Varsity Baseball Gameday Program | Wolverines vs Titans by Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

GAMEDAY

2026 SEASON SCHEDULE PREVIEW

MAURY PARK OPENS

By Joaquin Salvade

The latest in a line of innovative expansions to the Belen world, the impressive Maury Park offers the Wolverines baseball team with one of, if not the most breathtaking baseball stadium a high school has ever been able to offer. Like many additions to the Belen campus, however, the entire project was funded by, of course, a former Belen student.

“I am very truly honored to be able to support the Belen community. Specifically, the Belen baseball team. In a way, I hope, that will continue to help Belen for many years to come.”

The Maury park offers a beautiful expansion to the baseball corner of the campus. Complete with lockers, a revamped café Belen, and even a

mural of Wolverine athletics’ great state championship victories, this new park offers everything a player/ fan/coach might ever need or want. However, above all else, the park functions not just as a pretty place to look at, but a way for our Belen Brothers to have every possible tool and method of transforming into men.

“This isn’t just a baseball field. This is a place where good young men are formed. This is a place where standards are met. This is a place where young men learn to meet those standards.”

The Belen Baseball program and its coaches have always prided themselves with the discipline and

character it builds on its athletes, and this park is meant to assist the coaches with further improving these qualities. Whether you are a new or returning fan, the Maury Park marks a new era of Belen Baseball. One that everyone should see for themselves.

Wolverines

Dominate Nike Classic, Capture Championship in Statement Fashion

By Jason Vilberg

From February 10–14, the Belen Wolverines baseball team competed in the Nike Classic, delivering a dominant four-game stretch that ended in a championship title.

The Wolverines opened tournament play against the Coral Reef Barracudas. After a slow start, Belen erupted for seven runs in the seventh inning to seal a 10–0 victory. Embry-Riddle commit P Victor Escobar was electric on the mound, striking out nine batters in just four innings of work.

Next up were the Palmetto Panthers. Like Belen, the Panthers had earned their first win of the season against Coral Reef, but their undefeated start came to an end against the Wolverines. The Wolverine offense was especially potent, with C Jose Batista and Northwestern commit INF Alejandro Cordero each recording two hits. Although a pitching change allowed Palmetto to score two runs, Belen maintained control and finished with an 8–2 win.

The Miami Springs Golden Hawks, who had also cruised through their first two games, posed another challenge. However, the Wolverines entered confidently, having defeated the Golden Hawks in preseason play. After Miami Springs jumped out to a 2–0 lead, Belen responded with a six-run

third inning to take control. Despite a late rally, the Golden Hawks could not overcome the deficit, and the Wolverines secured a 6–4 victory. Standout performances included P Jadiel Estrada, who posted a 3.50 ERA, and RP Charlie Martell, who delivered four strong innings in relief.

The championship game matched the Wolverines against the Florida Christian Patriots. What was expected to be a competitive matchup quickly turned one-sided. After a tight start, Belen’s offense exploded, highlighted by INF Julian Alber, who helped lead the team to a 14-hit performance. On the mound, P Ernie Diaz recorded a 1.50 ERA over 4.2 innings, while RP Nick Guede closed out the 11–2 victory, clinching the Nike Classic championship for the Wolverines.

Relishing the moment, Escobar declared, “We’re the Nike champs, man!” Similarly, 2B Andres Gross reflected on the accomplishment, saying, “It’s a great way to start the season, and I want to thank my man Armando Alvarez — it wouldn’t be possible without him.”

Q & A With Victor Escobar

By Joaquin Slavade

Matched up against one of Belen Baseball’s fiercest rivals, American Heritage, our Wolverines were forced to bring their A-game to the field. One student in particular, Victor Escobar, threw an incredible no-hitter and shut out our powerful competitors. As always, however, Victor’s skill did not just appear out of the blue.

“The hardest thing for me has always been my mechanics. While I’ve got the hang of most pitches, there are some mechanics that I had to put a lot of work into, especially my slider. Thankfully, my slider was particularly effective.”

Victor has been throwing a baseball for as long as he can remember. As he has grown up, playing for various club teams as well as his school team, he has sharpened his skills as much as possible. Whether it is “hours” with his personal trainer or “long nights” working at the gym, Victor says his time dedicated to baseball “totals about six hours of practice daily.” Calling American Heritage the “first of many” in what he hopes will be a streak of no-hitters,Victor is excited for the challenging schedule ahead.

“Me and my brothers have been working very hard for this year, and we can’t wait for what’s next. We have had a phenomenal start this year. This is our senior year, and we all can’t wait to go to war for each other one last time.”

With the schedule underway and some of our toughest opponents on the horizon, players like Victor Escobar are ready to get rolling. Knowing they all share the drive and determination to improve at America’s game, our rivals will not even know what hit them.