Meet William Taft Buck IV. But you might know him as The Cowboy Catcher.

The man, the myth, the legend—Cowboy Catcher.

Will is the definition of a coaches player. Always hustling, always smiling, and always competing. Whether he’s behind the dish or in the box, he’s all business—doing whatever it takes to help his team win.

What stood out immediately when we met Will wasn’t just his ability, but how he carries himself. Still very much a 12-year-old, but with a level of composure and professionalism well beyond his years.

We’re proud to be a small part of his journey as he continues to level up.

                                                                                                                     

Age: 12

Hometown: Pearland, TX

Nickname: Cowboy Catcher/Cowboy

Righty or Lefty (T/B): Switch

Social Media: Instagram @willthabeast4

School: Rogers Middle School

Family: My parents are Taft and Jennifer. We like to spend time together at our cabin in the woods.

Pets: Yes! Two Australian Shepherds – Hank and Cassie, and a Cowboy Corgi named Código.

Positions Played: All 9. 

Favorite Position: Catcher

Current Team: GP31 12U Gold. I'm also on team Great Britain for the Texas Youth World Baseball Classic in Houston in March.

Plans For 26’: Have fun and do my best! Hoping to play in another All-Ripken tournament.

Other Sports: Flag Football, Tennis, and Blitz Ball

What Do You Love Most About Baseball: All the places I get to travel to and all the cool people I get to meet playing the game I love.

Superstition: If we win the first game of a tournament, I have to do the same thing in the next. Same equipment, same snacks, same seat in the dugout, etc.

Pregame Hype Mix: Buck ‘Em by Colt Ford

Favorite Pregame Food: Any Fast-Food to-go like Subway, Canes, or Chipotle.

Favorite Postgame Food: Mexican Food Dine-In

3 Favorite Baseball Movies: Sandlot, Field of Dreams, The Hill

3 Favorite Non-Baseball Movies: Rudy, David, Rad, and Twisters

Dream College Program To Play For: Texas A&M! Gig Em! 

Favorite MLB Team: Houston Astros

Favorite MLB Player: Christian Walker 

Favorite baseball moment as a player: When I’m catching, and we get the strikeout, or I make an out at home, or catch someone stealing.

If you could go back in time and watch any 1 baseball game, what game would it be? 1932 World Series Game 3

If We Asked Your Coach To Tell Us His/her Thoughts About You, What Would He/She Say? Very Diverse, Strong Personality

Any Thanks You Would Like To Mention: My coaches, Jose Morales, Edwin Maysonet, Juan Apodaco, Roy Merrit, DeAngelo Hinojosa, Bobby Frausto, and Jonathan Dunham. My mom and dad.