Five Timberwolves Selected to NM All-Star Teams

For more than a decade, five East Mountain high school baseball players have shared the same dugout, moving up through youth leagues together from the time they were 5 years old. On Saturday, that lifelong journey culminated in a Class 3A state championship for the Timberwolves.
When they arrive at Rio Rancho High School for the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) All-Star series, however, they will find themselves on opposite sides of the diamond.

Senior outfielder Charlie Birdwell has been selected to the Green Team all-stars. Meanwhile, four of his championship teammates—pitchers Cole Darnell and Christopher Moya, infielder Ty Rector, and catcher Aiden Madrid—will suit up for the Red Team.

The five all-star selections follow a dominant season for East Mountain, backed by standout statistical performances across the board.
Birdwell anchors the Green Team’s offensive threat after posting a .615 batting average through 29 games this season. He led the Timberwolves with 56 hits, 62 runs scored, and 64 RBIs, while showing significant power with 21 doubles, 4 triples, and 9 home runs. On the basepaths, Birdwell was a constant threat, stealing 31 bases.

The Red Team features a pitching staff heavily reliant on Birdwell’s familiar teammates. Darnell made 15 appearances on the mound this spring, finishing with a 6-1 record, 4 saves, and a 2.03 ERA. Moya matched that 2.03 ERA exactly, posting a perfect 6-0 record with 2 saves across 9 appearances.

When East Mountain’s pitchers take the mound for the Red Team, they will have plenty of familiar support on the field. Rector earned his all-star nod in the infield after batting .478 with 44 hits, 52 runs, and 41 RBIs, while also stealing 13 bases. Madrid will serve as the Red Team’s catcher following a senior campaign where he hit .461 with 41 hits and 48 RBIs. Madrid also went 3-0 on the mound this year with a 2.19 ERA in three appearances.

The two-day event will showcase the state’s top talent over a three-game series on the turf at Rio Rancho High School.
NMHSCA ALL-STAR BASEBALL EVENT SCHEDULE
- Location: Rio Rancho High School (Field #1)
- Address: 301 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
- Dates: Friday, May 29 & Saturday, May 30, 2026
Athlete Itinerary (Friday, May 29):
- 1:00 PM: Athlete Check-In (Athletes must bring 1 school uniform jersey, necessary equipment, and baseball pants for the turf competition field).
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Practice / Jersey Distribution / Team Photo
- 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM: Pre-Game Meal (Location TBD)
Game Schedule:
- Game 1: Friday, May 29 @ 6:00 PM
- Game 2: Saturday, May 30 @ 10:00 AM
- Game 3: Saturday, May 30 (30 minutes following the conclusion of Game 2)
Admission Information:
- All Ages: $12.00
- Children 5 & Under: Free
- Note: No cash accepted at the gate. There is a strict no re-entry policy. All tickets must be purchased online.

