Journey of a Childhood Dream
Baseball is one of the most romanticized sports in the world. Many grow up playing catch in the front yard. There are the minor league games in towns no one has ever heard of, and some of even have dreams of making it to "The Show".
However, the reality of this world is very different than what is seen from the outside. It is a long and arduous journey that most players will not be able to handle. The game is a journey that will take many curves and turns, but those who can weather the storm can live out their childhood dreams.
In Abel Madueno's case, that journey is exactly what keeps him playing the game he loves.
"I always thought I had a plan for myself, but everything switches, every time," Madueno said.
Abel, a senior pitcher for the William Penn baseball team, has taken many roads to end up as a Statesmen. No matter where players finish their playing careers, whether that be high school, college, or even the majors, many of these stories start in the same place.
"I started playing baseball when I was three playing tee ball," Madueno said.
Abel, who grew up in San Bernadino, California, was predisposed to baseball and is now a longtime Angels fan.
"Watching a game at Angels Stadium is always so nice. It's just a great place to watch a game," Madueno said.
Abel's father played baseball throughout high school, eventually giving it up when he broke his legs and had a child. Even though his playing days were done, he left a lasting impact on Abel.
"He had a love of the game; he brought baseball to me and has been my coach my whole life," Madueno said.
With this love of the game, Abel began honing his craft, and worked to be a great pitcher. As a freshman at Realto High School, Abel Madueno made varsity.
He then transferred to Grand Terrace High School and competed for two seasons at this next stop until he graduated high school. That is when his game truly blossomed.
"I started hitting 88 with my fastball as a junior or senior, and realized I had a shot to play this game at a higher level," Madueno said.
Madueno indeed took his talents to that next level, signing at Riverside Community College, in Riverside, California.
An injury unfortunately sidelined Abel his first year, resulting in him being a redshirt. Seemingly left behind at Riverside, he made the decision to move on.
"I went to San Bernadino Valley College and everything was going fine, but then Covid happened," Madueno said. "It just didn't feel like baseball was going to work out, so I quit."
Abel took a year from the diamond. Over this time, he had little intention of returning to the game. The pandemic was an uncertain time for so many people, including Abel, so he followed the masses and joined the workforce. On a day off from work, he and a friend went out and played catch, the first time he picked up a ball in quite some time. The very next day, fate struck and Abel received a phone call.
"The coach at Community Christian Community College called me and asked if I wanted to come pitch for him," Madueno said. "It was like it was meant to be."
His next stop was at a very different pace compared to the other junior colleges he had played at previously.
"Every game was out of state," Madueno said. "It is a Division 1, all-wood bat league, and I did not do well at all."
After taking his sabbatical from the game, Abel was behind the proverbial eight-ball. He felt dejected after this first season, but was determined to persevere. His second year on the team was a different story.
"We had a pretty good team my second year," Madueno said. "Our success--my success--made me know that I wanted to keep playing."
Coaching changes and other external factors prompted Abel to look for his next opportunity. The thought of leaving sparked a conversation with an old teammate, Alonzo Zuniga. A former catcher for the Statesmen, Zuniga would serve as the conduit between Abel and William Penn Head Coach Mike Laird.
"We played summer ball together; he said William Penn University in Iowa might be the right fit for me," Madueno said. "Iowa? I had never even heard about Iowa."
Despite any reservations, Abel followed his friend's advice and came to the Hawkeye State. In his first season at WPU, Abel made an indelible mark on the squad, being named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year. In this season Abel tallied 10 wins, with only 4 losses. In seventeen appearances Abel averaged almost ten strikeouts a game and only gave up 35 runs in 94 innings throughout the season. Abel ended the year with an ERA of only 2.86.
He thanks Coach Laird frequently for the opportunity.
"I am so grateful for Coach Laird," Madueno said. "He gave me an opportunity that nobody was willing to. I owe a lot to him."
While being at William Penn, Abel's dreams of continuing to play baseball after college have not subsided. He competed in an identifier league last summer as a member of the Salem-Kaiser Volcanoes in the Maverick League. It gave him a chance to be on the same field as former Triple-A ball players, and see how he compares.
"It was really eye-opening about what it looks like at the minor league level," Madueno said. "You are stuck in a room with a couple of guys, fighting for a shot to make it one step higher."
After his stint with the Volcanoes, Abel returned to Oskaloosa, ready for his senior season.
In his senior year, Madueno went to work for the Navy and Gold. One of his best outings was against Mount Mercy on April 12th, 2025. Abel led the Statesmen to a 4-1 win over the Mustangs, where he pitched all 7 innings. Throughout the game, he only gave up only 4 hits and 1 run with 6 strikeouts.
One day, Abel will no longer play baseball, but he recognizes the people who helped him along his journey.
"My family are my number one supporters, and they want me to keep going. Without them, I have no idea where I would be. I will play baseball as long as I can, until my arm falls off."
When the time comes to hang up his cleats and glove as a competitor, he is ready for the next step. In addition to hopefully joining the California Highway Patrol, he wants to stay involved with baseball.
"I want to coach at the high school or even college level, and eventually run a travel ball team."
Baseball has taught him much, but one thing has stuck more than anything else.
"Do not think you know it all," Madueno said. "Learn from people and grow. Time will always tell."
