Dallas, TX

How Dallas Baptist became college baseball's most unlikely perennial contender

Published

6 months ago

May 31, 2024

How Dallas Baptist became college baseball's most unlikely perennial contender

Only five schools have reached the NCAA baseball tournament in each of the last 10 seasons. Four of those are expected names: Vanderbilt, Florida, LSU and Oklahoma State. They’re power conference schools with giant athletic departments and 11 baseball national championships between them.

But the fifth school on that streak is Dallas Baptist, a 4,200-student school that plays all of its other sports at the Division II level, the only D-I baseball school to do so.

With state-of-the-art facilities and a long list of MLB Draft picks — 73 in the last 16 years — Dallas Baptist has carried itself like a top-level college baseball program since it moved up to D-I in 2004. The Patriots haven’t had a losing season since 1978. Nobody involved with the program knows anything but winning. Their 44 wins this season are third-most in the country, including wins against Oklahoma and Arizona, the latter of which will host No. 2 seed DBU at a Regional in Tucson this weekend.

But how did this happen here, of all places? And as college sports continue to shift, with even more money funneled to the power conferences and sports like baseball discussing the potential to change their scholarship limits, can DBU continue to win?

“Everybody wishes they had a crystal ball,” said athletic director Matt Duce, who played baseball at DBU from 2015 to ’18. “The great thing about sports is that the field is level. When you get out there, I’d take the Patriots all day.”

Decatur Baptist College was Texas’ first junior college, founded in 1898. It moved to the outskirts of Dallas in 1965, renamed itself and soon became a four-year college. Five years later, it created a baseball program. The Patriots played at the NAIA level until moving up to Division I as an independent in 2004. When head coach Eric Newman left for the Nebraska pitching coach job in 2007, DBU promoted 29-year-old assistant Dan Heefner to the job, and he hasn’t left, 17 seasons later.

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In a state full of high-level college baseball programs, DBU has found a winning formula of player development. It’s not going to sign the best players away from Texas, Oklahoma or Texas A&M. But Texas is a big state with a lot of players. DBU’s recruiting classes often rank in the 30s nationally, but in some years it’s the 80s or 90s. It’s a cliché, but Heefner and his staff know how to spot talented players and coach ’em up. Last year’s team lost 11 players to pro baseball, including a school-record nine draft picks. The program didn’t miss a step. Every year, role players become stars.

“A lot of people are successful just on recruiting — get the best players you can and let them go,” Heefner said. “For us to compete, we’ve got to develop them. They come in at this (level) and we pour into them every day. By the time the season rolls around, they’re a different player.”

Heefner pointed out that baseball recruiting is a different challenge than football or basketball.

“It’s not like a guy’s in ninth or 10th grade and you know he’s a five-star,” he said. “We’ve had a number of guys who were not good enough to go anywhere, they go junior college, then we get them and they become All-Americans and make it to the big leagues.”

Nine players on the current DBU roster came from junior college. For as much damage as the transfer portal has done to mid-majors in football and basketball, it’s been a net positive for DBU thus far; this year’s roster features five other transfers from Division I schools.

Reliever Nick Wilson transferred in from Southern University for his final season and has become a key part of the bullpen. The Carrollton, Texas, native grew up going to DBU games but had two offers out of high school and started at a junior college.

“If you’re in the Dallas area and you’re highly recruited, you’ve got OU, A&M, the big football schools coming at you,” he said. “How does a little school like DBU put out seasons like this continually? It’s about the development.”

Investment has helped sustain the on-field success. Horner Ballpark opened in 2013. It added a turf field and a pitching lab in 2016. The school just built a pro locker room for alumni to come back and use, which they frequently do. The program’s most famous alumni include former All-Star Freddy Sanchez and World Series MVP Ben Zobrist.

“If I’m a high school kid that isn’t getting the the big major school offer I wanted to get but I want to play high college and professional baseball, I’m looking serious at DBU,” Zobrist said. “If I want to win and be developed, I’m going there.”

“They’ve invested in a way a lot of mid-major programs don’t,” said Baseball America writer Teddy Cahill.

The program does have an NIL collective, but DBU knows it can’t operate on the level of the SEC schools in the state. DBU rarely loses players to bigger schools, banking on its culture and development to keep the best players from going elsewhere.

“Ryan Johnson, our No. 1 starter last year, has a chance to be a first-round draft pick this year, he could’ve gone anywhere,” Heefner said. “He was an All-American and was on Team USA. But for him, (transferring) wasn’t even a question.”

Heefner has drawn interest from bigger programs, especially in Texas. But he has stayed each time because of the personal fit, both for baseball and his faith, the latter an outward and important part of the program. He always felt DBU could mold its program after Rice, another Texas private school that won the 2003 national championship and made five men’s College World Series appearances in the 2000s.

DBU hasn’t made it there yet. The program hasn’t reached Omaha, coming as close as seven outs away in 2021.

