Capitol Hill’s Santos Flores
Capitol Hill High School senior Santos Flores has built his baseball identity on persistence, leadership and a deep appreciation for the teammates who grind alongside him. As a varsity first baseman, he has learned to embrace challenges on and off the field while helping set a standard for the Redskins’ program.
Flores, who primarily plays first base, said the position demands constant focus, especially on difficult throws in the dirt. “I mostly play first base, and I think the toughest thing to do is scoop the ball especially with the dirt being unpredictable,” he said.
Those unpredictable hops mirror the adversity Capitol Hill sometimes faces, from limited facilities to weather disruptions.
“What I love most about my team and teammates is that we try hard every day, even though we don’t have turf fields like other schools and can’t practice when it rains but we try our best inside,” Flores said. That mentality, he added, has shaped the team’s identity as a group that refuses to let circumstances dictate effort.
Flores credits his support system for helping him stay motivated through long seasons and tough practices. “My girlfriend and my family push me to do my best and to not give up,” he said. Away from the diamond, he enjoys going out with friends and getting extra practice, keeping baseball at the center of his routine.
In the classroom, Flores said math stands out as his favorite subject. “My favorite subject is math. I really enjoy learning and solving problems,” he said. He points to teacher Rick Mulroney, whose class he has taken all four years, as a steady presence: “He’s just been the best.”
One of Flores’ favorite memories came during a state tournament trip that did not go exactly as planned. The team’s bus was delayed in Owasso, forcing players and coaches to essentially spend the night there. “They gave us pizza and drinks and it was just overall fun,” Flores said.
Flores is involved with the school’s STUCO program but said most of his energy goes into baseball. “I don’t really do anything other than baseball. I’m more dedicated to baseball,” he said. That dedication carries into the way he views team culture and communication, where he said teammate Julian keeps everyone laughing and the whole roster stays vocal and ready.
“Teamwork is the most important thing and the thing I will take in life with coworkers and future classmates,” Flores said. He also views himself as a developing leader. “I think my strengths would be leadership and leading the team. I would like to work on it more. I’m still learning how to be a better leader but with hard work I can accomplish anything.”
