Midland Legacy, Midland High baseball hope talent translates to 2026 results

Both the Bulldogs and the Rebels are coming off playoff seasons in 2025.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Midland High and Legacy baseball teams are optimistic about their prospects for the 2026 season, with both programs returning key players from their 2025 playoff teams. Midland High is led by the pitching-hitting duo of Houston signee Jacoby Dutchover and Dallas Baptist signee Crue Collie, while Legacy looks to reload after graduating a talented senior class, relying on players like third baseman/pitcher Cisco Rodriguez and left fielder/pitcher Jake Valenzuela.

Why it matters

Baseball is a major part of the sports culture in Midland, with both Midland High and Legacy having established successful programs in recent years. The performance of these two teams is closely watched by the local community, and their success or failure can have a significant impact on school pride and community engagement.

The details

Midland High is returning a strong core of players, including pitchers Dutchover and Collie, who both had impressive numbers as juniors. The Bulldogs are also counting on contributions from catcher/pitcher Lincoln Reinke, first baseman TJ Schlaffer, and infielders Ismael Nevarez and Jojo Lievens. Meanwhile, Legacy is looking to reload after losing several key seniors, but the Rebels have some experienced players back like Rodriguez, Valenzuela, and pitcher JP Reyes. The Rebels also have some promising newcomers, including catcher/pitcher Reese King and first baseman Brycen Stevens.

  • The 2026 regular season gets underway this week, with Midland High starting play in the Round Rock Tournament and Legacy beginning the campaign at the Socorro ISD Tournament in El Paso.
  • In 2025, Midland High finished 22-12 overall and 7-8 in District 2-6A, while Legacy went 22-17-1 and 9-6 in district play.

The players

Jacoby Dutchover

A senior pitcher and outfielder who has signed with the University of Houston.

Crue Collie

A senior pitcher and outfielder who has signed with Dallas Baptist University.

Cisco Rodriguez

A senior third baseman, pitcher, and catcher for the Legacy Rebels.

Jake Valenzuela

A senior left fielder and pitcher for the Legacy Rebels.

Joshua Hulin

The fourth-year head coach of the Midland High Bulldogs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everything that he does for us is for the betterment of the team. He just pushes us to our limits and that's all we can ask for. Whatever he can do to make us better, it really helps the chemistry and the team that we build to all come together as one.”

— Jacoby Dutchover (mrt.com)

“We've all played baseball before. We played together. We have a good team chemistry. I'm excited about it. I think we will do good.”

— Cisco Rodriguez (mrt.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.