“There’s only one thing we haven’t done, and that’s gone to Omaha, and we really feel like we can,” Heefner said. “It’s a fun thing when you’re a part of building something from the beginning. You want to keep going and see how far you can take it.”

Everyone around DBU hopes that continues, but they’re still adjusting to college sports’ recent landscape changes. The Patriots joined Conference USA from the Missouri Valley Conference last year for a step up in competition and a simpler travel schedule. They earned CUSA’s automatic bid as conference champion, but they would’ve made the field as an at-large anyway.

The recent settlement in House v. NCAA could lead to the elimination of scholarship limits or the creation of roster caps, which would have a dramatic impact on a sport like baseball. DBU has thrived in a college baseball environment in which every program is allotted 11.7 scholarships. What happens if that limit increases to 20 or 25?

“We constantly have our eye on the horizon,” Heefner said. “What’s happening? How are we going to fit into that? What do we need to do to make it work for us?”

For now, DBU heads into the Tucson Regional looking to emerge from a field that includes Arizona, West Virginia and Grand Canyon. Reaching this level of the NCAA Tournament has become the baseline standard of success. Whatever the future holds, DBU plans to be there.

“It’s incredibly fun,” Zobrist said. “Every year, you’re wondering if this is going to be the year. They don’t have off years. It’s been so long that they’ve had a chance. Everybody’s super proud of what Dan’s created there. Look at the track record of guys going pro. They really develop players.”

“We’re at the point where it’s not like they’re a mid-major program,” Cahill said. “It’s more like, of course they’re good.”

(Photo: Nathan J. Fish / The Oklahoman / USA Today)

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Dallas, TX

Dallas game warden investigating coyote shootings in Lochwood neighborhood

Published

8 hours ago

November 25, 2024

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Dallas game warden investigating coyote shootings in Lochwood neighborhood

DALLAS – Authorities are investigating whether a vigilante is shooting coyotes in a Dallas neighborhood.

Dallas Animal Services says it’s investigating three coyote deaths since August. Two of them were shot.

Authorities don’t know who is doing it, but people who live in the area are rattled.

Emily Levin is still left disturbed by the dead coyote found in her front yard last week.

“Wednesday, this dead coyote appeared in our front yard on the border between our yard and our neighbor’s yard,” she recalled.

Levin says a city wildlife investigator immediately came out to her Lochwood neighborhood and revealed the coyote had been shot.

“And I asked her if she knew if it had been shot in our front yard or it had walked. And she said it was hard to tell, which is not reassuring,” Levin said.

DAS tells FOX 4 it’s been investigating a possible trend since August.

Three coyotes have been found dead in Lochwood. Two were shot. The third was disposed of before the city arrived on scene.

“Like, don’t go shooting a gun in a neighborhood!” Levin said.

The neighborhood has been shaken for weeks.

Just a few streets over from Levin, a homeowner sent FOX 4 surveillance video from late October where you can hear gunfire. You can hear glass shattering at the end.

One bullet went through a home’s front window near Easton Road and East Lake Highlands Drive. No one was hurt.

More recently, the same homeowner said he heard gunshots again Sunday afternoon. Dallas police say they responded, but no one was injured.

It’s unknown if these incidents are related to the coyote shootings.

However, the Dallas County game warden confirmed they are investigating and are asking for all surveillance video to be handed over.

Levin has a warning to anyone disrupting the peace in her neighborhood.

“Don’t bring that to our neighborhood. It’s too nice of a place for that,” she said.

The Dallas County game warden couldn’t reveal too much information on the investigation but wanted to remind people the coyotes in urban areas are being monitored.

At this point, no coyotes in the Lochwood area have posed a threat to humans.

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Dallas, TX

Where to find the best Christmas lights in Dallas-Fort Worth

Published

16 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Where to find the best Christmas lights in Dallas-Fort Worth

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Gather your family, grab some hot cocoa, and explore the best Christmas light displays across DFW. This list includes free attractions and festive events with admission fees:

Christmas Lights Show:

Dallas Zoo Lights

A holiday tradition is back: Dallas Zoo Lights returns

The Dallas Zoo is now exploding with lights, lanterns, and new immersive experiences. FOX 4’s Shannon Murray gives us an inside look at the festivities:

When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Zoo
What: Enjoy illuminated zoo animals, creative displays, and larger-than-life decorations. Perfect for kids and families.
Cost: Tickets start at $16.

Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant

Holiday at the Arboretum

12 Days of Christmas event returns to Dallas Arboretum

This year, Dallas Arboretum is celebrating ’10 years’ of it’s celebrated ’12 Days of Christmas’ event. The tradition for many North Texas families returns tonight.

When: Nov. 13 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Arboretum
What: Thousands of lights and elaborate decorations set the scene for this cherished Dallas holiday tradition. Activities and food add to the festive atmosphere.
Cost: Tickets range from $13 to $37, depending on age and time of visit.

Holiday at the Arboretum

Lightscape

When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden
What: Millions of lights transform the gardens into a magical, glowing winter wonderland. Seasonal treats and warm beverages are available for purchase.
Cost: Tickets range from $12 to $30.

