our players! We are excited to watch all of our teams play and continue to support and grow a strong baseball program.
Our Middle School team is about a month into their season! They’re playing very well, putting the work in, and making new friendships. With a very busy game schedule through April, we are so excited to watch them bring what they’ve learned onto the field and compete with local schools in our league. Another grateful welcome and thank you to Dustin Walker for supporting Head Coach Zeke Salas.
Come out and support our great baseball program – check out our full schedule! Go Patriots!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
March 2022
⚾️ Spring Baseball is Underway! ⚾️
We are excited to see all of the players and coaches back on the field! Our high school program has packed schedules for both our JV and Varsity teams, including several out of town tournaments and competitions.
Our middle school team began practice in mid-February with their first game scheduled for March 1! We look forward to cheering them on throughout their season.
Come out and support all our ⚾️ teams: see the full schedule here! Go Patriots!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
February 2022
Hello, Spring Baseball!
FEAST Baseball returns stronger than ever! We’re excited for Head Coaches Mark Juarez (High School) and Coach Zeke Salas (Middle School) to lead our spring teams. Be sure to watch our exciting season play out on FEAST Baseball!
High School started practices in late January and we’re gearing up for our first Varsity game on February 7, against the Wolverines, and JV against Saint Mary’s Hall on February 17. Come support the guys and see our full schedule here!
Middle School practices are scheduled to begin February 15, and games will start in March 1.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
January 2022
⚾️ BASEBALL SEASON 2022
(MS begins Feb 15 | HS begins Jan 24)
Registration is now closed, but we ❤️ fans!
CHECK OUT OUR GAME SCHEDULE AND COME CHEER AT GAMES!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
Calling our spring 2022 HS & MS Baseball players! Be sure to attend:
Team Communication:
After registration, please download Stack Team App onto your mobile device from your app store. Create a free account and find your team as FEAST Baseball, request to join, and turn notifications on. This will be our main communication for team information this season.
Happy New Year!
Baseball is ready to get this season going! Registration is open through January 7th – sign up today! We are so excited to welcome our new and returning players in both our middle school and high school programs.
High school practices begin in late January and middle school will begin their practices and season in mid-February. Check back here regularly for exact dates and all of the information you need for this season!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
December 2021
“Play Ball” Parent Meeting & Dinner Fundraiser and Remember Caleb Krauchunas
Our spring baseball season is coming up and we are so excited to get this season going and bring our baseball families back together!
⚾️ Please join us for our “Play Ball!” Parent Meeting & Dinner Fundraiser:
🕓 December 9, 2021 | 6pm
📍 Big’z Burger Joint
2303 N. Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78218
Come for season info, plus meet the coaches, FEAST representatives, along with some of our returning players and families. Order dinner at Big’z before or after the meeting, and Baseball will earn 10-20% back on your family’s meal – just be sure to give us your receipt!
⚾️ Season registration is now closed
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
A Tribute to Caleb Krauchunas ’19, Former FEAST Baseball Player
Invincible [ in-vin-suh-buhl ]
On the evening of November 11, 2021, FEAST Baseball tragically lost one of our treasured alumni, Caleb Krauchunas, in a local motorcycle accident. When the U.S. Air Force moved him and his family to the San Antonio area in 2017, Caleb joined the FEAST Patriots and remained a steadfast force in the dugout, behind the plate and on the field until his graduation in 2019. Caleb was a current student at UTSA, set to graduate in May 2022 with a BS in Mathematics.
Invincible [ in-vin-suh-buhl ] adjective; incapable of being conquered, defeated, or subdued.
Caleb, in the eyes of his peers, was often thought of as such. To the onlooker he possessed what we all covet: intellect, strength, courage, beauty, virtue, admiration, focus, faith, friends and family. Caleb’s death was an ugly, uninvited admonition; a slap in the face of our reality, that we are mortal and this life is but a vapor. Caleb’s life, on the other hand, is a reminder, for those who are in Christ, we ARE invincible; we are incapable of being conquered, death is not our end.
