Tradition… at Red Oak High School its more than just a word but it a way of everyday life. Since 2000, the Eagles have won 11 state baseball championships, fall and spring combined, plus three basketball titles. Sooner or later the talent runs out you might think? Not if you consider the lineup of younger players including sophomore Denver Hamilton and freshman Brex Caldwell who provide added depth to the pitching rotation plus defensive skills along with plenty of pop at the plate to the 2021 lineup card for the Eagles led by seniors including Dalton Patten, Austin Place, Chance Noah, Dayson Fazekas, Cole Nix, Dusty Fazekas and Preston King who are determined to finish their career with another state championship ring.
Hamilton, a 6’1 sophomore who wears the number 17 jersey just like his two older brothers as well as his father did is making the most of his 11th year playing baseball. Athletic, determined to succeed and hard working efforts describe the abilities of Hamilton, known to his teammates as ‘Hammey.’ “I just want to make a difference wherever I am in the lineup but my favorite position is on the mound,” said Hamilton. “It’s where I feel like an artist with the ball in my hand.”
It’s a place where head coach Trey Booth is happy to give the right-handed hurler the ball. “Denver is our true number one on the hill,” said Booth noting that Hamilton is already to committed to Eastern State College. “Defensively he’s great anywhere you put him and he hits in the middle of our lineup.
Brex Caldwell, known to those in the Eagles dugout as “Gunner,” the 6’3 freshman stands tall while displaying his baseball talents to the next level that has drawn an offer to play at Oklahoma State University. When not on the mound, Caldwell stays in the lineup playing first or third base as well as the outfield. “He’s another one of my kids that is a true difference maker in the lineup wherever he plays,” Booth confirmed. “And, there’s a reason he hits in the 4-hole.”
Caldwell knows what’s required to wear the Red Oak jersey and is proud to wear the number 34 just like Nolan Ryan did in the major leagues in his day. “I feel I have control of the game when I’m on the mound,” said Caldwell. “Being able to get guys out pitching and driving the ball at the plate is what I do best. But to play here, you must have a strong work ethic and do the small stuff that others don’t notice.
Two other ready for prime time players are freshman Coby Bell who continues to bring power to the plate and sophomore catcher Casen Hood who handles the Eagles pitching staff and can stop opponents from thinking about stealing a base.
The talent-plus filled lineup card will always play the way they believe… in the words of Yogi Berra… “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” With that said, expect to see the Eagles taking the field at Chickasaw Ball Park in May in quest of their 12th baseball state championship with the Class B crown.
