Academy Notebook: David Hogg II commits to LSU; College Baseball at the Youth Academy recap

Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete David Hogg II commits to Louisiana State University

Texas Rangers Youth Academy middle infielder David Hogg II announced his commitment to play collegiate baseball at Louisiana State University earlier this week on Monday, Feb. 14.

Hogg, an expected 2024 graduate from The Oakridge School, was considering three universities, Arkansas, LSU and Texas A&M University, before eventually choosing to play for head coach Jay Johnson in purple and yellow.

In an interview with Perfect Game USA, Hogg shared his excitement to play for “Shortstop U” and said his relationships with Coach Johnson and Coach Dan Fitzgerald made it an easy choice.

“Coach Jay Johnson was one of the first head coaches to show interest in me when I was in eighth grade and when we started talking as of recently it really meant a lot,” said Hogg. “Coach Fitzgerald’s field philosophy helped so much with my decision, being a shortstop, and the hitters Coach Jay has produced into the MLB that fits me. [LSU] was an all-around fit for me.”

Hogg credited the Texas Rangers Youth Academy for his success when he announced his commitment to LSU, saying “I have to shout out my youth academy, the Rangers Youth Academy, for taking me when I was 13 and getting me that great instruction over the past few years. It’s really meant a lot to me and helped me raise my game.”

During his time at the Youth Academy, Hogg has been selected to the Rangers RBI All-Star team and participated in several invitation-only events hosted by MLB Develops, including the Hank Aaron Invitational, the Dream Series and Baseball Breakthrough Series.

“I was familiar with David Hogg prior to his arrival at the Youth Academy and yet I was not prepared for what a complete package he was and is,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, director of youth baseball & Academy programs. “People are aware of his obvious on-field talents, but his work ethic, commitment to getting better and humility are what make him special. He is a great teammate and a pleasure to coach on a daily basis here at the Rangers Youth Academy.”

With his official commitment to Louisiana State University, Hogg can take a step back from the recruitment process to finish his high school playing career. He plans to sign a National Letter of Intent in 2024.

Texas Wesleyan, Sterling College Youth Academy Series recap

The Texas Rangers Youth Academy hosted its first-ever college baseball games last weekend during a three-game series on Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12. The NAIA regional match-up pitted the Sooner Athletic Conference’s Texas Wesleyan Rams against the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference’s Sterling College Warriors.

Home team Texas Wesleyan finished the weekend 1-2, falling to Sterling in Saturday’s doubleheader after a commanding victory on Friday morning.

In Friday’s match-up, the Texas Wesleyan offense dominated with seven players hitting at least one double in the seven-inning game, accounting for the 23-8 final score. Player of the Game, Tomas Sanchez, finished the day with four hits in five at-bats with two RBI's and three SB.

On Saturday, the Rams lost game one of the doubleheader 8-7 in a thrilling back and forth struggle. Sterling College successfully held off its opponent despite one final attempt to rally back at the bottom of the seventh. Sterling college jumped out to an early lead in game two after an RBI double from first baseman Quinton Gago, handing Texas Wesleyan its second loss of the day, with a final score of 4-1.

Although his team fell short of a series victory, Texas Wesleyan head coach Robert Garza was thrilled to be playing on Johnny Oates Field at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy.

“We wanted to create a relationship with Texas Wesleyan University and the Texas Rangers Youth Academy,” said Garza. “We’ve always had a connection with the Texas Rangers, so when we met Juan [Leonel Gárciga], we thought, ‘Hey let’s see if we can go out there, go play and bring some teams in that don’t get a chance to see this great facility.’”

For a full recap and box score from the Texas Wesleyan, Sterling College three-game series, visit ramsports.net.

February high school baseball & softball schedule

Below is the schedule of the Pinkston, Sunset, and Thomas Jefferson High School baseball and softball games to be played at the Academy in February. Scheduling is subject to change.