Houston-area baseball star up for big honor at ESPYs

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A local high school baseball star will be in California Wednesday, where he'll find out if he wins a big honor.

This time last year, Luken Baker was at the Major League All-Star Game, where he won the junior home run derby. It was the start of a stellar senior season at Oak Ridge High School.

Baker went 12-1 as a pitcher while hitting .440 with 8 home runs, earning Luken Gatorade's National Baseball Player of the Year honors.

Luken was honored and humbled, thanking everyone who helped him get there. That's the kind of kid is he is.

His father, Will. called it an incredible honor and an incredible experience.

On Monday, Luken left with his mom and dad to join his two younger sisters in California. He'll find out Tuesday if he wins Gatorade's National Player of the Year, which goes to the best overall high school athlete.

Wednesday, he'll walk the red carpet at ESPYs with his parents and they'll get to watch the show live.

"It's definitely going to be a neat experience being around all the celebrity athletes," he said. "Also, the other Gatorade award winners."

"I'm excited to see the other athletes who are going to be there," said Luken's mother, Belinda.

"I know JJ Watt is going to be there and I'm a pretty big Texans fan, so that's going to be pretty cool," said Luken. "But anyone out there who I get the opportunity to meet is going to be pretty special."

Luken was drafted by the Astros in the 37th round, but he's going to go play at TCU. He's hoping the Astros re-draft him when his college playing days are over.

Make sure to catch the ESPY Awards on ABC-13 Wednesday night!