By Moses Leos III

It didn’t take long for teammates Mike Gonzales and Tyler Wilson to begin tossing the ball around on the well-manicured outfield Sunday at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock.

Both players began their warm-up with short-range throws, which quickly progressed to long tosses.

While their warm-up routine didn’t change, the venue and stage they performed on was a whole new experience for the both of them.

Both Gonzales and Wilson, who played on the Hays Rebel baseball team last year, joined various other players from around Central Texas in the Austin Area Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game. Participating in Sunday’s game was an honor for both players.

“It’s a great honor to be around a bunch of good guys,” Wilson said. “It’s a good way to go out, the last time wearing a Hays High hat probably forever. And I get to spend it with my buddy.”

Both Wilson and Gonzales played on the south team, which was comprised of players from various districts and classifications, including Dalton Warren and Shep Shepard, who played for Dripping Springs last season, along with Wimberley outfielder Antonio Jaime.

But the chance to play in the game was meaningful for Gonzales, who said many players don’t get the opportunity.

Going up against talented opposition was also something both players had a chance to experience.

Both Gonzales and Wilson went up against Hutto High’s Tristian Bayless, who went 7-1 and had an ERA of 1.03 in 2016.

Gonzales said it was “great to see that” for players who are continuing on at the next level.

Gonzales will continue his career at McMurry University in Abilene.

“It’s great to see that kind of talent and see some higher level of pitching you don’t see every time on the field, “Gonzales said. “It’s beneficial for improving and getting better as a baseball player.”

Wilson, who played second base Sunday, was the busiest of the two players, as he made several key plays in the ball game.

While he did incur an error, Wilson said the Dell Diamond field was the best he’ll ever play on.

“I stayed busy, trying to make all of the plays that I could and try not to make too many errors,” Wilson said.

Both now focus on preparing for the college baseball life. Wilson said lifting weights, working out and running will help get “faster, bigger, stronger.”

Gonzales said he hopes to take some vacation time, but understood the importance of improving during the summer.

“It’s highly competitive at the next level. It’s so demanding,” Gonzales said. “If you’re not on your game everyday, and you’re not getting better, someone is getting better than you are.”