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Rocky Alburtis | 1972-1975 | Monterey High School | Baseball

The rich history of Monterey Plainsmen Baseball is filled with outstanding players. Rocky Alburtis is one of those record-setting players who set himself apart as one of the all-time greats. Playing for legendary coach Bobby Moegle, Rocky’s career at Monterey spanned from 1973 through 1975 and contributed to some of the best days in Monterey Baseball history.

During Rocky’s tenure, Monterey was a Texas powerhouse, consistently contending for state championships. The year before Rocky got to Monterey, the 1972 Plainsmen won their first Baseball State Championship. In 1973, Monterey (33-6) made it to the Regional Championship game before losing to Midland, the eventual State Champion. Alburtis would help lead the 1974 team back to glory and Monterey’s second State Championship. The Plainsmen (36-4) defeated Houston Spring 4 to take the title. That team finished the season with a 30-game winning streak.

The senior year for Rocky Alburtis (1975) would see the Plainsmen have another great season, but they would fall short of a State Tournament appearance. However, it was a banner year for Alburtis. He had a batting average of .438 with 15 home runs and 55 runs batted in. Rocky was named the District MVP, made the All-State Team, garnered State Player of the Year honors, and was selected to play in the THSBCA All-Star Game. He became the first and only First Team All-American from Monterey. In his junior season, Alburtis set the record for most doubles and hit .409 with nine home runs and 39 RBIs. Rocky still holds the Monterey career home run record with 29 and the single-season record with 15 home runs. Those 15 home runs in 1975 led the nation.

Alburtis was certainly a key component at the plate, but he was also a steady defender in the field. Even though Albertis had not pitched since Pony League, Coach Moegle called on Rocky to take the mound against El Paso Burgess in the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Not only did Albertis pick up the win, but he did so in grand fashion by throwing a complete game no-hitter, as Monterey won the Bi-District crown to advance.

After high school, Rocky would continue his baseball career at Blinn Junior College. In 1976, the Boston Red Sox selected Alburtis in the 5th Round of the MLB Draft. He would play in the Red Sox organization from 1977 through 1979, finishing his career with their AA team.

Rocky Alburtis was a tremendous all-around player and arguably the greatest hitter to ever wear a Plainsman uniform.
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