This past Friday, Trojan baseball held senior night in recognition of their eight graduating players (and one manager). It’s a celebration that takes place each year to say farewell to the seniors and commend them on their accomplishments throughout their high school careers. This year, the program recognized Cooper Meyer, Connor Clifton, Jake Melvin, Travis Grey, Rylan Unnasch, Max Birdsong, Sheppard Tyler, Karsten Fidler, and Corbin Keller.
Cooper Meyer is a pitcher, and he noted that his favorite baseball memory was “throwing a no-hitter against McCallum.” Tensions were running high in that rivalry game, but Meyer kept his calm and didn’t let the pressure get to him. After four years in the program, he explained that he will miss “[his] teammates and all the seniors [he has] been friends with,” but he is excited to attend Texas A&M in the fall.
Two-year varsity player Connor Clifton has been critical for the Trojans. He is a left-handed pitcher, coming through for Anderson at the most critical points in games. Clifton has been called upon more than once to close out the final innings and seal the win. As a junior, he made first team all-district and could be looking at more recognition in the future. He encourages younger Trojans to “become a P.O,”which allows you to focus on developing your skills on the mound specifically.
Jake Melvin has played at the varsity level since sophomore year. As a right-handed pitcher, he made second team all-district during his second season with Anderson (2021). Even though he hasn’t been on the mound as much, he is a still an integral part of the team, showing his dedication by cheering the Trojans on from the dugout and encouraging his teammates. Melvin explained that his favorite baseball memory was “showing [his] palms to coach in [his] first varsity outing,” although he advises younger Trojans not to follow in his footsteps. He will be studying at Texas State.
Travis Grey has had some ups and downs throughout his final year with Anderson. He broke his finger mid-season, which sidelined him for a few games. Although he couldn’t be on the field, he was essential in the dugout, keeping stats and supporting fellow players to keep the energy up. Grey is a first baseman, although this season, he came in as a designated hitter and sometimes catcher. He plays football alongside baseball, which has helped further his skills in both sports.
Rylan Unnasch has had a successful final season with Anderson and even landed himself a spot on a college team. Unnasch regularly plays shortstop, but he is also a skilled designated hitter. In 2022, he made first team all-district as a DH during his first varsity season. Rylan has been a consistent player, which has earned him a spot in almost every game this season. He advised younger Trojans to “learn to love the game and put in work outside of practice,” two things he has done throughout high school that have earned him significant playing time. He has signed to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to continue his baseball career and sealed his commitment last Friday.
After three successful seasons on varsity, Max Birdsong was recognized at senior night. As a sophomore, he received an all-district honorable mention for his skills as a pitcher and an academic all-district award for his dedication in the classroom. The following season, Birdsong earned himself another all-district honorable mention, this time as both a pitcher and first baseman. He has been a steady presence on the team over the last few years and will be missed in the Anderson baseball program.
Another college commit, Sheppard Tyler, was recognized on Friday night. He has been a reliable pitcher for the Trojans and supports his teammates during every game. For the most part, he is on the mound, but he dabbled as a catcher briefly for Anderson. He has received plenty of district awards, including 5A all-district honorable mention in 2021 and 2022, as well as an academic all-district award as a junior. Tyler is continuing his baseball career as a Trinity Tiger, where he will continue to work hard and improve.
Karsten Fidler has been varsity’s go-to second baseman for three years. He is consistent and dedicated, which has shown in his district honors. As a sophomore, he was a part of the all-district second team and earned an academic award, and at the conclusion of his junior season, Fidler made first team all-district. Karsten explained how “[he’ll] miss seeing and playing with all [his] friends that [he’s] grown up with for years.” Trojan pop warner baseball has allowed players to meet their teammates at a young age and continue playing with them through high school, which allows them to learn how to work together and be a team from the get-go. He has committed to Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas and plans to grow both on and off the field.
Last but not least, varsity’s manager Corbin Keller was recognized on Friday night. Keller assists the coaches and team throughout their busy seasons, keeping stats, boosting morale, and helping with equipment. For future Anderson athletes, he suggested to become a manager if you can’t make varsity as a junior, which is what he did. Corbin has been an important part of the team over the years and will be missed by coaches and players alike.
Although their night has passed, the seniors still have games left to play. They will give it their all and make the most of their last moments on the field as a Trojan. In the seasons to come, the current juniors and underclassmen must step up to fill the big shoes the seniors are leaving behind to be successful in 6A.
