With a deep group of returning contributors and an emphasis on execution, the Rockport-Fulton Pirates enter the 2026 baseball season focused on steady growth under second-year coach Rene Silva.
The Pirates, who were 11-15-1 in 2025, return a versatile core that features experience across the diamond. Evan Richardson, a junior shortstop and pitcher, anchors the infield after earning first-team all-district honors at shortstop a year ago. Junior Reid Snyder returns as a multi-position threat after being named second-team all-district in the outfield, while senior Oscar Solis brings experience on the mound and at first base after earning second-team all-district honors at first.
Rockport-Fulton also brings back pitchers Jake Self and Gage Gonzalez, along with senior catcher Jackson Grubert and senior Luke Brown, who adds depth behind the plate and in the outfield. Junior Caleb Schoppe, a second-team all-district utility selection, provides flexibility at multiple positions, while sophomore Payne Fry returns in the outfield.
Newcomers Adrian Villarreal, a senior infielder/outfielder, and junior pitcher Ford Anderson are expected to add depth as the season progresses.
“The expectation for this year is to keep improving from last year,” Silva said. “Offensively, we need to produce hits with runners in scoring positions. Defensively, pitching needs to stay ahead in the count and we need to cut down on errors that create big obstacles for the team to get out from.”
Assistant coaches Cole Bice, Jonathon Gonzales, Vincent Flores and Drew Dacy round out the Pirates’ coaching staff.
“The key to our success is trusting the process in practice and games, as well as competing on every pitch,” Silva said. “Offensively, our goal is a run per inning. It is hard beating a team that will produce seven runs or more per game.”
The Pirates will open the season on Feb. 19 at the Cuero Invitational.