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”- Romans 8:37-39
“God often puts people into our lives who make a difference in who we become. Caleb was one of those men. His gentle disposition masked a ferocious competitive spirit which propelled him to be a pillar for our team. He didn’t always show his humorous side. Yet, at times he would sneak in a timely quip followed by a smile. Though Caleb was not a man of a lot of words; his smile, eyes, and actions spoke of a generous, thoughtful, competitive, and purposeful young man whose life will long be remembered.”- FEAST Patriots Coach David Anderson
“Caleb’s promise and potential in life was unmatched and he excelled in everything he touched. His kindness, calm presence, and tender heart were just as special. Caleb was a leader on the team, respecting all and always giving his best for the guys. He was a quiet treasure and will forever be missed.” – FEAST Athletics Administrator Julie Meeks
Please continue to pray for Caleb’s parents and 6 brothers and sisters who are suffering this holiday season with the reality of their unimaginable loss.
See more of our honor, appreciation, and great photos of Caleb doing what he loved: baseball.
November 2021
Registration for our 2021-22 Skills & Drills Camp is now closed.
Thanks to all who attended – we had a GREAT camp!
Calling all baseball players – new and returning players strongly encouraged to attend!
Join us for our 2-day camp to help prepare for spring baseball at FEAST and player evaluations in January! We’ll focus on baseball skills such as fielding, tracking fly balls, pitching, hitting, running and more!
Meet the spring season coaching staff, as well connect with other families and players. It’s easy to register – sign up and pay online today! (Update: camp registration is now closed)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
October/September 2021
Baseball is just around the corner! (We’re excited too!)
Fall sports are in season, but it always helps to plan ahead! Spring sport registrations will be here before you know it!
To help you map out your year, below is the anticipated timeframe for registration, the required parent meeting, plus the active practice and playing season:
FEAST BASEBALL
Boys’ Middle School & High School Teams
Skills Camp: early November
Registration & Parent Meeting: November – December
Season: January – April
PLEASE CHECK BACK REGULARLY FOR UPDATES!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Commissioner Amanda Perez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
August 2021
Celebrating our Spring Season and Gratitude for our Leadership!
FEAST Baseball closed the season and celebrated both our graduating seniors at a pizza party and the team’s season with a game at the Missions Baseball Club! It was a perfect evening for baseball and a great time was had by our players and their families! (See more of our celebration on Instagram.)
We would like to thank Commissioner Richard Batey and his wife, Kori, for their willingness to step up and lead our Patriots program; without them our 2021 season would not have existed. It has been a pleasure to have the Batey family participate in FEAST Baseball, collectively, for over a decade-they will be greatly missed!
Much appreciation goes out to Varsity Head Coach Mark Juarez and Assistant Coach Luis Garza for leading our Varsity Patriots in so many season victories. This coaching team, along with Commissioner Batey, worked tirelessly to expand our tournament exposure and introduce our team to fresh competition.
Although our Middle School squad was initially lean in numbers, they were a force to be reckoned with. Head Coach Ezequiel Salas, Jr. joined FEAST for the first time and led these young Patriots to the ISAL Silver Championship! Indeed, we have much to be grateful for as we close our 2020-21 season and look forward to next spring!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Commissioner Amanda Perez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
July 2021
A Farewell to Two Players
Two Seniors Sign to Play College Baseball!
On June 10th, Aidan Meeks and Luke Batey, signed commitments to play baseball for Brookhaven College in Dallas. Both seniors played four years with the Patriots, the culminating event of their High School Careers. Present at the signing was FEAST coach, Mark Juarez (Patriots Head Coach 2021 – shown below). Juarez runs MISL baseball in San Marcos, and will continue as the Patriots high school head coach in 2022. See the celebration on Instagram!
Aidan and Luke would like to express their gratitude to Coach Juarez and Coach Clay Jessee (Patriots Head Coach 2020) for inviting both athletes to participate in a college recruitment combine with the Brookhaven coach. They would also like to express their appreciation for coaches of their summer and fall club teams: Aidan would like to thank Texas Pro United Coaches Luis Villarreal, Mike Luna and Jason Stein, and Luke would like to thank Brett Magnusson and Micah Bowie of the Bowie Bulls. Every coach mentioned has been involved in the players’ development and recruitment process in multiple ways.
The parents of both young men would like to express appreciation to FEAST for providing an athletic venue for homeschool students. The signing is significant because it shows both college and collegiate athletics are obtainable for homeschool students and athletes. Go Patriots and thank you, FEAST!
We wish Luke and Aidan the best as they continue their baseball journey. We know they will represent God, their families and FEAST well!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Commissioner Amanda Perez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com.
