Victoria Gonzalez | Vaquero Radio
Freshman Infielder Armani Raygoza Tuesday at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium.
The Western Athletic Conference awarded freshman infielder Armani Raygoza as WAC Hitter of the Week. But the life of a student-athlete extends beyond the field.
This title was not an easy name to earn and rightfully came with a lot of effort. Raygoza shared his baseball career started at 3 years old and had not stopped since.
He said although his parents never played baseball, they are his biggest source of inspiration to continue to work hard in his athletic career.
“They both started from nothing and both started their own different businesses,” Raygoza said. “And watching them fail and grow has both helped me just keep my head down and keep grinding .”
Raygoza added it felt great to receive the honor of being named WAC Hitter of the Week. He said he struggled during the beginning of the year because he did not get to play as much, but associate head coach Rob Martinez helped motivate him.
Raygoza’s batting average is .353 with two home runs and 17 RBI for the 2024 season, so far. He shared how he will improve his batting average over the years.
“Just try to get a good ball to hit at every bat I can,” he said. “Get the ball in the zone and swing out my pitch and serve the pitchers pitches.”
Raygoza said to learn how to improve his performance after each game, he goes over videos and talks to his coaches to see how he can play better during the next game.
Raygoza said how he prepares for a game against a pitcher with an unfamiliar style.
“We go over scouting report either a few days or the day before,” he said. “We fix whatever it is we are facing. And with that, during practice, we more or less simulate the pitcher you’re about to face.”
Raygoza said to maintain his mental fitness, he talks to his coaches and teammates who are there for support. He said advice he would give to young baseball players is to keep going because anything is possible.
This is Victoria Gonzalez for Vaquero Radio.
