WESTERN HILLS’ ROSS OHLENDORF TO THE SHOW

[Sept 13, 2007] The New York Yankees have called up Western Hills alumnus Ross Ohlendorf for their stretch run. Ohlendorf pitched a perfect inning in relief in his first appearance for the Bronx Bombers earlier this week. Ohlendorf, a graduate of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin and Princeton University, is one of three Western Hills players currently playing in the Major Leagues, joining Matt Belisle (Cincinnati Reds) and Huston Street (Oakland A’s).

Follow Ross’ major league career by clicking here.

WESTERN HILLS’ WILL CROUCH SIGNS WITH DIAMONDBACKS ORGANIZATION

[May 2006] – Will Crouch, who was a member of the 2005 National Champion Texas Longhorns and chosen to the College World Series all-tournament team, has begun his professional baseball career as a first baseman with the Class A South Bend Silver Hawks of the Midwest League. Will was a standout in the Western Hills Little League and for the Westlake High Chaparrals.

WESTERN HILLS’ HUSTON STREET NAMED AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

[November 2005] – Oakland A's closer Huston Street was named the AL Rookie of the Year for the 2005 Major League Baseball season. Street led major league rookies with 23 saves and set an Oakland rookie record for saves, breaking the mark of 12 set by Rollie Fingers in 1969. Street was formerly an All-American at the University of Texas and a member of the 2002 UT National Championship team (named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2002 College World Series).

Huston played his youth baseball at Western Hills and later starred at Westlake High.  Follow Huston’s major league career by clicking here.

WILLIAMS EARNS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

[August 2005] – Former Western Hills player Tom Williams has entered the University of Houston on a full baseball scholarship. Tom, an outfielder and first baseman, played his high school ball at Austin High, and led the Maroons in spring 2005 in every hitting category. The Austin High team reached the regional semifinals, and Tom was named to All-District, All-Centex, and All-State teams. Western Hills remembers him as “Tommy”, and recalls his prodigious home runs on Joseph Field, including a blast onto the 9th fairway of Lions Municipal golf course.

WESTERN HILLS’ MATT BELISLE SOLID FOR CINCINNATI REDS

[July 2005] – A first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves out of McCallum High, Matt Belisle opened the 2005 season as a member of the Cincinnati Reds’ pitching staff.  As of late July 2005, Matt was fifth on the staff in innings pitched with a 4.10 ERA, and has recorded his first major league save.

Matt was a standout for Western Hills, and his major league future looks bright.  Follow Matt’s major league career by clicking here.

FIVE WESTERN HILLS ALUMNI REACH OMAHA IN 2005

[July 2005] – It was a Western Hills reunion at the 2005 College World Series as five Western Hills alumni played on teams that reached this year’s College World Series: Reid Brees (Baylor), Wil Crouch (UT–also all-tournament team), Andy Reese (UT), Jordon Street (UT), and Justin Street (UT).

THE ROAD TO WILLIAMSPORT: WESTERN HILLS WINS DISTRICT 11 

[July 2005] – The Western Hills Red team, coached by Will Coates, went undefeated in the District 11 Major League tournament to capture the district crown.  In the final game, Western Hills defeated Northwest Little League 8-4 on July 13th, 2005.  This is the third time in four years that Western Hills has won the district tournament and advanced to the sectional.  There are a lot of tough games ahead, but this team remains in the hunt for a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA on August 19-28, 2005.  Follow the team’s progress by clicking here.

WESTERN HILLS’ WADE TOWNSEND IS FIRST-ROUND PICK IN 2005 MAJOR LEAGUE DRAFT

[July 2005] – Wade Townsend, who excelled at Western Hills, was the 2005 first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the eighth overall pick of the 2005 Major League draft on June 7th.  After playing for Western Hills, Wade went on to become a standout member of the 2003 Rice University National Championship team.  Wade signed a contract with Tampa Bay for a reported $1.5 million and has begun his pro career with the Rays’ single-A affiliate.

WESTERN HILLS’ BEN HIMES DRAFTED BY REDS

[July 2005] – Outfielder and Western Hills alumnus Ben Himes was the eighth-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds in the 2003 Major League draft.  Ben is currently playing for the Sarasota Reds of the Florida State League and leading the team in hitting.