June 2021
“What is your vision for FEAST Baseball?”
When interviewing for Commissioner last fall, I was asked, “What is your vision for FEAST Baseball?”. My answer was for Varsity to be more competitive against quality teams, and to develop a separate JV team and schedule. This year we have taken baby steps concerning the JV portion of these goals:
- Six of our games were primarily for our freshmen and sophomore players. Due to our numbers, the stronger players of this younger group also played in Varsity games. I believe the next step for the JV program is to double the number of games scheduled and enlist a separate coach for this group. Asking one coach to execute two schedules is demanding. One solution might involve creating an internship for a college student to coach the JV team. As for FEAST becoming more competitive with quality teams, I believe we succeeded well beyond baby steps.
- The FEAST Patriots ended their season with a record of 14-16. Among the 16 losses were eight games with teams ranked in the top 15 in Texas (TAPPS & UIL) by the Max Preps’ ranking system. Four games alone were against Cornerstone Christian, currently ranked 2nd for all TAPPS schools. One loss to Cornerstone ended in a close score of 5-3; however, the Patriots had held the lead for several innings! Two games were against Antonian Prep, currently ranked 7th among TAPPS schools. After the first contest, a 5-1 loss, Antonian invited FEAST to play again within the week. This offer was a compliment to the Patriots’ level of competition. A couple of other losses were to Blanco High School, currently ranked 15th in 3A UIL standings. The Blanco losses were both one-run affairs ending in scores of 5-4 and 10-9. The second loss extended three extra innings until the tie was broken in the tenth. Being competitive with state-ranked teams opens doors of college recruitment for our players and makes scheduling good teams easier in future seasons!
We also had significant wins!
The Patriots won the division at the Blanco County tournament with a win over UIL 1A state champions D’Hanis (2019). Our April record was 8 and 3, and we finished 2nd in the TAIAO state tournament with the only loss in the title game! FEAST’s record against other homeschool teams was 8 and 6 this season, and finished ranked 7th in Texas by Max Preps among freelance (homeschool) teams. Our busy schedule also included a 10-2 victory over Texans Baseball Homeschool (Round Rock), who is ranked 3rd. We also finished with a ranking three slots above the San Antonio Wolverines – our cross-town rivals.
Our greatest accomplishment this year came with two varsity players being recruited to play in college!
The culmination of 4-year careers with the Patriot program: Aidan Meeks currently tied 60th and 65th in home runs/runs scored in Texas. Luke Batey tied 70th in strikeouts by a pitcher and 4th as a catcher throwing out base runners (MaxPreps, Texas). Both will join the Brookhaven Bears in the Dallas Athletic Conference in the fall. These young men have been long-term stable presences for the Patriots. We send them with prayers for health, safety, and success on and off the field. We know they will represent the Patriots well.
FEAST baseball and homeschool athletics is a healthy place for boys to grow into men. I look forward to seeing the FEAST program continue to mature. Hopefully, in the future, a state playoff system will develop for homeschool teams, and success will not be measured only by tournament wins, but also by state playoffs and championships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Commissioner Amanda Perez at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
May 2021
The success of a baseball program is not always measured in wins and losses.
If that were the case, one might assume the FEAST Patriots are having a poor season with a record of 8 and 13. High School teams like the Patriots represent educational organizations like FEAST. A great accomplishment of any high school team is to send their players on to higher levels of education and athletic competition. This year the FEAST Patriots have the pleasure of getting two players recruited to play at the next level. Aidan Meeks and Luke Batey have received recruiting texts from Dallas College Brookhaven. Brookhaven leads the Dallas Athletic Conference NJCAA III with a record of 17-3 this year. Prior to the pandemic, Brookhaven advanced to the NJCAA III college world series.
It can be said both players have spent years playing select ball, and their skills and development are not all credited to the FEAST program. But it would NOT be true to say their recruitment came purely through their select organizations. The Brookhaven coach came to a workout put on by this year’s FEAST coach, Mark Juarez of MISL select baseball, and last year’s FEAST coach, Clayton Jessee of Hooks select baseball.
