Harris, Yoemen look to make long run in playoffs

Senior Caden Harris and his fellow classmates in the class of 2017 are set to graduate from Yoe High School on Friday, May 26. For most, that will be the final time they are representing the school.

For Harris and his teammates, the hopes are that there is another event to follow - a baseball game.

The Yoemen will enter the 256-team field in the UIL playoffs tomorrow when Troy comes to town for the start of the bi-district series. The goal is to survive that field for five weeks, which would clinch a spot in the final four at the state tournament in Round Rock.

Harris has been playing baseball in Cameron his entire life. From the t-ball days at Airport Park, select action with the Buzz Lightning, or time at The Yards of Cameron, baseball has always been there for the Yoe third baseman.

All those years of hard work is paying off. Earlier this school year, Harris officially committed to play baseball for St. Edward's University in Austin. It’s not easy to get to the next level, but the stats are there to back it up.

In 20 games, Harris has hit the ball for extra bases 14 times, including 6 triples and 3 home runs, and has drove in 19 runs. In addition to the power threat, Harris has also show patience at the plate with 16 walks. You add all of that up and you get a nearly .500 on-base percentage. His coach has noticed his progression through his four years in high school.

“Caden Harris has made big strides from his freshmen year to where he is now,” said Yoe baseball coach John Broussard. “It's always a great feeling as a coach when one of your players move on to play at the next level.”

Before Harris transitions to the college ranks later this year, he hopes to add on a few more of those extra base hits and runs batted in for the maroon and grey.

Below is reaction from Harris in a question and answer session.

1. Just talk about when you first started playing baseball how important the game of baseball is to you?

I have been playing since I was 4. It’s part of my life, everyday I’m either playing baseball or working on my game.

2. Are there any moments (little league, select, high school) that you will always remember?

When was I was 11 and we almost won the World Series tournament. Also, winning the Franklin RBI tournament and being awarded All Tournament.

3. When did you first know college baseball could be in your future?

When I was 11 and I started to play for a select team. During this time, a former college player told me that he couldn’t wait to watch me play college baseball one day. Also, the first time I ever watched college baseball, I knew that is where I wanted to be.

4. What led you to sign with St. Edwards University?

They are a top 5 Division II program in the nation. They are a very competitive and well coached team, one that I believe can make me a better player. Also, they are one of the best schools to go to for my major.

5. What will you major in and how important is the educational aspect of college to you?

I will major in business. Education is very important, because you can’t play the game forever and you need a plan of what to do after.

6. Talk about playing for the Yoemen and how important that is to you?

There is nothing more important than putting on a jersey with Yoemen across your chest, you are representing your hometown, your school, your teammates, and what it means to give your all to all of them. It is a great feeling, when you play for a program with a lot of tradition and pride.

7. What do you think makes this year's team so special?

We are a resilient team who plays all 7 innings, even more. We are a team that can score a lot of runs and we are a very good defensive team that is well coached.

8. What are the goals for this team and how far do you think you guys can go?

The goal for the team is to make it to state, taking it one game at a time. We are very capable of making it that far, as we are well coached and have the players to take us.

9. You seem to have success with driving the ball in the gaps for extra base hits. Just talk about your approach at the plate and what you are trying to accomplish?

I can’t give away my approach, but what I try to do is drive the ball gap to gap and score runners and put myself in a good situation to score.

10. Give us an interesting tidbit about yourself that others may not know?

10. My favorite TV show is SportsNation and my favorite sports teams are the New York Mets, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Miami Heat. Yes, I know that seems weird for a person from Texas.