Community Champion: Faith Christian baseball team celebrates third consecutive state title

The Faith Christian baseball team has become a local sports dynasty after winning their third state championship in a row.

The Lions recently won the 2017 TCAL state title to complete the three-peat.

They celebrated the recent victory Thursday – the last day of school – although some members of the team said it was a bittersweet moment knowing the seniors are moving on.

“Well, you know, it’s really tough,” said Manuel Castro, a senior shortstop. “We’ve been playing since freshman year, all of these guys, and we’re now ready to graduate. But it’s an honor.”

The Lions proved they were one of the best teams in the city, tying Americas on one occasion and splitting their two games with Montwood, a team that is still alive in the UIL 6A playoffs.

The Lions say winning three titles in a row was no easy task since every team gave them their best shot. But Faith Christian was able to pull off the feat nonetheless.

“It means a lot because no one expects much from you when you first come to high school, so getting three championships is a great thing. We really came together,” said pitcher Pablo Cortes.

The Lions have certainly come a long way in a short time – from a team few believed in to a local powerhouse.

“Well, we worked hard for this. We want our respect as Faith,” said second baseman Luis Sandoval. “No one really believed in us, and we wanted to show everyone what Faith is really made out of.”