Neither Aidan nor Luke had played for either Juarez or Jessee except as a part of the FEAST program. Both coaches appreciated their talent and skill. The coaches arranged for both players to attend the Brookhaven workout. Brookhaven’s coach talked to both coaches after watching about ten players work out. The two FEAST players stood out in the recruiter’s opinion, and within a week both were contacted. Arrangements are being made for both FEAST players to visit Brookhaven. The Brookhaven coach has assured Coach Jessee both players have a spot on their roster next year if they want it.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Commissioner Richard Batey at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
April 2021
FEAST Baseball experienced a tournament win in the Blanco county tournament!
FEAST Varsity won games with Marble Falls (8-5), Schulenburg (11-1), and D’Hanis (5-4); while dropping one game to Comfort (4-5). Our last game with D’Hanis was for the division title, both finishing the tournament with 3-1 records. FEAST won the tournament based on the head-to-head victory with D’Hanis. The title game was exciting with great pitching from Aidan Meeks, who went 5 and 1/3 innings giving up one earned run. Angle Espinoza recorded the final two outs in relief. But the Patriot’s work was not done. We entered the bottom of the last inning, trailing 4-2. Paul Shane got the Patriots going with a single. Then Aidan Meeks took advantage of an errant throw from the third baseman to move Paul to third and Meeks in scoring position at second. Cruz Garcia drove in Shane and moved Meeks to
third with an in-field hit. Garcia immediately took second on the first pitch of the next at bat with a stolen base. Still trailing 4-3, Luke Batey drove in Meeks and Garcia with a single through the right side. The walk-off victory was truly a team effort and a great ending to a weekend of baseball.
Prior to the tournament, the Patriots had lost consecutive Tuesday evening games to Blanco High School. Both were hard-fought matches ending in one-run differences. The first game ended 4-5 in the bottom of the 7th with a walk-off hit by the Panthers. The second ended in extra innings 10-9, a nine-inning marathon. The significance of the two losses to FEAST is that Blanco annually represents their district in the UIL playoffs. The competitive performance of the Patriots against a quality opponent is as much a victory for our program as winning the tournament in the following week. We are proud of our team.
Go Patriots!
March 2021
Patriots had a rough start to their season with a 1-3 record. Still, they have some bright spots!
The Patriots scored 16 runs in the first four games. Andrew Meeks (Fr.) leads the team in batting with a .400 avg., followed by Cruz Garcia (So., .354 avg) and Will Muckleroy (Jr., .250). Liam Zapata (Jr.) and Reese Duer (So.) lead the team in runs scored with three each. RBI leaders include Luke Batey (Sr.) and Cruz Garcia at three each. Aidan Meeks (Sr.) became the player of the game in our first victory driving in a walk-off run to end the game 8-7 against the HCYA Eagles of Houston.
Defensively, Aiden Mika (Sr., 1st base) leads the team with 15 putouts on 15 chances, followed by out-fielders Will Muckleroy (6, Left Field) and Holden Kennemer (Jr., 5, Center Field). Aidan Meeks (SS) leads the team in assists with 6. The Senior – Freshman combination of Aidan & Andrew Meeks turned the Patriots’ first double play 6-4-3. Their mom, Julie, was heard to say, “All that time practicing in the yard paid off.”
Pitching, Tanner Gernenz (Fr.) leads the team in ERA (.323) with four 1/3rd innings pitched giving up two earned runs, facing 24 batters, striking out 5. Angel Espinoza (Jr.) recorded the team’s first victory, coming into the game late and holding the Eagles to a tie, while receiving the benefit of Meeks’ walk-off RBI. Luke Batey leads the team in innings pitched (7) and strikeouts (12).
I’d like to give a shout-out to our volunteer coaches, without whom our season would not be possible. Coach Mark Juarez (High School) and Coach Ezequiel Salas (Middle School) spend countless hours working with our kids. Mark is responsible for setting up most of our HS schedule which currently includes 20 games and three tournaments. Mark travels three times a week from San Marcos to spend two hours on the field with our team. Our next game is March 2nd in Blanco (V/JV) JV at 5:30pm.
Coach Salas takes off work early twice a week and provides great instruction and drills for a MS team that I expect will make some noise this year in the Independent School Athletic League (ISAL). The middle school’s first game is set for March 2nd at Concordia Lutheran (4:30 pm). We all are very grateful for the time and effort these gentlemen provide and the example they set for our sons.
February 2021
Honoring our 2021 Seniors!
As we begin another season, I want to acknowledge our seniors: Dyelund Mangelson, Aidan Meeks, Aiden Mika, and Luke Batey. They lost half of their junior season to COVID, and we’re hoping for a better outcome this year.
