Rodney Shultz of the Crosscutters and catcher Zane Becker slap hands after the end of the second inning against the Keys at Journey Bank Ballpark. The Keys won 4-2. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Fresh off a Class 6A state semifinals run with Flower Mound High School in Texas, Zane Becker had a small break from baseball as he prepared for his high school graduation. Less than two weeks later, he was making his Minor League debut with the Williamsport Crosscutters. 

The 18-year-old had already made a name for himself prior to his invite to the MLB Draft League, drawing interest from schools all across Texas and a few from the SEC before committing to Arkansas. Even with the quick turnover, Becker felt fresh and ready to go, looking to impact the team and continue to prove himself. 

“Coming off my high school season, I felt pretty good actually, especially coming here and being able to showcase yourself,” said Becker. “I was super excited to come here for sure.” 

Even with the confidence that came with back-to-back state semifinal appearances, the 2023 state champion came in ready to learn what he could. Working with former Cutters catchers Josh Lopez and John Newman upon arrival, he’s been able to improve his defensive play from behind the plate. 

“Just receiving and blocking, all that stuff. It’s mainly been the catching for sure,” said Becker on what he’s learned. “It’s been pretty cool so far, getting to know these guys, learning from them and just picking their brains about whatever I can learn so that I can get my game better and hopefully use it in the future.  

“And then Coach Hanigan, he’s got some wisdom up there. He’s a pretty cool guy. I like him a lot,” he added. 

Becker was able to quickly solidify his spot within the starting lineup, making his Crosscutter debut just four days after he was named to the roster and his first start three days after that on the road against the Spikes. He’d land his first Draft League hit on his second at-bat with the team, attributing one of the team’s two runs on the day as well. 

Apart from his debut, where he went 0-of-1, Becker has posted a hit every time he’s made an appearance for Williamsport. He helped bolster its lead twice in his first start against the Spikes with RBIs in the third and fourth and did the same on two separate occasions amidst their four-game sweep over the Scrappers, where he logged four RBIs in three starts. 

Through the last 15 days, he’s second on the team in batting average (.320) and RBIs (7) – posting multiple RBIs and third on the team in hits (8) and on-base percentage (.333). Even against the league’s best pitching team in Frederick, he’s gone 2-of-6 with a run. 

“I’ve just been trying to keep it simple, keep my swing from high school and not change too much,” said Becker, who served as Flower Mound’s cleanup hitter his senior season. “Same approach, same everything on the field and in the cage.” 

Though it’s been tough being so far away from his family, his teammates have quickly made him comfortable in Williamsport and he’s had a great time getting to know them. Despite him and fellow high school graduate Connor Shouse being a few years younger than the rest of the cast, it hasn’t stopped them from all growing close.

“I was like one of only two high school guys on the team and it’s a lot different than playing in high school. It’s different being away from family and everything. That’s my first time doing it, but everyone’s been pretty accepting, and it’s been fun,” said Becker.