Lightscape

Tianyu Lights Festival

Magical Forest Tianyu Lights Festival in Grand Prairie

Vibrant colors everywhere you look at the Tianyu Lights Festival… The spectacular festival has opened in North Texas and will close January 19th.

When: Nov. 8 – Jan. 19
Where: Grand Prairie, Texas
What: Stroll through a magical forest filled with vibrant, handcrafted light displays. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Cost: Admission ranges from $16 to $33, depending on the day. Parking costs $10 online or $15 onsite.

https://tianyuculture.us/dallas/

Drive-thru Christmas lights:

Burkman Holiday Home (Featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight)

Where: 3809 Hazelhurst Drive, Frisco
Cost: Free.

Deerfield Christmas Lights

Where: West Plano, between Preston Road and Coit Road.
Cost: Free.

Highland Park

Where: Enter the neighborhood at Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road.
Cost: Free. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available for $175.

Karr Family Light Show

Where: 5901 Pacers Lane, Fort Worth (6–10 p.m.)
Cost: Free.

Lights on Trail Creek

Where: 4941 Trail Creek Drive, Fort Worth. Tune your radio to 99.9 FM for synchronized music.
Cost: Free.

Interlochen Christmas Lights

Where: Start at Randol Mill Road and Westwood Drive in North Arlington.
Cost: Free.

Holiday Lights

Southwestern Boulevard

Where: University Park, between Central Expressway and the Dallas North Tollway.
Cost: Free.

Timberhollow Circle

Where: A cul-de-sac in Lake Highlands with a “12 Days of Christmas” display. Surrounding homes are also decorated.
Cost: Free.

Vitruvian Park

Where: Vitruvian Park in Addison (Nov. 23 – Jan. 1)
Cost: Free.

https://visitaddison.com/events/vitruvian-park/

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Dallas, TX

Texas AG Sues Dallas Over Marijuana Decriminalization Measure

Published

24 hours ago

November 25, 2024

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Texas AG Sues Dallas Over Marijuana Decriminalization Measure

New Law – Legalize Marijuana. Wooden judge hammer. Cannabis legalization as medical drug. CBD … [+] healing social issue concept. Legality of cannabis, legal and illegal cannabis.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas and local officials, targeting a ballot measure that decriminalizes marijuana-related offenses and bars police from enforcing state drug laws.

The announcement of this legal action, made last week, is related to Proposition R, also known as the “Dallas Freedom Act,” which was passed in November with nearly 67% approval.

The measure decriminalizes possession of less than four ounces of marijuana and restricts the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for such offenses, except in cases involving larger felony investigations. It also bars officers from using the odor of marijuana as probable cause for searches or seizures.

As of today, in Texas, possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. Possession of more than 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000.

The state contends that Proposition R is preempted by Texas state law, including the Health and Safety Code – which criminalizes the possession of marijuana – and the Local Government Code – which obligates municipalities to enforce state drug laws fully. The lawsuit alleges that the charter amendment is unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution to the extent that local laws may not conflict with state statutes.

The lawsuit also argues that Proposition R bars Dallas police from enforcing misdemeanor marijuana possession laws, utilizing the odor of marijuana as probable cause, or expending city funds to test marijuana substances with exceptions in those narrowly defined cases where the alleged offense is a violent or high-priority narcotics felony.

Therefore, the state asked the court to nullify Proposition R, arguing Dallas exceeded its legal authority. It also asks the court to stop city officials and police from enforcing the measure and to ensure state drug laws are followed.

Earlier this year, Texas AGl Paxton also sued the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton for adopting amnesty and non-prosecution policies that he claims violate state laws on marijuana possession and distribution.

Marijuana in Texas

Texas has not yet legalized marijuana for recreational use but has a medical marijuana program in place under the Texas Compassionate Use Act, which passed in 2015. It also legalized the production and sale of industrial hemp and CBD products in 2019, following the Farm Bill of 2018, which legalized hemp, defined as marijuana having no more than 0.3% THC, by separating it from marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.

Currently, 24 U.S. states have legalized recreational use of marijuana, and 38 states for medical use.

In the November presidential election, several marijuana-related ballot measures were proposed, but most failed.

In Florida, nearly 56% voted “yes” to Amendment 3, which allowed adult-use marijuana; however, it did not meet the required 60% threshold to amend the state constitution.

Similar ballot measures in North Dakota and South Dakota each failed to achieve majority support.

Arkansas voters could have expanded the state’s medical marijuana program, but the state’s Supreme Court ruled – prior to this election – that the votes could not be counted.

The marijuana legalization measure that passed was in Nebraska alone, making it the 39th state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, though its validity is still being challenged in court.

Meanwhile, in Texas, a lawmaker has recently filed a bill to legalize and establish a regulated market for the production and sale of recreational marijuana. However, past marijuana bills have stalled in the conservative Texas legislature, setting up the next session as potentially crucial for marijuana policy reform in the state.

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