Riverside baseball players Abraham Cervantes, Miguel Bermudez share longtime bond

Abraham Cervantes and Miguel Bermudez share a strong bond on the baseball field and more importantly in life, a friendship that expands more than a decade.

The Riverside High School juniors began playing on the same youth team, the Angels, which was coached by Cervantes' father Abraham and now they are part of the Class 4A Rangers program, which has a long history of success.

"Our friendship means a great deal and we have that strong bond that helps us on the field," Bermudez said. "Our families are close and we've grown up together and shared lots of great memories."

Cervantes pitches and plays in the outfield and Bermudez catches and can also play in the outfield.

"It's been great to achieve the success we've had together," Cervantes said. "We both love the game so much."

Cervantes is hitting .468 at the plate with 34 runs scored and is 5-1 on the mound and Bermudez has driven in 34 runs heading into a Class 4A area round series on Thursday and Friday in Midland against Canyon West Plains High School.

Riverside baseball players Miguel Bermudez and Abraham Cervantes prepare for area round of playoffs on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Riverside High School in El Paso. Cervantes and Bermudez have been friends and played baseball together for 12 years.

The Rangers defeated San Elizario to win last week's bi-district title.

Cervantes is unique in that he will come at batters in a sidearm motion. Bermudez is a tireless worker according to Rangers coach Rick Solis, and Solid said both are team leaders.

Riverside has won bi-district titles the past four years and has been competitive in the region, including a Sweet 16 showing in 2021 and a regional quarterfinal showing in 2022.

"We've come a long way this season," Cervantes said. "We've worked hard, we've had lots of people step up and contribute. Miguel is a great player and one of the main reasons for our success. He is a leader for us."

Added Bermudez: "West Plains is a good team. We have to continue to be consistent and keep playing well. I believe in our team."

Solis said both have been consistent performers this season.

"Abraham and Miguel have been great for us and it's great to see both of them finding success because they deserve it," Solis said.

Riverside baseball players Abraham Cervantes and Miguel Bermudez prepare for area round of playoffs on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Riverside High School in El Paso.

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Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X

Area Round Baseball Playoff Schedule

Class 6A

Americas vs. Southlake Carroll

Odessa High School

Game 1: 4:30 p.m. Friday

Game 2: Noon Saturday