When Abel Chavez approaches the plate at Rincon/University High School home baseball games, the song that plays over the loudspeakers is "Can't Stop" by alternative-rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers.
So it's hard to believe that the 6-foot-1-inch senior slugger, set to play middle infield at Pima College next season, has an iPod filled with slow jams.
"If you got ahold of my iPod, that's all it would be," Chavez said. "I've got some Baby Bash, Boyz II Men — stuff that nobody would ever expect from me."
Chavez's appreciation of the softer side of music translates to a calmer demeanor on the field, too.
As a four-year varsity member, Chavez, 18, is looked upon as the go-to guy by his younger teammates. He is approachable in the dugout yet is the quietest player out on the field, according to first-year coach Britt Echols.
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"He's a quiet player, shows up for every game ready to work and to win," Echols said. "He's smart about the baseball game and always comes through when we need him to."
Though Chavez is shy, he is ambitious on the field. He leads Rincon (4-6) with 13 RBIs, two home runs and seven stolen bases, and he is batting .424. He is aiming for a personal-record eight homers.
Chavez and the Rangers are "itching for a winning season" after going 6-43 the last two years, Echols said. Here are three reasons why Chavez could make it happen for Rincon in his senior season.
1. Follow the leader: Chavez has embraced his leadership role with class and holds himself accountable for his actions on the field. "I try not to let my mistakes show," he said, looking out for the interests of his teammates. "If everybody saw me strike out and get mad, the whole team would go down. I just try to move on and lead by example."
2. Full of confidence: Though Chavez says he is not the "big-time vocal guy," his actions speak louder than words. "I want to be that guy that comes through with the big play and does something amazing," Chavez said boldly. "When I come to bat with guys on base, they expect me to get a hit. Everybody can rely on me."
3. A fan above all else: Chavez began playing baseball when he was 5, when his dad signed him up for tee ball. He's now looking forward to his career as a college ballplayer, and his zeal for the sport remains the same.
"I'll continue to bring my hard work and enthusiasm to the team," Chavez said about next year's season with Pima College.
He is also a New York Yankees fan and most admires third baseman Alex Rodriguez.
"He's the go-to guy on the Yankees and everyone expects him to do the impossible," Chavez said. "It's tough to have that swagger. I want to have that same swagger, that nobody is better than he is."
