AUSTIN, Texas — A few years ago, Luke Almendarez had everything going for him.
The Round Rock native was able to follow in his dad Chris' footsteps and play college baseball at the University of Houston.
But, during his sophomore season, the then-Cougars' infielder tore a ligament in his right wrist. Then, going into his junior season, he tore a ligament in his left wrist. That left him in the dark, wondering if he'd ever be able to play again.
Fast-forward to a perfect late February afternoon in East Austin at historical Downs Field. On that field, a ball game is being played between the home team Huston-Tillotson and Texas Wesleyan.
On the mound for the Rams? Luke Almendarez, the former Round Rock Dragon and Houston Cougar, now a Ram, adjusting to his new life as a pitcher.
“I never grew up to be a pitcher," said Luke Almendarez. "I think the last time I threw a real game was in high school, but I love to compete, and that’s what outweighed it.”
Luke Almendarez, once a standout utility player at the University of Houston, is also pretty good on the bump. He has three pitches and says his four-seam fastball is his best. But his curve is pretty good, too, especially for a young man who's baseball career recently took a major curve.
“Being injured that first time around, I felt like it was God’s way of being like, ‘Hey dude, you’re done,’ and I was like 'baseball is over,'" Luke Almendarez said.
But it wasn't.
“As soon as I got word that I got the job here at Huston-Tillotson, [Luke] was my first phone call. I was trying to recruit him from day one," Chase Almendarez said.
Chase Almendarez is Luke's older brother by five years. He's also the head baseball coach at Huston-Tillotson.
“[Luke] getting that bachelor’s degree this past May from the University of Houston, I was like, ‘Look, I know you have one more year of eligibility. What do you think about coming to HT and pitching? You don’t have to hit, but you have a live arm. Let’s see what you can do, man,’” Chase Almendarez said.
“I couldn’t turn it down, being that my brother was the head coach, and to come out here and spend time with him was something I had to do," Luke Almendarez said. “I love Austin. This is home. I went to Round Rock High School. I’m very comfortable where I’m at.”
Being home is nice, but playing for his big brother is a dream come true.
“To this day, I look up to him, and that’s why when he called me and told me to come back there’s not a lot of people I’d do that for but for him he’s done a lot in my life," Luke Almendarez said.
“As much as he looks up to me, I look up to him the same way," Chase Almendarez said. "Just because I know what he’s been through. The way he carries himself is definitely inspirational, and it just helps me be that big brother I’m supposed to be, but also know I have someone to rely on at the end of the day.”
Luke's experience shows the amazing things that can happen when you're able to overcome hardships thanks to a love and passion for baseball and family.
“I wouldn’t trade it for the world," Luke Almendarez said.
“For [Luke] to be a part of this program is definitely special, man," Chase Almendarez said. "It’s something I know we’ll take away with us for the rest of our lives."
Through 15 games, the Rams are 8-7.
Right now, Luke is in the process of earning his second collegiate degree in kinesiology at Huston-Tillotson. He's also living with Chase and Chase's wife, Jordyn.