Baseball is a sport that continues to endure the test of time. It's been named "America's favorite pastime" dating back decades.
Any star player can remember their days in Little League, where their aspirations of making it to the big leagues were born.The same can be said for Pearland’s Nico Partida.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve had a bat in my hands,” said Partida. “My Dad was the one who handed it to me, and I grew to love the sport as many people do. When you’re that young and you enjoy the work that goes into it, that carries on into the next stage of your life. To this day, there’s nothing I’d rather do than go out onto the field with my friends.”
Pearland’s junior infielder/pitcher has grown to have quite a talent for the game.
Despite being on one of the most loaded rosters in the state, Partida still manages to stand out. This was evidenced by the performance a year ago, which garnered him a first-team, all-state nomination.
However, there’s much more that goes into what makes him such a valuable asset on the diamond.
“I feel that my greatest strength doesn’t just apply to baseball,” he said. “If I’m doing anything that even resembles a competition, I want to win. I’ve always been a very competitive person. So, I step onto the field with that mentality, regardless of any of the outside noise. I’m just glad I can bring that factor to benefit the team.”
It would seem that his competitive edge has paid dividends for Partida, given that he committed to play collegiate ball for Arizona State midway through his sophomore year.
“One of the biggest factors in my decision was coach (Willie) Bloomquist,” Partida said. “He was really honest. He’ll tell you what you’ll get and what you won’t right away, which I really appreciate from a coach. I also believe they can help build me up as a player. Just the level of comfort from the staff and the organization – it felt like home.”
While the future Sun Devil has secured his opportunity to compete at the next stage, his focus still remains with his high school team.
Pearland is coming off an exemplary 2023 campaign which saw them advance all the way to the Class 6A State Championship, where they were ultimately defeated 6-4 by Flower Mound.
Rest assured that Partida and the Oilers have their sights set on a potential rematch this Spring.
“The mentality is that we know we’re capable of doing it again,” he said. “If we put our minds to it, give 100-percent of our effort as a team, make the routine plays, and do our job at the plate, then I’m sure we can get back to the same spot and pull through this time.”
Texas high school baseball, you have officially been put on notice by one of the biggest gamers in the state... Nico Partida.