The talent of freshman catcher Diego Bastidas was evident to Metea Valley coach Steve Colombe. Bastidas follows in the footsteps of his brother, Daniel, who played for the Mustangs and now attends Middle Tennessee State. ‘We’ve known about Diego for a while now,’ Colombe said, acknowledging the family’s baseball history.
Bastidas has begun making his mark in high school baseball, starting with the frosh/soph team. He has shown versatility by catching, playing infield, and pitching. Bastidas was first given a chance at the varsity level due to the team’s need for depth. He impressed by hitting an RBI triple against Waubonsie in one of his first games.
During the Class 4A Plainfield North Regional quarterfinal, Bastidas batted against Neuqua Valley, contributing significantly with two hits and two RBIs. His performance aided the Mustangs in securing a 9-5 upset victory over Neuqua Valley, allowing them to advance to a regional semifinal against top-seeded Lockport.
Colombe shared his appreciation, saying, ‘It’s one of the best games we’ve had at a clutch time.’
Bastidas also displayed outstanding defensive skills. When the Wildcats threatened early in the game, he executed two critical plays that helped shift the momentum in Metea Valley’s favor.
‘I’m always trying to be aware of my surroundings,’ Bastidas explained. His alertness led to picking off a runner and stopping another from stealing, actions praised by coach Colombe.
In the fourth inning, Bastidas sparked a rally, moving to third base after a single and scoring on an RBI double from Diego Gutierrez. Tyler Gluting further extended the lead with a three-run homer. Gluting, a standout player, commended Bastidas for his fearless approach against older players and strong performance behind the plate.
Despite Neuqua Valley’s effort to close the gap, Bastidas secured additional runs with a hustling double that drove in two teammates. He believes his defensive play is currently his strongest attribute, stating, ‘I’ve always prioritized that.’ Yet, he remains committed to improving his hitting.
Bastidas draws inspiration from his brother Daniel, Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, and former St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. He aims to be a leader on the field despite being one of the youngest players.
Coach Colombe sees a bright future for Bastidas, likening him to Waubonsie Valley’s Shane Torres, who also rose through the ranks as a freshman. The potential for growth is clear if Bastidas continues to develop both physically and skill-wise.
Looking ahead, Bastidas relishes the opportunity for more playoff experiences. Against Lockport, the Mustangs face odds but carry momentum from their previous victory. Bastidas intends to lead with energy and commitment, aiming to continue propelling the team forward.
Matt Le Cren contributes as a freelance reporter.