SEVEN BUCS NAMED TEXAS-NEW MEXICO ALL-STARS

The All-Star Weekend will run from Sept. 26-28 in Abilene

Seven Blinn College Buccaneer baseball players were selected to play in the Texas-New Mexico Junior College All-Star games at Abilene Christian University’s Crutcher Scott Field on Sept. 26-28.

The all-star weekend consists of four teams divided into the Region XIV East, South, North, and West.

Buccaneers representing Blinn on the Region XIV South all-star team include pitchers John Chomko, Grayson Smith, and Kyle Gough, catchers Preston Hoffart and Nick Wolff, and infielders Brett Minnich and Westley Schields.

“It is really special to have seven players that will represent Blinn College at this year’s All-Star Weekend,” said Harvey McIntyre, Blinn head coach. “These guys played a big role in last year’s success, so I am happy they get this opportunity to showcase themselves and our program.”

Chomko was selected as an all-region player after posting a 5-2 record, striking out 56, and finishing with a 2.70 earned run average. Smith finished the season with a 2-1 record and four saves, striking out 32 in 30 1/3 innings, while Gough posted a 1-3 record with one save and struck out 16 in 17 1/3 innings.

“I am thrilled to get to play in the all-star games. To be chosen is one of the greatest feelings,” Smith said. “The Blinn players chosen have a really good bond and had a lot of great success together last season.”

Hoffart was named an all-region player after hitting .248, racking up 29 hits, and driving in 17 runs. Wolff finished the season with a .333 batting average and tallied 18 hits, while knocking in 13 runs.

“This is a great opportunity for us to get exposure from scouts and coaches, but it is amazing to get to represent Blinn,” Hoffart said. “We really want to set an example for the freshmen this year. All seven of us have high character and a lot of heart when we play and that keeps us in ballgames.”

Minnich was selected as an all-region player after leading Blinn with 34 RBIs and finished second on the team with 47 hits. Shields hit .252 and racked up 35 hits while scoring 25 runs.

In 2019, Blinn claimed the No. 2 seed in the Region XIV South Zone Division with a 20-15 conference record.

After falling to Angelina College in the first game of the Region XIV Tournament, the Buccaneers eliminated their next four opponents in Laredo College, Alvin Community College, Angelina College, and Panola College before losing to Navarro College in the regional championship game. Blinn finished the season with a 33-22 overall record.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.