Luis Beato-Muhlenberg

Muhlenberg head coach Brian Kopetsky knows that the best is yet to come for Luis Beato. The 6’3, 195-pound centerfielder has a rare combination of skills. There’s not much that Beato can’t do on the baseball field. The all-division selection can hit for power, play defense, and run. Oh, don’t be surprised to see him on the mound this season as well. I asked Beato if he enjoys pitching. He responded by saying that it’s another way to help his team win. Beato’s fastball is in the upper 80’s. He’s working on his command, but his delivery is effortless. Beato told me that he’s more comfortable now in his second season with the Muhls. The native of the Dominican Republic spent his freshman and sophomore years at Allen High School. He quickly learned that the competition in Berks County is tough. Muhlenberg finished (14-11, 6-4) in 2021. The Muhls captured the Division 2 championship while averaging six runs per game. They fell 5-4 in eight innings to Gov. Mifflin in the county semifinals. After knocking off top-seeded Manheim Central 13-3 in the District 3-5A quarterfinals, Muhlenberg lost to Northern York 4-3 in the semifinals. The Muhls qualified for the state playoffs for the first time since 2008. They got tripped up by Southern Lehigh 11-5 in the opening round of the state tournament. Beato opened a lot of eyes with 13 extra base hits. He smashed 6 doubles, 5 triples, and a pair of home runs. He led the team with 25 runs while hitting .259. Beato drove in 16 runs and had an OPS of .882. He’ll be part of a very experienced Muhlenberg lineup. Sean Levan (SS/P), Sam Martinez (1B), Jacob Rodriguez (2B), Cameron Burr (3B/P), and Gio Cavanna (RF) are all returning starters. Brad Coley is healthy after making just five appearances last season. The 6’1 southpaw (1-0, 1.14 ERA) struck out 17 and walked 5 over 12.1 innings. Coley is committed to Alvernia. Beato is headed to Texas after high school. He’s going to Panola Junior College in Carthage. Beato explained why he chose Panola. He told me that he enjoys playing centerfield even more than hitting. Beato and the Muhls host Stroudsburg on Saturday night in Laureldale.