When Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators left-handed pitcher Diego Corrales took the mound on June 2 for the team’s season opener against the Abilene Flying Bison, he felt pretty comfortable.
He should.
The mound at Joe Miller Ballpark on the campus of McNeese State is his home turf. He signed with the Cowboys after a stellar career right down the road at Barbe High School, where he was an All-State selection for his pitching (8-1) and his hitting (.313).
Now “just” a pitcher (and Corrales said he misses hitting), the lefty threw 10 innings this season.
So, yeah. He was comfortable on June 2 when he faced the Flying Bisons through 6 1/3 innings, allowing no runs and just two hits with three strikeouts, earning himself the first Texas Collegiate League Player of the Week honor of the season.
“It’s great,” said Corrales, who learned of the honor from his dad who saw it on Facebook. “First time in this league, first time playing for the Gumbeaux Gators, first time on the mound, first start, so it feels amazing.”
Gators’ pitching coach Carl Labit said Corrales’ outing was impressive.
“Diego was electric on opening night,” Labit said. “(He was) consistently competing in the strike zone and pitching to contact, which helped him control his pitch count. He goes into cruise control and refuses to give in.”
Corrales said he wasn’t sure what to expect when he signed up to be a Gator for the summer.
“I didn’t know how competitive it was,” he said. “It felt amazing to just compete. We all get along really well. I’m really enjoying it.”
Corrales’ journey from Barbe to McNeese to Gatorland may have been short, but his life’s journey wasn’t. Born in Mexico, Corrales moved to Louisiana as a baby when his father came to Louisiana and opened Big Easy Foods making Louisiana specialty foods and sausages such as boudin. Along with his regular workouts, Corrales said it helps keep him in shape.
“It’s hard work,” he said. “You have to move these big vats of food around.”
By Lori Lyons