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ORHS baseball team readies for playoffs, head coach reflects on the season

By: C. Pilgrim
| Published 05/05/2015

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The Oak Ridge High School Baseball team has had an impressive season, as they look forward to the 16-6A Texas High School Baseball playoffs. With an undefeated record of 12-0 in district play, this team has proved all season that they are a well-rounded group of players that are more than just teammates - they’re family.

Click here to watch the Oak Ridge Baseball Playoff Preview

For the War Eagles, the first round of playoffs will begin on May 7 on their home turf against Klein Oak. Head Coach Mike Pirtle is well aware of the special team he has had for the 2014-2015 season, and was quick to note how big of an impact the seniors have made on the team.

“The thing that is neat about the whole situation is that the kids really like each other and they like to come to practice,” said Pirtle. “The seniors have bought in to what we wanted to do: our goals and how we set them and everything. They just come out here and work hard everyday and enjoy being out here.

Last year, during their very last game of the season, the War Eagles came back from behind and defeated the Highlanders, giving the team a coveted spot in the playoffs. That win has only fueled the team’s fire for this season, and again, they will be advancing to playoffs, but with the goal of going all the way.

“Our goal was to make it to the playoffs, and now we want to get further than just the first round,” said Pirtle. “During this time of year, a lot of kids are worn out and ready for the season to be over. These kids act like we are just getting started. It makes a world of difference.”

Pirlte is aware of the amount of talent he has on his team. In fact, 10 seniors have already signed to play in college next year.

“It is fun because they are enjoying the game enough to keep going and to keep on playing,” said Pirtle.

One standout senior on the team is Luken Baker, a TCU signee who is also looking at the possibility of being drafted. At many of Oak Ridge’s games this year, the stands have been lined with scouts, and each time the pitcher steps up onto the mound, radar guns are pointing right at him, waiting to see him in action.

“Right off the bat, scouts started calling me to ask if they could come out and watch. We had 65 scouts at the very first game we played,” said Pirtle. “Our kids responded well. They give him such a hard time, but Luken just loves it because he is such a humble guy. They’ll pick on him and he’ll pick on them. He is just one of the guys.”

Although each individual on the team is a strong player, the teamwork and leadership shown from the War Eagles this season is a main reason for their success.

“I never imagined I would have 29 guys on the team,” said Pirtle. “They are all very unselfish and everyone has contributed. We are closer than a lot of teams that I have had in the past, and that makes a difference. It also has to do with the good leadership we have from some of the kids. It has really paid off. We’ve got some great kids on this team.”

The playoffs begin on Thursday night at 7pm for the Oak Ridge War Eagles at Oak Ridge High School.

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