Jeren Pena: 1A Cover Player

Jeren Pena is a 5-7 170 Senior RHP/SS for the 5-2A Ira Bulldogs. He has signed with McMurry University.

As a junior, Pena was 12-0 with a 0.62 ERA and 109 Ks in 56.2 innings, At the plate, he hit .507 with 10 2Bs and 6 3Bs. He was named the 6-1A Co-MVP. He was selected as the Texas Sports Writers Association 1A Player of the Year and he was named to the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association 1A All-State Team as a 1st Team Pitcher.

In his sophomore season, Pena was 6-2 with a 1.39 ERA and 53 Ks. At the plate, he hit .500 with 5 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 30 RBIs and 12 SB. He was selected to the Texas Sports Writers Association 1A All-State Team as a 1st Team Catcher.

As a freshman, Pena hit .430 with 6 2B, 29 RBIs, 16 Runs and 14 SB. He had a .516 OBP and a .506 SLG. He was named the 6-1A Newcomer of the Year.

Personal
Siblings: I have one older brother and 3 younger brothers.
Favorite artist: William Clark Green
Favorite restaurant: Taqueria Guadalajara
Fast food restaurant: Whataburger
Last movie watched: Daddy’s Home 2.
Favorite Things to Do Outside Baseball: Go to the gym and watch college football
Favorite MLB team: Yankees
Favorite player: Juan Soto

Interview
How does it feel to be state champion?

It has always been the goal for the last two years. Then last year we realized we really had a shot to be that team and it really motivated us to push even harder. Then once we got there, it would mean it was a dream come true. Just to be there was great but once we knew we had the shot, we wanted to win it all.

What was it like for you being in the State Championship Game?

Honestly, I felt ready. Usually I am pretty nervous. But at the state tournament I was as ready as I was for any game.

When did you know your guys were really good?

I would say from our first tournament. Not a lot was expected of us from the beginning of the year. But we played well from the first time we stepped on the field together. Practice was rough but was once game time came, we came together.

What will it take to get back to the State Tournament in 2025?

We know we can’t come in there big headed and everything because when you have that title on your back it is a lot of pressure and other teams know that and will want to play their best to beat us. We are going to try our best to defend that tile and continue our streak of wins.

What do you like about this year’s team?

We actually do have a lot of younger guys. Last year we were a heavy senior class. This year we’re a lot younger and I feel like that’s going to be good for us this year and years to come. We may not have as much experience but I feel like a lot of these kids have been playing here for awhile and the winning will just continue. We just need the chemistry to help us come together.