Seguin ISD Honors a Love for the Game

The Seguin community recently came together at Matador Legends Ballpark to honor two Seguin diamond legends and unveil the newest art squirrel.

In November 2024, the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees approved the name of the new ballpark, chosen from a pool of community nominations. At that same meeting, they voted to independently name both the baseball and softball batting cages. The practice hitting areas were named the Chloe Belicek Softball Batting Cages and the Manuel Rodriguez Baseball Batting Cages. On January 21, 2026, Belicek and Rodriguez were memorialized with their names over the entrances to each cage.

Chloe Belicek was a Lady Matador all-district shortstop who tragically lost her life in a car accident in July 2024 before the start of her senior year at Seguin High School. Chloe’s teammates, coaches, friends, and family attended the dedication ceremony. Her mother, Chrissy Belicek, spoke about the honor bestowed upon her late daughter.

“Sometimes there are just no words. We were completely honored,” Chrissy Belicek said. “She was an amazing athlete, and for them to recognize that, I am deeply proud of her and her character. I know she’s watching over us. To hear that her name kept coming up was just incredible—simply incredible. To be her mom, I’m honored forever.”

Chrissy Belicek was asked what advice Chloe would give to the players using the batting cages that now bear her name.

“She kept a journal and she kept notes. She’s gonna say, ‘Don’t let that umpire call your count; adjust to your pitcher, adjust to what’s thrown at you.’ You gotta know how to recognize pitches. That’s what gives you the softball IQ to play the game and to compete.

“And I know that as they swing the bat, she’ll be smiling and saying, ‘Scoot up in the batter’s box, adjust.’ That’s the mentality that Chloe brought to the game. She was the foul-off queen, and I know that’s what I feel she’s gonna be saying when watching over those girls as they’re taking swings.”

Manuel Rodriguez, who passed away in 2024, coached youth in the Little League softball and baseball programs for more than 15 years. He also played for the SMI Steelers, the Seguin White Sox, and the Seguin Aztecs. He served in the U.S. Air Force and is a member of the Seguin High School Wall of Honor. Rodriguez’s family and friends attended the dedication of the baseball batting cage.

Seguin ISD Athletic Director Craig Dailey shared memories of Rodriguez at the Little League fields in Seguin.

“Manuel was a staple in the Seguin Little League community for as long as I can remember growing up,” Dailey said. “He helped many young girls and boys, including myself, achieve our dreams down at the Little League complex.

“I have a lot of memories growing up of Manuel running around, chasing me and all of us little kids. So, I have a lot of personal connection to him.”

Just outside the ballpark, a new Seguin art squirrel greeted visitors.

“Grit on the Diamond” was unveiled to the gathered crowd. The squirrel was painted by the Popa family. Florin and Robyn Popa are architects who designed and helped manage the construction of the new Matador Legends Ballpark.

Robyn Popa said the painting of the squirrel was a family endeavor.

“This was a true family effort, believe it or not,” Popa said. “The squirrel graced our front entry for about seven months, and during all of our free time in random spurts on the weekends, we all pitched in and helped paint the squirrel. It wasn’t necessarily true artists, but it was a labor of love from all of us.”

Popa talked about the meaning behind the newly painted squirrel.

“It’s a real synergy of both baseball and softball ethos and mottoes. There are a lot of quotes integrated from iconic figures in both the baseball and softball world.”

The gathering at Matador Legends Ballpark represented more than just naming batting cages or unveiling public art. It embodied the spirit that makes Seguin a close-knit community where athletic excellence, dedication, and character are celebrated across generations.

For young athletes stepping into the Chloe Belicek Softball Batting Cages, each swing carries the spirit of a talented player whose passion for the game and commitment to improvement set an example that transcends her tragically shortened life. Her mother’s words about adjusting, recognizing pitches, and developing softball IQ will echo through those cages for years to come, inspiring Lady Matadors to honor Chloe’s memory through their own dedication.

Similarly, the Manuel Rodriguez Baseball Batting Cages stand as a testament to selfless service—both to country and community. Rodriguez’s 15-plus years coaching Little League players shaped countless young lives, including that of Seguin AD Craig Dailey, creating a legacy that will continue influencing Seguin baseball for generations.

The “Grit on the Diamond” art squirrel, painted by the Popa family, serves as a visual reminder that success in athletics—and in life—requires perseverance, teamwork, and community support. Together, the dedications transform Matador Legends Ballpark into more than a sports venue; they make it a living memorial to the enduring spirit of Seguin.