GAMES
RANKINGS
Second Baptist's Luke Pettitte
ANOTHER ONE: Pettitte, SBS in pursuit of a repeat
“My dad has coached me since I was seven years old,” said Pettitte. “Obviously, he was playing for a long time but since he retired in 2013 he’s been coaching me. It’s been pretty cool having him by my side throughout my formative years. He pushes me to be the best I can every day, and live out the dream that he did.”
With Luke wrapping up his high school career this spring, Pettitte hopes to go out on top with back-to-back TAPPS State Titles on the diamond. He will anchor a loaded Second Baptist School squad anchoring the corners and taking his turn on the mound. He’s a beast at the plate as well. So, before heading off to NCAA DI contender Dallas Baptist University in the fall, Pettitte has unfinished business with the Eagles.
“We had an unbelievable group of players on last year’s State-winning team,” said Pettitte. “We aren’t losing any pitching this year, so our bullpen should still be really good. On top of that, we’re also getting a lot of bats back. I think we can make a deep run again and hopefully get another title to cap it off.”
The 6-foot-2 third baseman, who happens to favor the Yankees over the Astros, has enjoyed an exceptional high school career that has given him the opportunity to continue his career at the next level.
“My brother [Jared] went to Dallas Baptist the year they went to the NCAA Super Regionals,” Pettitte said. “So, I was up there just about every weekend. I absolutely fell in love with the place. I got to know the coaches really well and the facilities are great. It’s a great school… a great program. It just really appealed to me and I’m looking forward to my experience there.”
With possibly two TAPPS titles in tow, as he departs the nest in May, the Pettitte name will continue to be synonymous with something else… winning.
National Signing Day: Memorial's Carly Berkman signs with DBU
"We're thrilled. For me, having played in college, I know how much fun that is. The most fun I ever had playing baseball was while I was in college," Lance said. "We really encouraged her to pursue that if she felt like she had any inkling that she wanted to do it. So, fortunately there was an opportunity and I think she's in a great spot. I think she's going to enjoy it."
All of Lance's daughters play volleyball, including Carly's two younger sisters who currently attend Second Baptist School and dad has been there along the way supporting her and her dreams.
"My dad has always been my biggest supporter," Carly said. "I always look for him in the stands when I'm playing. He's never pushed us to do anything or to live up to what he's done, which has always been inspiring. It's always made me want to work harder. Just knowing he's always proud of me no matter what I do."
