Magdalena heads into 2025 season with four All-District players

Magdalena’s 2024 Class A playoff trip was fueled by four players who were named to the All-District 1-1A baseball team last week.

Juniors Ayden Herschbach, Joe Zamora, Javen Tafoya, and freshman Zeb Apachito received honors for their performances during district play. They helped lead the Steers to an 8-8 overall record and a 5-1 (second-place) league slate.

For their coach, Kyl Candelaria, it was a culmination of work that began years ago.

“I’m happy for them, and I think each one of them deserves the award,” Candelaria said.

With all four players coming back next year, Magdalena’s focus is on shedding a year plagued by the injury bug and pursuing a state title. It was an achievable goal this season before players started dropping out with injuries.

Through 16 games, Herschbach led his team in batting with a .442 average, Zamora hit .385, Tafoya batted .368, and Apachito stroked his way to a .308 average.

With all but one player back for next season, it’s easy to see what folks are excited about next year’s prospects.

“Now we have to continue to work and build on the success. Everyone has to come this summer to work and prepare for next season. Ayden and Joe need to step up and lead as seniors, Javen needs to be a leader and take charge, andâ¯Zeb needs to continue to progress and build off this past season,” Candelaria said.

The most significant loss of the season was having starting right-handed hurler Josiah Candelaria on the bench for all but the final three games.

“Now we have Josiah coming back, we all depend on him to do a lot for us on offense and defense, and I have high expectations for him going into his sophomore year,” Candelaria said.

As an eighth grader, Josiah helped lead the Steers to the state tournament with a 7-0 record and a 1.72 ERA.

“Josiah was picked up by a nationally ranked club in USA Prime, and he’s working with coaches who have played MLB and college ball,” Candelaria said. “We are all going to grow this summer, and when the 2025 season starts, we will be ready to make a run at the title. Everyone has expectations and experience, and the guys are hungry. We will take what we learned last season and build off of our experiences. We have worked hard for the past 12 years with these boys to be in this position heading into next season.”