Jimmy Landes gets rare chance at Baylor

Published 4:11 pm Thursday, August 11, 2011

Jimmy Landes may want to look into cloning himself.

The recent Robert E. Lee graduate is about to begin his freshman year at Baylor as a pre-med major. He also has earned a spot on Baylor’s 2011-12 baseball roster.

Earlier this week brought more exciting news.

Landes already has a number and is listed on the Bears’ football roster as a deep snapper.

So, how is Landes going to accomplish all of this? The new Baylor Bear said Wednesday he is ready for the challenge.

“I am somehow going to find a way,” said Landes, an All-East Texas first team catcher who belted eight home runs to go along with a .590 average and 19 extra-base hits. The plan is (football) only wants me at practice for special teams and I can leave after that, so I wouldn’t miss much of baseball practice.”

Landes received a place on the baseball team in May with the Lee grad using an academic scholarship to attend Baylor. A first-team all district offensive lineman and deep snapper, Landes was prepared to end his football career and focus on baseball.

This new opportunity, which Landes admits is not fully set in stone at the moment, would allow him to continue both while also working to become a doctor.

Landes is continuing his family’s legacy by going to Baylor. His father, Drew, attended Baylor and his uncle played catcher for the Bears along with many other family members choosing to continue their education in Waco.

“They are top-notch for private school,” Landes said. “I love Waco and Baylor has a nice campus with (strong Christian values).”

Lee baseball coach Mike Pirtle believes Landes will make an impact at the next level.

“This is a great opportunity for Jimmy,” Pirtle said. “I think it’s great for both him and the school. He’s a great student and a great baseball player, so I am very proud of him.”