By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor Last season, Maranatha second baseman Max Blessinger played with the confidence and put up the stats of a seasoned ballplayer. And while he has played baseball most of his life, Blessinger was in just his sophomore year for coach Matt Shupper’s program. His numbers rivaled anyone in the area. Blessinger […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
Last season, Maranatha second baseman Max Blessinger played with the confidence and put up the stats of a seasoned ballplayer.
And while he has played baseball most of his life, Blessinger was in just his sophomore year for coach Matt Shupper’s program.
His numbers rivaled anyone in the area.
Blessinger hit .421, with 40 hits, 36 runs scored and his 35 stolen bases were a school record.
He also drove in 19 runs and had 8 doubles from the leadoff spot.
Blessinger and La Salle’s Ethan Patrick were far and away last season’s two best leadoffs hitters in the Pasadena area.
Blessinger was named first team all-Olympic League, and Maranatha’s co-team MVP.
Maranatha has won 42 games in the two years that Blessinger has been on their roster, and he’s got two more years to pad those already-impressive career numbers.
It was his production, character, work ethic and potential as just a few of the reasons Blessinger received and accepted an offer to play baseball in three years at Dallas Baptist.
Much like the Pasadena High School basketball program with Bryce Hamilton, Darius Brown II and Darius Mason, Maranatha baseball is going to have their own 2018 ‘Dream Team’ with Marco Martinez, Dawson Netz, Charles Acker and Blessinger as the core of the Minutemen.
“As for Dallas Baptist, I couldn’t have asked for a better situation,” Blessinger said. “This was where I wanted to be and I’m at a loss for words at what an incredible opportunity it is for me to grow as a Christian, student and baseball player. This is a starting line for me, not a finish line.”
Quotable:
MHS coach Matt Shupper: “I’m extremely excited for Max and for the player and kid that Dallas Baptist will be receiving in the future. Max is one of top players in the area and has earned everything that’s been awarded to him.”
MHS junior Max Blessinger: “For as excited as I am, this is one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had. Those who are closest to me know how much I have pushed myself to get to this point and the sacrifices I have made.”
MHS senior Marco Martinez: “Max is my brother. Ever since his freshman year, when I took him under my wing and showed him the ropes, he wasn’t afraid to jump right in and take control himself. Max is a one-in-a-million player, as well as person and friend. Dallas Baptist is not only getting a great baseball player but a great student of the game, and an absolute competitor. Nothing will stop this man from getting his. He might not be the biggest, but he can definitely hang out there with the powerful offense that Dallas Baptist has. Words can’t describe how happy I am for him.”