Last year was Dyelund Mangelson’s first year with FEAST. He played for our coach Mark Juarez’s MISL team during the summer. Dyelund is an outfielder and was used as a designated hitter for the Patriots.
Aidan Meeks is a long-time starting middle infielder for the Patriots. He plays for the SA Prospects/Texas Pro United during the summer and provides pitching relief as called on for our team. He is always very quick of hand and foot at short-stop.
Aiden Mika came to FEAST last year, transferring in from Luling ISD. Aiden plays for the Hooks Baseball during the summer and is an outfielder and pitcher for the Patriots. He broke into the line-up immediately on arrival and may be expected to take up some first-base duties this year.
Luke Batey, like Aidan Meeks is a long-time starter for the Patriots. He plays for the Bowie Bulls during the summer and has played every position for FEAST except center field. His primary duties over the last 2 seasons have been on the mound and behind the plate (pitching and catching).
As you can tell, these young men are devoted to developing their skills playing spring, summer, and fall. Their commitment and leadership helped to change our season last year and bodes well for the development of our team this season.
I would also like to thank those whose commitment in the past has provided baseball for our kids. There is always stress related to issues where money is involved. Things that most parents never have to think about; renting fields, buying baseballs and equipment, ordering and purchasing uniforms, hiring umpires, and finding coaches while keeping an eye on the bottom line. Specifically, I am thinking of Hunter and Kathleen Kennemer, who assumed the duties of commissioner and assistant last year. A year in which, I felt, was one of our most successful while at FEAST. We played higher quality teams, won a tournament, and had to deal with the unfortunate season-ending pandemic. I admire and appreciate people that step up to the plate in a time of need. Which is, by the way, one reason we choose baseball for our kids. Stepping up to the plate-a phrase used by everyone when they admire someone’s courage and efforts in the face of uncertain and difficult tasks. Having tasks carrying with them possible pain, failure, and humiliation is part of the way that baseball turns boys into men. We thank those who have helped to make this available to our young men.
January 2021
FEAST Baseball hopes everyone had a Merry Christmas and that your New Year’s has started off great!
Baseball kicked off their season with an Informational Meeting last month. There were a lot of familiar faces as well as some new ones!
Practices will be held at McAllister Park Fields on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30pm. The cost will be $625 for High School (includes tournaments plus the Border Olympics) and $400 for Middle School.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FEAST BASEBALL: Contact Richard Batey at feastbaseball@homeschoolfeast.com
December 2020
Let me introduce myself!
My name is Richard Batey, and I am a homeschooling father of four (k-12). My 2 oldest have now completed degrees in Economics and Business Administration from Texas State University. My third is currently a sophomore at Texas State. My youngest is a senior in high school and competes on the FEAST Patriots baseball team. I am a Research Analyst at Texas State University, and I submitted my life to Christ Jesus at age 12.
As a homeschooling dad, I appreciate the life lessons athletics provides for our kids. They are introduced to an authority outside of the home. They learn to work within a group. Hopefully, they learn of how hard work, training, teamwork, and leadership bring improvement of skills and accomplishment of goals. I especially appreciate lessons of humility in baseball. We all strikeout, we all make errors, and we all need forgiveness.
For the team to succeed, players must learn performance improves when mistakes are greeted with forgiveness and encouragement.
As commissioner, I hope to field two high school teams, a Varsity and a JV. If numbers permit, we may do the same in middle school. We are currently scheduling games and hope to secure at least 30 for the Varsity. At present, we have entered 3 tournaments and may add a fourth. Middle school will continue to participate in the ISAL league, which will end with a championship tournament.
My overall vision for FEAST baseball is to be competitive with higher levels of opponents. Last year’s leadership acquired us entrance into the prestigious Border Olympics Tournament in Laredo. In doing so, we were able to compete against 5 and 6A schools like Veterans Memorial in Corpus (5A top ten, L 9-3) and Austin High (6A top 15, L 4-0). These may have been losses on our schedule, but they were victories for our program.
We went on to win our next tournament and 7 games in a row. We have been invited back and hope to attend again this year.
I look forward to hearing from all interested in promoting FEAST baseball.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BASEBALL: Commissioner Richard Batey at baseball@homeschoolfeast.com
